February 17, 2025
Love, Trust, and Transparency: Money Communication for Couples
Money is often cited as one of the leading causes of stress in relationships. However, with open communication, mutual respect, and a shared vision, couples can transform financial discussions from a source of conflict into an opportunity for growth and connection. The Foundation: Love, Trust, and Transparency Before diving into specific strategies, it’s crucial to understand that healthy financial communication...
February 17, 2025
2025 Contribution Limits for IRAs and Group Retirement Plans Update
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced several adjustments for the 2025 tax year, affecting Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and various group retirement plans. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the key changes and limits for 2025. 2025 Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) Contribution Update For 2025, the IRA contribution limits remain unchanged from 2024: These limits apply to both traditional and...
February 16, 2025
February 2025 Economic Update
Here’s a simple breakdown of the current economic conditions, including recent events like tariffs, stock market performance, and other key factors. February 2025 Economic Conditions to Consider Tariffs and Trade Stock Market Conditions U.S. Economic Growth Global Economic Trends How February’s Economic Conditions Can Impact You About the Financial Planning Author Alexander Langan, J.D, CFBS, serves as the Chief Investment...
February 16, 2025
Monarch Money vs Rocket Money: A Comparison of Financial Management Tools
Financial management tools are increasing in popularity, however, it is always difficult to choose which tool to commit to. Monarch Money and Rocket Money are two different tools we’ve heard about that we wanted to compare as of early 2025. Monarch Money Financial Planning Tool Strengths Monarch Money Financial Planning Tool Weaknesses Rocket Money Financial Planning Tool Strengths Rocket Money...
February 15, 2025
Preparing for Tax Season: Your April Tax Readiness Guide
As April approaches, it’s time to get organized for the upcoming tax season. Use this tax preparation checklist to help prepare for your taxes and potentially save money: Tax Document Checklist: Gather personal information: Collect income documents: Organize deduction records: Compile business records (if self-employed): Gather investment and retirement account information: Tax-Saving Strategies Maximize IRA Contributions Take advantage of IRA...
February 14, 2025
Financial Planning for Couples: How to Merge and Manage Finances
Navigating finances as a couple can be both exciting and challenging. Whether you’re newly married, cohabitating, or in a long-term relationship, aligning your financial goals and habits is crucial for building a strong foundation. Here are seven tips to help merge your finances while avoiding common pitfalls. 1. Have the Money Conversation Open communication is the cornerstone of financial harmony....
January 13, 2025
Philanthropic Giving: Smart Tax Strategies for Meaningful Impact
As we enter 2025, many individuals are looking to make a positive impact through charitable giving while also optimizing their tax strategies. By employing smart giving techniques, you can maximize both your philanthropic impact and tax benefits. Here are some key strategies to consider: Donate Appreciated Assets One of the most effective tax-smart giving strategies is donating appreciated non-cash assets,...
January 12, 2025
New Year’s Financial Resolutions Check Up List
As we enter 2025, it’s time to take stock of your financial health and set yourself up for success in the coming year. Here’s a comprehensive check-up list to help you prepare financially for 2025: Create and Stick to a Budget Start by tracking your income and expenses for a month to identify areas where you can cut back. Create...
January 11, 2025
Advanced Portfolio Stress Testing: What Is It & How to Implement It
Portfolio stress testing is a crucial risk management tool that helps investors and financial institutions assess how their investments might perform under various adverse scenarios. What is Advanced Portfolio Stress Testing? Advanced portfolio stress testing is a sophisticated simulation technique that evaluates how a portfolio of assets would react to extreme market conditions or economic events. It goes beyond basic...
January 10, 2025
Comprehensive Estate Planning Document Checklist
Estate planning is a crucial process that serves two primary purposes: managing your assets during your lifetime and ensuring their proper distribution after your death. Working with an experienced attorney is essential to create an optimal plan that protects you and your heirs. Essential Estate Planning Documents Last Will and Testament Your Will is a fundamental document that serves as...
January 9, 2025
Rebalance & Save: Tax-Efficient Strategies for Your 2025 Portfolio
As we enter 2025, many Americans are focusing on financial goals, with saving more money topping the list of New Year’s resolutions. An essential part of maintaining a healthy financial portfolio is rebalancing your investments. However, it’s crucial to do this in a tax-efficient manner to maximize your returns. Here are some key strategies to consider: Utilize Tax-Advantaged Accounts One...
January 8, 2025
2025 Economic Forecast: What Do Economist Expect?
2025 Economic Outlook The American economy is entering 2025 with steady growth, characterized by a 2.4% GDP growth rate and strong consumer spending. The labor market remains robust, with expectations of adding 150,000 to 175,000 payroll jobs monthly and maintaining an unemployment rate close to 4%. Economic Pros to Consider Economic Risk and Detractors to Consider What Does The Economic Outlook Mean? Guidance Moving...
December 24, 2024
Quiz: Understanding the Drawbacks of Retirement Savings Vehicles
Retirement Savings Vehicle Question 1. What is one major drawback of a Traditional IRA? 2. Why might someone be ineligible to contribute to a Roth IRA? 3. What is a common limitation of both 401(k) and 403(b) plans? 4. Which retirement vehicle only allows employers to contribute, not employees? 5. For a SIMPLE IRA, what is one significant drawback compared...
December 19, 2024
Red Flags in Your Investment Strategy and How to Avoid Them
Are you thinking about switching financial advisors or reevaluating your investment strategy? It’s a significant decision, and ensuring your financial future depends on recognizing potential pitfalls in your current plan. Spotting red flags early can help you make informed choices and stay on track toward achieving your financial goals. Here are some common warning signs to watch out for, along...
December 17, 2024
What SECURE Act 2.0 Means for Your Retirement: Major Changes Explained
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act 2.0, or SECURE 2.0 became legislation on December 29th 2022 through the larger “Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023“, the official name for the budget bill of 2023. This long overdue update to the retirement industry has implemented many (over ninety!) changes that will help every day Americans better prepare for retirement....
December 10, 2024
Top 4 Retirement Savings Options Compared: Help Boost Your Financial Future
As individuals progress through their professional careers, various retirement savings vehicles are available, each offering distinct advantages and suitability depending on an individual’s financial goals, tax considerations, and preferences. There are numerous retirement savings vehicles, but this article will focus on the most commonly used options, including: Additionally, we will discuss how to determine the right retirement savings vehicle that...
December 3, 2024
Mastering Your 401(k) Fiduciary Duties: A Guide for HR Leaders and Executives
What is a Group Retirement Plan Fiduciary? A group retirement plan fiduciary is an individual or entity that has discretionary authority or control over a retirement plan or its assets. Fiduciaries are legally responsible for acting in the best interest of plan participants and their beneficiaries. They can be personally liable for any breaches of their fiduciary duties. Key Responsibilities...
November 26, 2024
Complete Guide to Retirement Plans: Pros, Cons, and Best Choices for Small Business Owners
Small Business Guide to Retirement Plans Offering a retirement plan to employees used to be viewed as a great way to incentivize new talent and retain current employees, but this feature has now shifted to a fundamental requirement in order to remain competitive within their industry. This pivotal shift highlights the importance of a retirement plan in attracting, motivating, and...
November 19, 2024
Solo 401(k) Explained: The Self Employed Retirement Plan for Solo Entreprenuers
What is a Solo 401(k)? Understanding This Self-Employed Retirement Plan A 401(k) Plan is a type of retirement savings plan where participants contribute money from their earned wages into a retirement investment account. In a traditional 401(k), the contribution is taken from the paycheck before taxes are taken out. The account can be invested in the market and will grow...
November 12, 2024
What is My Company Paying for Group Retirement Fees?
How Do I Find Out What My 401(k) Fees Are? When participating in a group retirement plan, there are two ways service providers can assess their fees: The first step in determining the fees is to determine who is paying them. Is the company paying the fees on behalf of the employees, or are the employees paying the fees? ...
November 4, 2024
Navigating Market Volatility: How Businesses Can Support Employees in Group Retirement Plans
Market turbulence can significantly impact a company’s retirement plan, creating both hurdles and opportunities. To navigate these choppy waters effectively, it’s essential to maintain a long-term outlook and resist the urge to make impulsive decisions based on temporary market shifts. Many times emotional investing will trigger an individual investor to either try to time the market or focus on protecting...
October 21, 2024
Boost Your Social Security: The Hidden Payback Option Explained
While retirement might seem like a distant horizon for many of us, understanding Social Security now can set us up for a more secure future. One lesser-known aspect of Social Security is the “payback option” – a strategy that could potentially boost your benefits down the line. What is the Social Security Payback Option? The payback option, sometimes called the...
October 14, 2024
Pennsylvania’s New Tax Break: Boosting Small Business Support for 529 College Savings
What is the New Pennsylvania Tax Break for Small Businesses? In July 2023, Pennsylvania introduced a new tax break as part of its state budget package, offering significant incentives for small businesses that contribute to their employees’ 529 college savings plans. This initiative aims to encourage employers to offer their employees a valuable tax deduction to help them save for...
October 7, 2024
10 Tips to Protect Your Retirement Savings from Inflation
Inflation is often called the “silent thief” of retirement savings. It can erode the purchasing power of your money over time, potentially derailing even the most carefully laid retirement plans. But do not worry – there are strategies you can employ to help safeguard your nest egg from the effects of inflation. How Does Inflation Impact My Retirement? Before diving...
September 30, 2024
Fiduciary Financial Advisors: Help Secure Your Financial Future with Trustworthy Expertise
When it comes to managing your finances and planning for the future, finding the right guidance is crucial. You may have heard the term “fiduciary financial advisor” and wondered what it means, why it matters, and how to find a fiduciary financial advisor near you. Not all financial advisors are the same. Some provide higher levels of service, expertise, and...
September 17, 2024
401(k) to IRA Rollover Guide: Maximize Your Retirement Savings
401K Rollover to IRA Rules There are two types of rollovers: direct rollovers and indirect rollovers. In a direct rollover, the funds from your 401(k) are transmitted directly to the new retirement plan. There are no withdrawal fees or distributions to the participant, making this the most hands-off rollover method. An indirect rollover is where the funds from your 401(k)...
September 10, 2024
401(k) Rollover Guide: Best Options for Your Old Retirement
What Are My 401(K) Rollover Options? When an employee leaves their job, they have to decide what to do with their old 401(k) retirement account. There are five common options you can consider that include: When Would I Want to Leave My Old 401(k) with My Former Employer? Leaving your old 401(K) account with your former employer is the easiest...
September 3, 2024
Navigating 401(k) Loans: What You Need to Know Before Borrowing from Your Retirement
401(K) loans can have a major impact on your retirement savings. Before rushing into one, you should consult with an advisor to determine if there are other alternatives to meet your needs. 401(K) Loan Rules The rules for a loan will vary by plan, as the provisions for a loan are outlined in the summary plan description (SPD) that was...
August 27, 2024
How Does a 401(K) Loan Work?
When contributing to an employer-sponsored retirement plan, participants typically do not expect to use the funds before retirement. However, in some situations, they may find they do not have any other alternatives. What is a 401(k) Loan? A 401(k) loan is when a 401(k)-plan participant borrows money from their retirement savings account. Since the money is being borrowed from the...
August 22, 2024
Test Your Financial Literacy: Take the Ultimate Financial Knowledge Quiz
Are you ready to test your financial knowledge? Whether you are a seasoned investor or just starting your financial journey, understanding the fundamentals of financial planning is crucial. This financial acumen quiz is designed to test your knowledge of key financial concepts, from the importance of a diversified investment portfolio to the principles of budgeting and investment strategies. Take this...
August 20, 2024
What Happens to a 401(K) When You Quit?
When an employee separates service from an employer with a 401(k), they must determine what to do with the retirement account. With the stress of change, sometimes determining what to do with your group retirement plan falls to the wayside. Adding on top having to figure out the options, it can be easier to try and ignore your account, than...
August 14, 2024
Choosing Trustworthy Financial Advice Sources in the Social Media Era
Social media has grown to be an important platform for exchanging and consuming information in the current era, including news and financial advice. Although this accessibility has advantages, it also makes it difficult to distinguish between untrustworthy and trustworthy financial information resources. Why is it so Hard to Identify Credible & Trustworthy Financial Sources on Social Media? The short-form content...
August 1, 2024
What Types of CRTs Are There?
There are two major types of Charitable Remainder Trusts: These types of Charitable Remainder Trusts are irrevocable trusts that allow for an individual to grant assets to a charity while receiving annual income for a set period of time or for life. An irrevocable trust means, once the trust is set up, changes cannot be made. When the assets are...
June 24, 2024
How To Choose the Right Investments for Retirement
Making important decisions about investment strategies in advance of retirement will guarantee growth and stability of funds throughout your post-retirement years. With correct planning, your nest egg can be maintained, and even grown, to ensure a comfortable retirement income and offer you the ability to take care of loved ones after you’ve left the workplace. With so many investment options...
June 17, 2024
How Business’ Can Engage the Younger Workforce in Retirement Planning
Many companies struggle to get younger employees engaged in their group retirement plans. This can be due to a number of factors, including eligibility requirements, student loan debt, and a lack of financial literacy. But don’t despair! This guide will explore the common barriers young employees face and offer four key methods companies can use to increase participation and empower...
June 10, 2024
Is Real Estate Investing a Smart Option for Retirement in Central Pennsylvania?
Considering real estate investing as part of your retirement strategy can be a smart move. This guide explores how real estate can offer financial security in your golden years. From rental properties generating steady income streams to potential appreciation in value, real estate has the potential to become a reliable source of income alongside your retirement savings. How to Create...
June 3, 2024
Debunking 5 Personal Finance Myths You Saw on TikTok
In today’s digital age, social media platforms like TikTok have become sources of personal financial advice, both good and bad. TikTok is flooded with personal finance information with promises of millions, early retirement, thousands in passive income, and more. However, it is crucial to be aware that not all of it is accurate. Myth 1: “Crypto Investments Guarantee Wealth” Cryptocurrency...
May 7, 2024
How Much Money Do I Need to Retire?
Understanding how much money you need to retire is one of the biggest questions we get from our clients, and it is one question we find they do not think about soon enough, or often enough. It is a question that lacks a one-size-fits-all answer, as the ideal retirement savings can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances, lifestyle choices, and...
May 3, 2024
Fix Your 401(k) Plan – Five Most Common IRS Red Flags for 401(K) Plans
Red flags in a 401(k) plan can trigger an audit or other scrutiny from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Below is a brief list of some common red flags that alert the IRS if an audit may be warranted. Use this list to identify 401(k) plan issues and make sure your TPA (third party administrator) can correct the issues as...
April 26, 2024
Is $1 Million Enough to Retire?
Planning for retirement is a significant financial milestone for many individuals. Among the many questions that arise during this planning phase, perhaps one of the most common is, “How far can $1 million take me in retirement?” While $1 million might sound like a substantial sum, its purchasing power in retirement can vary widely depending on factors such as: 4...
April 25, 2024
401(k) Audit Red Flags: How Your Company Can Avoid Costly Mistakes
Determining if there are any red flags in your 401(k) audit is not as simple as seeing a bright red flag at the home screen of your 401(k)-plan website. To determine if there are any red flags, you will need to review the various aspects of the plan and determine if there is a potential 401(k) issue that may be...
March 6, 2024
How to Protect Group Retirement Plans Against IRS 401(k) Red Flags
In the ever-changing world of group retirement plans, ensuring compliance with regulations set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is essential in promoting the financial well-being of both the employer and employees. As the plan sponsor of a retirement plan, it is important to be proactive in identifying and addressing potential IRS red flags. Understanding 401(K) Audit Red Flags 401(k)...
February 28, 2024
401(k) IRS Audit Triggers for Retirement Plans in 2023
An Internal Revenue Services (IRS) audit is an inspection conducted by the IRS to ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations. When a business sponsors a 401(k) plan, audits can be particularly significant as they verified that employers are following the rules governing the establishment and maintenance of retirement plans. The IRS conducts these audits to ensure the integrity of...
February 20, 2024
2024 Market Outlook: Adapting to Shifting Economic Realities
As we enter 2024, deciphering macroeconomic signals and navigating through dynamic market trends remain pivotal for investment success. The global investment landscape presents investors with a complex list of challenges and opportunities. Understanding the ever-changing economic dynamics is crucial in adapting to the evolving market conditions. Reviewing The Economic Landscape Near You in 2023 In 2023, numerous economies demonstrated remarkable...
February 14, 2024
Strategies for Investing in Stock Market Volatility
Navigating the challenges of a stock market characterized by rapid fluctuations requires a strategic mindset that acknowledges the inherent uncertainty. While stock market volatility may be unsettling, it does not have to discourage investors, rather, it can be seen as a catalyst for informed decision-making and potential growth. What is Market Volatility? Volatility denotes rapid price shifts driven by various...
January 29, 2024
Maximize Your Savings: Understanding 2024’s New Higher IRA and 401(k) Contribution Limits
In the ever-evolving financial landscape of retirement savings and tax provisions, 2024 brings promising news for individuals planning for their future. The annual adjustments due to the cost of living have ushered in increased contribution limits for IRAs and 401(k) plans, offering enhanced opportunities for individuals to bolster their retirement funds. What are the 2024 IRA Contribution Limits? Last year...
January 18, 2024
10 Things to Consider Before You Make Investing Decisions
In a world of financial opportunities and pitfalls, the investing decisions you make for your hard-earned money can be a significant step toward building a secure and prosperous future. Whether you are an experienced investor navigating the ever-evolving landscape of financial markets or a novice taking your first foray into the world of investments, the decisions you make can profoundly...
January 11, 2024
2024 Financial Literacy Law: Mandating Financial Education in Pennsylvania Schools
Pennsylvania’s recent legislative mandate, requiring financial literacy courses in both public and private schools, marks a significant stride towards equipping teens with beginner financial literacy skills. This emphasis on financial education underscores its pivotal role in enabling effective money management and steering individuals away from debt pitfalls. “We are excited to see Pennsylvania enact this legislation. Often times, financial literacy...
November 1, 2021
A Smarter Way to Reward Your Best Employees
One of the biggest issues companies face is retaining their best employees. Benefits such as maternity leave, lengthy vacation, group retirement plans and healthcare have come to be expected, but they are costly and do not always keep great employees for the long-term. Is there a better option? Rewarding Your Achievers When you increase the types of benefits mentioned above,...