Investment Planning

You glance at your compensation statement and see "RSU Restricted Stock Unit Deferral Election." Your stomach tightens. Should you defer or take them now? One wrong move can cost you six figures in taxes you didn't expect. I've spent decades guiding high-income professionals through this exact decision. Most people get...

Imagine securing an investment that's as solid as Uncle Sam's handshake, designed to outpace inflation, and shields your earnings from state and local taxes. That's exactly what U.S. Series I Savings Bonds offer—stability, growth, and peace of mind. Are you tired of watching your savings lose value due to rising...

Choosing the wrong financial professional costs the average client $47,000 over 20 years, according to a 2024 Morningstar study. Not in obvious fees, but in unsuitable product recommendations, missed tax strategies, and portfolio underperformance. Financial Advisor vs. Financial Planner? Aren't they the same? They are not. I've seen firsthand...

What Exactly Is Capital Gains Yield (CGY)? If you're an investor, you've likely come across the term Capital Gains Yield (CGY). It’s a vital metric that evaluates the growth potential of an investment, helping you focus on the price appreciation of assets like stocks, real estate, or even collectibles. For...

The "Bogleheads Guide to Investing" stands out as a beacon for both novice and experienced investors who seek practical, down-to-earth advice on managing their finances. This guide, deeply rooted in the philosophy of the legendary investor John Bogle, champions low-cost index funds, efficient asset allocation, and financial literacy. It's...

Last fall, a new client, we'll call him David, showed me his savings account statement. He was proud of his 4.5% interest rate but dismayed by the meager returns. The problem? His bank compounded annually. We moved his funds to an account with a 4.4% rate that compounded daily,...

College costs have absolutely exploded in recent years. I'm talking about a 25%-30% increase in just ten years. Insane, right? Look, I know that sounds scary, but I've got some real strategies to help you navigate choosing the right college savings accounts for your kids. Imagine this: Your kid gets...

Did you know that the Oracle of Omaha Warren Buffett turned a mere $100,000 into over $100 billion? This incredible feat wasn’t achieved through trendy stock tips or flawless market timing. Instead, learn and follow the principles of Warren Buffett and value investing. Warren Buffett's Accounting Book: Reading Financial...

Imagine a world where beating the stock market is as simple as following a few expert tips. Now, prepare to have that notion shattered. Burton Malkiel's groundbreaking book, "A Random Walk Down Wall Street," challenges everything you thought you knew about investing. But why should you care? Picture this: You've...

After 30 years managing client portfolios through boom-bust cycles, I've noticed a critical blind spot: most ROI calculators ignore the hidden costs that eat into actual returns. For retirees especially, factors like IRMAA surcharges on Medicare (which can add $1,500-$3,000+ annually) and capital gains tax timing aren't built into...