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 the year winds down, it is always a good idea to review your tax situation to determine if there are ways to reduce your tax liability or take advantage of financial planning opportunities that may exist. Here are several items that may warrant consideration prior to the end of the year.
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 MoreMany underestimate their understanding of basic financial matters, leading to a lack of confidence and possibly anxiety. In reality, there is really just one simple “secret formula” that people who are financially successful do—they Pay Themselves First.
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 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 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 MoreYou 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.
Read MoreWe explore the four elements of an investor's risk profile - risk capacity, risk required, risk tolerance and risk perception. Understanding each type of risk is an essential element of building an investment portfolio that can both meet your specific investment needs, while allowing you to sleep easy during times of personal and financial stress.
Read MoreInterest rates have risen significantly over the course of the last year. So, you would expect that interest rates on savings and money market accounts would have followed suit. However, it seems that many banks have yet to adjust the interest rates they pay to customers on deposit accounts like savings and money market.
Read MoreBeacon recently hosted a live webinar to update clients and friends about the financial markets and current economic conditions. We also provided some financial planning strategies to consider that could have a meaningful impact over the long term.
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