Blog
What’s on our mind? You can read about it in our blog. Whether it’s ideas from the industry or emerging trends, you can read about it here. And once in a while, we may throw in a recipe, lifestyle tip or some other surprise. So keep checking in. We’re glad to have you reading along.
A Walk Atop the Snow
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...
Read MoreStepping Up and Giving Back - Doing What You Can for Your Community
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!
Read MorePracticing Gratitude in the New Year
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...
Read MoreSmart Moves for the New Year and Beyond
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...
Read MoreOur Gift to You
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!
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Will the Grinch Steal Christmas?
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...
Read MoreCoronavirus Vaccines and the Economy
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.
Read MoreHappy Hour on Zoom
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!
Read MoreThings We are Thankful for in 2020
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...
Read MoreSpeed Bumps & Headlines
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.
Read More2021 Limits for IRAs, 401(k)s and Roth IRAs
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?
Read MoreA Moment of Peace
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...
Read MoreElection 2020: Be Confident. Be Bold. Be Patient
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?
Read MoreHalloween: Yesterday and Today
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.
Read MoreOctober Is Financial Planning Month
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.
Read MoreA Bountiful Harvest: Cooking in Autumn
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?
Read MoreHome Improvements Trending Higher
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?
Read MoreThe Spice of Life: A Brief History of Pumpkin Spice
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?
Read MoreHave you Recently Updated your Estate Documents? You might need our Peace of Mind Checklist
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.
Read MoreLet’s Talk About Medicare Open Enrollment
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.
Read MoreHome Builders Confident In Economic Rebound
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?
Read MoreIs Inflation On The Rise?
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?
Read MoreHow Much Money Will You Need for Retirement?
"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...
Read More2020 RMD Income Tax Relief is possible
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...
Read MoreRoth Conversion in 2020 - Is It Right For You?
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.
Read More30-year Home Loans Fall to Historic Lows
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...
Read MoreWomen Must Plan for Longevity
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?
Read MoreHave You Included Extended Care in Your Wealth Plan
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.
Read MoreHave you been thinking about life insurance?
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...
Read MorePro tip: apply for Medicare early.
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.
Read MoreWorking from Home 101
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.
Read MoreFrom the Farm to Your Table
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.
Read MoreHave You Made a Comprehensive Inventory of Your Home?
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?
Read MoreKnow your 401(k) options between jobs
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)?”
Read MoreI Completed My Power of Attorney, Will, and Trust, Now Where Should Keep Them?
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.
Read MoreExploring an Encore Career
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?
Read MoreIs it Time to Update Your Beneficiaries?
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.
Read MoreUnderstanding the Secure Act: 4 Things You Need to Know
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?
Read MoreAre You Ready to Do Some Financial Spring Cleaning?
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...
Read MoreWhat Should I Do with My Stimulus Check?
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.
Read MoreProviding For Your Pets
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.
Read MoreCARES Act: Can I skip my RMDs for 2020?
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?
Read MoreEasy Gardening Tips to Make Your Yard Pop
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...
Read MoreSurge and Protect Strategy: It is time for Protect Mode
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.
Read MoreMarket Downturn: Should I worry about my 401(k)?
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.
Read MoreKeeping Your Cash Flow Strong: Evaluate Your Retirement in 3 Steps
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...
Read MoreIn Honor of Women’s History Month...
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.
Read MoreCredit Crunch | How will you be affected by the new Credit score Calculations?
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.
Read MorePreparing for Extended Care
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.
Read MoreMore than Money Management...
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...
Read MoreHow to Use Technology to Monitor Your Retirement Savings
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.
Read MoreSECURE Act: Can you Still Trust Your Trust?
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.
Read MoreGetting Goals Right
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.
Read MoreCould you save more for Retirement in 2020?
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...
Read MoreGratitude: Does It Make You Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise?
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?
Read MoreMade a Money Resolution for New Year’s? Use the 3 M’s to increase your chance of follow through
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.
Read More2020 Vision for the New Year
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.
Read MoreSocial Security is Giving you a Pay Raise in 2020!
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?
Read MoreDownsizing Before Retirement
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.
Read MoreEnd of Year Financial Checklist: 5 Things to Consider
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.
Read MoreFinancial Decisions We are Thankful For
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...
Read MoreA Simple 5 Step Plan to Create a Budget for End of Year Spending
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?
Read MoreWould My Mom Be Proud of Me?
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.
Read MoreCash: An Overlooked Asset Class
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.
Read MoreThe 123's and ABC's of Money
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.
Read MoreWhat is Inflation?
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...
Read MoreHow much Money do I need in My Emergency Fund?
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).
Read MoreTrade Disputes and Market Volatility
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,...
Read MoreTraditional IRA versus a Roth IRA. Which one is Right for Me?
Both have Pros and Cons: Both are great options for retirement saving but neither is a “one size fits all” solution.
Read MoreWhat is a Fiduciary?
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?
Read MoreChristmas in July – 7 Steps to Reduce Holiday Stress by Preparing Now
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.
Read MoreHow Can I Protect Myself from Identity Theft?
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?
Read MoreDo I need to have an Estate Planning Drill?
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.
Read MoreShould I Pay off my Mortgage Before I Retire?
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...
Read MoreWill I get my Social Security Benefits?
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...
Read MoreLive Within Your Wage
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?
Read MoreIs a Roth IRA Conversion Right for Me?
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...
Read MoreLegal Documents your 18-year-old Needs
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...
Read MoreWhere is My 1099!?
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...
Read MoreWork Because You WANT to, not Because You HAVE to
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?
Read MoreWhat We Can Learn From the Government Shutdown – Everyone Needs an Emergency Fund
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...
Read MoreSave more for Retirement in 2019
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...
Read MoreWish you Could Win the Lottery?
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...
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