Facts Vs Feelings Take 5 – What Happens if the Fed Cuts?
In the latest Take 5, with markets at all-time highs and inflation showing mixed signals, hosts Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist, and Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macro Strategist, dive into the Fed’s dual mandate, historical patterns of rate cuts, and what this could mean for investors. …
Your Social Security Game Plan
Have you given much thought to your strategy for Social Security benefits? It’s good to have a plan in place to help you make the most of this program. But you may have questions.
Market Commentary: Stocks Successfully Navigate a Big Week for Inflation Data
Stocks gained again last week, as the S&P 500 hit more new highs, while the Dow is a chip shot from its first high this year, and small caps soared on hopes over rate cuts. As we’ve noted the past few weeks, August and September historically can be troublesome months and though new high …
Your Money
MoreYour Social Security Game Plan
Have you given much thought to your strategy for Social Security benefits? It’s good to have a plan in place to help you make the most of this program. But you may have questions.
Do I Need Life Insurance? How to Choose Life Insurance Coverage and When to Reassess Your Needs
Just because we express a desire to do something, doesn’t mean we’ll do it. Insurance is a great example of this. A recent study on life insurance statistics showed that 42% of Americans report feeling that they need more life insurance coverage.* At the same time, the percentage of familie …
Health Savings Account (HSA) Worksheet
Did you know you can utilize a health savings account (HSA) to invest for your future? HSAs have many tax benefits, including tad-deductible contributions and tax-deferred growth. But is one right for you? This worksheet will help you determine if you qualify, as well as identify common mis …
2025 Calendar: Key Tasks & Financial Dates
Tackle 2025 with this month-by-month financial task list. We’ve also included important dates so you won’t miss any key deadlines.
Your Business
MoreYour Guide to Business Succession Planning
As a small business owner, you may be so immersed in the day-to-day functions of your business that you haven’t yet put much thought into the day you leave it behind. In fact, for many business owners, the thought of bringing their time to a close can be daunting. Yet planning for your depa …
Life Insurance Strategies for Business Owners
Owning a business can be like parenting. You’ve likely experienced many sleepless nights and spent a countless amount of energy on your “baby.” Like parenting, being a business owner can be an enriching journey and make life worth the trip.
From Tax Efficiency to Retirement: Financial Planning for Small Business Owners
Financial planning for a small business gets more complicated every day. Business owners must navigate tax efficiency (and life under the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act), retirement preparations for yourself and your employees, and succession planning. Get your financial plan in place today and …
Business Succession Planning Checklist
You remember your first day of business. But what about your last day? Succession planning is more complex than it may seem. Our guide walks you through the details.
Your Retirement
MoreLiving In Retirement Webinar
Learn how to manage The Big, Irreversible Decisions Managing Cash Flow in Retirement Starting Social Security Tax Planning Opportunities Bucketing Strategy
Social Security Taxation Worksheet
Did you know that your Social Security benefits can be taxed? That’s right, as much as 85% of your Social Security benefits—money that you put away over your entire career—could be subject to taxation when you receive the benefits in retirement. This worksheet helps you figure out if …
Claiming Social Security Benefits Early
In many cases, our parents, grandparents, and great grandparents started collecting their Social Security benefits as late in life as possible. Their generations believed it was a great way to maximize their benefits. As younger generations, we have spent our entire lives listening to their …
Medicare and Managing Health Care Costs in Retirement
Health care costs in retirement aren't going anywhere. Naturally, as our bodies get older, it costs more to keep them running. Let's look at the parts of this vital program and how it plays a part in your financial plan.
Your Legacy
MoreWhy Tax Planning Is Really a Women and Family Issue
Imagine planning for decades to help secure your financial future, only to watch a substantial portion of your savings disappear to unexpected taxes after losing your spouse. For millions of women, this scenario isn’t just a possibility—it’s a reality they face without proper preparation. T …
How Estate and Gift Taxes Can Impact Your Financial Plan
Tom Fridrich, JD, CLU, ChFC®, Manager and Senior Wealth Planner Giving something you own to someone else. It’s a simple, human act – one that seems like it shouldn’t take too much planning to do it correctly. But when does gifting become a tax issue? What do you need to consider about gifti …
Why You Might Need a Power of Attorney
Have you thought about your legacy? We highly recommend that you appoint a trusted family member or friend as your power of attorney (POA), giving them the ability to help with your financial or health needs, should an unfortunate event occur in your life.
A Guide to Gifting to Your Heirs
Gifting to your loved ones now or posthumously each carries their own positives and negatives as they relate to your estate plan, taxes, your goals and your legacy.
Your Freedom
MoreIdentity Theft Webinar
Wealth Advisor Alana Macy shares essential tips to protect yourself from scams and identity theft. Learn key facts, warning signs, common scams, and practical steps to prevent and address identity theft.
Compounding Wealth (and Wisdom): The Power of Compound Interest
No single strategy works forever, but you also don’t want to change your approach every time the markets shift slightly. How does investing work – not just for a season or a year or two, but for a lifetime? Time is a major factor when it comes to successful investing.
How to Make Charitable Giving Part of Your Financial Plan
COVID-19 caused an economic shockwave that we’ll feel for a long time. Nonprofits, from large global networks to the local churches, have been hit hard, too. In a recent survey of 110 nonprofits, 80% of them said revenue had fallen across the board.
When Shifting Goals Mean Shifting Plans
Your financial plan shouldn't look the same at 55 as it did when you were 35, right? So how do you know when it's time to adjust your plan?
Market & Investments
MoreFacts Vs Feelings Take 5 – What Happens if the Fed Cuts?
In the latest Take 5, with markets at all-time highs and inflation showing mixed signals, hosts Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist, and Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macro Strategist, dive into the Fed’s dual mandate, historical patterns of rate cuts, and what this could mean for investors. …
Market Commentary: Stocks Successfully Navigate a Big Week for Inflation Data
Stocks gained again last week, as the S&P 500 hit more new highs, while the Dow is a chip shot from its first high this year, and small caps soared on hopes over rate cuts. As we’ve noted the past few weeks, August and September historically can be troublesome months and though new high …
Facts Vs Feelings Take 5 – Are Tariffs Causing Inflation?
In the latest Take 5, with hosts Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist, and Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macro Strategist, we break down the latest CPI and PPI reports, the ways tariffs are passed on to consumers, and their potential impact on Federal Reserve rate decisions. They also touch on …
2025 Market Outlook Report
The economy had a big year in 2024, avoiding a recession while posting strong job numbers and a soaring stock market. But the new year brings new concerns. What impact could we see from tariffs? How long do we think this bull market will continue? What will the Fed do in 2025?
In the News
MoreAlana Macy on Colorado Public Radio
Alana Macy, CFP®, MBA of Bloom Wealth Advisors joined Colorado Matters to discuss market volatility and what investors can do now. She shared three key tips: don’t panic, keep investing if you’re in accumulation mode, and have a plan for short-term needs. She also touched on inflation …
Question of the Quarter: It’s an election year, what does this mean for the markets?
Every election year we get many questions and concerns around the markets. Election years bring heightened uncertainty and speculation, and typically the market doesn’t like uncertainty. As an investor, it is important you understand how elections can impact the stock market to make informe …
3 Roth Conversion Traps To Avoid After The SECURE Act
Roth conversions can be a powerful tax and retirement planning technique. The idea behind most Roth conversions is to take money from an IRA and convert it to a Roth IRA. Essentially, you’re paying taxes today instead of paying taxes in the future.