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Article from Capital Group: 4 lasting impacts of the Iran war
The start of 2026 has seen a lot of internal and external pressure on stock markets around the world. AI has continued to be a major disruptor in US markets, and military actions on foreign soil have created energy shocks in the US and...
Read MoreThe Rebalancing Act
Happy April 15th,As we approach the one-third mark of 2026, one word stands out: volatility.With markets reacting to ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the war in Iran, we’ve seen an increase in short-term fluctuations that often...
Read MoreAI Anxiety, Software Volatility, and Why Long-Term Investors Should Stay Grounded
Recent volatility in technology and software stocks has been driven largely by what many are calling “AI anxiety” or “AI bubble.” Investors are worried about rising competition, how much companies are spending on AI, and whether those...
Read MoreMaximizing Your Financial Future: Key Updates to Retirement and Savings Contribution Limits for 2026
As we step into 2026, it's crucial to stay informed about the latest changes in retirement and savings contribution limits. Understanding these updates not only helps in planning for the future but also ensures you're maximizing your...
Read MoreLet's Talk Taxes!
Each year as we look ahead to tax season, we like to provide you with our quick guide to the tax forms you may see:1) Consolidated 1099: This form combines the 1099-Div, 1099-INT, 1099-B and 1099-MISC, broken down on one Consolidated...
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New Retirement Rule in 2026: Roth Catch-Up Contributions
Starting in 2026, a new rule will change how workers over 50 save for retirement. This comes from the SECURE 2.0 Act, a law designed to help Americans save more for the future.If you are 50 or older and earn over $150,000, this rule...
Read More2025 PRELIMINARY ESTIMATED CAPITAL GAINS
Some mutual funds and ETFs typically distribute capital gains to shareholders each December. Below are links to the Vanguard & American Funds Preliminary Estimated Capital Gains expected for 2025: Vanguard: https://advisors.vanguard...
Read MoreIN529 State Tax Credit for 2025 Guidelines & Deadlines
Indiana 529 Tax Credit Deadline (formerly known as College Choice): Indiana taxpayers who invest in the Indiana 529 Direct Savings Plan have until April 15, 2026, to make their contributions for the 2025 tax year. *While you have time...
Read MoreMedicare Webinar: Health care and your retirement
We recently hosted a webinar on Medicare presented by Julia Fuentes from Vanguard. You can access the recording of this very informative webinar, as well as links for consultation on Medicare and signing up for Medicare.
Read More4 Charts on Why the U.S. Economy Could Stay Resilient
At the end of August, an economist with Capital Group released this short analysis of some of the recent trends in the market and speculated what these trends might indicate. This article explores ongoing trends in the market and helps to a
Read MoreUnderstanding Social Security
We had the privilege of hearing from Charo Boyd, Public Affairs Specialist with the Social Security Administration (SSA). who shared practical insights into retirement, spousal, and survivor benefits. (Updated Link)
Read MoreAfter life planning- what it means and why it is crucial to your heirs
Many of you know and have had the pleasure of working with my executive assistant, Maryanne Hall. Maryanne (by trade) is a planner. While she is not a financial advisor, in her day-to-day role, she gathers data and helps to build...
Read MoreThe One Big Beautiful Bill and How it Affects FPS clients
On July 4, 2025, the house approved President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Most of the bill is a continuation of President Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, but there are some changes to this bill compared to the bill that was...
Read MorePlanning Through Volatility
Hi, I’m Grant Nailor and I’m excited to introduce myself as one of the newest advisors here at Financial Plans & Strategies, Inc. I’m passionate about helping clients make confident, informed decisions, especially in uncertain times....
Read MoreBe Cyber Aware: If you suspect deceit, click delete
A recent text message went out to some saying it was from Schwab telling the recipient to click on a link in the text to verify their account. That text was in fact a SCAM called Smishing. We encourage you to read our blog from...
Read MoreSocial Security Fairness Act
At the end of his term in office, President Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act, which repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision, and the Government Pension Offset. These two acts reduced government employee’s social...
Read MoreThe Importance of Having an Estate Plan
“Fifty-six percent of Americans believe that estate planning is important, but only 33% of adults in the U.S. have documented their end-of-life plans. Of the estate plans made in 2021, 75.12% were wills, 18.78% were trusts, and 6.1% of...
Read More3 views on where to invest under Trump 2.0
President Trumps second term has been extremely active so far. Only a month in and Investors are weighing budget cuts, tariffs, immigration changes, and deregulation into a strong US economy. The Investment managers at Capital Group...
Read MoreTariff talks and how we manage your portfolio
This past week, we saw the beginning of tariff negotiations for the US with Mexico, Canada and China. American Funds has an excellent article that talks about these negotiations and their expectations. At Financial Plans and Strategies...
Read MoreLet's Talk Taxes!
LET'S TALK TAXES! As we look ahead to tax season, your mailbox or inbox may fill up with various tax forms. Below is our quick guide to these forms. 1) Consolidated 1099: combines the 1099-Div, 1099-INT and 1099-B into one Consolidated...
Read More“Beyond the Election” Vanguard’s Perspective on Markets & The Economy
We recently hosted a virtual event with a presentation from Liz Muirhead, CFA and Senior Portfolio Specialist with Vanguard Financial Advisors Services TM. She discussed Vanguard’s outlook for 2025 and beyond. Please click on the link...
Read MoreThank you for your generosity
This year FPS sponsored 3 families for the holidays. We had an overwhelming level of support and participation from our clients. We are so grateful. Each of these families were touched by the many gifts and donations you made to make...
Read MoreWhich “ishing” is it?
There are several ways criminals obtain your sensitive information: Phishing: uses emails and links, Smishing: uses text messages or common messaging apps Vishing: uses voice calls and voicemails Quishing: uses QR Codes Phishing is the...
Read More2024 PRELIMINARY ESTIMATED CAPITAL GAINS
Mutual funds and ETFs typically distribute capital gains to shareholders each December. Below are links to the Vanguard & American Funds Preliminary Estimated Capital Gains expected, as of October 31, 2024: Vanguard: https://advisors...
Read MoreIndiana 529 - 2024 State Tax Credit Deadline
Reminder from your team at Financial Plans & Strategies Indiana 529 - 2024 Tax Credit Deadline (formerly known as College Choice): Indiana taxpayers who invest in the Indiana 529 Direct Savings Plan now have until April 15, 2025 to...
Read MoreElection Day: Prepare for uncertainty but know that our commitment to you is unwavering
It’s Election Day, one thing is for certain: We need to prepare for uncertainty. The Associated Press could potentially not declare a winner for a few days or even a few weeks as this is a very tight race. Although there is a lot of...
Read MoreSocial Security Website Changes
The social security website has been merged into Login.gov. We recommend all clients transition to login.gov to review your social security benefits. How to Transition Your Account To transition your account to Login.gov, sign in to...
Read MoreSocial Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment
The social security administration announced that there will be a 2.5% cost of living adjustment for social security in 2025. This calculation varies year to year dependent on the inflation reports. The current inflation report...
Read MoreCyber Awareness – Phishing
Phishing – what is it? It is the practice of sending emails or other messages purporting to be from reputable companies to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers. How do phishing...
Read MoreLET'S TALK TAXES!
LET'S TALK TAXES! As we look ahead to tax season, your mailbox or inbox may fill up with various tax forms. Below is our quick guide to these forms. 1) Consolidated 1099: combines the 1099-Div, 1099-INT and 1099-B into one Consolidated...
Read MoreIRS Increases Contribution Levels for HSA's in 2024
Financial Plans & Strategies has strongly recommended the use of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for those who are eligible to make contributions. As these plans broadened their use of investment choices, these plans have become even...
Read MoreThank You For Your Generosity
This year, Financial Plans & Strategies sponsored two families in our community for Christmas. We opened up the opportunity for our clients to join us and were overwhelmed by the response. We have counted up your gifts...
Read MoreIRS Releases 2024 Tax Brackets, Retirement Contribution Limits
IRS Releases 2024 Tax Brackets, Retirement Contribution Limits The Internal Revenue Service recently released updated income tax brackets, standard deduction, and retirement contribution limits for the 2024 tax year. While these...
Read More2023 Vanguard Capital Gains Estimates
Mutual funds and ETFs typically distribute capital gains to shareholders each December. Below is a list of Vanguard funds that were expected, as of October 31, 2023, to distribute taxable capital gains in December 2023.
Read MoreCollege Choice Direct 529 Contribution Deadlines for Indiana Tax Credit
Reminder from your team at Financial Plans & Strategies for Indiana Residents: Indiana College Choice 529 Tax Credit Deadline: Indiana taxpayers who invest in the Indiana College Choice 529 Plan must be sure their contributions are...
Read MoreKeys For Investors Looking Forward To 2024
2023 has been a very volatile year in the stock and bond market. We saw portfolios jumpstart in the first 6 months of the year. Followed by 3 months of market downturn. What should we expect from markets as we end ’23 and start...
Read More2023 American Funds Capital Gain Distribution Estimates
Please note that American Funds has provided their estimated year-end distributions of Long-Term Capital Gains for certain funds. Remember it is better to make money and pay taxes than not have any income. Some funds may pay a year-end...
Read MoreSecond Round of Student Loan Debt Cancellation
President Biden’s Second Round of Student Loan Debt Cancellation Three days after the federal government resumed the federal student loan payment program which was first created to provide financial relief from the Covid-19...
Read MoreCongratulations to the Class of 2023
Congratulations to the Class of 2023! We wish you well in all you do and are so grateful to have such a bright and fun group of Butler interns to help support our team!We are always thankful for the opportunity to play a part in the...
Read MoreUpgrade Your Savings Accounts
Upgrading Your Savings AccountsFor many, savings accounts are used for the purpose of keeping assets liquid. Over the past decade, those savings accounts have had little to no return, making that not much different than hiding your...
Read MoreWhy a Diversified Approach Is More Important Than Ever
Why a Diversified Approach Is More Important Than Ever…. At Financial Plans and Strategies (FPS), we still believe in a globally diversified market approach. In 2022, the stock market and bond market declined consecutively...
Read MorePartnering with FPS to Achieve Your Goals
Partnering with FPS to Achieve Your GoalsBy: Maggie Meiners-SchmeltzThis past October, we welcomed our second daughter into the world! We love our little family of four, but the shift from one child to two has been a big transition. As...
Read MoreSECURE 2.0 Act - Blog 2.0
SECURE 2.0 Act: Blog 2.0As touched on in our first-ever Financial Plans & Strategies VLOG, the SECURE 2.0 Act has made monumental changes to comprehensive retirement planning as a whole. When thinking of one word to describe these...
Read MoreSECURE 2.0 Act
A vlog from Financial Plans & Strategies on the SECURE 2.0 Act. The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 made sweeping changes to retirement plans. View our vlog to learn what this means for you & your retirement plans. Click on the video to learn...
Read MoreLet's Talk Taxes
LET'S TALK TAXES!Happy New Year! As we look ahead to tax season, your mailbox or inbox may fill up with various tax forms. Below is our quick guide to these forms. 1) Consolidated 1099: TDA combines the 1099-Div, 1099-INT and 1099-B...
Read MoreNew Year's Resolutions
Happy New Year! As we begin a new year, we look back on 2022 and want to thank each of you for the trust you place in our team. We know that both the stock and bond markets have been very volatile, and we work very hard to continue to...
Read MoreAre You Eligible for Qualified Charitable Distributions?
As part of your 2022 tax planning, please review the information below to determine if you are eligible for Qualified Charitable Distributions:Guide to Qualified Charitable DistributionsIf you are already planning on donating to...
Read More2022 Capital Gain Distribution Estimates
Please note that American funds has provided their estimated 2022 year-end distributions of Long-Term Capital Gains for certain funds. Remember it is better to make money and pay taxes than not have any income.
Read MoreCan midterm elections move markets? 5 charts to watch
The November midterm elections may have a positive impact on your portfolio. The following American Funds article explains how previous elections have influenced the stock market. Please review this article and give our office a call...
Read MoreSome Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI) Premiums are Increasing- What you Need to Know
Over the past few months, some clients have received notification that their long-term care insurance premiums are increasing. If you are considering not paying the increased premium or have questions, please contact your advisors at...
Read MoreHow Long Do Recessions and Bear Markets Last
Understanding recessions requires the analysis of important historical context from the US economy. Please review the following chart from Capital Group – American Funds.
Read MoreMaking Sure You Are in Great Hands
At Financial Plans and Strategies, we take referring our clients to other service providers very seriously. We put our clients’ interests first, and we expect the same from the people to whom we refer.We refer our clients to...
Read MoreRevisiting the Rebalancing Act
Since reaching all-time highs near the beginning of the year, markets have grown increasingly volatile and have begun to stumble over the recent months. While the volatility and uncertainty can become unsettling for clients ...
Read MoreWhat It Means To Be a Fiduciary
When it comes to investing and looking for a financial advisor or professional, there are a few crucial traits that clients should consider. The person you work with must be knowledgeable, trustworthy, and place you, the client,...
Read MoreRecurring Contributions: Taking the Emotion Out of Investing
Investing can be an overwhelming decision for many people. You must consider your goals, time horizon, and the risk you are willing to take when choosing an investment. When analyzing these options and trying to match them with ...
Read MoreBuilding Trust Through Service
BUILDING TRUST THROUGH SERVICE is more than a long-time firm motto. It is key to the success of our clients and our firm.
Read MorePeace of Mind
Peace of mind develops as you better understand the services that our team can provide to you. Those tangible services may include planning for and funding a secure retirement, education planning for children and grandchildren, or leaving
Read MoreLET'S TALK TAXES (2021)
Happy New Year! As we look ahead to tax season, your mailbox or inbox may fill up with various tax forms. Below is our quick guide to these forms.1099–DIV: This form shows all distributions received from your non-qualified...
Read More2022 Social Security 5.9% Cost of Living Adjustment
On October 13th, 2021 the Social Security Administration announced that individuals currently receiving benefits will see a 5.9% increase to their payments at the beginning of 2022. This increase is due to the cost-of-living adjustment...
Read More2021 Capital Gain Distribution Estimates
https://www.capitalgroup.com/advisor/tax/2021-year-end-distributions.html Please note that American funds has provided their estimated year-end distributions of Long-Term Capital Gains for certain funds. Remember it is better to make...
Read MoreRoth Conversions and Taxes
Last year, we wrote a blog article about Roth Conversions. This article went into depth on what they are, how they could be beneficial for your retirement or estate plan, and other things to consider. You can read more about these...
Read MoreBe Aware of the Latest Scams
We routinely post blogs regarding email scams, cyber security and phone scams and we want to update you on the most recent scams you need to be aware of in 2021. Please see below an article posted by Experian: ------- The Latest Scams...
Read MoreGET UP TO $1K INDIANA STATE TAX CREDIT BY MAKING YOUR COLLEGE CHOICE 529 CONTRIBUTION - DEADLINES
Are you helping your child, grandchild, niece, or nephew save for college in an Indiana 529 College Choice plan? These plans are a great way for Indiana residents to save for their loved ones while also receiving a state tax credit....
Read MoreAdvantages of Investing at a Young Age
Many financial articles focus on the benefits of investing at a young age. No matter the amount, starting earlier allows your money to truly work for you, as it reaps the benefits of compounding interest. While compounding interest is...
Read MoreThe importance of being disciplined in volatile market
Volatility can be a hard pill to swallow for any kind of investor. While our tolerances for risk may vary, we all feel the ups and downs to some extent. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to stay disciplined and avoid falling...
Read MoreChild Tax Credit Payments: Everything You Need to Know
Child Tax Credit Payments: Everything You Need to Know Did you receive $300 from the IRS last week? Millions of families woke up this past Thursday to a little more in their bank accounts. This article from CBNC tells you everything...
Read MoreMidyear Outlook: U.S. looks set to boom, zoom and consume – Capital Group
In our own way, we have all faced the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Be it social, financial, or health related, each of us has dealt with the difficulties posed by this global health-crisis. Thankfully, as the threat...
Read MoreCybersecurity, FPS, and You
In today’s world of online access, it is very important to be aware of precautions you should take and ways to avoid identity theft, email hacking, phishing scams and more. You may want to revisit our blog post that provides...
Read MoreBitcoin Blues Part 2
In March 2018, our team published a blog post titled “Bitcoin Blues”. In the article, we answered common client crypto-related questions such as “What is Bitcoin?” and “Should I invest in...
Read MoreMinor Accounts: Start Saving Early!
Summer is a great time for a variety of reasons: nice weather, children are out of school, and, of course, vacation time! But one other important reason many look forward to summer is the ability for the kids to pick up summer jobs and...
Read MoreIs Your Savings Account Working for You?
It’s a problem we all wish we had, having too much money in savings. However, although keeping a high balance in a bank savings account might not seem like such a big deal, this is often money that can be earning more elsewhere....
Read MoreEconomic and Market Outlook for 2021
It’s no secret that 2020 strained the markets in a number of ways. Whether you want to look at the U.S. election cycle, the coronavirus, or civil unrest, news agencies had their fill of headlines. So, what possible pitfalls...
Read MoreTraditional IRA vs Roth IRA: Which is better for you?
Though retirement may seem a lifetime away when you are just starting off in the working world, saving for retirement should always be a priority. In a FINRA survey conducted at the end of 2018, they found that only 58% of the adult...
Read MorePaying Down Student Debt
An increasing number of young adults are returning home from our colleges and universities with student debt in tow. As each year passes, it becomes increasingly clear that paying the massive cost of tuition and fees cannot be taken...
Read MoreFIVE MOST OVERLOOKED TAX DEDUCTIONS
Who among us wants to pay the IRS more taxes than we have to?1 While few may raise their hands, Americans regularly overpay because they fail to take tax deductions for which they are eligible. Let’s take a quick look at the five...
Read MoreLet's Talk Taxes (2020)
Please note: We are not a tax advisory firm and do not give tax advice. However, we have gathered some important information that may help you in your tax preparation. If you have additional questions, please speak with your tax...
Read MoreSpecial Charitable Giving Deduction in 2020
The holiday season is often a time of giving, not only to our loved ones, but also to our favorite charities. With many charities and non-profit organizations currently working above and beyond their normal capacities to help those...
Read MoreAn HSA Can Work Three Ways
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can be a great way not only to protect your family from medical bills, but also to save for retirement and more. HSAs are offered to employees who have high deductible heath plans through their employer....
Read MoreTwo Questions to Consider Before Taking on Debt
While many financial gurus advocate for avoiding debt altogether, we recognize that some kinds of debt are advantageous because they help build wealth. However, even the wealth-building kinds of debt can place too heavy a burden on...
Read MoreThe Importance of Budgeting
As discussed in previous blog posts, identifying items and goals that “spark joy” is one of the first ways you can simplify your financial life. While identifying these items and goals may be easy, they are only half the...
Read More2020 Estimated Year-End Capital Gains Distributions from American Funds
Please note that American funds has provided their estimated year-end distributions of Long-Term Capital Gains for certain funds. Remember it is better to make money and pay taxes than not have any income. Some funds may pay a year-end...
Read MoreEmployer Matching and More: Take Advantage of Your Benefits at Work
Employer Matching and More: Take Advantage of Your Benefits at Work Do you know what benefits your employer provides? Do they offer a health savings account, stock purchase plan or matching contributions to your retirement savings...
Read MoreTake another look: “Social Security: Why Wait?”
The Social Security Administration states that Social Security benefits make up roughly 33% of income for the elderly. Knowing that the Social Security is such a key part of retirement income leaves many clients wondering when they...
Read MoreRoth Conversions: Do they enhance your financial plan?
A Roth IRA conversion is the process of moving money from an existing Traditional, Rollover or SEP IRA to a Roth IRA. There is no minimum or maximum dollar limit that you can convert in a year. However, when you convert assets, the...
Read MoreUpdated IRS Guidelines for 2020 RMD Waiver
Note: This blog post is directed to those who are of Required Minimum Distribution age in 2020 (i.e., those who turned 70 ½ in 2019), as well as those who have Beneficiary IRAs. When the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic...
Read MoreUnemployment Benefits Fraud Alert
Protect Yourself from Unemployment Benefits Fraud Both the unemployed and employed are at risk of being victimized by unemployment benefits fraud: criminals have targeted federal CARES Act unemployment financial assistance by...
Read MoreGuide to Market Recoveries
The below article from American Funds does an excellent job of explaining facts about market recoveries, mistakes to avoid during a volatile market and actions to consider taking in your portfolio during these unprecedented times....
Read MoreStimulus Check & CARES Act update
In the wake of the historic passing of the CARES Act, we at Financial Plans & Strategies are trying to stay up-to-date with the legislation and how it affects our clients. We have several new developments to share with you. Update 1:...
Read MoreCARES Act - Part 3: Making the Most of Your Stimulus Money
This week the IRS began sending the Economic Impact Payments to individuals. While there have been a few hiccups with this process, many Americans have already seen the funds show up in their bank accounts. Before buying a new wardrobe...
Read MoreCARES Act – Part 2: Small Business Stimulus Package
As a part of the CARES Act stimulus bill passed last month aimed towards combating the economic impact of the coronavirus, $2 trillion of federal aid has been made available to small businesses. Businesses and nonprofit organizations...
Read MoreApril 2nd Webinar: “Investing in an Uncertain Market”
Invitation: “Investing in an Uncertain Market” Webinar Thursday, April 2nd @ 10:30 – 11am eastern time We invite you to listen in on a webinar which we are hosting along with a partner from American Funds this...
Read MoreCARES Act suspends RMD for 2020
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law on March 27, 2020.1 This bill contains provisions for many different kinds of relief during this difficult time, but we are writing to you today...
Read MoreFPS Update 3-19-2020
First and foremost, all of us at Financial Plans & Strategies hope you and your family are healthy and have not had any direct experience with the coronavirus so far. The most important thing we can do is work together as a community...
Read MoreFPS & Coronavirus: Short-term volatility: What's your move?
The financial markets don’t like bad news. The current coronavirus outbreak is no exception, and many investors are tempted once more to “do something.” But in times of volatile markets, the best move of all for...
Read MoreCoronavirus and Its Impact on Markets
Recently, coronavirus has been rapidly spreading throughout the world and news headlines. As Chinese authorities are trying to get a grasp on this virus, investors around the world are becoming skeptical about what sort of impact the...
Read MoreThe SECURE Act - Penalty-free Distributions from Retirement Accounts
The following is part 5 of a 5-part series on the SECURE Act. Under the recently passed SECURE Act, parents can now leverage an additional sum of money to assist in paying off expenses for a newborn baby or an adopted child. New...
Read MoreThe SECURE Act - Expanding Eligible Expenses for 529 Accounts
The following is part 4 of a 5-part series on the SECURE Act. Under the SECURE Act, tax-favored savings accounts known as 529 plans can now be utilized to help pay off the beneficiary’s student loan debt up to a $10,000 lifetime...
Read MoreThe SECURE Act - No Age Limit on IRA Contributions
By Michael Meiners & Mikayla Kinley The following is part 3 of a 5-part series on the SECURE Act. Hand in hand with raising the starting age for Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) to age 72, the SECURE Act also removes the age...
Read MoreThe SECURE Act - Planning for Your Descendants
The following is part 2 of a 5 part series on the SECURE Act. The SECURE Act, which was passed in December of 2019, eliminated the use of stretch IRAs (in most cases). For those unfamiliar with the term, a stretch IRA retains its...
Read MoreSECURE Act - 72 is the RMD Age
The following is part 1 of a 5 part series on the SECURE Act. Happy New Year! It’s time to ring in the new year and a new decade! As we look forward to exciting changes ahead, the federal government has also made changes to some...
Read More2020 Contribution Limits
The IRS has announced the 2020 contribution limits for retirement savings accounts, including contribution limits for 401(k),...
Read MoreThe SECURE Act- What it Means for You
On December 20, 2019, President Trump signed The SECURE Act into law. While there are many ways this new law might affect you, here are the top five changes we’d like our clients to be aware of: 1. 72 is the new starting age for...
Read MoreEstate Planning: Celebrate Day of the Dead Worry-Free
If you’ve seen the movie Coco or have learned about Latin American culture, you know that Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a commemoration of loved ones lost and a vibrant celebration of life on November 1st and 2nd...
Read More2019 Year-End Distributions from American Funds
Click here for 2019 Year-End Distributions Please note that there will be significant year-end distributions of Long-Term Capital Gains this year for certain funds. Remember it is better to make money and pay taxes than not make any...
Read MoreSimplifying Your Financial Life
Spark joy. That's Marie Kondo's catchphrase, as well as the title of her follow-up book to her original bestseller The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Lost? Do a quick google search for Marie Kondo, and you'll find a plethora of...
Read MoreLife After Death: Estate Strategy for Your Digital Assets
When you think about planning for death, the most apparent assets to plan for include personal property, real estate, and investments. But you probably don’t think about your digital assets – and they deserve your attention...
Read MoreEquifax Breach Settlement Update
In October 2017, I had to deal with the grueling process of getting a new credit card and debit cards, changing my passwords, freezing my credit and signing up for a credit monitoring service. I was a victim of identity fraud, and I...
Read MoreFundamentals of Fund Selection
One of the most common questions clients ask is, "How do you choose which funds I am invested in?". This responsibility does not fall to one individual, but rather it is the responsibility of our Investment Committee. The committee is...
Read MoreSocial Security: Why Wait?
Financial Plans & Strategies understands that each client’s situation is different. As each client approaches retirement, we analyze the decision on when they should start taking their social security income benefit. We factor in...
Read MoreThe Randomness of Global Equity Returns
At Financial Plans & Strategies, we build globally diversified portfolios to help our clients reduce their risk exposure. Please watch the video below from Dimensional Fund Advisors to gain more insight into our thought process...
Read MoreExpect cautious markets amid U.S.-China trade tension
At Financial Plans & Strategies, we continually monitor economic situations, including the US-China trade talks. As always, we take a long-term approach to your investment portfolio. Financial Plans & Strategies, Inc. firmly believes...
Read MoreYours, Mine and Ours: Investment Strategies with the Whole Household in Mind
In client meetings, I have often been asked why one spouse’s IRA is doing better than the other’s. For some clients, it is a contest to see whose investments can outperform the other. Who doesn’t enjoy a little...
Read More"Stocks, and REITs and Gold: Oh My!" There’s No Investment Like Mutual Funds
Investment fads are nothing new. When selecting strategies for their portfolios, investors are often tempted to seek out the latest and greatest investment opportunities. But long-term investors should be aware that letting short-term...
Read MoreBest Practices: Avoiding Identity Theft
What steps are you taking to prevent identity thieves from stealing your personal information? The most important first step you should take is to freeze your credit, but there are many good habits you can develop and use every day....
Read MoreReminder: It is now free to freeze your credit in all 50 states
Placing a freeze on your credit used to be free in only certain states but is now free for everyone in the United States. If you have not frozen your credit with the 3 primary credit agencies or with the 3 additional agencies that...
Read MoreThe Financial Plans & Strategies Team: Hitting a Home Run for Your Investments
Spring is in the air! The end of March brings a special treat: Major League Baseball’s first pitch crosses home plate earlier than ever this year. As we dusted off the old mitts, we started thinking of the Financial Plans &...
Read MoreDon't Fall for Apparent New Twist on IRS Phone Scams
The following is an article from Forbes dated February 20, 2019. In our recent survey, many of you requested to be kept abreast of the latest tax scams. If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be with the IRS, do not give...
Read MoreQ & A's of Market Volatility
Market volatility is a phrase on many investors’ lips since last year. Market turmoil began in early 2018 and intensified later in the year. Back in February, we wrote an article addressing the volatility. Today, we’d like...
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