THREE SMALL CHANGES TO MAKE YOU A BETTER INVESTOR

Posted by Brad Bridgewater
On January 20, 2017

There was a time when making wise investment decisions was a much less complicated process. You stashed away some money in your 401(k) and maybe invested in CDs or savings bonds that offered modest but consistent returns. But modern financial markets and the nearly limitless choices they offer have made investing more complex and raised […]

THE RIGHT WAY TO SET A BUDGET

Posted by Brad Bridgewater
On December 21, 2016

The holiday season and the approach of a new year often bring about resolutions to make improvements in our daily lives – healthy eating, spending more time with family, or exercising on a regular basis. One of the most common goals is an improved financial situation. For some, that means spending less and saving more, […]

THINGS YOU CAN CONTROL IN YOUR FINANCIAL PLAN

Posted by Michael Kane, CFP
On December 2, 2016

Just as a successful flight includes many complex and moving parts, an effective financial plan requires several considerations. When approaching the construction of a financial plan, you will learn that there are things that you have a great deal of control, things you have some control, and also things that you have no control over. […]

6 ITEMS TO INCLUDE IN YOUR ESTATE PLAN

Posted by Brad Bridgewater
On November 23, 2016

Perhaps no other aspect of retirement planning is as overwhelming as creating an estate plan. It’s hard to anticipate every eventuality, and it’s even harder to make decisions regarding your family’s future that doesn’t include you. For these reasons, along with the intense emotions that accompany facing their own mortality, many people don’t take the […]

5 CONSIDERATIONS FOR TAKING CARE OF AGING PARENTS

Posted by Michael Kane, CFP
On November 18, 2016

We speak with many clients who have one or more children of their own and who are also be helping to care for their aging parents. This assistance can include time, financial support, and even various forms of guardianship. It goes without saying that these commitments can create an emotional and financial strain on any […]

MANAGING FINANCIALLY DEPENDENT ADULT CHILDREN

Posted by Brad Bridgewater
On November 11, 2016

In late 1997, a regional investment management firm held a well-attended forum for its ultra-high-net-worth clients on “The Responsibility of Wealth.” The highlight of the forum and the focus of several expert speakers that day was the importance of careful planning for the transfer of wealth to a family’s younger generations. Attendees were advised not […]

6 TIPS FOR MAKING SMART FINANCIAL DECISIONS

Posted by Michael Kane, CFP
On October 21, 2016

Just like the fields of aviation and technology, the world of finance is complex and constantly evolving. Throughout your life, you’ll have to make key decisions that can significantly impact your financial future. Because every individual has different needs, goals, and priorities, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ answer when it comes to managing your money, but […]

USING AN HSA AS A RETIREMENT ACCOUNT

Posted by Gary Krasnov
On October 7, 2016

There are few vehicles as tax-efficient as a Health Savings Account (HSA). I like to think of HSAs as a ROTH on steroids. As you know, in most cases[1], with a ROTH account you can invest after-tax dollars that grow tax-free and are withdrawn tax-free in retirement. With an HSA, you can deposit pre-tax dollars […]

ARE YOU GAMBLING WITH YOUR INVESTMENTS?

Posted by Brad Bridgewater
On September 30, 2016

Recency bias is one of a long list of behaviors that lead people to make decisions they might not otherwise make after more thought and reflection. Other examples of these biases are groupthink, impact bias, and the gambler’s fallacy. Recency bias is the tendency, based on human nature, to rely heavily on the latest data […]

MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT – PITFALLS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Posted by Michael Kane, CFP
On September 6, 2016

If you’re like most people, the information you receive about Medicare through the mail, from insurance agents, or talking with friends, family, and co-workers is confusing! And the abundance of conflicting information can leave you anxious, worrying that you’ll do the wrong thing like miss a key enrollment period or incur hefty penalties. DO ANY […]