Blog
Stock Market Risks in the Spotlight
July 26, 2021
During March 2021, the widening availability of COVID-19 vaccinations, signs of improving economic conditions, and a third, $1.9 trillion stimulus package brought about more optimistic growth projections. Even though a healthy economy could be good news for many businesses and the financial markets, rising inflation expectations caused a multi-week sell-off in U.S. government bonds that…
Child Tax Credit for 2021: Will You Get More?
July 26, 2021
If you have qualifying children under the age of 18, you may be able to claim a child tax credit. (You may also be able to claim a partial credit for certain other dependents who are not qualifying children.) The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 makes substantial, temporary improvements to the child tax credit…
Tips for Managing an Inheritance
July 26, 2021
As the beneficiary of an inheritance, you are most likely to be faced with making many important decisions during an emotional time. Short of meeting any required tax or legal deadlines, don’t make any hasty decisions concerning your inheritance. Identify a Team of Trusted Professionals Tax laws and requirements can be complicated. Consult with professionals…
Life Insurance Beneficiary Mistakes to Avoid
June 28, 2021
Life insurance has long been recognized as a useful way to provide for your heirs and loved ones when you die. Naming your policy’s beneficiaries should be a relatively simple task. However, there are several situations that can easily lead to unintended and adverse consequences you may want to avoid. Not Naming a Beneficiary The…
International Investing: Opportunity Overseas?
June 28, 2021
For the past decade, U.S. stocks have outperformed foreign stocks by a wide margin, due in large part to the stronger U.S. recovery after the Great Recession. In general, U.S. companies have been more nimble and innovative in response to changing business dynamics, while aging populations in Japan and many European countries have slowed economic…
Don’t Let Debt Derail Your Retirement
June 28, 2021
Debt poses a growing threat to the financial security of many Americans — and not just college graduates with exorbitant student loans. Recent studies by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College (CRR) and the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) reveal an alarming trend: The percentage of older Americans with debt is at its…
Three Reasons to Keep Your Personal and Business Finances Separate
May 24, 2021
If you are launching a new venture, you may wonder whether it’s necessary to open a dedicated bank account for your business. Even if your company is established and already has separate checking and credit-card accounts, you may be tempted to pay business expenses from personal accounts on occasion — or vice versa — particularly…
Considerations When Making Gifts to Children
May 24, 2021
If you make significant gifts to your children or someone else’s children (perhaps a grandchild, a nephew, or a niece), or if someone else makes gifts to your children, there are a number of things to consider. Nontaxable Gift Transfers There are a variety of ways to make transfers to children that are not treated…
Decisions, Decisions: Weighing the Pros and Cons of an IRA Rollover
May 24, 2021
If you lose a job, switch employers, or step into retirement, you might consider rolling your retirement plan savings into an IRA. But this isn’t your only option; it could make more sense to keep the money in your previous employer’s plan or move it to your new employer’s plan (if allowed by the plan)….
Symphony Financial Planning Partners with Healthy Davis Together
May 12, 2021
Davis financial planning firm joins the effort to facilitate a safe reopening of the community. DAVIS, California—May 13, 2021—Symphony Financial Planning announced today that it has partnered with Healthy Davis Together to help ensure the safety of team members, clients, and the community upon returning to the office. Healthy Davis Together (HDT) is a joint…