07.28.22

Your Investment Strategy: Active, Passive or Both?
Christopher Georgiou

Stock market volatility during the last couple of years has reignited a long-running debate over active versus passive investing. Both strategies have supporters and critics and many experts advocate combining both approaches in a portfolio. As with most investment choices, the right strategy for you will depend on several factors, including your financial goals, investment […]

01.22.21

Considerations Before You Begin Social Security Benefits
Thomas Kosinski

The full retirement age for Social Security benefits, also called “normal retirement age,” is generally between ages 66 and 67. The age was set at 65 for many years. In 1983, Congress passed a law to raise the age because people are living longer and staying healthier in older age. The law raised the age by […]

11.05.19

Planning for Required Minimum Distributions from IRAs: Why You Should Consider Making/Taking ROTH IRA Conversions in Low Income Years
Frank L. Washelesky

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) often account for a large portion of an individual’s overall wealth as the person reaches retirement. With few exceptions, IRAs are taxable income at the time they are withdrawn.  In addition, a 10% penalty may apply if distributions are made prior to reaching age 59-½.

10.22.19

Divorcing? Don’t Let Your Estate Plan Fall Through the Cracks
Eileen Cozzi

If you are going through a divorce, you are probably feeling a little overwhelmed by all the legal and financial items you must attend to before the marriage termination is final. These tasks can be difficult, but revising your estate plan does not have to be. An estate planning professional can help you update documents and ensure that your children benefit according to your wishes — not your ex-spouse’s.

10.03.19

Retirement Plan Changes Under the SECURE Act
Frank L. Washelesky

For many people, qualified retirement plans make up a large part of their overall savings.  There are many complex rules surrounding qualified plans and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), but there have not been significant modifications for quite some time. That may all change this year as the House of Representatives has passed the Setting Every […]

09.09.19

Spousal Lifetime Access Trust: A Tool for Creditor Protection and Estate Planning
Frank L. Washelesky

Many wealthy professionals are looking for ways to protect assets from potential lawsuits or other unknown creditors without giving up substantial control. Estate tax considerations are also still important as the current large estate tax exemption ($11.4 million for individuals, or $22.8 million for married couples) is set to drop at the end of 2025, […]

08.20.19

How to Make Market Volatility Your Friend

Recent market gyrations have made even strong-stomached investors a little queasy. In general, maintaining your positions in a well-diversified portfolio is the best response to such volatility. But there may be something else you can do: Use falling prices as an investment opportunity. Think long term Although overall stock prices have historically risen over time, […]

07.30.19

Eight Tips for Protecting Your Money From Cyberattacks
Peggy Vyborny

More and more banking and financial transactions are conducted online, which means that cyberattacks pose a significant threat to the wealth of many Americans. How can you mitigate this risk? Consider these eight tips. Use Strong, Unique Passwords This may seem obvious, but according to a recent survey, the most common password is “123456.” “Password” […]

07.09.19

A Trust Can Be A Mighty Financial Fortress
Eileen Cozzi

You may think of trusts as estate planning tools. While trusts can certainly fill that role, they are also useful for protecting assets, both now and later. Creditors, former business partners, ex-spouses, “spendthrift” children and taxes can all pose risks. Here is how trusts defend against asset protection challenges. To protect assets, your trust must […]

06.17.19

How to Choose a Guardian for Your Child
Tanya Gierut

Having a child is a very exciting time in one’s life.  There are many new firsts not just with the baby, but with the parents too.  While the baby’s current needs take priority, the parents need to think about the future. What if something happens to you and your spouse? Who will care for your […]