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Advanced Strategies for Concentrated Wealth
Learn advanced strategies to reduce concentrated wealth risk, position tax efficiency, and strengthen your long‑term financial plan in Charlotte, NC.
Read MoreDiscuss Inheritance with Confidence: How Financial Professionals Can Help Preserve The Family Legacy
A financial professional can help you discuss inheritance, pursue trust, and preserve your family’s legacy for generations.
Read MoreFIRE vs. DIRE: The Debate on Early Retirement and Financial Independence
For nearly everybody who enters the workforce, retirement is something they work toward, think about, and plan for.
Read MorePreparing for The Great Wealth Transfer: What Every Millennial Should Know
Over the next few decades, one of the most significant wealth transfers in history is that baby boomers will pass down an estimated $30 trillion in assets to their heirs. Termed 'The Great Wealth Transfer,' this immense wealth transfer...
Read MoreThe Road to High-Net-Worth: Strategic 401(k) Moves to Amplify Your Wealth
The 401(k) allows employees to save and invest part of their paycheck before taxes, a significant incentive for long-term wealth creation. Let's explore some strategic 401(k) moves that can help manage your wealth.
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6 Telltale Signs You're Not Saving Enough for Retirement
As a young person, you imagine you have all the time in the world to save for retirement. You live in the present with the future a mere blip out on the horizon. But time has a way of flying by, and you realize that maybe you are not...
Read MoreHow to Navigate Buying a Home During High Inflation
With rising housing prices and interest rates, you may feel pressured to jump on the carousel to avoid being left behind. However, a home is one of the most expensive purchases most Americans will make, and you don't want to rush into...
Read MoreThe Triple Dangers of Inflation for Pre-Retirees
Preserve your financial well-being and work toward a confident retirement As the economic landscape continues to shift and evolve, one specter looms ominously over the horizon: inflation. For pre-retirees, individuals who are on the...
Read MoreHigh Earner to Business Owner: Why Owning a Small Business Could Be Your Next Best Move
For workers in the U.S., a six-figure income is enough to land you in the top 10 percent of wage earners.1 Looking even higher, the top 5 percent earns an average of $340,000 per year, while the top 1 percent earns an average of $820...
Read MoreDon’t Let Someone Go on Vacation on Your Dime: How to Keep Your Money Safe from Scammers
Technology continues to grow and evolve, allowing us to stay connected and perform many daily tasks from home. There is a drawback to technology, however.
Read MoreFinancial Anxiety is the Biggest Sleep Thief
In an era of unprecedented change and economic volatility, the sleepless nights associated with financial concerns are becoming all too familiar.
Read MoreTips to Planning Your Purposeful Retirement
Retirement is often idealized as a serene period of well-deserved rest and leisure. Yet, while the respite from a career's demands is welcome, retirees soon find that the keys to living well in this new phase are engagement and purpose.
Read MoreWhy Your Credit Score Matters in Retirement
Regardless of the stage of life, your credit score is an essential component of your financial health when you're in retirement. A consistently strong credit score can pave the way for greater confidence.
Read MoreYou’re About to Retire: Here are 7 Tips to Stay Independent
Independence is important in retirement. The more independent retirees are, the more fulfilling their retirement is likely to be. However, living independently as you age isn't always easy and may take some degree of planning.
Read MoreStrategizing for Success: The Parallels Between Estate Planning and a Super Bowl Game Plan
Just as a winning team meticulously plans its Super Bowl plays, individuals and families may benefit from developing a comprehensive plan for their estate. Estate planning isn't just for the wealthy.
Read MoreDeflation, Disinflation, and Why Investors Need a Plan for Both
When the market moves, whether up, down, or in circles, there are terms to describe these dubious economic fluctuations. Here, we will discuss two of them, deflation and disinflation, and why investors should plan for both.
Read More2024 Contribution Limits: What’s New?
Life today is expensive, and contributing to a retirement plan is more beneficial than ever. Recently, the IRS announced it was raising the contribution limit for 401(k)s to $23,000 for 2024, up from $22,500.
Read MoreLPL Financial Research Outlook 2024: A Turning Point
In 2024, LPL Research believes markets will make a definitive turn to a more recognizable place. En route, the transition will be marked by meaningful shifts in a few key areas. Inflation is going down.
Read More5 Strategies for Managing Financial Stress During the Holidays
The holiday season is a time of joy and headaches, celebration, fatigue, and togetherness mixed with a few knock-down drag-out fights. On top of the emotional rollercoaster ride can come a big wallop of financial stress.
Read MoreSpreading Holiday Cheer with Year-End Giving
The holidays are nearly upon us – a time of giving, goodwill to others, and embracing traditions. For many people, giving to a charity or organization that aligns with your values provides a sense of fulfillment.
Read MoreYour Traditional 401(k) Year-End Review Checklist
A 401(k) plan is one of the most popular and effective techniques for saving for your retirement. A company will automatically withdraw and contribute money from each paycheck to your 401(k) plan.
Read More7 Estate Planning Topics to Discuss with the Family over Thanksgiving Dinner
One of the more difficult conversations for family members to have is talking about estate planning. There are several reasons for this, including the reality of our own mortality and that of our loved ones.
Read MoreRetirement Security Starts With Visualizing Your Future
Planning for your financial future and retirement looks much different now than in previous years. Some people must supplement their Social Security to have enough to maintain their desired lifestyle.
Read MoreFinding Focus with Financial Planning: A Step-By-Step Guide
You have probably heard about financial planning and its potential benefits, but you are unsure how to apply the principles to your life. A financial plan is a collection of steps that help you to evaluate your financial condition.
Read MoreAn Essential Guide to Estate Planning Preparedness
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 people.
Read More529 Plans vs. Other College Savings Options
529 plans can be a great way to save for college, but they're not the only way. When you're investing for a major goal like education, it makes sense to be familiar with all of your options.
Read More529 Plans: The Ins and Outs of Contributions and Withdrawals
529 plans can be powerful college savings tools, but you need to understand how your plan works before you can take full advantage of it.
Read MoreInvestor Psychology When Bull Markets Take Hold
Why most investors are not at all positive during a bull run – and miss out. In the world of investing, there are few phrases as exhilarating as "bull market".
Read More5 Homeowner Estate Planning Tips to Consider
Estate planning helps disperse your assets according to your wishes. The effort may seem daunting at first, but estate planning does not have to be overly complicated. Here are some tips to help anyone get started.
Read MoreLPL Financial Research Midyear Outlook 2023: The Path Toward Stability
Our 2023 investing outlook started with a theme of returning to normalcy. Considering 2022’s market volatility and the aftereffects of the pandemic, the idea of finding balance was certainly a welcomed change.
Read MoreRetirement Revolution: 3 Reasons to Rethink Your Retirement Plan
Not sure if your retirement plan is still in line with your future life or financial goals? Give your current retirement plan a second look.
Read MoreEstate Planning for Everyone
Take a quick look at some steps you should consider taking in order to help prepare your family and to manage potential expenses in the event of your death.
Read More5 Expensive Long-Term Care Planning Mistakes to Avoid
The vast majority of Americans need long-term care. Unfortunately, planning for long-term care may be confusing. Here are some expensive mistakes to avoid.
Read MoreAs Volatility Increases, So Does Retirement Worry
Getting ready for retirement involves more than just calculating how much you will need and the rate you can draw down your savings. Here are a few exercises that you can take to get ready for the reality of retirement.
Read MoreWhy Financial Literacy is Crucial for Business Owners
Everyone needs some level of financial literacy, however, financial literacy becomes even more crucial when you're a business owner. Here are some concepts that financial literacy encompasses and why having financial literacy is crucial.
Read MoreSocial Security Survivor Benefits
When you think of Social Security, you probably think of retirement. However, Social Security can also provide much-needed income to your family members when you die, making their financial lives easier.
Read MoreThree Takeaways from the Fed Decision
OverviewAs we expected, the Federal Reserve (Fed) raised the fed funds rate by 0.25%, pushing the upper bound to 5.00%.Financial conditions were stable enough for the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) to release updated projections,...
Read MoreHow to Spring Clean Your Finances with a Financial Review
In our Spring Cleaning Your Finances blog, we discuss what's included in a financial review and how such a review can help you spring clean your finances.
Read MoreA Retirement Countdown Checklist: 5 Steps to Consider Before Retirement
Depending on how much research you’ve done or who you’ve spoken to, you may have bought into a number of popular “credit myths”—fears about credit scores that aren’t true. We break down these myths and explain what they really mean.
Read MoreFall in Love With a Financially Confident You
Confidence isn’t just about feeling and looking good. It’s also about being self-assured of how you handle money and overall financial fitness.
Read MoreClose to Retirement? What to Know About the SECURE Act 2.0
Are you getting close to retirement? With the Secure Act 2.0 now signed into law, there are numerous retirement-related provisions included in the Omnibus Appropriations package that may be of interest to you.
Read More5 Differences Between Planning for Long-Term Care and Crisis Planning
Many people associate long-term care with nursing homes and later-in-life care. But many need it in a crisis. While it's important to plan for long-term care, crisis planning can be just as crucial. Here are three differences.
Read MoreFour Tips to Keep in Mind About Charitable Giving
Charitable giving is a great way to support your community, make an impact for others, or leave a legacy while saving on taxes. If you have the financial resources to give and find an organization you’re passionate about, now is...
Read More4 Ways to Keep Your New Year's Resolutions on Track
Making resolutions is a great way to set goals for the upcoming year and gauge where to focus. Staying on track may be difficult. If you've struggled before with keeping resolutions, here are a few tips to help you stay focused.
Read MoreIRS Increases 401(k) Limit By Record Amounts
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that the amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2023 has increased, and they also issued guidance regarding adjustments affecting limitations. Read on for details.
Read MoreLPL Financial Research Outlook 2023: Finding Balance
In 2023, we look to equity markets to find balance between key macroeconomic factors—inflation, interest rates, and Fed policy—and business fundamentals. Our economic and market forecasts for 2023 can help us navigate the year ahead.
Read MoreWhy You Should Factor Long-Term Care Into Your Estate Plan
A solid estate plan should not only provide for your assets after you pass, but also plan for your long-term care while you're alive. With the median cost of a long-term care facility approaching $8,000 per month, paying for long-term...
Read MoreTrusts and Year-End Planning: A Checklist
A trust is a legal vehicle that protects your assets that contains instructions for your assets when you die or become incapacitated. When you set up a trust, you transfer assets from your name into your trust's name while you still...
Read MorePreparing for the Year-End & the 2022/2023 Tax Season
Year-end is approaching and being prepared is the best way to make this tax season your easiest yet. To prepare for tax season, here are a few things you will need to keep in mind. Should any of these circumstances apply to you, please...
Read MoreProtect Financial Information from Prying Eyes on the Web
As more and more consumers search for financial information on the Internet, they may inadvertently leave themselves open to being “tracked” by certain companies and individuals. Visitors to financial websites have created...
Read MoreTips to Avoid Common Estate Planning Mistakes
With a few simple actions, you can ensure your estate planning is effectiveWhether your estate plan is simple or complex, there are many details, which are often overlooked, that can undermine your plan’s effectiveness. Are you...
Read MoreEliminate the Guesswork
Creating an estate plan is a key component of achieving financial wellnessMost people don’t spend too much time thinking about end-of-life planning on a daily basis. But you may have loved ones who will soon face those issues....
Read MoreActive vs. Passive Portfolio Management
One of the longest-standing debates in investing is over the relative merits of active portfolio management versus passive management. With an actively managed portfolio, a manager tries to beat the performance of a given benchmark...
Read MoreA Place for Everything: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Finances Organized
Have you ever found yourself scrambling for spare cash to send with your child for school lunch? Have you paid a late fee because you simply forgot when a bill was due? Have you woken up in a cold sweat trying to remember if you paid...
Read MoreLPL Financial Research Midyear Outlook 2022: Navigating Turbulence
Markets rarely give us clear skies, and there are always threats to watch for on the horizon, but the right preparation, context, and support can help us navigate anything that may lie ahead. So far, this year hasn’t seen a...
Read MoreWhen the Stock Market is Down, Should You Consider a Roth IRA Conversion?
A Roth IRA conversion involves repositioning traditional IRA or qualified employer-sponsored retirement plan assets into a Roth IRA. One reason people convert traditional IRAs or other retirement accounts into Roth IRAs is so they...
Read MoreTips to Shape Up Your Fiscal Fitness this Summer
A regular program of disciplined financial practices can help you in the long-runMany people realize that the best way to stay in shape is to develop an appropriate fitness regimen and then stick with it. If you start a fitness program...
Read More4 Charitable Giving Strategies to Consider
Through charitable giving, you can support causes or organizations you believe in and lock in tax benefits simultaneously. Whether you’re new to charitable giving or a veteran, there are several strategies you should keep in mind...
Read MoreEstate Planning Key Numbers
Here are some key numbers associated with estate planning, as well as the federal gift tax and estate tax rate schedules for 2021 and 2022.
Read More529 College Savings Plans: For Education and Estate Planning
529 College Savings plans are essential for saving for higher education expenses, and if used for education, accumulate tax-free. Since 529 plans came into existence in 1996, their popularity has continued to increase, with 529 plan...
Read MoreWhat Happens After A Bear Market Starts? Four Things To Know
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” – Albert EinsteinThe S&P 500 Index was down more than 20% on an intraday basis on Friday, but managed a huge rally late to avoid closing...
Read MoreNavigating Market Volatility–or Not
Market volatility could spook even the most seasoned investor. If a precipitous week or two in the market has you ready to sell, you may want to reconsider your risk tolerance and asset allocation. Attempting to time the market by...
Read More4 Key Investments You Should Consider as a Small Business Owner
As a small-business owner, you may be looking for the next big thing—an investment that might double your profits within the next year or allow you to maintain your income while working just a few hours a week. However, business...
Read MoreInvest in Your Financial Education During Financial Literacy Month
April brings more than possible rain showers. It also marks Financial Literacy Month in the U.S. Whether you’re interested in a quick refresher or seeking to learn something new, it may be worth the effort to brush up on some...
Read More4 Tips for Managing Financial Stress During the Pandemic
Two years into the pandemic, it may feel like you entered a time warp for some. And from shutdown-related expenses to changes to your employment situation or workload, it can be tougher than ever to try to navigate your financial life....
Read MoreData Breaches Are Inevitable – Here’s How to Protect Yourself Anyway
It’s tempting to give up on data security altogether, with all the billions of pieces of personal data – Social Security numbers, credit cards, home addresses, phone numbers, passwords and much more – breached and...
Read MoreRepayment of Federal Student Loans Extended to May 1, 2022
During Dec. 2021, many of those with federal student loans were preparing to resume payments in Jan. 2022 after a nearly two-year hiatus. On Dec. 22, President Biden provided a much-anticipated reprieve, extending the pause on student...
Read MoreA Refresh for Your Finances
When spring rolls around, your thoughts might turn to organizing your closets or giving your floors a good deep clean. But how much thought have you given to cleaning up your finances? If the answer is “not much,” you might...
Read MoreNational Nutrition Month: Investing in Your Health and Wealth
March is National Nutrition Month and can mark a great time to develop new habits.1 With days growing longer (and warmer) and the growing season just beginning, it can be simpler to add fresh fruits and vegetables and outdoor exercise...
Read MorePay Down Debt or Save for Retirement?
All investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal, and there can be no guarantee that any investing strategy will be successful.The most important decision you can make is to take action and get started now. The...
Read More5 Valentine's Day Gifts that Grow in Value Over Time
Valentine's Day is one of the biggest holidays for romance and for lavishing gifts on that special someone in your life. While flowers and chocolates may be the most common gifts exchanged on that day, why not consider a gift that may...
Read MoreTax Prep Checklist: Everything You Need to Be Ready for Tax Season
Regardless of whether you prepare your taxes yourself or use a professional's services, it's a good idea to gather the information and documentation you need well in advance of your actual tax filing date. Below, we've listed some key...
Read MoreFive Wealth-Building New Year's Resolutions
At the beginning of each year, and regularly after that, it may be a wise idea to take stock of finances and make some changes to help improve your financial life. Here are five resolutions you may make to increase financial...
Read MoreA Place for Everything: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Finances Organized
Have you ever found yourself scrambling for spare cash to send with your child for school lunch? Have you paid a late fee because you simply forgot when a bill was due? Have you woken up in a cold sweat trying to remember if you paid...
Read MoreSocial Security Gets Massive 5.9% Raise in 2022
The largest cost-of-living-adjustment since 1982 impacts 90% of seniors On October 13th, the Social Security Administration announced that Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits for tens of millions of Americans will...
Read MoreExamining Your Ghosts of Christmas Pasts
Analyzing your past financial decisions is essential to changing behaviors As Charles Dickens tells us in his celebrated Christmas fable, the self-defeating ways we behave financially are rooted in the past. Digging them out is the one...
Read MoreEnd of Year Financial Planning
For some, it’s easy to put personal finances on the back burner during the last few months of the year. However, before the year comes to an end, it’s essential to review your finances. By doing so now, you can make the...
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