Financial Planning
Should You Claim Social Security Early Due to Financial Hardship?
If your financial or employment situation has changed due to coronavirus, you may be rethinking your Social Security claiming strategy. While you can claim Social Security benefits as early as age 62, you will receive a permanently smaller benefit. If you wait to claim past your full retirement age, your benefit will increase by 6…
Read MoreHow The Coronavirus Shutdown Could Affect You in the Long-Term
Recent events have everyone wondering when a sense of normalcy will return. But the answer isn’t as simple as hoping for a date when stay-at-home orders will be lifted. No one knows if there is a long recession to come, or if the economy will bounce back in the near future. Although things may seem…
Read MoreA Guide to the CARES Act for Americans Age 50 and Over
President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act into law to help Americans combat the economic effects of the coronavirus. It includes potential tax breaks, checks for qualifying Americans, and temporary new rules for retirement account withdrawals. Here’s a guide to the CARES Act for Americans 50 and over. Checks for…
Read MoreHow CARES Act Might Help Small Businesses & the Future Economy
In Mike Slater’s AM segment on KFMB Radio, Brad discussed possible retirement strategies adjustments that might be relevant during these unprecedented times, and how the CARES act could impact your plans/ future economy for small businesses. *Investment Advisory Services offered through Epstein and White Financial LLC, a SEC Registered Investment Adviser.
Read More3 Questions a Financial Advisor Can Help You Answer
A 12 year-long bull market run recently came to a close, and many Americans have experienced the effects. For those nearing or in retirement, this can be especially worrisome. If you’re wondering what your course of action should be right now, you should consider your risk tolerance, where the market is heading, and how you…
Read More3 Unprecedented Measures During the Coronavirus Pandemic
We’re living in unprecedented times, and the government is taking unusual steps to mitigate the economic damage done by the coronavirus. Strict measures are in place, like canceling events of more than ten people, closing bars and restaurants, and restricting travel. And while these mean to help from a public health standpoint, they’re having a…
Read MoreNew Year, New Law, A Four Part Series – Part 1: What’s in the Secure Act?
Donald Trump ended 2019 by signing a 2020 spending bill that includes the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act. It’s the biggest piece of retirement legislation to be passed in years and it will undoubtedly have a major effect on how many Americans approach retirement and estate planning. This month we’ll cover…
Read More3 Tips for Financial Health for the New Year
A recent Northwestern Mutual survey found that 41% of Americans are stressed about retirement planning, and 46% worry about outliving their savings.[1] And with 62% of Americans stressed about money in general[2], it’s surprising that only 28% of Americans will actually make New Year’s resolutions that are financial in nature, according to a MassMutual survey[3].…
Read MoreReminder: 4 Important Things To Do by December 31st
You might have a Christmas to-do list to help you stay on track this holiday season. And while it may be an overwhelming list already, there are a few important financial deadlines you should add to it. It’s the season of giving, so don’t forget to give yourself the gift of tax planning. What you…
Read MoreReminder: Don’t Forget to Take RMDs by December 31st
Tax-advantaged retirement accounts like traditional 401(k)s and IRAs offer many advantages, but some of these don’t last forever. The government eventually reaps the reward of years of tax-free compounded interest by forcing you to withdraw funds from your own retirement accounts and inherited accounts. So if you have a retirement account, be prepared for your…
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