SURVIVING AN AUDIT

Posted by Brad Bridgewater
On April 6, 2017

An IRS audit is an impartial review of your tax return to determine its accuracy – it’s not an accusation of wrongdoing. However, you must demonstrate to the IRS that you reported all of your income and were entitled to any credits, deductions, and exemptions in question. The IRS generally must complete an audit within […]

DIVORCE AND YOUR NEW FINANCIAL OUTLOOK

Posted by Brad Bridgewater
On March 31, 2017

Divorce can be one of life’s most painful and difficult events. Not only is the process emotionally challenging and deeply personal, but it can also wreak havoc on your finances. While it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and confused during this time, there are important steps you can take to alleviate some of the stress of […]

THE OPPORTUNITY COST OF DOING NOTHING WITH YOUR FINANCIAL PLAN

Posted by Brad Bridgewater
On March 17, 2017

Opportunity cost is defined as “the loss of potential gain from other alternatives when one alternative is chosen.” In the business world, “the cost of doing nothing” is a commonly used phrase relating to hiring practices, customer service, marketing strategies, or financial decisions. Economists have attempted to quantify this cost in a variety of situations. […]

5 WAYS TO AVOID IDENTITY THEFT AT TAX TIME

Posted by Michael Kane, CFP
On March 13, 2017

It is a great time of year to revisit your financial and investment plans as you prepare to file your annual tax returns. Unfortunately, it’s also a time of year in which identity thieves target unsuspecting taxpayers. One of the most common thefts committed around tax time involves the filing of fraudulent refund claims using […]

ON THE ARRIVAL: THINKING ABOUT RETIREMENT WELL BEFORE RETIREMENT

Posted by Jeff Baumert
On March 3, 2017

You’ve worked hard and logged tens of thousands of hours transiting the globe. Along the way, you’ve deftly handled a handful of minor emergencies, and perhaps even one or two that left your knees weak. You’ve smiled and waved at thousands of satisfied passengers as they safely departed to the next stage of their travels. […]

10 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN EXECUTOR

Posted by Michael Kane, CFP
On February 24, 2017

Being chosen as the executor of an estate is both an honor and an enormous responsibility. The job of the executor is to protect the personal property of the deceased person until all debts and taxes have been paid and to transfer the remaining assets to the estate’s beneficiaries. The duties may vary depending on […]

PAYING OFF DEBT VERSUS INVESTING

Posted by Brad Bridgewater
On February 17, 2017

A common question faced by many of our clients at this time of year is whether it is better to take lump sums such as tax refunds and bonuses to pay off debt or invest for the future. The answer depends on your individual circumstances, but the following are some considerations that can help you […]

AVOIDING THE BANDWAGON EFFECT

Posted by Michael Kane, CFP
On February 10, 2017

“The ‘bandwagon effect’ is evident in almost every facet of modern life, but it’s especially notable in the way people spend and manage their money.” In 1848, entertainer Dan Rice used his bandwagon (literally a wagon that carried bands in parades) to campaign at political events. He encouraged rally attendees to “jump on the bandwagon” […]

TIPS FOR REDUCING YOUR TAX BILL

Posted by Brad Bridgewater
On February 3, 2017

With spring comes the anticipation of warmer weather and flowers in bloom. Unfortunately, spring also finds a lot of us scrambling to answer two important questions: How do I reduce my current tax bill, and what can I do to reduce next year’s tax bill? Here are some tips to help you reduce your liability […]

SEVEN KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A TRUSTEE

Posted by Michael Kane, CFP
On January 27, 2017

As the title suggests, the job of a trustee requires a person to perform certain duties in a way that is honest, ethical, and trustworthy. While a designated trustee has many responsibilities, the most important thing to remember, should you step into this role, is that the assets you are safeguarding are not yours. Rather, […]