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Welcome to the Financial Plans & Strategies blog. Latest webinars, podcasts, and other information that we think is important for our clients to know will appear here.

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Thursday, May 4, 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...

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

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...

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

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...

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

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...

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

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...

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Monday, February 13, 2023

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...

Monday, January 23, 2023

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...

Tuesday, January 3, 2023

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...

Thursday, November 10, 2022

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...

Monday, October 24, 2022

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.

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

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...

Monday, August 15, 2022

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...

Monday, June 27, 2022

Understanding recessions requires the analysis of important historical context from the US economy. Please review the following chart from Capital Group – American Funds.

Wednesday, June 8, 2022

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...

Thursday, May 19, 2022

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 ...

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

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,...

Monday, March 28, 2022

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 ...

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Monday, January 31, 2022

BUILDING TRUST THROUGH SERVICE is more than a long-time firm motto.  It is key to the success of our clients and our firm.

Monday, January 24, 2022

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

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

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...

Monday, January 3, 2022

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

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...

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

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...

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

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...

Monday, September 13, 2021

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...

Monday, August 30, 2021

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....

Sunday, August 22, 2021

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...

Thursday, July 29, 2021

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...

Monday, July 19, 2021

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...

Monday, July 12, 2021

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...

Monday, June 21, 2021

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...

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

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...

Monday, May 10, 2021

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...

Monday, April 19, 2021

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....

Monday, March 29, 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...

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

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...

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

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...

Sunday, January 24, 2021

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...

Monday, January 4, 2021

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...

Monday, December 14, 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...

Monday, December 7, 2020

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....

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

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...

Monday, October 26, 2020

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...

Thursday, October 8, 2020

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...

Monday, September 28, 2020

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...

Tuesday, September 8, 2020

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...

Monday, August 17, 2020

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...

Monday, July 27, 2020

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...

Monday, July 6, 2020

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...

Monday, June 1, 2020

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....

Monday, May 11, 2020

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:...

Monday, April 20, 2020

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...

Monday, April 13, 2020

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...

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

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...

Tuesday, March 31, 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...

Thursday, March 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...

Thursday, March 12, 2020

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...

Friday, February 28, 2020

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...

Monday, February 10, 2020

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...

Monday, February 3, 2020

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...

Monday, January 27, 2020

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...

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

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...

Monday, January 13, 2020

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...

Friday, December 27, 2019

The IRS has announced the 2020 contribution limits for retirement savings accounts, including contribution limits for 401(k),...

Friday, December 27, 2019

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...

Monday, October 28, 2019

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...

Monday, September 30, 2019

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...

Monday, September 16, 2019

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...

Thursday, August 22, 2019

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...

Monday, July 29, 2019

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...

Monday, July 15, 2019

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...

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

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...

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

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...

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

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...

Friday, May 24, 2019

Monday, May 20, 2019

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...

Monday, May 6, 2019

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...

Monday, April 22, 2019

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....

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

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...

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

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 &...

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

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...

Thursday, February 7, 2019

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...

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Thank you for your generous donations during Financial Plans & Strategies second annual holiday charity drive. This year, we collected many items for KIC-IT thanks to your giving. Kids in Crisis Intervention Team (KIC-IT) is a...

Monday, December 31, 2018

Happy New Year!! As we look forward to 2019, we wanted to let you know of the important changes below regarding the amounts you can contribute to your retirement plans: In 2019, the retirement contribution limits increased to the...

Friday, December 7, 2018

Last week’s blog post featured a video from Dimensional Fund Advisors about the importance of tuning out investment noise. This week, we want to share with you how the Financial Plans & Strategies team works daily to manage your...

Friday, November 30, 2018

Financial Plans & Strategies is here to help you focus on your goals and tune out the noise. Please take two minutes to watch the attached video provided by Dimensional Fund Advisors.

Monday, October 29, 2018

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 income. Year-End Capital Gain Distributions...

Monday, October 15, 2018

As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, scammers are constantly looking for new ways to compromise individuals’ information. This leaves many people wondering how they can protect both themselves and their information...

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

This August I purchased my first home. As a new homeowner, I have quickly learned that gone are the days of calling the landlord when your light bulbs burn out. That responsibility is now mine, along with the water in the crawlspace,...

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

By request, we are changing our office hours beginning September 4th, 2018. We hope that this change will alleviate some of your traffic concerns and help us to better serve you. NEW HOURS Monday - Friday: 8:15 AM to 4:15 PM Friday...

Monday, August 27, 2018

Many people avoid or delay discussing estate planning because it makes you face your own mortality. But proper planning makes it more likely that your wishes are honored and can often reduce taxes, legal expenses, and family conflict....

Monday, July 30, 2018

Federal law says you can, but you may want to think twice about it. When President Trump signed the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act into law late in 2017, new possibilities emerged for the tax-advantaged investment vehicles known as 529...

Monday, June 11, 2018

Financial Plans & Strategies is hosting an open house at our new, Northside location on June 22nd. We hope to see everyone there!

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

School’s out for the summer. The weather is heating up and many families are taking summer vacations. But don’t let your getaway drain your bank account. Below are helpful tips from Financial Plans & Strategies to help you...

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Did you recently graduate from college? The years after graduation are crucial not only for launching a career, but also for planning your finances. Consider making these smart financial moves post-graduation. Set up an emergency...

Friday, April 6, 2018

The April tax filing deadline is quickly approaching – and along with it IRA contribution deadlines. The tax savings from making an IRA contribution can be substantial. Below is a quick breakdown of the IRA deadlines, limits and...

Monday, March 26, 2018

What is Bitcoin? Bitcoin is a digital currency which can be used to make purchases anonymously, which is not linked to any government, and which is made secure using a cryptographic technology called “blockchain.” It is the...

Monday, March 19, 2018

Spring is here which means many people are in the market for a new car. Although consumers buy cars year round, many individuals choose to shop when the weather is better and allows for easier shopping. Also, previous model year...

Friday, February 9, 2018

Financial Plans & Strategies, Inc. firmly believes that a well-diversified portfolio. long-term investing and regular meetings with your financial advisor is a good defense against financial downturns. Corrections happen. It has been...

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

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...

Friday, January 19, 2018

Every year millions of people make resolutions for how they want to improve their lives in the upcoming year. This tradition dates back centuries: The Babylonians made promises to their gods at the start of each year that they would...

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

The tax overhaul has been passed, and many changes should be considered prior to year-end. We are not tax advisors: this is for information purposes only and should not be taken as advice. If you would like to learn more, you can find...

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

During 2017, Financial Plans and Strategies investment advisors attended several conferences where they had the opportunity to listen to renowned economists, portfolio managers and analysts provide insight and perspective on market...

Friday, December 1, 2017

We want to make you aware of several approaching year-end activities with potential tax implications for 2017, and the dates by which action must be taken in order to meet the December 29 deadline. (December 31 falls on a Sunday this...

Friday, November 3, 2017

Indiana College Choice 529 Tax Credit Deadline Indiana taxpayers who invest in the Indiana College Choice 529 Plan must make their contribution to the plan by 12/30/2017 to receive a tax credit for 2017. Deadline Dates for Existing...

Sunday, September 24, 2017

The first day of fall was September 22, 2017. That means summer is officially over. With a little more than 3 months left in 2017, the changing of the seasons is an ideal time to take stock of your investment portfolio. What goes into...

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

One of the more common questions we get at Financial Plans & Strategies is, “Does this distribution qualify?” 529 Plans, also known as Qualified Tuition Programs (QTPs), allow parents to prepay or make account contributions...

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

It’s August, and that means young adults across America are heading off to college. Campuses across the country are welcoming students back in the thousands. Before your student hits the books, have them study up on the following...

Monday, July 17, 2017

If you’ve received an invitation to a complimentary investment meeting at an upscale restaurant, you’re not alone. According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), 64% of people age 40 and above1 have been...

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

The Social Security Administration has just announced a new, online Social Security replacement card service. If you need a replacement card for these states, you can now order it electronically rather than waiting in person. You can...

Friday, June 2, 2017

Welcome clients, prospective clients and readers to Financial Plans & Strategies’ blog whose commencement coincides with a major update to our website. Under the new format we will be regularly adding new material to the blog in...