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Cash balance pension plans have seen a rebound in popularity as small businesses and professional groups seek a balance between sometimes competing desires to attract new employees, supplement benefits for senior executives and owners, and minimize tax and benefit expenses.  Most often used as a complement to defined contribution arrangements such as 401k and profit sharing plans, properly designed cash balance plans provide a greater degree of flexibility and potentially much greater tax benefits.  From both a short- and long-term standpoint, it may be an option worth exploring.

Under current tax laws, ‘Superfunding’ a 529 college saving account allows you to make five years of contribution ( 5 X $15,000 = $75,000)  at one time while still qualifying for the annual gift tax exclusion. 

Timing the market like a 50/50 coin toss is risky and a gamble we urge our clients to avoid. Here's why...

Although the financial industry tells us that 4% is the appropriate rate of withdrawal from a retirement fund, this oversimplification may result in almost 20% of retirees running out of money. An historical look at the bond market shows why applying a 4% rate of withdrawal will be disastrous to many retirees.

We clearly have complicated feelings about money and spouses and children can make it even more difficult if we aren’t on the same page about managing money. The New York Times presents “Best Tips for Managing Money”, sage advice about how to prevent money management from fracturing families.

In my experience, 70% of my clients who own businesses do not have a retirement savings plan. For many entrepreneurs, their wealth is tied up in their firms. These few steps can help you pursue your retirement goals.

If you have a large amount of money sitting in a checking or other low-interest account, you may be surprised to find out just how much more income you could realize by exploring other options.

The volatility we experienced in December challenged investors to understand their personal truth around risk and investment principles.  As a wealth manager over multiple market cycles, I have found the following investor traits bring greater clarity to financial and investment decisions.

Last month, we spoke about ‘dusty wills’ when you have to blow off the dust because it’s been so long since you reviewed them. In Part 2, Paul Brown, attorney and president of Chandler & Brown, LTD, continues to share some real-life examples of what can happen if estate planning oversight is neglected.

Do you have a "dusty will"? When it comes to estate planning, this article illustrates what can happen if "life events" such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child or grandchild, move to another state, death of a beneficiary or receipt of an inheritance are overlooked.