Investments

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) for Inherited IRAs

2024-03-21T16:51:26-04:00March 21st, 2024|Blog, Financial Planning, Investments|

If you inherited a traditional or Roth IRA, you may be confused about the requirements for distributing funds from these accounts. Rules around inherited IRAs have shifted in the past few years, complicating the process. Additionally, there are different rules for several different classes of beneficiaries. However, following the rules of inherited IRAs can [...]

5 Ways to Manage Economic Uncertainty

2023-11-30T11:57:02-05:00November 20th, 2023|Blog, Investments|

As we race towards 2024, more and more clients are asking me: where is the economy headed, and what can we expect to see in the stock market? Of course, I think everyone knows that even those who watch and study the economy can't predict the future. However, I think my clients are seeking [...]

Elm3’s Guide to Investing in a 401(k)

2023-07-17T19:06:10-04:00July 17th, 2023|401k, Blog, Financial Planning, Investments, Retirement|

While earlier generations may have relied on pension plans to fund their retirement, most workplaces have moved towards defined contribution rather than defined benefit plans. Many pension plans were defined benefit plans, which promised a certain benefit at retirement. These plans required employers to assume the risk that the invested funds would underperform the [...]

How to Protect Your Bank Deposits

2023-05-11T14:56:28-04:00March 17th, 2023|Blog, Financial Planning, Investments|

With Silicon Valley and Signature Bank failing during the past week, many savers are concerned about their bank deposits. Are your banks at risk of failing? What happens to your money in the event of a bank collapse? It may help to better understand the reasons behind the recent bank failures. For starters, Silicon [...]

Elm3’s Guide to Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

2023-07-17T19:05:26-04:00December 9th, 2022|Blog, Investments, Retirement|

Many of us contribute to IRAs, 401(k)s, or other tax-deferred retirement accounts. These accounts allow investors to contribute tax deductible dollars that will then grow tax-free, until withdrawals are taxed in retirement. To ensure that taxes are eventually paid on these funds, the IRS requires holders of tax-deferred accounts to take Required Minimum Distributions [...]

4 Steps for Weathering a Stock Market Storm

2023-05-11T14:58:14-04:00September 23rd, 2022|Blog, Investments|

4 Steps for Weathering a Stock Market Storm By: Stacey Nickens I love watching The Titanic. I love the romance. I love the suspense. I love the emotional catharsis I feel every time I watch the film. However, just because I adore a movie about a ship sinking, doesn't mean I ever want to be on [...]

What are Dividend Aristocrat stocks?

2023-05-11T14:59:09-04:00August 25th, 2022|Blog, Investments|

What are Dividend Aristocrat stocks? By: Stacey Nickens Income-oriented investors often look for stocks with strong dividend yields and consistent dividend payments. Investing in a stock with those attributes can allow you to maintain a fairly consistent income stream in your investment portfolio, regardless of broader market volatility. In looking for income-paying stocks, you [...]

Elm3’s Guide to Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

2023-05-11T14:59:37-04:00July 28th, 2022|Blog, Investments|

Elm3's Guide to Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) By: Stacey Nickens As investors, we are always inundated with reminders to diversify our portfolios. Diversification involves adding lots of companies to your portfolio, such that your portfolio is exposed to a variety of company sizes, company styles, and sectors. Diversifying your portfolio helps create stability. If one [...]

Elm3’s Guide to Roth Contributions and Conversions

2023-07-24T12:41:20-04:00March 7th, 2022|Blog, Financial Planning, Investments|

Roth IRAs are popular savings vehicles because they could reduce your taxable income in retirement. You contribute after-tax dollars to a Roth IRA or 401(k), meaning that eventual distributions likely will not be taxed. There are a number of reasons to contribute to a Roth IRA or 401(k): You can hedge against increased taxes. [...]

Do I Pay Off My Mortgage or Invest?

2023-05-11T15:15:10-04:00February 4th, 2022|Blog, Financial Planning, Investments|

Do I Pay Off My Mortgage or Invest? By: Stacey Nickens Perhaps you came into an inheritance or a bonus recently. Perhaps you have extra money sitting in your bank savings account. Either way, with extra cash on hand, you may ask yourself: Should I use this money to pay off my mortgage, or [...]