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Shouldn’t every person have a Retirement List that they go through every year, much like a Back-To-School List? And knowing that the answer is yes, what should this Retirement List look like? Consider these items.

Some people may find themselves nearing retirement without a solid grasp on certain topics like required minimum distributions or Social Security taxation. Here are some tips that may help improve your finances.

Why do so many people never obtain the financial independence that they desire? Often it's because they just don't take that first step — getting started. Here are some tips to get you familiar with the basics.

Are you financially prepared for a life-changing event?

As the nation grapples with the possibility of not raising the debt ceiling, it is essential to understand the historical context and potential consequences.

High-earning women have become the newest face of wealth and will increase their net worth even more.

Those who receive an inheritance with the passing of a loved one are potentially given the gift of financial freedom if they choose to manage the wealth carefully.

Having enough retirement income is a top concern for many Americans nearing or in retirement. Even though they may have saved consistently throughout the working years, they may be concerned that their retirement plans will succeed. A...

In an era characterized by high job turnover, it is more important than ever for employees to carefully manage their retirement savings. With a significant portion of Americans withdrawing money from their 401(k)s when they change...

For many, the expenses of college or technical school can be overwhelming. But, with financial aid programs, tuition, room and board, books, and other college-related costs can become more affordable. To determine if your student...

For kids, teens, and college students, summer break often represents freedom from schedules, responsibilities, and all those other drains on your time. Retirement actually can provide a similar level of freedom, but only if you've...

Your joints are vital to a healthy and active life, but when they cause pain, you might find it harder to enjoy everyday activities. The good news is that there are easy ways to protect and improve joint mobility so you can do things...

The thought of retiring may be intimidating for anyone—but if you own your own business, handing your "baby" to new owners might be enough to stop you in your tracks. What might you do to set your successor up for success? What...

Small businesses may often find themselves struggling, and there are many situations in which business owners may find themselves weathering a storm and hoping to make it through. While the strength and fortitude of those who run small...

Your Social Security retirement benefit may be taxableDid you know that you might have to pay federal income tax on your Social Security retirement benefit? If the only income you had during the year was Social Security income, then...

When discussing multigenerational wealth it is common to come across proverbs that acknowledge the fact that generational wealth typically won’t make it past the third generation. In the United States the saying goes, “from...

Running a business requires gaining expertise in many things over a short period—especially financial matters. If finances do not come naturally to you, you may quickly feel like you are in over your head. Fortunately, mastering...

There are out-of-pockets, limitations and gaps that Medicare doesn’t coverMedicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 or older and certain younger people with disabilities.And despite being a widely...

What is a spending plan?Your spending plan is your active strategy for getting where you want to go. Think of your spending plan as a road map that helps you reach your goals, as well as give you a sense of direction. Your spending...

What is it?A trust is a legal entity that you can set up and use to hold property for the benefit of one or more individuals (the trust beneficiaries). Every trust has one or more trustees charged with the responsibility of (1)...

When you start to consider if investing is an appropriate option for you, you may have questions. You might want to ask:How do I invest money, and where?How much money will I need?What are some common strategies for someone that has...

What is it?IntroductionIf you're the beneficiary of a large inheritance, you may find yourself suddenly wealthy. Even if you expected the inheritance, you may be surprised by the size of the bequest or the diverse assets you've...

When you own a business, you get to deduct business expenses from your business income. This general rule applies, subject to certain limitations, whether you are a sole proprietor with employees or a self-employed freelancer...

Each year, some of the biggest companies in the world fall victim to data breaches—in 2020, this list included Microsoft, Facebook, and Instagram. But just because small businesses aren't dealing with billions of electronic...

What would you do if you didn't have a single monthly payment each month on debt? No car, credit card bills, student loans, or even a house payment! Living a debt-free life with no monthly payments is possible for everyone, regardless...

As an investor, you may be impacted by capital gains if you sell your investment – whether at a gain or loss. Understanding capital gains may help with your overall investment strategy and the potential to preserve your wealth....

If one of your New Year's resolutions involves enhancing and expanding your investment portfolio, look no further. In a true New Year's Eve countdown tradition, ask yourself these 10 questions to help review your investment plans...

The fourth quarter holidays are often seen as one of the prime times to take out your checkbook — not only do many charities put in extra efforts helping others this time of year, but donating is also a smart financial move....

The average family spends an extra $1,000 or more during the holiday season. From gifts and travel to dinners, shows, and decorations, each purchase adds up.1 How might you take full advantage of holiday cheer while avoiding...

On October 21st, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that the amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2023 has increased to $22,500, up from $20,500 for 2022. The IRS today also issued technical guidance...

A list of things to consider as you think about year-end charitable donationsWith its family traditions and festive celebrations, the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year. And according to GivingTuesday.org, the giving...

If you're considering giving back to society or a cause as part of your financial planning, there are many ways you can do so. You can make an impact while receiving tax benefits by including philanthropic giving as part of a holistic...

Reviewing your benefit choices will maximize your employment benefits Open enrollment for employee benefits kicks off this month. While you plan your Thanksgiving menu, review your benefit choices. Even if little changed in your life...

As we approach the end of the year, you may want to review areas that may impact your wealth and estate planning next year. In this year-end planning guide, we examine four critical areas to consider that may affect your finances:...

For many, autumn is the best time of year. The return of cool breezes, comforting foods, and pumpkins can be invigorating. It’s also a bookmark of sorts, especially for your finances—a perfect time to take stock of your...

A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, or CFP® practitioner, is a financial professional who meets the requirements established by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. While some professionals may...

In 2013, a Gallup poll found that only about one in every three U.S. households maintained a budget.1 A 2021 survey of 1,000 Americans found that 80% now say they have a budget.2Americans are budgeting more due to the pandemic....

High Net-Worth executives and those that have been self-employed, can experience common problems in their financial planning journey. Often, they have missed opportunities in their financial planning because they haven’t planned...

Understanding the importance of life insurance is one thing. Understanding the tax rules is quite another. As insurance products have evolved and become more sophisticated, the line separating insurance vehicles from investment...

If you're thinking about buying life insurance for your child, consider the decision carefully. The main purpose of life insurance is to replace income lost after someone dies, and there's little doubt that your income could decrease...

How far in advance do you plan vacations? A month at the very least, right? You’ve booked the flights and hotels, taken time off of work, gotten the kids out of school and looked forward to it from the moment you made the final...

Your need for life insurance changes as your life changes. When you're young, you typically have less need for life insurance, butthat changes as you take on more responsibility and your family grows. Then, as your responsibilities...

A recent survey by Caring.com found that a whopping two in three American adults do not have an estate plan1—an alarming statistic, considering that an estate plan can protect your assets and ensure that they go to the right...

If you've moved beyond basic financial advice—live below your means and set aside funds for a rainy day—you may be wondering what to actually do with these rainy-day funds. With inflation on the rise, keeping...

As the cost of a college education continues to climb, many grandparents are stepping in to help. This trend is expected to accelerate as baby boomers, many of whom went to college, become grandparents and start gifting what's...

In 2022, U.S. inflation hit a 40-year high, with prices for food, housing, gasoline, and other key staples increasing by nearly 10% over the previous year.1 During these uncertain times, stocks have continued a roller-coaster ride...

Investing involves setting goals for the future and weighing the risks and potential rewards associated with a wide variety of investment opportunities. If you are a new investor, this might seem like an overwhelming task.But take...

When it comes to investing, having fewer investments might help streamline your portfolio to manage stress better. Here are some benefits of a simple portfolio and some ways to help you create one.The Benefits of SimplicityUnless you...

Almost half of all adults are part of the "sandwich generation." These are adults in their 40s and 50s who are helping support or care for a parent while also supporting or caring for a child.1 Being caught between two generations of...

When people are leaving their employer, one of the decisions they need to make is what to do with their 401(k). A retirement plan participant typically has four options (and may engage in a combination of these options), each choice...

It's essential to know the critical ages regarding taking Social Security that may impact the amount of your benefits. Getting the most out of your Social Security retirement benefits can be the difference of thousands of dollars over...

Working towards financial independence can often be a lifelong process. But for many, financial freedom may come far sooner—and include some fun along the way. What are the differences between financial independence and financial...

When you prepare to have your first child, the to-do list may seem endless—from purchasing a car seat to furnishing a nursery, lining up day care options, and planning for time off from work. These tasks, while sometimes...

A bipartisan bill introduced in the Senate in March 2022 hopes to help eliminate Medicare Part B penalties for late enrollment for Americans. If passed, the bill would require the federal government to notify people about Medicare...

What constitutes a gift to charity?A gift to charity is simply a gratuitous transfer of property to a charitable organization. The key is that your gift must be some kind of property--your time or personal services do not count. There...

What will you look for as you approach your "golden" years? Sunshine and the beach at your feet, or colder climates with your favorite cross-country skiing course outside your door? An affordable condo on the golf course with room for...

Announcing our new Doylestown Location

Neil Gordon, AIF®, ChFC®, CRPS®

Friday, April 29, 2022

Secure Planning Group is happy to announce a new office in Doylestown