What Happens After a Loved One Passes
The Shock and the Aftermath of a Loss It’s been three weeks since the sudden loss of my brother. Even writing these words seems to tighten my stomach in knots …
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Transferring Wealth While Living
Strategies for Transferring Wealth to the Next Generation Planning for the transfer of your wealth to loved ones may be the most rewarding result of a comprehensive financial plan. So …
Life Insurance Planning for Needs
Who Needs Another Life Insurance Pitch? Have you seen the Bill Murray movie, Groundhog Day? No matter how many times I watch it, one scene always has me laughing. It’s …
Fresh Perspective on Financial Planning
Bathroom Reno Snags Give a Fresh Perspective on Financial Planning As you might expect from a financial planner, masterminding has always been a virtue of mine. As a teenager, I …
Bloomington Normal Area Best Financial Planner and Best Investment Firm 2020
Voted Bloomington Normal Area’s Best Financial Planner and Best Investment Firm for 2020! Bloomington Normal Area, we thank you once again for voting McBeath Financial Group as your first choice …
Convert Savings Into Retirement Income
How Do You Convert Savings into Retirement Income? How to turn retirement savings accounts into a steady income stream is one of the most crucial questions most people will want …
Tax Free Retirement
Is There Such Thing as a Tax Free Retirement? “I’m going to sell my house and buy a condo on the beach!” “I’m going to buy my dream car!” “We’re …
Who Should Not Meet Me for Financial Advice
Why You Should NOT Meet Me For Financial Advice Yes, you read the title correctly. I’m absolutely not the right advisor for financial advice for everyone. I’m very upfront that …
ETF Investments
Why Are Savvy Investors Flocking to ETFs? Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) originated in 1993 as an easy and low-cost way for individuals and investment firms to have easy access to …
Why Are Retirees Leaving Money in Their 401k Plans
Why Are Retirees Leaving Their 401K Money With Their Former Employer’s Plan? “It’s your money! You get to decide what to do with it!”, is what my husband recently said …
Save Taxes In Retirement
Does the Rapid Market Recovery Signal a Missed Opportunity to Save Taxes in Retirement? The Market Drop May Have Been a Huge Opportunity for a Tax-Free Retirement Sheltering in place …
The CARES Act Reaction to Market SCARES
The CARES Act Following Market SCARES Panic How Can the CARES Act Help Those Facing Economic Losses Rapid market drops and fears of a recession set Congress into quick action …
DIY Financial Planner Problems
Why are DIY Financial Planners Turning to Financial Advisors? “I’ve Got a 401k and Social Security. Why Do I Need a Financial Planner?” Is often said as people enter retirement. …
Why You Need a Financial Planner and an Investment Advisor for Retirement
I’d like to explain what I feel are the two most crucial roles to actually helping people achieve their financial goals: financial planning and investment management. While a financial planner and an investment advisor may be the same individual, ideally they each fulfill two separate purposes.
Secure Act Changes to Retirement Plans
The most sweeping legislative tax or retirement reform in over a decade became active on January 1st, 2020. For some, it may help prepare for retirement, but for others, it may not have a positive impact at all. Those that will be hurt the most are likely those that don’t understand the new changes and how to adjust. As with any change, The SECURE Act may reveal new opportunities with a new retirement strategy.
Financial Planning for Loss of a Spouse
Financial planning for loss of a spouse can help ease the burden emotionally and financially at the most difficult times.
This Rookie’s Contract Like a Well-Timed Fixed Annuity
A Lesson in Locking in Financial Security from an Unlikely Cubs Newcomer I loved the Cinderella story of this Cubs newcomer even before he displayed his financial savvy. When he …
Why I Chose the ChFC ® Designation over the CFP ® Certification
Choosing the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) ® Designation over the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ® Certification Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ® is the media love child for financial advisor designations. …
Feeling Queasy in Market Turbulence
That Queasy Feeling in Turbulence Recent Market Drops Can Raise Tension Like a Bad Flight As an investment advisor, when we see a significant market drop, it sometimes warrants a …
Best Investment Firm and Financial Planner: McBeath Financial Group Chosen Again!
Best Investment Firm and Financial Planner: McBeath Financial Group Chosen Again! Pantagraph Reader’s Choice Awards for 2019 announced that once again we were chosen for two first place awards! Central …
Everyone Has a Financial Plan Until They Get Punched in the Mouth
Everyone Has a Financial Plan Until They Get Punched in the Mouth Mike Tyson is probably the last person you’d want to take financial advice from, but you may want …
Nobody Ever Frames Their Financial Plan
Nobody Ever Frames Their Financial Plan Most of my clients will never realize how much detail and attention I put towards building their comprehensive financial plan. When I create these …
5 Estate Planning Must-Do’s Before Going on Vacation
5 Estate Planning Must-Do’s Before Going on Vacation Estate planning attorney’s and wealth managers are professionals that often work together in creating a cohesive financial plan. We’ve often had the …
Climbing a 401k Rollover
Climbing a 401K Rollover: Q & A K2 is the name of the second highest mountain in the world. Located on the boarder of China and Pakistan, it is considered …
Who is Taking a Bite Out of Your Retirement Account?
Who is Taking a Bite Out of Your Retirement Account? Don’t Watch Your Retirement Account Savings Melt Away Like an Ice Cream on a Hot Day! Our family has a …
Don’t Buy an Annuity Before Reading This!
Before You Buy an Annuity, You Need to Know This! Purchasing an annuity might be a huge mistake for you! I’m not saying annuities are bad products. In fact, I …
Dave Ramsey and Mutual Funds
What Dave Ramsey Should Explain About Mutual Funds Many Dave Ramsey fans follow his advice about only investing in mutual funds. For certain individuals, it may not be bad investment …
Is It Enough Money to Retire?
“How Much Will I Need to Retire?” When it comes to retirement planning, it’s my quest to help people realize their retirement goals. Often, when people come to see me, …
Is a Roth IRA Conversion Really a Good Idea?
Is a Roth IRA Conversion Really a Good Idea? The upside and possible negatives of converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA If you own a traditional IRA, perhaps …
Does Sequence of Returns Math Upend Timing the Market?
Can Timing the Market Prevent Sequence of Returns Risk? A look at how variable rates of return do (and do not) impact investors over time. Financial headlines are comparing the …