Category: Guest Authors

SR Guest Author Justin Rush, CFP®: What to ask when choosing a financial planner

When searching for a financial planner, it’s not uncommon to meet with multiple firms prior to making a final decision.  Different financial planners may have different opinions, philosophies, and personalities compared to one another.  Without being immersed in this field, it...

Guest Author Robert Steinberg of Blue Chip Partners: What you need to know about capital gains distributions

One of the most significant downsides of investing in mutual funds in non-retirement accounts is that they are required to make annual distributions of virtually all capital gains recognized during that year. This article highlights potential issues and steps that...

Guest Author Dan Bolda: New legislative changes to 401(k) provisions offers COVID-19 relief

The $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) includes a host of provisions providing relief for both individuals and businesses with respect to retirement plans, including expanded availability of hardship withdrawals and plan loans.  Plan sponsors must...

Guest Author Steven Enwright: Choosing the right corporate structure for your business

Selecting a type of business entity is often the first step in the business establishment process. The choice is often dictated by the short and long term goals of the owners and the eventual operation plan for the business. The...

Guest Author Duane Reynolds: Ever hear of IRS Form 8822?

Did you move to a new home or change your mailing address lately? Do you plan to do so soon? Has your business moved recently or designated a different individual to receive IRS notifications? If you answered “yes” to any...

Guest Author Monica Yost: Estate sales becoming more attractive thanks to tax law changes

As part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), the standard deduction has increased to $12,200 for individuals, $18,350 for heads of household, and $24,400 for married couples filing jointly and surviving spouses in 2019. This means that many of us can no longer take advantage...

Guest Author Jim Niedzinski, CFP®, AIF®: The Benefits of Donor-Advised Funds

Jim Niedzinski, Wealth Advisor from Planning Alternatives, shares how to save taxes on charitable donations and make giving easier with a donor-advised fund. Jim Niedzinski, CFP®, AIF® , Wealth Advisor at Planning Alternatives, discusses the benefits of Donor-Advised Funds Jim Niedzinski is in his 20th year as a wealth...

Guest Author Joseph J. Lezotte, CFP®, AIF®: Is a qualified charitable distribution right for you?

If you’re a charitably-minded individual at an age that requires you to take a required minimum distribution from your IRA and you don’t need the full amount to support you, a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) may be a good option....

Guest Author Harry Glanz: How to avoid the most common mortgage mistakes

The most common mistake people make is NOT having a complete plan in place before shopping for a new home.  A thorough plan is needed for goals and objectives.  Having an effective plan in place entails sitting down with clients...

Guest Author Brian Clement: Don’t sign that lease agreement until you read this

I've done it. You've done it. We've all done it. All that legalese, really? Let’s just sign and get it over with. Well if you are leasing space in a building don't ever do it again without a thorough review...