Blog
Mid-Year Is a Good Time to Fine-Tune Your Finances
May 27, 2020
The first part of 2020 was rocky, but there should be better days ahead. Taking a close look at your finances may give you the foundation you need to begin moving forward. Mid-year is an ideal time to do so, because the planning opportunities are potentially greater than if you waited until the end of…
Four Questions on the Roth Five-Year Rule
May 27, 2020
The Roth “five-year rule” typically refers to when you can take tax-free distributions of earnings from your Roth IRA, Roth 401(k), or other work-based Roth account. The rule states that you must wait five years after making your first contribution, and the distribution must take place after age 59½, when you become disabled, or when…
Investor Psychology: Behavioral Biases That Can Lead to Costly Mistakes
May 27, 2020
The field of behavioral finance focuses on the emotional and cognitive aspects of investing. In recent decades, well-known economists have advanced the theory that investors’ decisions can be driven by human emotions such as greed and fear, which helps explain why asset prices sometimes fluctuate erratically.1 It can be difficult to act rationally when your…
Five Key Benefits of the CARES Act for Individuals and Businesses
April 24, 2020
By now you know that Congress has passed a $2 trillion relief bill to help keep individuals and businesses afloat during these difficult times. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act contains many provisions. Here are five that may benefit you or your business. 1. Recovery Rebates Many Americans will receive a one-time…
Why You Might Need Disability Income Insurance
April 24, 2020
Your ability to earn an income may be your most valuable asset. It might be difficult to make ends meet if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. According to one report, only 34% of men and 20% of women said they felt extremely confident in supporting their households during a period…
Will vs. Trust: Know the Difference
April 24, 2020
Wills and trusts are common documents used in estate planning. While each can help in the distribution of assets at death, there are important differences between the two. What Is a Will? A last will and testament is a legal document that lets you direct how your property will be dispersed (among other things) when you…
Keeping Cool: Investment Strategy vs. Reaction
March 25, 2020
After losing ground in 2018, U.S. stocks had a banner year in 2019, with the S&P 500 gaining almost 29% — the highest annual increase since 2013.1 It’s too early to know how 2020 will turn out, but it’s been rocky so far, and you can count on market swings to challenge your patience as an…
How Long Should You Keep Financial Records?
March 25, 2020
Once tax season is over, you may want to file your most recent records and discard older records to make room for the new ones. According to the IRS, personal tax records should be kept for three years after filing your return or two years after the taxes were paid, whichever is later.* (Different rules…
Social Security May Offer a Lifetime of Protection
March 25, 2020
Social Security is much more than a retirement program. Most Americans are protected by the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) program — the official name of Social Security — from birth through old age. Here are four times in your life when Social Security might matter to you or the people you care about….
Symphony Sponsors the Davis Chorale
February 28, 2020
DAVIS, California—Symphony Financial Planning is pleased to announce that it is supporting the Davis Chorale with a $1,000 sponsorship. The Davis financial advisory firm regularly supports local arts and community organizations. Previous sponsorships include events by the Davis Arts Center, Davis Parent Nursery School, Pamela Trokanski Dance Theatre, and Korematsu Elementary School PTO. “We want…