By Glenn J. Downing, MBA, CFP®
Usually when we think of estate planning we have in mind the orderly transition of assets at death. Death is something that you have a 100% chance of experiencing – we just don’t know when. Tomorrow isn’t promised to us – and neither is...
By Glenn J. Downing, MBA, CFP®
Should I Pay my Mortgage Off Early? This is actually a FAQ – a frequently asked question, so I thought I’d spend a little time on it here. Some other mortgage-related topics we’ve addressed are these:
by Glenn J. Downing, MBA, CFP®
The Secure Act of 2019 changed the rules for non-spouse beneficiaries of inherited IRAs. The rules now are simply that the beneficiary of such an IRA has 10 years to distribute it in its entirety. Required minimum distributions are necessary...
Glenn J. Downing, MBA, CFP®
What kinds of insurance do you offer?
We broker life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance. In obtaining Insurance coverage for our clients, We shop the market for the most suitable product at the best price.
Can I get auto or...
by Glenn J. Downing, MBA, CFP®
From time to time I’m asked, Glenn: there are plenty of financial guys out there. They’ll do financial planning for free. So why should I pay you guys?
Good question, and not unexpected in these days of free resources online. To answer it, let...
by Glenn J. Downing, MBA, CFP®
Why do financial planning?
Short answer: because no one can hit a moving target. The financial plan informs all financial decisions: how to invest, what to save and where, and what insurance should I purchase or drop.
What should I expect when I come in to see...
by Jonathan G. Cameron, CFP®
Getting financially organized before retirement can be a daunting task. There are many unknowns and it can be hard to know where to begin. For that same reason people often wait too long to address retirement needs and, unfortunately, don’t achieve...
by Glenn J. Downing, MBA, CFP®
In this post I’d like to give a little history and background on the advice industry. It may not grab you right off as being the most compelling reading, but please stick with it. I have some valuable points to develop. In Part II I go into some of...
by Glenn J. Downing, MBA, CFP®
The IRS tax code sets forth rules and regulations under which US taxpayers remit monies to the federal government. Our taxes, along with borrowing, supply the US government with its operating funds. The tax code also encourages certain behaviors, and discourages...
Glenn J. Downing, MBA, CFP®
In what should I be invested?
We make no recommendations before completing our due diligence. Only after we have a clear picture of your risk tolerance, income needs, tax situation, time horizon, and cash flow position do we make any investment recommendation.
...
by Jonathan G. Cameron, CFP®
To me an annuity in an IRA is usually a dead giveaway that the client worked with a salesperson and not a financial planner.
Annuities, like any other tool, are not inherently bad. They work best when they do the job they were designed to do – and that job...
By Glenn J. Downing, MBA, CFP®
A lot has happened in our regulatory world since I posted the original blog piece, The Advice Industry. The DOL rule is void. The SEC is now working on final new rules for standards of client care.
The government regulates this industry –...