Q&A: What is Your Client’s Average Portfolio Size and Life Stage? (2025 Update)
We have a large distribution of clients at all portfolio sizes and, surprisingly, have all life stages nearly equally represented.
State-Level Estate and Inheritance Tax
In 2024, there are 18 states that have some form of death taxes.
2025 Contribution Limits
Even though it doesn’t feel like it sometimes, contribution limits are indexed to inflation.
Bank Fraud Texts: Service or Scam?
These are all reasons why it is best to ignore strange text messages entirely.
Election Cycle Sentiments are Unlikely to Produce Long-Term Returns
The immediate post-election trades in the markets appear to include a number of speculative trades based on expectations of what might do well now that Trump has won the presidency.
A Christmas Sermon from David Marotta
This 2008 article is an uplifting, timeless sermon.
New Roth i401(k) at Schwab
As part of SECURE Act 2.0 legislation, an Individual Roth 401(k) plan is a new account registration type available to Schwab clients.
How to See Your Schwab RMD Online (2024 Update)
On June 2024, Schwab provided an update about viewing and taking your RMD on Schwab.com.
Q&A: How Should I Invest My Cash?
Our recommendation is to keep money that may be needed within the next six months invested in a money market fund.
How to See Closed Account Information at Schwab
If closing an account at Schwab is in line with your goals, take comfort in knowing that you are able to close your accounts at Schwab without losing access to your important documents.
Distribute Your First 401(k) RMD in April or December?
Within employer-sponsored retirement plans, there are special provisions for employees (not owners) who continue to work beyond their typical required beginning date.
How to Set Beneficiaries on Your HSA with Fidelity
Once you’ve open an HSA and have started making contributions, it is important that you set beneficiary designations on the account.
Q&A: Wash Sale: VFIAX and VOO?
The IRS has very limited case law on what constitutes a substantially different fund. However, here is what we do in our own trading.
How the Kiddie Tax is Calculated
Some investable assets in the name of the child can currently keep $2,300 of unearned income from the tax rate of the parents.
Can Taxable Life Insurance Benefits Contribute to an IRA?
If you have this fringe employer or former employer benefit, I hope you are able to take advantage of making small Roth IRA contributions throughout your retirement.
Comparing Vanguard Total Market Fund Strategies (VT vs. VTI and VXUS)
By adding a little complexity and blending a portfolio of VTI and VXUS, you create the opportunity for three layers of benefits.
Protect Yourself By Silencing Unknown Callers (Android)
Once you have a smart phone, you can prevent the ringer from ringing unless the person calling you is listed in your phone. This article explains how to silence unknown callers on an Android phone.
Why I-Bonds May Not Be As Great As They Seem
If you’re thinking about buying an I Bond, make sure it fits properly into your financial plan, and you aren’t just chasing the high interest rate.
Two Ways to Fix Social Security Filing Mistakes
If you are still in your 60s, the good news is your decision doesn’t have to be permanent. You actually have two ways in which you can change your benefit amount.
Who Should Own My Child’s 529 Account to Assist the FAFSA?
With the grandparents as the owner rather than the parent, the student may have a better chance of receiving financial aid.
What Happens to Your College Savings Plan When You Receive a Scholarship?
What will happen to all the money I have saved for her college expenses now that she doesn’t need it?