Blog

April marks the start of Financial Literacy Month, a nationally recognized movement to promote and support financial understanding in children and teens. For many, it's a fantastic opportunity to teach and connect with their children...

Check Your Foundation for Cracks. There are DIY solutions for foundations, but depending on your home, repairs might not be not a job for an amateur. Arrange to have a foundation specialist come by to examine any cracks you find and give...

Getting Your House in OrderThe imminent departure of winter weather is a reminder to get your house in order. The lengthening days can provide a great time to “spring clean” your finances as well as your home...

Staying positive these days is a lot easier said than done. Inflation is running hot, gasoline prices are up, interest rates are climbing, and it’s hard to remember the last time the stock market had a winning week. Add in...

As you may know, March is Women's History Month and a chance for us all to celebrate the trailblazing women who have contributed to our history, culture, and society. Interestingly, the month-long celebration grew out of an event...

It’s easy to get excited reading the news. With all of the storm and stress of the last few years, it’s only natural to react to each ping of our phone’s news apps with a deep sigh and a cynical “what...

Talking to your children or grandchildren about money is essential regardless of their ages, and the kinds of conversations you can have can change over time.

For the first time in nearly 20 years, the IRS has released updated actuarial or life expectancy tables.

Every February, Americans celebrate Black History Month. In addition to honoring the accomplishments of Black Americans past and present, many clients often ask if they can do more. The answer is yes! By supporting Black-owned businesses...

The Federal Reserve met in mid-January, and clarified its position on monetary policy, providing the clearest hint yet about short-term interest rates. The fed hinted that the first interest rate hit could come as soon as March.

The 2022 tax season is upon us and taxpayers should plan on spending at least 13 hours this year preparing their return, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

It was interesting to note, amid other economic indicators, that many of the highest of the high-end auto brands are having banner years.

Do you worry that you won’t have enough money to retire? If you knew you had a strategy in place, wouldn’t that take the proverbial weight off of your shoulders?

For some, retirement is a time to indulge their wanderlust or give back to their community. For a certain set of brave souls, retirement can be a time to finally put the sum of their life stories, dreams, and creative inclinations to paper.

It goes without saying that 2020 was a challenging year and we were all ready for What’s Next in 2021. That is why we chose it as our theme for 2021. Here is a sample of what we shared in 2021.

If your home is anything like mine, the holidays can be a time to indulge in a little good-natured consumerism. We all know it should be more about memories and less about money. But that togetherness can bring heftier bills.

Every year, millions of retirees flock to other climates in search of balmy weather and seasonal entertainment. If this is a lifestyle you’re considering, you can stretch your fledgling snowbird wings in a number of ways...

Would you be comfortable buying a refrigerator featured in a virtual video tour? What about a dishwasher that has never seen a showroom floor? Could you order an appliance online like you order everything else?

In some ways, the only consumer confidence that matters is yours. Are you optimistic about 2022, or do you have concerns or doubts that are holding you back?

We love to talk about financial planning but, for Thanksgiving, we wanted to take a break. Last year our blog featured photography from two of our clients, Chuck and Jenny Conway. We are thankful they shared their pictures with us again!

Preparing for retirement just got a little more financial wiggle room. This week, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced new contribution limits for 2022. Do you need to rethink your financial planning?

Financial markets can be challenging to understand. But when markets enter a “bad news is good news” cycle, it becomes even more difficult to follow along. At its November meeting, the Fed outlined its plan...

Social Security recipients will receive a 5.9 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2022, the largest increase in four decades. It's always a good idea to seek guidance from your financial professional about changes to your income...

While the world has begun to recover from the economic disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, the delayed reaction has been felt in the supply chain. Industrial shutdowns around the world slowed production to a relative crawl...

October brings to mind the beauty of the leaves changing colors and a time to enjoy the colder weather. But October also holds another meaning for millions of people: it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month...

How long has it been since you’ve reviewed your Medicare policy? With open enrollment fast approaching, there are a few questions you may want to ask yourself before you renew, add, drop, or switch coverage. Have you switched...

October is Estate Plannning Awareness Month. We think it is great to have a month dedicated to this important topic and whether it is October or some other month of the year, the best time to start planning for your Estate is now....

A funny thing happened in the investment markets the other day. September was living up to its reputation as a volatile month, but then the Federal Reserve came to the rescue. The Fed concluded its Federal Open Market Committee...

Healthcare can be one of the priciest yet essential parts of life’s journey. And yet, many struggle to utilize the financial tools that may help. Take Health Saving Accounts (HSAs), for example. In 2019, 55% of those with HSAs...

From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. It’s time to honor the culture and contributions of the Hispanic and Latin Americans that make up our great nation.National Hispanic Heritage Month started...

Your workplace retirement account can play a critical role in your overall retirement strategy. As CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals we can help to create a strategy that works for you.

Packing for A Trip You'll (hopefully) Never Take - A CNN report from 2020 says that only 35% of Americans are ready for an event that either limits or eliminates their ability to access normal services. Are you ready?

Over the last year, many have seen their lives impacted. The ways in which we work, live, and communicate have drastically changed. Data has emerged that suggests the way we relax has adapted as well...

As financial professionals we take cybersecurity very seriously and we think you should too. Protecting your data is very important in today's digital age...

Financial markets are constantly on edge. Our role as financial professionals is to help guide and equip you with the tools you need regardless of what news "worries" the financial markets.

The hospitality industry is still struggling in the wake of COVID-19. They have faced particular challenges in staffing, and have turned to hiring younger employees. How might that change as many employees return to school this fall?

How Do You Travel on a Retirement Budget? The vistas. The glorious landscapes. The sunsets. The quaint towns, the adventures. The sights and sounds of traveling. All of it. But is it lost—once you retire? After all, you’re...

The news keeps getting better for Social Security recipients. It's now projected that benefits will increase 6.1% in 2022, up from the 4.7% forecast just two months ago. That would be the most significant increase since 1983.1,2...

As Financial Advisors we are beginning to see the Largest Transfer of Wealth in US History. By the time you finish reading this article, another 70 Americans will have just turned 65. This shift in wealth will have an enormous impact...

Inflation is defined as the general upward price movement of goods and services in an economy. The key word is “general.” Inflation tends to be uneven and affects the price of some items more than others. Take used cars for instance...

Summer travel season is in full swing once again. However, that also means more crowds and more headaches when it comes to travel. Maybe you didn't get your summer vacation booked before prices increased and vacancies filled up. Or...

Whether it's the heat, the stress of life, or the stress of the day's news, there is a lot that can keep you up at night. Sleep is one of the most important things we can do to stay healthy and energized. These tips can help...

The year 2020 was unprecedented in recent memory. No one expected that COVID-19 would quickly transform into a global pandemic; nor did anyone expect that life as we knew it would be so upended. Perhaps your financial picture has changed...

Natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or fires can happen at any time which is why it's important to be prepared before disaster strikes. Here are a few tips to help you prepare in case anything happens: Update your...

In our 30+ years as financial planners in Denver we, like everyone else, have never experienced anything like we did last year. As we enter the 6th month of 2021, we are beginning to see a return to "normal." What are you experiencing?

As financial planners, we spend a lot of time talking about the things that matter most to people. Keeping a gratitude journal is a great way to practice giving thanks for even the small things in life.

Recently, you may have seen reports that a record-low number of homes are available for sale—roughly 1.03 million nationwide. If you compare that to the average number of homes for sale during the past 10 years, it's no surprise...

Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, have been the recipient of the latest buzz. NFTs are digital files attached to blockchain codes. If you know anything about digital currencies, you’re probably aware that these blockchain codes are...

Will your retirement dreams match your reality?That's perhaps the most critical question to ask people who are currently retired. Was your retirement what you expected, or was it something else?For more than 30 years, the Employee...

Have you recently retired, quit, or been let go at work? What happens to the money you have saved in your employee retirement plan? If you have ended your employment, you have 4 choices when it comes to your retirement plan money...

Investors looking for "green shoots" to confirm that the economy is on the mend have seen plenty of examples in recent weeks. Retail sales rose 9.8% in March, the largest monthly gain since May 2020. It's important to remember that...

Ready to Get Organized? Start Here! Decluttering your paperwork gives you a chance to review your spending habits and your long-term financial goals. It can also make check-in meetings with your financial professional quite a bit easier...

Seeding Today, Garden Tomorrow There’s nothing quite as satisfying as harvesting vegetables fresh from your own garden. Who doesn’t love the snap and crunch of homegrown veggies? Although buying seedlings in spring may be...

Are your financial goals well-defined? While "I want to have lots of money" may sound like a great goal, it's just too vague. How much is "lots?" If you don’t know … how will you know when you have it? Let us help you...

Before the pandemic, MLB created jobs and revenue for many US cities. What economic impact will it have this spring and throughout the summer? It remains to be seen but, we can all support local businesses that rely on revenue from sports.

A comfortable retirement means different things to different people, but one universal definition could be the ability to maintain your lifestyle when you’re no longer drawing a salary. A financial professional can you to develop a strategy

Start your morning with a grassy, green kick! You may have heard a lot these days about matcha, the bright green powder making its way into mugs, lattes, but what exactly is matcha? And where did it come from?

A recent survey by The Wall Street Journal showed just how upbeat economists are about 2021. Here’s a quick summary of the highlights...

Recently, oil prices have surged, with crude hitting highs not seen since before the pandemic. Could this be a hopeful sign?

Right this second, there’s a sport with a fun name sweeping the nation. It’s a pastime that many people “relish” regardless of age or background, and despite its growing popularity, it’s also a game that...

Whatever risks an investor might be concerned about, a good financial professional can help them find a strategy that the client will be comfortable with. And it’s something that can change over time...

Thinking about retirement can be scary. When should you start? Have you saved enough? What do you want your retirement to look like? It can be a lot to consider but, a conversation with a qualified financial professional might help...

It's tax season and as your friendly neighborhood financial advisors, we wanted you to know that recently, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that tax season will start a little later than usual.

Want to enjoy your retirement years while staying fit and healthy? In the winter months, snowshoeing can be an easy, healthy, and affordable way to stay active. Here's what you need to know to get started...

As financial professionals, we believe in the power of helping others move toward their goals. If our neighbors are in trouble, it feels good to help them out and gives us the comfort of knowing that they might step up too!

As Financial Advisors, we have learned that money isn't everything. There is a lot to be grateful for, whatever your financial situation. Start with gratitude and you might find that you are already wealthy beyond measure...

When it comes to preparing yourself financially for a new year, starting early is often a smart move. For many Americans this winter, this may be doubly true. Considering the impact COVID-19 has had on the financial landscape...

In a difficult year, we wanted to give you a gift of beauty to end the year. We are a boutique firm of Wealth Planners, but, ultimately, we are in the relationship business so please accept this gift from your friends at Pinnacle Wealth!

The start of the holiday shopping season can provide important clues about the economy's state and, more importantly, overall consumer confidence. So far, the results have been a “mixed bag” with empty malls and busy...

As the United States sees a rise in cases of COVID-19 across the nation, news of two promising vaccines out of hundreds being tested has offered a ray of hope for a fatigued world.

Pinnacle Wealth Management hosted our first client Zoom Happy Hour last night. We know that we are financial planners and that is our day job but, we are in the relationship business too. We will do anything to connect with our clients!

This has been a year like no other and Thanksgiving is another day that looks quite different than in years past. There has been a lot about this year that has been frustrating and challenging. There are many things that have made us...

If a current event or headline has caused you to reconsider your financial strategy, pause, and remember that in creating your strategy, you should look at the bigger picture and use sound financial planning to meet your long-term goals.

As an RIA Wealth Management firm, we are always looking for ways to help our clients save more for retirement. Next year the phase-out range for Roth IRA contributions has increased. Could it be an opportunity for you to save more in 2021?

As I was trying to think of a topic for the blog this week, I was feeling a bit overwhelmed. There has been so much noise lately. Between the election, the pandemic, the economy, and everything else going on in the world, I just needed...

It should come as no surprise that the economy is one of the most crucial issues in the upcoming election. But should the election impact your personal investment strategy?

Halloween is big business and can mean big money for retailers as well as consumers. Halloween may look different this year but, with a little adaptation, the Halloween activities we’ve become accustomed to can still be enjoyed.

Financial Planning is a critical part of your retirement strategy. It helps to have a Certified Finacial Planner (CFP®) look at your plan. We can make recommendations that will help you in pre-retirement and when you reach full retirement.

One of the joys of cooking is that almost no experience is necessary. As long as you follow a recipe and take your time, preparing wonderful Fall dishes is easy. Ready to eat your fill of delicious autumnal fare?

Due to COVID-19, Americans are spending more time at home than ever before, leading to a record amount of spending on home improvement. Have you recently updated your home?

For many people, fall is a season full of familiar change. Every year, retailers stock their shelves with pumpkin spice-flavored products. But where exactly did the signature spice of the season get its start?

Having a good Estate Plan with all of the necessary documents is a good start. Helping your loved ones to find the necessary documents when then need them is essential. Our Peace of Mind Checklist can help.

If you'll be turning 65 in the near future, it may be time to consider your strategy for Medicare benefits.You can apply for original Medicare (Parts A and B) at age 65 whether you have retired or not.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, many people transitioned to working from home at the beginning of the year. That has encouraged a housing boom. Could now be the right time for you to buy a house?

Right now, many Americans are worried about their financial health due to the impact COVID-19 has had on the country. Is inflation now a factor that needs to be considered?

"Will I outlive my retirement money?" That's one of the top fears for people who are starting to prepare for their retirement years.So I have to chuckle a bit when I see headlines that say, "Here's how much money Americans think they...

Thanks to the CARES Act, those who hold certain retirement accounts can bypass RMDs for 2020. If you already took a distribution, you may still be able to reverse your decision. Here's what you need to know...

The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken up nearly every aspect of American life. To say it’s been a difficult time would be an understatement. However, difficult times may open doors to new possibilities.

Lately, it can feel like each day brings a new headline about fluctuating market behavior. But amid the ups and downs of 2020, there may be some potential good news on the horizon. On July 16, 2020, the interest rate for a 30-year...

As we get older, we tend to need more care and that care can cost a lot. Women face unique challenges when it comes to planning for extended care. Have you adequately prepared for the care that you might need?

While you may be already thinking about your health insurance, including Medicare, it’s important to remember that you may, at some point during your retirement years, require some sort of extended care.

In our uncertain climate, it’s unsurprising that when American investors are thinking about their financial strategy, that the topic of life insurance comes up.For some, it’s always been front of mind. For younger...

If you’re like most of us, you’ve probably been thinking about your health quite a bit lately — especially if you’re approaching retirement. When it comes to your health, Medicare may be an important part of your retirement strategy.

Whether you’re an old hand at telecommuting or know next to nothing about it, working from home is not a new concept. With planning, discipline, and experimentation, you can make working from home a productive and rewarding experience.

This summer, why not skip the grocery store and get fresh, local produce right from the farm? That’s the beauty and ingenuity of Community Supported Agriculture programs.

You put a lot of time and effort into creating a home but, have you thought about the reality of losing some or all of what you have created? Making a home inventory for insurance purposes is important but, do you know how to begin?

Few life events are more stressful than a job loss. If you or someone you know is in this situation due to COVID-19, you’ll likely have several questions such as “What should I do with my 401(k)?”

These documents will enable your friends and family to care for you in your time of need and to settle your Estate more easily. It is a wonderful final gift to give your heirs but, it will not help them if they do not have access.

Today, we age differently from previous generations, and many of us enjoy active lives well into our seventies, eighties, and beyond. Our concept of retirement has evolved in recent years. Have you considered an encore career?

When was the last time that you checked your beneficiaries? Has it been more than 5 years? You may not need to make any changes but, it is good to verify that each of your accounts still have the beneficiary designations that you want.

It’s not often that sweeping legislation like the SECURE Act is passed. The new rules are expected to cause changes to some retirement strategies. For others, new opportunities may be revealed. How will you be affected?

You’ve heard the clichés about springtime: She’s no spring chicken. Fresh as a daisy. Head in the clouds. Chasing rainbows. A ray of sunshine. The start of spring varies, but typically it begins in late March and...

Whether you personally felt well prepared for this economic downturn or not, the stimulus check that you receive should help you to weather the storm and prepare for future storms that may come.

A truly great estate strategy protects more than just your wealth: it also helps protect those you love. For many of us, our non-human loved ones are part of the family.

Congress determined that forcing retirees to take RMDs when your accounts were down was unduly harsh and they are allowing you to bypass RMDs for 2020. Is that the right option for you?

Beautiful lawns and flower beds help set off a welcoming home. But without the proper knowledge, maintaining an attractive landscape can be an annual challenge. While the year is still young, there are steps you can take now...

While we are unable to ensure a profit or protect against all loss, we created the Surge and Protect Strategy to do our best to protect as much as we can during uncertain economic times.

If you are concerned about the effect that the market downturn will have on your 401(k) or any of your investment accounts, it is a good idea to talk to an experienced Financial Advisor who can help you to make a plan to work toward goals.

Whether your retirement is just around the corner or years away, ensuring your preparations are in order can be the centerpiece of an effective retirement strategy. This is especially poignant when you consider that approximately 4 out...

We honor the women who make a difference at Pinnacle Wealth Management. We are grateful to the women who have been a part of this firm over the years. They have shaped it into a Wealth Management Practice that we are proud of.

In January it was announced that a new FICO Score will be available this summer. The new scoring will change the way that scores are calculated and could have a big impact on consumers and their individual scores.

Most households are eager to maintain the quality of coverage they enjoy, well into their retirement years. But preparing for extended care requires consideration and thoughtful planning. Let’s explore some of the ways you can prepare.

Relationships are the Cornerstone of What We Do. Nearly 30 years ago a woman walked into my office with a shoebox full of papers and receipts and asked me to help. Her father and had just passed away and she was struggling to manage...

Fintech and other technological innovations are increasingly becoming permanent features in our financial lives. Learning to implement and integrate these innovative tools could potentially make life easier and more manageable.

The new rules and regulations detailed in the SECURE Act regarding beneficiaries of IRAs and 401(k)s are changing the way Investment Advisors and Attorneys are thinking about the distribution of assets to beneficiaries.

The best retirement strategy is one based on SMART goals, but with the flexibility to change and adapt, if necessary. Now is a great time to evaluate your goals, make course corrections, and give yourself permission to dream big.

There is good news for retirement account savers. For those making contributions to retirement accounts, some of the limits have gone up again in 2020! How will it will affect you? 401(k) contribution limit $19,500 up from $19,000...

Gratitude is not so much a moral obligation. It is a yearning to step beyond ourselves. But, does it make you healthier, wealthier, and wiser?

I have made many New Year’s Resolutions that have to do with money. The problem is, I have failed at these resolutions more than I have been successful. Now, when I make a resolution, I try to follow the 3 M’s.

One of the most important resolutions you might consider is to take better care of your eyes. Worsening eyesight can happen so gradually, you may not even notice it.

While the 1.6% increase in benefits will cover some costs, it is worth pointing out that medical expenses, one of the largest expenses for retirees, have seen a much higher inflation rate, 3.46% in 2019. How can retirees keep up?

Switching to a home that’s the right size for your retired lifestyle can often lead to tangible benefits like, a smaller mortgage, lower utilities, or lower property insurance.

The end of the year is often a busy time filled with shopping, parties, events, and celebrations. The last thing that most people want to do is a financial checkup but, doing so could benefit you greatly in tax season.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we decided to take a poll of the office to see what financial decisions each of our team members were most thankful for. See what everyone had to say...

Consumers easily get into trouble this time of year due to excess spending. Failing to properly plan can put your finances in the red. Could you create a reasonable budget to help you enter the New Year in a better financial position?

I am far from perfect and I have made my fair share of mistakes as an Advisor but, I do my best to give advice to my clients that is honest and forthcoming. I try to do the right thing even when no one is looking.

Due to historically low rates on cash accounts, many people have been hesitant to keep much of their portfolio invested in cash but there is still a good argument to be made for keeping at least a small portion of your assets in cash.

I really enjoy speaking with kids and young adults about finance. As I thought about it, I realized that I could narrow it down to some basic principles: 123s and ABCs.

Many people talk about inflation. Even though news stories about inflation are common, I would be surprised if many people could give an accurate definition of what it is. So, what exactly is inflation? Put simply, the inflation rate...

Creating an Emergency Fund is not rocket science, it is simple math. Having an Emergency Fund will help you to stay on track with your personal and financial goals when an emergency happens (because it will).

Recently, stock prices dropped sharply on fears that the trade dispute between the U.S. and China had escalated. Investors woke to the news on Monday, August 5, that the People’s Bank of China had manipulated its currency,...

Both have Pros and Cons: Both are great options for retirement saving but neither is a “one size fits all” solution.

When looking for a financial advisor, one of the first pieces of advice that you will receive is to find someone who is a fiduciary. That is great advice but, what actually is a fiduciary and why is it better if your advisor is one?

Planning for the holidays is stressful. Planning early by setting a budget and saving enough to cover it can help you to keep the holidays merry by avoiding financial woes.

How Can I Protect Myself from Identity Theft? The quick answer is you can’t. That being said, there is a lot that you can do that will make it a lot harder for criminals to steal your identity. So what can you do?

There is one major life event that we all must face, death. It is a good idea to prepare now while you and your loved ones are clear-headed and are not suffering from the emotional duress of loss.

As a Financial Advisor, I talk to clients about all aspects of their finances, including their mortgage. The question I am often asked is, “Should I pay off my mortgage before I retire?” My answer used to be: “No...

Social Security has been in the news again lately. The 2019 Annual Report of the Board of Trustees revealed that the Social Security trust fund can no longer guarantee full benefits by the year 2035[1]. This is one year later than was...

Whether it’s big or small, growing or declining, living within your wage allows you to live your best life. Ultimately, isn’t that what we are all trying to do?

In life, there are two things that are certain, death and taxes. Even though you can’t avoid paying taxes, you can have some control over when and how much you pay. The government has generously given taxpayers some retirement...

Do you have a son or daughter who is 18 or older? When you were thinking of a birthday present for your newly minted adult child you probably did not consider legal documents but, maybe you should have. Even though you may not consider...

Tax season is stressful! One of the most important steps in tax preparation can often be the most challenging: gathering all forms and documents. If you received income from someone other than your employer (a bank or financial...

There are two kinds of working people: Those who work because they HAVE to work and those who work because they WANT to work. Most of us aspire to be in the second group. So, how do you get there?

The recent government shutdown brought to light a very real issue that anyone could face at any time. What would you do if you suddenly stopped getting a paycheck and you did not know when you would get another? Fortunately for many...

Good news for retirement account savers. For those making contributions to retirement accounts, the limits have gone up in 2019, something that has not happened since 2013. How it will affect you: 401(k) contribution limit $19,000 up...

My Dad always said “Make reversible decisions quickly and make irreversible decisions slowly.” That advice has saved me countless times in my life. Over the past few years, the lottery has had several large jackpots, many...