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Blog

A Blog is a terrible thing to waste! Therefore we will try to post relevant information from our many Reps for our many people. Whether it’s ideas from the investment services world or concepts from the financial industry, you can read about it here. And once in a while, we may throw in a movie review or some other surprise. So keep checking in, we’re glad to have you reading along and appreciate any thought or comments that you would like to share with us.

Friday, January 7, 2022

YOUR 4% WITHDRAWAL STRATEGY MAY NOT BE ENOUGH Get the Tax Guidance You Need to Help Live the Retirement You Desire There’s a lot of concern among industry experts about whether the popular 4% withdrawal rule can provide enough income...

Thursday, March 25, 2021

My buddy Rob West did a great knowledge downloads on I-Bonds, Well worth listening to! https://moneywiselive.org/episodes/taking-interest-in-i-bonds?fbclid=IwAR2ZTkwFboiv4i-OreegvtqxTgHLnmB-HSny_qIPwAB0V3A32b2YpSXzCss

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Interesting article about Capital Gains tax might be taxed at ordinary Income tax rates

Thursday, December 31, 2020

I thought this was a great and funny video. I loved the comment, when you are young get a new wife and an old car! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yig2etl02k0

Monday, December 28, 2020

Only a few days remain to be sure you are able to take advantage of the 2020 CARES Act above the line deduction of up to $600 for married couple ($300 for single) to your favorite church or charity. This is a huge benefit for the...

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Sunday, December 27, 2020

This is a letter that P&L sent to clients last year with some good tax planning tips. Please take a look at it and give me a call if you would like to discuss further: Donor Giving

Monday, October 5, 2020

Just ANOTHER reminder to call us at 219.531.9519 to start a 529 plan for your child or grandchild. For Indiana residents; a tax break may apply. AND 529s receive the more favorable parent treatment on FASFA....

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Please take a look at this great retirement article: Retirement Realities

Friday, September 18, 2020

Higher income could translate into higher Medicare rates. Higher income can happen because of a Roth Conversion, RMDs, Second Home Sale or other Capital Sale, taxable inheritances. Please talk to us before making financial decisions....

Thursday, September 17, 2020

I have been talking to many clients about Roth Conversions so I thought I would post this to the Blog. Also it is a big Illinois savings now, since Retirement Income is Tax Free. I am not sure how long this will last, I believe a...

Friday, November 29, 2019

Thanksgiving is behind us and Christmas is coming quickly. NOW is the time for year-end planning both for taxes and Investment work. Please talk to your Advisor about Roth Conversions, Safe Harbor, Donor Funds and other things that...

Monday, November 11, 2019

A designation that is being recognized in the financial industry is one that I hold, the CKA. Here is an interesting news article that explains the designation and gives some more information. Therefore in the financial industry I hold...

Thursday, October 31, 2019

I know the title sounds like the opening line of the old TV Series Dragnet, "The Names have been changed to protect..." but the reality is that our Broker Dealer name has been changed from HD Vest to Avantax Wealth ManagementSM . It is...

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Attached is a White Paper that we wrote about the New Tax Law and how it effects on itemization. There is a great strategy laid out that we have discussed with many clients that might be useful to you. Please contact us to schedule a...

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

I was going to write an explanation of why under the new tax law it is a great time to do a Roth Conversion. But then as part of my research I stumbled acroos an article that probably does a better job than I ever could, entitled The...

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

A donor-advised fund is like a charitable investment account, for the sole purpose of supporting charitable organizations you care about. When you contribute cash, securities or other assets to a donor-advised fund at a public charity...

Thursday, October 4, 2018

DO YOU NEED TO PERFORM A PAYCHECK CHECK-UP? The Tax Act and Jobs Act made significant changes to the tax law, including changing the tax rates and brackets, increasing the standard deductions, eliminating personal exemptions,...

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Richard Morowczynski 11:36 AM (18 minutes ago) to Paul Get Ready for Medicare Open Enrollment! When? - October 15th 2018 through December 07th, 2018 Why? - It's your chance to review your current coverage and see if you need to make...

Saturday, September 8, 2018

I thought this was a good article. I think every client should read this. I would be happy to discuss with you because I believe we can really help you with this! https://www.usatoday...

Friday, August 24, 2018

HSA's otherwise known as Health Savings Accounts are a wonderful way to help save for current and future healthcare expenses. HSA's enjoy a Triple Tax Advantage A. Contributions are tax deductible B Earnings (within the account)...

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

This year we had every client look at our wall and read our 5 points to Financial Soundness: 1. Spend less than you make 2. Avoid Debt 3. Have an Emergency Fund 4. Have a Plan 5. Realized you simply need to manage what you have.

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Check out this article about Law Change Credit Freeze

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

The kids are gone and now summer is not your only season to vacation. One idea you might want to consider for adding a revenue stream is renting out your home while you jet off on an adventure. You can make your empty nest situation...

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Dear Client, May 2018 Tax Season is behind us, Extensions are ahead for October. We are thankful for many new clients (which we accept only by referral from our current clients) and are looking forward to establishing long-term...

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Below are few ideas that we would like you to consider. Please contact us with comments or questions. Also please send us your ideas so that we can share. Use Costco (4%) or Sam’s Club (5%) Charge Card wherever you buy gas...

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

I have read a few articles and thought I would share a few ideas. I like it when someone takes complicated ideas and put them in a few simple steps. Here are 5 things to look for in an Advisor: 1. The Advisor talks openly and honestly...

Monday, May 16, 2016

Ideas to Consider and Discuss with P&L Backdoor Roth: In our opinion Roth accounts are the greatest thing since sliced bread because Roth accounts grow Tax-Free forever. This is a great benefit. Many people cannot fund a Roth directly...

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

I attended a Seminar and was very impressed by a concept which I thought was a great idea. It is very simple and I believe everyone should have one. In short it is a USB Memory Drive on a Key which can be placed on your key ring which...

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Many people ask about Marginal Tax Rates. Therefore I have posted a chart for 2015. Please contact me with any questions. Table 1. 2015 Taxable Income Brackets and Rates Rate Single Filers Married Joint Filers Head of Household Filers...

Saturday, March 5, 2016

It just became a lot expensive for taxpayers to not file their tax returns. Among other tax-related changes, the new Trade Facilitation and Enforcement Act of 2015, a measure authorizing U.S. Customs and Border Protection, increases...

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Phone Scams Continue to be a Serious Threat, Remain on IRS “Dirty Dozen” List of Tax Scams for the 2016 Filing Season WASHINGTON — Aggressive and threatening phone calls by criminals impersonating IRS agents remain a...

Monday, January 18, 2016

I thought this was very well done. There are some good lessons in this article: http://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/saving/T065-S001-personal-finance-lessons-from-star-wars/index.html?rid=EML

Monday, January 18, 2016

1. Spend Less than you Make. 2. Avoid the use of Debt. 3. Retain an Emergency Fund 4. Have a Long Term Plan. 5. Realize that this is a Stewardship Responsibility.

Monday, January 18, 2016

The rate for business miles driven is 54 cents per mile for 2016, down from 57.5 cents per mile in 2015.

Monday, January 18, 2016

Congress finally took action in late December and passed a tax extender bill formally known as the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 (PATH), which was then signed into law. Retroactive to January 1, 2015, many tax...

Monday, November 9, 2015

Hybrid Product VS Traditional Long Term Care Insurance We are strong believers in Long Term Care Insurance since Paul’s father was in Long Term Care for about 10 years. In addition, we have worked with many clients that have been...

Monday, November 9, 2015

What interest will I get if I buy an I bond now? The composite rate for I bonds issued from November 1, 2015, through April 30, 2016, is 1.64%. This rate applies for the first six months you own the bond. How do I bonds earn interest?...

Monday, November 9, 2015

Not a Quack but a QLAC! QLAC – Qualified Longevity Annuity Contract – New Retirement Product! With the possibility of a quarter-century or more of retirement, many Americans fear they may outlive their money. The government has...

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

The End of File & Suspend for Married Couples A great claiming strategy to try & optimize Social Security benefits disappears. Provided by www.HDVReps.com Congress just changed the Social Security benefit rules. On October 30, Capitol...