Blog
Continuing Care Retirement Communities: What They Cost, How They Work, and When to Start Preparing
Why Is This Conversation So Important Right Now? The U.S. is in the middle of a sustained demographic shift. More than 61 million adults are aged 65 and older as of 2025, and that number is projected to reach approximately 82 million...
Read MoreWhen Should I Start Taking Social Security: 5 Factors to Consider
Social Security decisions are often framed as a single question: “When should I start drawing benefits?” That question matters, but it can also be limiting. The better question is: how does Social Security fit into my overall...
Read MoreTeaching Teens and Young Adults Financial Literacy Through Real-Life Decision Making
If you are a parent of a teen or young adult, how do you teach them to make confident money decisions before the stakes are high? Teaching teens and young adults about money is less about formal instruction and more about repeated...
Read MoreHelping Adult Children Buy a Home: How to Gift a Down Payment The Smart Way
Key TakeawaysHere are some questions this blog aims to answer:How can parents or grandparents help with a down payment for adult children?What are ways to gift a down payment, and how do the annual gift tax exclusion and lifetime...
Read MoreThree Numbers Every Woman Should Know
Key TakeawaysHow much wealth are women on track to control in the next decade, and why does that matter?What does the life expectancy gap between women and men mean for how long money needs to last?How common is it for women to be...
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Tax Prep vs. Tax Strategy: The Difference Matters More Than You Think
Key TakeawaysTreat tax strategy as a continuous process, not a once-a-year filing exercise.Coordinate with financial and tax professionals throughout the year to identify opportunities for efficiency.Review contribution limits,...
Read MoreUnderstanding the Emotions Behind Financial Decisions
Key TakeawaysEmotions and biases might influence financial choices more often than most people realize.Behavioral patterns, such as loss aversion, familiarity bias, and herd mentality, can impact long-term results.Recognizing emotional...
Read MoreAI and the New Face of Fraud: How to Protect Your Identity and Finances in 2026
Artificial intelligence (AI) may be the most revolutionary technology of our time, with industries scrambling to embrace its possibilities. AI’s early influence seems similar to the positive disruptions brought about by past...
Read More2025 in Review and What You Should Know
As we begin a new year and consider the opportunities ahead, reflecting on the past year helps put today’s financial landscape into perspective and informs the strategies that can move us closer to our goals. 2025 was a year marked by...
Read MoreGoal Setting That Sticks: Simple Ways to Turn January Motivation into Lasting Wins
Key Takeaways and Suggestions for Successful Goal Setting Use SMART Goals for Clarity and FocusSet goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This proven method helps break big ambitions into manageable...
Read MoreYear-End Giving Strategies: Tax-Smart and Impactful
Key Takeaways A third of annual donations: About one-third of all charitable contributions are made in December. Donating before December 31 may offer tax advantages. New rules starting in 2026 (via the OBBB Act) may affect deductions...
Read MoreThe True Costs of Caring for Aging Parents
Key Takeaways Caring for aging parents is a growing reality for many Americans. The number of family caregivers in the U.S. has jumped to 63 million, a 45 percent increase over the past decade, making 1 in every 4 Americans a...
Read MoreMoney Talks: How to Use Holiday Gatherings to Start Family Financial Conversations
Key Takeaways Year-end holidays may be a good time to initiate a discussion about financial matters that may impact your family. If you have adult children, you may want to discuss your financial situation, estate strategy, and legal...
Read MoreShould You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?
Receiving a bonus, inheritance, or an increase in income often prompts a key financial question: Should I use this money to pay off my mortgage, or invest it? At first glance, the answer might seem simple. But in reality, it requires...
Read MoreA 2025 Guide to Protecting Seniors from Fraud
If you’ve found yourself stepping into a more active role in your parents’ financial lives, you’re not alone. Some of us are helping aging parents navigate everything from healthcare decisions to bill payments—and increasingly, we’re...
Read MoreSmart Moves to Consider Before Year-End
The final months of the year can sneak up quickly, and with them come deadlines, decisions, and distractions. Before the holiday season takes over your calendar, fall can be a valuable window to revisit your financial strategy and...
Read MoreBreaking Down the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: What You Need to Know
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) included lower federal income tax brackets, bigger standard deductions, and higher gift and estate tax exemptions, among other provisions. The law stipulated that some of those tax breaks would...
Read MoreWhy More Families Are Choosing to Gift Wealth Earlier—and How to Do It
Estate management isn’t just about what happens after you’re gone— it’s also about what you can do now to help manage future estate taxes, transfer wealth strategically, and attempt to create a meaningful impact during your lifetime....
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know About the 2025 Changes to Inherited IRA Rules
The rules regarding inherited IRAs have changed in the last five years, and failing to comply with the new requirements may result in IRS penalties. These changes affect people inheriting IRAs and those looking to leave retirement...
Read MoreBeyond Salary: Understanding Your Total Compensation
Compensation is more than just a number on a paycheck. Whether you're exploring new opportunities, preparing for a promotion, or evaluating your current benefits, it’s important to understand the full value of your total...
Read MoreHow Much Do You Really Know About Stock Market Indexes?
While you may follow the various stock indexes on the nightly business news, how much do you know about their histories, how they work, and why they're important? We pulled together some information and interesting facts about some of...
Read MoreHow Do You Turn Retirement Savings into a Reliable Income Strategy?
You’ve likely spent years building your retirement nest egg—saving diligently, investing wisely, and contributing to retirement accounts along the way. But transitioning from earning a paycheck to relying on your savings can feel...
Read More“The Four Most Dangerous Words In Investing Are: ‘This Time It’s Different.’” – Sir John Templeton
Despite those who say the conventional wisdom that has guided investor actions over the years is no longer valid in 2025, remember the famous quote from legendary investor Sir John Templeton: "The four most dangerous words in investing...
Read MoreWhat’s the Job Market Look Like for 2025 Graduates?
It’s graduation season—a time of celebration and new beginnings. For families with college seniors, this time can bring both excitement and uncertainty. While some graduates have jobs lined up, many others still are navigating job...
Read MoreIs It Smarter to Buy or Rent a Second Home?
As summer approaches, your thoughts may drift toward escaping your daily routine. Whether your idea of a perfect vacation is sitting on a pristine beach, fishing in a mountain lake, or playing the back nine between pickleball matches,...
Read MoreAre You Making the Most of the Insights Within Your Tax Return?
Your tax return is more than just numbers—it’s a roadmap to smarter financial decisions. Every tax return is unique, offering insights into how effectively your financial strategy is working for you. A professional review might help...
Read MoreFrom College Acceptances to Affordability: Considerations for Families in the Final Stretch
April is a pivotal time in the college admissions process. After years of preparation, saving, and investing—not to mention the countless hours spent on exam prep, campus visits, and perfecting applications and essays—the finish line...
Read MoreSpring Into Financial Wellness: Actionable Steps for Financial Literacy Month
April isn’t just about filing taxes—it’s also Financial Literacy Month, a perfect opportunity to reflect on your financial habits, expand your knowledge, and take meaningful steps toward improving your financial well-being. Whether...
Read More3/25 10 Things You Can Do Now to Help Simplify Your Estate for Your Heirs
One of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones is a thoughtful estate strategy that outlines your wishes after you are gone. Discussing estate details with your team of professionals is another way to help manage your legacy...
Read MoreThe Evolving Role of Women in Family Finances
March is Women’s History Month, and according to a recent survey, 49% of women consider themselves to be the chief financial officer of their households, up from 41% in 2021.1 Those numbers are even more impressive when you consider...
Read MoreDon’t Leave Money Behind: Finding Your Missing 401(k)s
You've worked hard throughout your life to build assets to support your retirement. As financial professionals, one of the most critical functions we provide is helping clients determine their retirement income needs and structuring a...
Read MoreTax Season Brings a New Wave of Identity Theft Risks
Tax season brings a new wave of identity theft risks, with criminals ready to exploit your personal data to file fraudulent tax returns in your name. Imagine the shock of discovering that a criminal beat you to filing your...
Read More10 Facts You May Not Know About Social Security
Social Security is often misunderstood or underestimated in retirement strategy. However, as financial professionals, we've seen how it can play a crucial role in our clients' overall financial strategy, regardless of their income...
Read MoreInnovative New Year's Resolutions: Financial and Personal Growth Strategies for 2025
Looks like New Year's resolutions are still going strong in 2025! A recent Pew survey found that about a third of Americans kicked off the year with at least one resolution, and many people actually went for multiple goals. It's...
Read MoreKey Financial Insights from 2024 and Looking Ahead to 2025
As we approach the end of 2024, it's an opportune time to reflect on the year's financial developments and consider what 2025 may bring. We believe in understanding both the past and potential future of our economic landscape, which...
Read MoreNavigating Healthcare Costs in Retirement: Life After Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance
As you approach retirement, a critical aspect of your retirement strategy can catch even the most financially savvy individuals off guard: healthcare costs. For decades, you may have enjoyed employer-sponsored health insurance. As...
Read MoreA Different Kind of Year-End Review: 10 Steps to Reflect and Recharge
Financial professionals typically have a year-round focus on monetary goals and wealth management strategies. However, we also believe that true financial well-being is intrinsically linked to your overall life satisfaction and...
Read MoreYear-End Giving Strategies: Maximizing Your Impact
America is a generous country. People with diverse backgrounds can unite for a good cause, whether to benefit their local communities or the broader world. As we enter the holiday season, now is a great time to think about your giving...
Read MoreExploring the Financial Impact of Electric Vehicles
As financial professionals, we’ve noticed a trend among our clients: an increasing interest in electric vehicles (EVs). To help address some of your questions, we’ve compiled this high-level guide to provide insights into the...
Read MoreSafeguarding Your Identity: Essential Tips for Financial Security
Statistics show that nearly 33% of Americans have faced some identity theft attempts in their lives, and experts estimate there is a new case of identity theft every 22 seconds. As financial professionals, one of our primary goals is...
Read MoreNavigating the Recent Federal Reserve Rate Cut: Implications and Reassurances
The Federal Reserve's recent decision to cut interest rates by 50 basis points has sent ripples through financial markets. While this move is intended to stimulate economic growth, it may also have implications for various aspects of...
Read MoreThe Impact of Elections on the Markets and Tax Policy
The Impact of Elections on the Markets and Tax Policy With Labor Day behind us, we're in the final stretch of the 2024 presidential election race. As we follow the news and parse the most recent polls, some may ask, "How might what...
Read MoreDon’t Be A Victim Of The Retirement Crisis
Don’t Be A Victim Of The Retirement Crisis If you think the United States has a retirement crisis, you are not alone. A recent survey found that 79% of working-age Americans believe the same thing. That percentage is up from 67% in...
Read MoreArtificial Intelligence’s Influence on the Investing Landscape
In 1999, Bill Gates wrote, “How you gather, manage, and use information will determine whether you win or lose.” Companies looking to be successful in the future should heed these words when making decisions about implementing...
Read MorePreparing to Send a Child Off to College? Don't Forget These Important Topics
Sending a child off to college is a major milestone for any family, whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or close friend. It’s an exciting time, filled with anticipation and perhaps a bit of trepidation. There’s so much to do, and...
Read MoreDo You Know About the New Filing Requirements for Small Business Owners?
If you are a small business owner—or plan to be one—you should be aware of a new reporting requirement. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), passed in 2021, changed beneficial ownership rules, which is expected to impact 32 million...
Read MoreTen Common Estate Strategy Mistakes You Should Avoid
Legacy preparation can play a key role in any financial strategy. Legacy management lets you consider what happens to everything you’ve accumulated—and may continue to accumulate—throughout your lifetime. But far too often, we’ve seen...
Read MoreFinancial Wedding Tips for a Memorable “I Do”
As we enter the traditional wedding month of June, we wanted to explore the range of expenses that can be related to this special event. The average US wedding costs $35,0001 According to The Knot Real Weddings Study of nearly 10,000...
Read MoreThe Evolving Relationship Between Stocks and Bonds
Sir John Templeton once said, “The four most expensive words in investing are: ‘This time it’s different.'” And normally, we would agree. But the phrase “This time it’s different” may apply to what's happened in financial markets in...
Read MoreIdentity Protection Strategies – Are You Doing Enough To Keep Your Information Safe?
There isn’t a week that goes by when you don’t read about some data breach. Safeguarding your personal information starts with understanding cybersecurity risks, knowing what to look for, and doing everything you can to help protect...
Read MoreHow Much Do You Need To Retire?
A few years ago, there were ads from financial services companies asking, “What’s your number?” The number was the money you needed to retire comfortably. This was an effective way for financial services companies to get people...
Read MoreThe Most Unloved Bull Market in History?
What is a bull market, and more importantly, who determines if we are in one?Technically speaking, a bull market is defined as a 20% gain in a stock market index, such as the Standard & Poor's 500, from a closing low.So are we in one?...
Read MoreHappy Mother's Day
Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 14th. Wishing all you moms and mom-substitutes a very Happy Mother’s Day! I want to pay tribute to my mom, Marie Louise Sapp. She was born January 31, 1926, and passed away January 25, 2020
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Happy Thanksgiving! Black Friday and Crashes
Dear Client Family and Friends:Tomorrow is Thanksgiving – a time for gathering with loved ones and observing gratitude. I imagine that the warmth of a holiday meal probably beckons . . . As you gather around the table...
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October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
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Ways to Prevent Elder Financial Fraud
If you’re like most people, you don’t spend much time worrying about whether you’ll become a victim of financial fraud. Unfortunately, this overconfidence can leave you vulnerable. While financial fraud is a...
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1% Moves in S&P 500
If you’ve felt like stock prices were a little more volatile in 2022 than in recent years, your “spidey senses” are right on the money.The S&P 500 has posted 81 daily moves of at least 1% through August. Of those...
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Happy Labor Day Weekend | Economic Update | The Behavior Gap and Your Financial Health
Dear Client Family and Friends:I try not to overwhelm you with a lot of stuff in your inbox, but because of the market volatility, I thought I would send the “Weekly Economic Update for August 29, 2022”. I’m...
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Could Seasonal Employment in Retirement be Right for You?
Many retirees who want to earn some extra income without committing to a regular part-time job explore seasonal employment. For a couple weeks or months out of the year, you could try something new, put your professional skills to good...
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Develop a Family Bucket List
Summer flies by fast, but if you're a parent, you probably feel like your kids are growing up even faster. The hustle and bustle of raising and supporting your family can make it tough to find time to get away. But if you don't start...
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Happy Independence Day! | How to Handle Market Declines | Behavior Gap and Your Financial Health
However you choose to celebrate the Fourth of July 2022, please, please, do it safely. I hope you wear your “red, white and blue” proudly, and remember that the “freedom” we cherish in this country is certainly not free.
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Space Mountain or Thunder Mountain
I never cared much for Space Mountain at Disney. My stomach lining was more agreeable with Thunder Mountain. The Whipsawing (like Space Mountain) we have experienced in the market of late is very uncomfortable. I get that. We all know t
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Year-End Financial Checklist
Your Year-End Financial Checklist Aspects of your financial life to review as the year draws to a close. The end of the year can help remind us of last-minute things we need to address and the goals we want to pursue. To that end, here...
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Happy Hanukkah
For my friends that celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, I wish you a joyous time with family and friends – lots of Hanukkah songs, dreidels and traditional foods to make your celebration complete. Happy Hanukkah!
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Happy Thanksgiving
This Thanksgiving I challenge you to look at the glass half full. Look at what you have and not what you don’t have. Tell the people you love, well, that you love them. Tell the people who support you with services how much you...
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Give yourself a gift
Annual Financial To-Do List Things you can do for your future as the year unfolds. What financial, business, or life priorities do you need to address for the coming year? Now is an excellent time to think about the investing, saving,...
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Celebrating Life
October 16th I was very privileged to attend the birthday party for my client and friend, Sandi Van Buskirk. I was honored to make a toast highlighting her career accomplishments (retired founder of Software Synergy, Inc.) and her...
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Ending the Week with a Smile
Last Friday the Second Saturday Broward team was debriefing after our most recent Second Saturday Divorce Workshop. Our Web Master, Eric Sachs, is a new, first time Dad, and we were anxious to see more than just a picture of baby Jude....
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Social Security Administration Announces 5.9% COLA for 2022
On October 13, 2021, the Social Security Administration (SSA) officially announced that Social Security recipients will receive a 5.9 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2022, the largest increase in four decades. This...
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The Shred Party
The Shred Party What should you get rid of and hold on to? When and why? Provided by Luana Mobley Corral, CFP®, CFS™, CLTC™, BFA™ If a shred party happens to spring up in your area, you may want to mark your...
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Happy Passover! Happy Easter! IRS Extends Tax Deadlines; Inflation Boogeyman; Have a Plan
Happy Passover! Happy Easter! IRS Extends Tax Deadlines; Inflation Boogeyman; Have a Plan, Not Just a Stock Portfolio
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Meeting Life's Transitions: How to navigate change with confidence and resilience
Yesterday I had the great pleasure of participating in the 2021 Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce’s Conference "Excuse Me, That's My Seat". While the audience was primarily women, the content was relevant to just about everyone.
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NFLPA Fireside Chat with Magic Johnson
On Wednesday, February 3, 2021, I had the distinct pleasure of watching the NFLPA's Fireside Chat with Magic Johnson which kicked off the fifth annual NFLPA Pitch Day. He made things clear. Success on the field does not guarantee you...
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Happy New Year!
I WISH YOU ENOUGH! This story was adapted from one I received in an email long ago. The original source is unknown. Enjoy and Happy New Year!
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End of Year Money Moves and Year End Estate Strategies
December 22, 2020 Dear Client Family and Friends: If you celebrated the Festival of Lights, I hope it was a joyful time for you and your family. Belated Happy Hanukkah. Whether you celebrate the birth of Christ or just the magic of...
Read MoreHappy Thanksgiving
Dear Client Family and Friends, 2020 has been a tough year all around. Our physical, mental, and spiritual health has been challenged by the coronavirus pandemic. If you are like me, you are ready for COVID-19 to be put in its place....
Read MoreHow elections move markets in 5 charts
Despite COVID-19 – life moves on. The election is about 2 weeks away - I’m attaching a piece from American Funds about how elections move the markets.
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NFL Players Lose a Major Retirement Plan Benefit
The NFL is dealing with uncertainties heading into Week 4. The Tennessee Titans played the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. On Tuesday, the Titan’s COVID-19 testing results revealed three new player positives and five new personnel...
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August 31, 2020 Deadline for Returning Unwanted RMDs Approaching Fast
In June, I let you know that you can return unwanted 2020 Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) before August 31, 2020. This applies to RMDs taken from your IRA accounts and your Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan accounts. As a review...
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A Cup of Coffee with Associated: Employee Benefits Go Virtual
I am pleased to share the latest video in the series "A Cup of Coffee with Associated" in which Benefits Practice Leader Logan Mondshein discusses how businesses can take their employee benefits virtual.
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Are Your Group Health Renewal Rates Sky High? Consider this alternative: Level-Funding.
If you are like most small employers, you are always looking for ways to control your group health insurance costs. Employers with at least ten full-time employees are exploring other funding options in the insurance market that will...
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Happy Independence Day!
Our office will be closed on July 3rd in commemoration of Independence Day. Have a safe holiday as you celebrate with just the right amount of social connectedness and physical distancing. Happy Independence Day!
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Unwanted 2020 RMD can be returned before August 31, 2020
June 23, 2020, IRS released IRS Notice 2020-51. It allows unwanted 2020 Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) to be returned before August 31, 2020. Previously, only RMD’s taken between 2/1 and 5/15 could be returned by 7/15/2020...
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NFL Rookies Are Now Being Enrolled in 401(k) Savings Plan. Here’s Our Advice.
Last week, the AIS Sports team participated in the NFLPA 2020 Virtual Conference Series’ Boot Camp for Financial Advisors and Agents. We attended in-person in San Diego last year, but due to Covid-19, the 2020 annual NFLPA event...
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Logan Mondshein Rejoins Associated to Lead Employee Benefits Division
While Associated is still saddened by the sudden passing of longtime partner and friend, Marc Weiss, the firm announced Logan Mondshein would rejoin the team as Employee Benefit Practice Leader. “No one will ever replace Marc...
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What is Your Return to Work Action Plan?
The coronavirus pandemic has interrupted many businesses across the country. While it's unclear how long COVID-19 will continue to affect organizations, many employers are looking to the future of employees returning to work. It was...
Read MoreIn Memory of Marc Weiss
Last month, Associated Financial Consultants and Investor Services unexpectedly lost a close team member. Marc Weiss passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2020 from a health issue, unrelated to the coronavirus. Marc was a beloved,...
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A financial crisis, divorce, and irrational decision-making
A financial crisis causes stress like any other crisis – divorce, a health crisis, or anything else that disrupts your life. We feel this financial crisis and what is happening in the economy is not a structural or cyclical event...
Read MoreInvesting against the tide
I ran across this piece from Capital Group|American Funds that provides some historical perspective about the markets. It is an article written in 1974 by Jim Fullerton, Former Capital Group Chairman. While the circumstances we face...
Read MoreHow to Handle Market Declines, RMD's Waived
Dear Client Family and Friends: First, I want to wish you all a Happy Passover or Happy Easter, as applies to you. I love this season because the Christian and Jewish traditions intersect. I pray that as you gather your families...
Read MoreThe CARES Act: Should I Take a Penalty Free Withdrawal or Loan from my 401K?
While many are focusing on The CARES Act’s one-time relief payment of $1,200 or $2,400 (plus $500 for each qualified child), 401K/403B/457 participants and IRA owners may wish to focus on the provisions which loosen access to...
Read MoreSmall Business Owner's Guide to The Cares Act
I am sure you are aware that the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by the President on March 27, 2020. It included many provisions for individuals and businesses alike. Attached you will find...
Read MoreChecking in
How are you doing in your quest to keep the appropriate social distance to fight Covid-19? I received an email from our Nationwide representative. He wanted to share a few resources for me, my loved ones and my clients during these...
Read MoreA message from Associated Financial Consultants & Investor Services
To our valued clients, friends and family, In light of recent worldwide events which have had significant impact on the markets, all of us at Associated Financial Consultants & Investor Services wanted to reach out to remind you that...
Read MoreUpdate on the Markets
Wednesday, March 18, 2020 Dear Client Family and Friends, I never cared much for Space Mountain at Disney. My stomach lining was more agreeable with Thunder Mountain. The Whipsawing (similar to Space Mountain) we have experienced in...
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New NFL CBA Approved
On Sunday, March 15, 2020, the new NFL CBA was approved through 2030. The vote was certainly a close margin (1,019 to 959). While some players may still be debating the contents of the deal (and it may contain some decisions that are...
Read MoreContext Regarding Market Volatility
Attached you will find a chart titled "Annual returns and intra-year declines". It shows that despite average intra-year declines of 13.8%, annual returns are positive in 30 of 40 years. This demonstrates that because the market is...
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