When you think of Social Security, you probably think of retirement. However, Social Security Survivor Benefits can also provide much-needed income to your family members when you die, making their financial lives easier. Your family members may be eligible to receive survivor benefits if you worked, paid Social Security taxes, and earned enough work credits.…
In a perfect world, both halves of a couple share the same investment goals and agree on the best way to try to reach them. It doesn’t always work that way, though. Disagreements about money are often a source of friction between couples. You may be risk-averse, while your spouse may be comfortable investing more…
It’s nice to own stocks, bonds, and other investments. Nice, that is, until it’s time to fill out your federal income tax return. At that point, you may be left scratching your head. Just how do you report your investments and how are they taxed? Learn what to expect when it comes to the taxation…
January brings about an opportunity to reset and reframe the year ahead. Join us for a free financial and economic update to get 2019 off to a great start.
PROVIDING FINANCIAL WISDOM, LEADERSHIP AND PLANNING IN TUMULTUOUS TIMES
When: January 22, 2019 | 4 – 6pm
Where: Illahe Hills Country Club | 3376 Country Club Drive S. Salem, OR 97302
When investing for retirement, you’re likely to hear a lot of well-meaning guidance from family, friends, and others offering advice — even the media. As you weigh the potential benefits of any commonly cited investment rules, consider that most are designed for the average situation, which means they may be wrong as often as they’re…
Large-scale data breaches are in the news again, but that’s hardly surprising. Breaches have become more frequent — a byproduct of living in an increasingly digital world. During the first six months of 2019, the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), a nonprofit organization whose mission includes broadening public awareness of data breaches and identity theft,…
The IRS continues to encourage taxpayers to review the amount of tax they have withheld to avoid an unexpected tax surprise when they file their 2019 tax returns next year. Preliminary 2018 tax filing data seems to show the need for taxpayers to review their tax withholding in order to make sure the appropriate amount…
It’s that time of year again – back to school sales, bus drivers practicing their routes, and staff getting classrooms ready for their new students. These are the early reminders that the first day of school is just around the corner. With education on the mind, this time of year can also bring about questions…
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 included a $10,000 ($5,000 if married filing separately) cap on the amount of state and local taxes that can be claimed as an itemized deduction on Schedule A of Form 1040. If you itemize deductions that include a deduction for state and local taxes and then subsequently…
With the costs of college on the rise, establishing a savings plan early is vital. A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged education savings vehicle and one of the most popular ways to save for college today. It can also be used to save for K-12 tuition. Much like the way 401(k) plans changed the world…