Posts in Investments
How Do You Compare Target Date Funds?

Target Date funds have grown in popularity over the last decade especially inside employer benefit plans such as 401Ks.  On the surface, they all seem to be exactly the same.  First, you pick your fund based on your anticipated retirement date.  Then you let the manager handle the rest – they utilize their glide path and make the portfolio more conservative as you approach retirement.  While true, behind the scenes there are subtle differences that investors should be aware.

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Understanding Qualified Longevity Annuity Contracts (QLACs)

We have received a number of inquiries from clients recently about Qualified Longevity Annuity Contracts (QLACs). As with most types of “financial solutions,” the attractiveness of QLACs is in the eye of the beholder. Let’s take a look under the hood!

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Finance in a Flash: 2024 Tax Preparation

On this episode of Finance in a Flash we welcome a special guest to the podcast. Stephanie Murray,  Stephanie is Beacon’s Planning and Operations Manager. Stephanie is an Enrolled Agent—a federally licensed tax practitioner as well as a Certified Financial Planner™.  John and Stephanie sit down and discuss important tax forms, the tax preparation process, and much more! 

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Finance in a Flash: Get To Know Beacon: Patrick Lamprey

On this episode of Finance In A Flash,  John interviews Beacon's Client Services Representative, Patrick Lamprey. We really hope you enjoy this episode and get to know more about Patrick as he talks about his personal life, how he got into financial planning, and his time here at Beacon so far! 

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Finance in a Flash: "Which Account?" Part 1: Distributions

When it comes to taking account distributions, which account is best - IRAs, Roth IRAs, Brokerage accounts or 401k plans? Chip and John discuss tax strategies and other considerations to take into account when deciding which account to take a distribution from! 

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Finance in a Flash: Tax-Efficient Investing and the Importance of “Asset Location”

On this episode of Finance in a Flash Chip and John sit down to discuss, tax-efficient investing and the importance of “Asset Location.”  Chip and John talk about which types of investments should be held in which accounts and why that may vary based on your stage in life.  

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Teaching Your Grandkids About Money

You can definitely make a difference is with your grandchildren’s personal financial education. Teaching kids early will build a lifetime of good financial habits. How can we help them develop good financial habits? By taking advantage of the fact that they really are already watching and learning from what we do and say.

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