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.
Read MoreAs we close out 2024, it is a good time to think ahead about the coming year. Below are the 2025 Income tax brackets for all taxpayers.
Read MoreSince 2001, individuals over the age of 50 have been allowed to make "catch-up" contributions to their 401(k) plans, IRAs, and Roth IRAs. This provision was designed by Congress to give those nearing retirement the opportunity to boost their savings in tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Now, starting in 2025, new legislation will extend these opportunities even further.
Read MorePlacing a security freeze on your credit with each agency is the only way to prevent someone from obtaining credit in your name without your consent. Here we discuss how to execute a credit freeze and the drawbacks to this strategy.
Read MorePortfolio rebalancing is an integral part of the investment management process. On this episode of Finance In A Flash, Chip and John sit down to talk about the concept of rebalancing and discuss the benefits of implementing a portfolio rebalancing strategy.
Read MoreOn 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!
Read MoreBeacon recently hosted a live webinar for clients and friends where we discussed financial markets and year-end planning opportunities! Check out this webinar to get our take.
Read MoreWhen it comes to investing, the relationship between risk and reward has held steady over time. It is important for investors to understand this relationship when constructing an enduring portfolio.
Read MoreInvesting is as much a psychological journey as it is a financial one. While market dynamics, economic indicators, and personal preferences play crucial roles in investment decisions, understanding and managing behavioral issues is equally important.
Read MoreNow, more than ever, we are recommending 529 Plans as a way to save for college. When Congress passed the SECURE 2.0 Act in 2022, they introduced new rules relating to 529 plans. The new law now allows for tax and penalty-free rollovers from a 529 plan to a Roth IRA!
Read MoreOn this episode of Finance in a Flash, Chip and John explore why we prefer mutual funds and ETFs versus individual stocks!
Read MoreOn 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!
Read MoreGetting married is one of the biggest decisions of any persons life. On this episode of Finance in a Flash, Chip interviews John to discuss making financial decision as newly weds.
Read MoreFor better or worse, the financial decisions that young adults make have an ongoing impact on their lives. On this episode of Finance in a Flash, Chip and John give some advice to recent graduates on how to build a solid financial foundation.
Read MoreMaking the decision to retire is a difficult one. On this episode of Chip and John discuss the moving parts, many unknowns and variables that are at play that can impact the outcome and ultimately the probability of a successful retirement.
Read MoreOn this episode of Finance in a Flash, Chip and John discuss a few situations that might warrant selling an investment and some rules of thumb to consider when deciding on whether to sell an investment!
Read MoreIs it best to contribute to your company sponsored 401k plan, a Roth IRA, or a personal brokerage account? The answer depends on many factors. Chip and John hash out some of those factors on this episode of Finance in a Flash!
Read MoreWhen 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!
Read MoreOn 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.
Read MoreWhen it comes to financial planning, one of the easiest and most important things to accomplish is an overall review of your estate plan. We suggest that you review your estate plan every couple of years or when there are changes in your family that may impact your estate planning. Here is a checklist of estate planning items to review that may be helpful.
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