Blog
Tax Scams to Watch Out For
January 30, 2019
While tax scams are especially prevalent during tax season, they can take place any time during the year. As a result, it’s in your best interest to always be vigilant so you don’t end up becoming the victim of a fraudulent tax scheme. Here are some of the more common scams to watch out for….
Hidden Gem: HSAs in Retirement
January 30, 2019
When saving for retirement, you’re probably aware of the benefits of using tax-preferred accounts such as 401(k)s and IRAs. But you may not be aware of another type of tax-preferred account that may prove very useful, not only during your working years but also in retirement: the health savings account (HSA). HSA in a nutshell…
Hybrid Funds: Balanced, Lifestyle, or Target?
January 30, 2019
Holding a mix of stocks and bonds is fundamental to building a portfolio that can pursue growth while potentially remaining more stable than a stock-only portfolio during market downturns. Many investors approach this goal by owning a mix of individual securities, a mix of funds, or both. However, some hybrid funds try to follow the…
Business Owners: What’s Your Plan for Retirement?
January 4, 2019
If you’re a small-business owner, you probably pour your heart, soul, and nearly all your money into your business. When it comes to retirement planning, do you cross your fingers and hope your business will provide the nest egg you’ll need to live comfortably? What if you become ill and have to sell your business…
Famous People Who Failed to Plan Properly
January 4, 2019
It’s almost impossible to overstate the importance of taking the time to plan your estate. Nevertheless, it’s surprising how many American adults haven’t done so. You might think that those who are rich and famous would be way ahead of the curve when it comes to planning their estates properly, considering the resources and lawyers…
Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2019
January 4, 2019
Every year, the Internal Revenue Service announces cost-of-living adjustments that affect contribution limits for retirement plans and various tax deduction, exclusion, exemption, and threshold amounts. Here are a few of the key adjustments for 2019. Employer retirement plans Employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), and most 457 plans can defer up to $19,000 in compensation…
Ann Fagan, CFP®, Joins Symphony Financial Planning
December 13, 2018
Fagan brings more than 30 years of experience to Davis wealth management firm. DAVIS, California—Symphony Financial Planning, a Davis-based investment advisory firm, announced today that Ann B. Fagan has joined the firm as a financial planner. “We are thrilled to have Ann join our firm,” said Paul Meyerhoff, Symphony Financial Planning’s founder and president. “Our…
Investing in Yourself for a Change
November 30, 2018
Retirement. College. An emergency fund. A new home or home improvement project. Check, check, check, and check. If you’ve been saving faithfully each month for some or all of these things, you might feel that you’re on a never-ending financial treadmill. It takes discipline, perseverance, and sacrifice to maintain a robust savings effort month after…
Reviewing Your Estate Plan
November 30, 2018
An estate plan is a map that explains how you want your personal and financial affairs to be handled in the event of your incapacity or death. Due to its importance and because circumstances change over time, you should periodically review your estate plan and update it as needed. When should you review your estate…
Protect Your Heirs by Naming a Trust as IRA Beneficiary
November 30, 2018
Often, tax-qualified retirement accounts such as IRAs make up a significant part of one’s estate. Naming beneficiaries of an IRA can be an important part of an estate plan. One option is designating a trust as the IRA beneficiary. Note: This discussion applies to traditional IRAs, not to Roth IRAs. Special considerations apply to beneficiary…