Blog
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…
Due Date Approaches for 2019 Federal Income Tax Returns
February 25, 2020
Tax filing season is here again. If you haven’t done so already, you’ll want to start pulling things together — that includes getting your hands on a copy of your 2018 tax return and gathering W-2s, 1099s, and deduction records. You’ll need these records whether you’re preparing your own return or paying someone else to…
Spring Cleaning Your Way to Better Finances
February 25, 2020
Spring is a good time to clean out the cobwebs, and not just in your home or apartment. Your personal finances can benefit from a good spring cleaning, too. Here are some questions to ask yourself regarding your budget, debt, and taxes. Is there room in my budget to save more? A budget is the…
Is It Time to Review Your IRA Estate Planning Strategies?
February 25, 2020
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act, which was passed in December 2019 as part of a larger federal spending package, included a provision that warrants special attention from those who own high-value IRAs. Specifically, the “stretch” IRA provision — which permitted nonspouse beneficiaries who inherited IRAs to spread distributions over their…
The SECURE Act Offers New Opportunities for Individuals and Businesses
January 24, 2020
The SECURE Act (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act) is major legislation that was passed by Congress as part of a larger spending bill and signed into law by the president in December. Here are a few provisions that may affect you. Unless otherwise noted, the new rules apply to tax or plan…
Closing Gaps in Your Insurance Coverage
January 24, 2020
Buying insurance is about sharing or shifting risk, but you may think you’re covered for specific losses when, in fact, you’re not. Here are some common coverage gaps to consider when reviewing your own insurance coverage. Life insurance In general, you want to have enough life insurance coverage (when coupled with savings and income) to…
Tips for Targeting Your Retirement Savings Goal
January 24, 2020
What if you’re saving as much as you can, but still feel that your retirement savings goal is out of reach? As with many of life’s toughest challenges, it may help to focus less on the big picture and more on the details. Regularly review your assumptions Whether you use a simple online calculator or…