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. …
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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? If you own a traditional IRA, perhaps you have thought about converting it to a Roth IRA. Going Roth makes sense …
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 …
Tax Advantaged Strategies for Charity Support
Tax Advantaged Strategies for Charity Support How to Maximize Your Tax Benefits While Building a Legacy We’ve all heard of the philanthropic foundations that the wealthy have established, such as …
Is Fear Putting Your Financial Plan at Risk?
Is Fear Putting Your Financial Plan at Risk? Some say the old mansion is haunted, and I live just down the road from it! It’s the Duncan Manor, a historic …
This Financial Advisor’s Hurricane Encounter Reveals Investment Insights
In The Path of Hurricane Michael, Here’s This Investment Advisor’s Insights As an Investment Advisor, located in Bloomington/Normal IL, the biggest danger I face on a daily basis is a …
How to Retire Healthy, Wealthy and Wise
How to Retire Healthy, Wealthy and Wise “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” We’ve all heard the quote, attributed most often to …
Best in Financial Planning and Investment Firm, McBeath Financial Group Voted as Pantagraph Reader’s Choice!
Awarded #1 for Best in Financial Planning and #1 Investment Firm, McBeath Financial Group is Proud to be The Pantagraph Reader’s Choice! Yes, Pantagraph Reader’s Choice Awards for 2018 have been …
Facing SF Employment Severance: Questions About Your Benefits?
Facing SF Employment Severance: Questions About Your Benefits? With yet another wave of workforce reductions, as a financial advisor, I find myself answering some all too familiar questions. With anxiety …
After the Retirement Party
It’s Friday afternoon, and you’re driving home from the retirement party of another co-worker. As you stare off into the distance, driving the comfortable, familiar route to home, you begin to …
Should You Take the Employee Buyout Option?
All around us, companies are restructuring. Maybe artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithms are taking over, maybe a new CEO comes in and changes everything, or maybe market conditions are forcing …
See Your Financial Future: Financial Planning
The goal of financial planning is to create the future you desire! Abraham Lincoln’s famous quote says, “The best way to predict your future is to create it.” Do you dream …
Facing Retirement: Life After Making a Living
Are You Making a Living or Making a Life? It’s often a time of stress and self-reflection when career minded individuals are suddenly faced with retirement. “I’ve learned that making …
Hammered into an Investment?
The Investment Services Toolbox: Avoiding “Maslow’s Hammer” “I suppose it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail.” American …
Look at Who Can’t Retire at 55!
Rock Star Sammy Hagar can’t retire at 55, but maybe you can! Maybe you remember Sammy Hagar’s song “I can’t drive 55!” back in 1984 before he joined the music …