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Welcome to the Summit Wealth Group blog! Our intent is to use this blog as a platform to communicate our thoughts and ideas as it relates to your everyday decisions regarding your unique financial journey.

We talk about a variety of topics such as budgeting tips, how to shop for the right home, how finances can affect your relationships and how to set yourself up for a better, more secure future.  Real life situations.  Real success stories.  What excites us is seeing our clients realizing their dreams, accomplishing their goals and achieving financial contentment – and this blog is intended to help you do just that.

We have several financial advisors that contribute to this blog, sharing their knowledge and expertise, so check back often. We invite you to follow along and ask that you share this blog with anyone who you think might benefit from it.

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

You know that moment when you're finally getting good at a board game (you've memorized the rules, figured out your strategy, maybe even started winning) and then someone flips over a card that changes everything?That's what's...

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

With the start of 2026 comes new opportunities and changes. While routine can be good, some changes can be profitable if you know what to do. The IRS released the new numbers for 2026 retirement contribution limits. These changes may...

Friday, February 13, 2026

Valentine’s Day celebrates romance, but lasting love requires financial clarity. Explore how couples can discuss wealth, goals, risk, and legacy with honesty and respect—because trust grows stronger when money conversations are handled.

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

What Does That Mean for Your Finances?It’s happening again.On January 30, the temporary government funding that prevented the last shutdown is set to expire. If that deadline sounds familiar, you’re not imagining things. This cycle has...

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Imagine the government depositing $1,000 into an account for your newborn child. Then, watching the compounding effects of that account as it grows tax-free until the child turns 18. That’s what can happen with the new 530a account...

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Monday, October 27, 2025

Starting a new job is the perfect time to review your finances. Learn what to do with your old 401(k), how to adjust your cash flow, and ways to make the most of your new benefits so your next career move supports your long-term goals.

Thursday, September 11, 2025

529 college savings plans have been increasing in popularity over the past few years. There is one 529 college savings plan sponsored by each state. Each state's 529 plan operates basically the same. You can live in one state, use...

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Is saving solely in a 401(k) plan enough for your retirement? As you might expect, the answer to this question is usually - it depends. The first thing I would mention is that, typically, when you are saving while you’re working, you...

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Are stock market swings a cause for concern? Should I buy or sell securities during this time or do nothing? Well, a simple answer is - there’s no simple answer. We’ve always had periods of economic uncertainty, anxiety, you name it....

Thursday, September 11, 2025

We’re going to talk about one of the questions that we get asked a lot…“Can I graduate from college without any student loan debt?” Well, yes, you can, and there are a lot of options with being able to have money to pay for college....

Thursday, September 11, 2025

So how do I know when I’ve saved enough for retirement? How do I know what the magic number is? I am going to give you a simplified math formula, simplified in the sense that there are four steps. So the first one is - take a look at...

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Several years ago, I was opening up a fortune cookie at a Chinese buffet, and the fortune said, “Enough is as good as a feast.” I really try to apply that to my own life and to my clients’ lives when we’re talking about financial...

Thursday, September 11, 2025

How can you leave a lasting legacy? First off, you need to ask yourself, what does a legacy mean to you? The first thing that pops into a lot of people’s minds is money, assets, a house, and while those are a major part of someone’s...

Thursday, September 11, 2025

A question we get asked quite frequently is about saving for college expenses. It is very expensive and continues to increase every year. Fortunately, there are some good strategies that are available for us to help put together a...

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

First of all, don’t make any quick decisions. Take your time. If you have close family members whose advice you value or a close financial advisor or a clergy member… anybody whose advice you value, spend time with that person. Don’t...

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

You are considering changing careers. What are some financial considerations you need to be making? Oftentimes, clients come to me and ask, “What do I need to watch out for when I’m considering completely upending my life by quitting...

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

The RMD is one of our favorite acronyms in the financial industry. It’s short for required minimum distribution. What is that? Required minimum distribution is for any of us who own an individual retirement account or an...

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Should I be paying off debt or saving for retirement? There are a number of answers that I could give you to this question. The most simplistic answer is yes. Should you be paying off debt? Yes. And I’ll give you a little overview of...

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Clients often come to us after the passing of a parent or other loved one, and they know they will be receiving an inheritance. This can be an extremely sensitive and difficult time to navigate big decisions on your own, so here are...

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

One of the most common questions we get from some of our clients nearing retirement is - “When should I file for Social Security?” I want to give you three things that you should be thinking about when you start thinking about Social...

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

We, as advisors here at Summit, get a lot of questions from our clients about the value of setting up a living trust. I would like to explain the differences between a trust and a traditional estate plan and give you an idea as to when...

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

No matter what time of the year, if you look at your paystub, you see one important thing - Taxes. How do you know if you should be preparing taxes on your own or if you should seek the advice of an expert? Well, I believe it’s good to...

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

One of the most common questions we get as retirement planners and financial advisors is, “How much should I have set aside for retirement?” This is a very subjective question. A lot depends on how much income you want to be able to...

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Many people wonder whether a financial plan is worth it and whether these expenses are worthwhile, considering that there are free versions of financial plans available. The answer is yes, they are, if you’re doing it the right way....

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Long-term care expenses, typically just for standard long-term care, are approaching $10,000 per month. If you are facing a bill of $120,000 per year just to live and maintain a reasonable standard of living, then that can be a...

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

I absolutely believe that you can never go wrong paying off debt - no matter what it is. We like to believe in paying off consumer debt first, which is credit card debts, student loans, car loans, home equity lines of credit, and...

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

When you’re looking at your debts, the main thing that you want to go ahead and take into account is - you want to be unemotional about it, and you want to examine interest rates. It’s easy to get caught up in large debts or small...

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Tax planning is an opportunity where you can look not only at having an investment that performs well and does great, but imagine if you’re in the 30th percentile tax bracket - and then you go ahead and save a dollar on taxes, you’ve...

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Are you a business owner? Did you know that 70% of business owners do not have a succession plan in place? Not one that they can communicate. They just haven’t taken the time. They’re so busy building the business and trying to make that...

Thursday, August 21, 2025

Quite often in our client meetings, we discuss rates of return on investments. How to be better at getting better returns on our investments. Often, those discussions, though, can go over into - how are we spending our time? Because if...

Thursday, August 21, 2025

A common question we get from our clients here, when a sum of money is received from an inheritance, the sale of an investment, or potentially the sale of real estate, is - “What should I do with this money? Should I invest it or...

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

I truly believe that one of the things to concentrate on is creating a vision for what retirement might look like for you. A purpose. Something that gets you out of bed every day that you’re looking forward to. We’re going to talk...

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

If you are like many of us, you might find yourself entering the month of December, starting your Christmas shopping, and running into a problem - budget and cash flow. One of the things that I like to do is create a separate savings...

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

The biggest risk you face in retirement isn’t losing all your money. The biggest risk you face in retirement is more about how much retirement income you can generate. Far too often, I find people focused on losing value on an...

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

“Day One of Retirement” actually begins five to ten years before Day One. And probably really thinking about it, probably fifteen years - when you’re thinking about retirement. There are some serious questions to answer before that...

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

One question we often hear from our charitability-inclined clients is that they want to know how to do more good with their resources. In essence, they want to make the greatest impact possible with their charitable donation. Depending...

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

We, at Summit, want our clients to thrive and flourish in the third third of life. So, there’s a couple of interesting things I would like to pass on to you. Below is a summary from the Fuller DePree Center on the third third of life....

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

The power of collective action is undeniable. A simple $50 registration fee can transform into life-changing water access for communities in need. The theme of this year’s Summer Summit was water. Water has the ability to change lives,...

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

I was recently asked, “How do you budget if spreadsheets make you nervous?” I’m pretty good at understanding being nervous when it comes to finances because there's lots of challenges that go with it. When you’re putting money away and...

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

A question that comes up frequently is, “Should I be investing in gold? Should I actually buy gold bars, keep them in a safe at home, and treat them as a valuable asset?” Gold has been considered valuable for thousands of years, so...

Thursday, March 13, 2025

So much of retirement deals with the accumulation of assets. Your 401K, your IRAs, distribution strategies, Roth conversions. All very, very important - but let’s talk about a few things you may not be thinking about outside of your...

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Specific. Measurable. Achievable. Relevant. Time-bound. SMART Goals. So we have all set New Year’s resolutions before and found that they typically don’t work. A lot of times, it’s just not a smart enough goal. This may be something...

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

"Am I saving enough for retirement?" It’s one of the most common questions we hear from clients, and it’s a critical one to address. While every situation is unique, having general benchmarks can help guide your progress. Here’s a...

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Are home warranties worth it? It’s a common question, and the answer often depends on your situation. A home warranty is essentially an insurance policy you can purchase annually to cover major appliances and systems in your home—think...

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

At Summit Wealth Group, we encourage clients to think carefully and include Social Security planning as a key part of their financial strategy. Deciding when to file for Social Security is a highly personalized decision. Factors such...

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

One question we’ve been hearing a lot lately is: “How does it work when I sell my house and have a gain on that investment?” The first thing to consider is whether you’ve lived in the home for at least two of the past five years. These...

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

What’s the value of working with a financial advisor? It’s a question many people ask, and the answer often lies in the opportunity cost of not using one versus managing your investments alone. Vanguard recently conducted a study that...

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Today, we are talking about Thrift Savings Plans, or TSPs. If you’re a government or agency employee, you likely have access to a TSP, which operates much like a 401(k). It offers the same key features, including traditional...

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

If we pass on money and material possessions without philosophies, values, and principles, I believe we’ve missed an opportunity. In fact, it may even be a disservice to our family and a dishonor to the loved ones who came before us....

Thursday, December 12, 2024

A lot of people view their employer’s 401(k) as a “set it and forget it” type of investment, but we like to take a little bit of a different approach here at Summit. Typically, with a 401(k), what happens is the company has the HR team...

Thursday, December 12, 2024

If you’re a small business owner, reducing your tax bill is likely top of mind. One of the most effective strategies for accomplishing this is by linking your tax plan to your retirement savings. By doing so, you can achieve two...

Thursday, December 12, 2024

When it comes to managing debt, it’s easy to get caught up in the type of debt—whether it’s student loans, credit cards, mortgages, or HELOCs. But the key to tackling debt effectively lies in focusing on interest rates, not emotions....

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Teaching children about money is one of the most valuable life lessons you can impart. Understanding how to handle money responsibly from a young age can set them on a solid path toward financial independence and success. Here’s a...

Thursday, December 12, 2024

If you’ve ever heard the term fiduciary and wondered what it means, think of this analogy: Imagine you’re climbing to the summit of Mount Everest. Your guide is in front of you, leading the way. They have your safety—and their own—in...

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Receiving a large inheritance can be life-changing, but it also comes with important decisions. If you’ve recently inherited money, your first step might surprise you: do nothing. It’s natural to want to make big moves right...

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Retirement is a milestone many of us spend years planning for—saving, investing, and preparing for the day we can finally step away from work. But here’s an important question to ask yourself long before that day arrives: What will you...

Thursday, December 12, 2024

When it comes to financial planning, one of the most important questions to ask yourself is: What are my financial goals? Surprisingly, many people haven’t given it much thought. While common goals like retirement, paying off debt, or...

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Did you know it’s possible to graduate from college without any student loan debt? While it may require some planning and strategy, there are plenty of options to make it happen—and many of them can start early in life. Start Early...

Thursday, December 12, 2024

It’s a common question: Should I pick individual stocks? And I get it—it’s tempting. Maybe you’ve heard a friend or neighbor bragging about their big wins, riding the wave of a high-performing stock. It’s easy to feel that pull,...

Thursday, December 12, 2024

When it comes to retirement, the most important factor is your health. Far too often, people wait until they’re retired to start focusing on their well-being. But here’s the reality: if you wait until retirement to prioritize your...

Thursday, November 7, 2024

For doctors—and especially dentists—your hands are your livelihood. Years of training and patient care take a toll, and it’s no surprise that back issues, arthritis, and hand problems are common in the profession. When your ability to...

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Watching the principal value in your investment drop from previous highs definitely doesn’t feel good. Over the years, as the market has experienced turbulence, it is not uncommon for clients to come to us and ask if they should sell...

Thursday, August 1, 2024

Mistake #1 - It’s not about the money. That may be surprising to you. Most people plan for retirement by trying to figure out how much money they will need, when they will accumulate that amount of money, and whether it will last them...

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Owning a house can be a great investment for the future, but it can also leave you cash-poor. Being house-rich and cash-poor means that although you own a valuable asset, you do not have a lot of liquid cash to cover day-to-day...

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

For veterans transitioning from military life to civilian life, establishing a solid financial foundation is key to achieving long-term success and stability, and there are steps you can take to get there. 1) Create a budget: One of...

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Transitioning from active duty to civilian life is not easy, especially when it comes to finances. Fortunately, veterans have many benefits and resources available to help them with their financial needs. Veterans can make informed...

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Inflation is a term that we hear frequently, but many of us don't fully understand its impact on the economy. Inflation refers to the increase in the price of goods and services over time, and it affects the purchasing power of...

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Emergencies can happen to anyone, at any time, and without any warning. They can range from losing your job to unexpected medical expenses. In such situations, having an emergency fund can provide you with the financial cushion you...

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Many dental practices struggle with managing their billing, leading to delayed payments, claim errors, and overall inefficiencies. This is why outsourcing billing services has become a popular solution for dental practices looking to...

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Giving is a valuable act that promotes positivity and helps those in need. We can make a significant impact through our giving. However, we can often wonder if our gift is making a difference. So, how can we become more impactful...

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

While many individuals and families dream of owning their own home, the financial realities can be daunting. To avoid the need for a large down payment, many home buyers turn to private mortgage insurance (PMI) to help them purchase a...

Friday, June 21, 2024

As we all know, taxes are an essential part of our lives. Every year, we have to file our taxes and pay the government a portion of our earnings. Minimizing this obligation is a critical part of financial planning. We don't want our...

Friday, June 21, 2024

Retirement can be scary, especially if you have never planned ahead for it. Financial planning is undoubtedly important, but that's not all you need to prepare for retirement. There are many non-financial aspects of retirement that...

Friday, June 21, 2024

As healthcare costs continue to rise in the United States, taking advantage of any opportunities you have to save on medical expenses is more important than ever. One such opportunity for those with health insurance is a flexible...

Friday, June 21, 2024

As the end of the year approaches, it’s important to start thinking about your taxes. Whether you’re an individual or a business owner, there are a variety of strategies you can use to make the most of your tax return. Strategic tax...

Friday, June 21, 2024

As we all know, the earlier we start saving for retirement, the better. While various savings plans are available, nothing beats the convenience and benefits of a 401k plan. If you're starting your career or just thinking of obtaining...

Friday, June 21, 2024

As a college student, using credit cards to pay for everything from textbooks to dining out with friends can be tempting. However, if you're not careful, you could accrue a large amount of debt that will be difficult to pay off. Here...

Friday, June 21, 2024

Meeting with your financial advisor can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. You may have a lot of questions and concerns about your finances, but sometimes it's hard to know what to ask. As a result, many people leave their...

Friday, June 21, 2024

One of the biggest and most important decisions individuals and families will make in their lifetime is whether to buy or rent a home. There are pros and cons to both sides and ultimately, it comes down to individual circumstances and...

Friday, May 3, 2024

In the financial advisory profession, we visit with many young adults looking to have a better future, start investing, and plan for a better future. Unfortunately, we have witnessed a great need for financial literacy education and...

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

When it comes to charitable giving, there are various ways to make an impact. You have the option to directly donate money to a charity, which not only supports a cause but can also provide tax benefits if you itemize deductions....

Sunday, October 29, 2023

The holiday season is busy, but don't wait to secure your financial future. Tax laws change, so plan ahead. Consider Roth IRA opportunities. Enjoy the season with loved ones, combining math and magic through tax planning.

Friday, October 13, 2023

“Should I contribute to a ROTH or Traditional IRA?” We get this question from clients of all ages and walks of life.  Everybody’s situation is going to be a little different with these accounts.  There are a...

Thursday, June 15, 2023

A 401(k) is one of the most popular ways to save for retirement. And while ideally, the funds will go untouched until you need them in retirement, the reality is sometimes life happens, and you may need to access those funds earlier...

Thursday, June 1, 2023

Recent travels remind me that there are so many similarities in how the world operates. From being a passenger to an investor, these to-dos and don’ts are interchangeable:Secure your mask before helping others - you...

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Traditionally, retirement was the state or period of cessation from work, usually after reaching a predetermined age, sometimes with pension benefits. It's a moment we're conditioned to look forward to our entire lives. Finally, free...

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Retirement is something that all of us hope to enjoy at some point in our lives. It's a time to relax, reflect and spend time with family and friends. However, for many of us, the idea of retirement can seem like a distant dream. With...

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Congratulations! You won the lottery! Now what? Should you quit your job and travel the world, buy a mansion, or start your own business? Alright, alright, I know this is exciting, but let's take it easy. While winning the lottery can...

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Identity theft is all too common these days, and we're all vulnerable to it. Whether it's malware, phishing, or simply leaving your personal information out in the open, there are many ways criminals can steal your identity in the...

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Everyone dreams of owning a beautiful vacation home, a place where they can escape from the daily grind and retreat to a peaceful sanctuary. People often invest their hard-earned money into buying these homes, which can provide years...

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Finances can be overwhelming, especially when you have a lot on your plate. One of the most common challenges people have when they come to us is feeling completely disorganized. A lot of times we find with married couples, one spouse...

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Buying a car is a significant investment. With so many options and considerations, it can be overwhelming to make the right choice. Buying or leasing. It is a popular debate. Each has its pros and cons, making it challenging to decide...

Thursday, May 4, 2023

The cost of education has risen dramatically in recent years, and it can be a significant burden on both parents and students. However, there is a way to save for education expenses that can help reduce the financial pressure: a...

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Achieving financial freedom may sound like a daunting task, but it is achievable with the right mindset, actions, and dedication. Financial freedom means having enough wealth and resources to do what you want without worry or stress....

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Student loans, without a doubt, can be incredibly overwhelming. Whether you are a recent graduate or have been out of school for a while, the weight of monthly loan payments can be a financial burden. But, rest assured, there are ways...

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Inflation is a silent thief that slowly eats away at our hard-earned money. Whether it's at a slower rate or a full-blown economic crisis, there's nothing more unsettling than the feeling of losing purchasing power. But fear not,...

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Giving back is one of the most rewarding things that we can do as human beings. There is something deeply fulfilling about helping others and contributing to the well-being of our communities. However, being a generous giver is not...

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Buying a house is one of the biggest decisions in anyone's life. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or on the lookout for your second or third home, owning a house is a significant investment. When it comes to buying a house, there...

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

In this day in age, just about everything is one click away, thanks to the internet. We can read books, watch movies, and listen to music without even leaving our homes. The only downside is that we’re often required to pay...

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Money is a precious commodity. Whether you are an individual or a family, it is important to use it wisely. In today's fast-paced world of instant gratification, it is easy to get carried away with overspending and credit card debts....

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

No one wants to dwell on the thought of their own passing, but it's an inevitable reality of life. As disconcerting as it may be, planning for the future is essential if you want to protect your loved ones and your legacy. This is...

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

As a parent, you want to provide your children with the best possible opportunities, and a good college education is a sure path to a bright future. However, college tuition rates have skyrocketed in recent years, and it's becoming...

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Life insurance is a key component of personal financial planning. It provides financial protection to your loved ones in case something happens to you and you're no longer around to provide for them. While there are many types of life...

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

As we get closer to retirement age, it is essential to ensure we are well-prepared financially. There are some things we need to do to make sure our finances are in order. With life expectancy increasing and medical expenses also...

Saturday, April 1, 2023

A question that we get from a lot of clients as their children start to get engaged or are looking to get married, and that is - “How can I pay for my son’s or my daughter’s wedding?” Or “How much can I chip in and leave my financial...

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Today's blog contributor is Kurt Whitesell, CFP®, Senior Advisor out of Summit's Rapid City, SD branch office. A few weeks ago, while playing some golf, I was visiting with a young couple. They were well-paid professionals who are...

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

The Super Bowl is the most anticipated event in American sports and one of the biggest events in the world. Every year, hundreds of millions of people around the world tune in to watch two teams battle it out for NFL supremacy. But...

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

When I read the world and National news, I find my attitude being manipulated by mainstream media and the hopelessness of the world. SCREECH!!!!! Hold on a minute!!What can be so terrible? Aren’t there two sides to every...

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

A common question we have been getting, with inflation running at nearly all-time highs: “How do I find a way to hedge against inflation over my lifetime?” Inflation is interesting because in a lot of ways it’s labeled as “the silent...

Thursday, January 12, 2023

In your early working years, you probably aren’t thinking much about your retirement. You are working hard, trying to support a family, maybe pay down debt, payoff student loans, etc. As you arrive at your 40s or 50s, however,...

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Tax season is here, and many Americans are excited to receive their tax refunds. For those that do receive a refund, it can feel like an unexpected bonus rather than simply the IRS returning what you overpaid in taxes that year. But...

Friday, December 23, 2022

How can I align my personal values with my investment portfolio? If this is a priority, then you want to be familiar with two terms: impact investing and ESG investing. How our dollars are invested can make an impact on the world.

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Women encounter a variety of unique circumstances which impact their ability to save for retirement. Specifically, career pauses for life changes and lower pay than male counterparts make saving for retirement a challenge. Whether...

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

In 2022, recent studies now show 64% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. As the cost of living continues to reach historically high rates, gas prices hitting record highs, and the threats of an economic recession, it is now...

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

A term growing in popularity in recent years in the financial advisory industry is the term “fiduciary”. If you’ve never heard of it, it is a good one to know. What is a fiduciary? A fiduciary is any...

Friday, July 29, 2022

This blog will begin with a checklist of questions you need to address to help put you in a place to retire. Then we will walk through each of those questions in more depth to help you feel more comfortable with your retirement plan.

Friday, July 29, 2022

Too many people live each day without the clarity of a written financial plan. In this blog, we look at the 6 steps in the financial planning process so you can start creating a financial plan today!

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Updated 6-22-2022 Being in the business of retirement planning, one of the topics we often talk about with clients is retirement living. As we continue our content series #RetiringWithPurpose, today we'll talk about the all-important...

Friday, May 13, 2022

Friday, May 13, 2022

Friday, May 13, 2022

Friday, May 13, 2022

Helping people on their wealth-building journey is what we do every single day. Today we are going to cover 5 observations about individuals who take building wealth seriously. For those of you reading this who might be on your own...

Friday, May 13, 2022

Monday, May 9, 2022

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

The three-bucket approach is a goals-based financial planning technique that aims to simplify the process for the typical American family. Essentially the way it works is to first consider this: all savings accounts aren’t created equal.

Wednesday, March 30, 2022

Perhaps the most common question we receive from our government employee clients is: “What should I do with my TSP when I retire?” It’s a great question, and one we will address in this blog post! The question...

Thursday, February 10, 2022

Thursday, February 3, 2022

Thursday, February 3, 2022

Thursday, February 3, 2022

Thursday, February 3, 2022

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

It was the year 1621 when the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Native Americans shared an autumn harvest feast that is widely acknowledged as the first Thanksgiving celebration in our country’s history. That means this marks the...

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

New Year’s resolutions are popular. People love the thought of a fresh start – “New year, new me.” It’s like a giant reset button, and we all have the opportunity to better ourselves in some way. Sadly,...

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

The holidays are here (believe it or not) and it is time to start planning for the additional expenses that come with it. Here are four ways to help you plan for holiday expenses! 1) Set the money aside For many married couples, one...

Monday, October 4, 2021

As you inch closer to your golden years, you'll likely start thinking about how to take care of your financial needs as an older adult. Social Security may prove a significant help, but you must have a withdrawal strategy to make the...

Monday, October 4, 2021

When you start a new job, don't let your excitement keep you from setting yourself up for financial success with your new employer. The financial planning experts at Summit Wealth Group are here to help you sharpen your financial...

Monday, October 4, 2021

The Thrift Savings Plan is a tax-deferred retirement savings plan offered to federal employees and members of the U.S. military. The TSP gives employees the same benefits as many private-sector retirement plans while providing...

Monday, October 4, 2021

Since the beginning of the pandemic, federal student loan payment requirements have been paused for eligible borrowers with interest and collections likewise suspended. With pandemic student loan relief ending on January 31, though,...

Friday, October 1, 2021

Raising children is expensive, and costs only increase as they reach their teen years. Funding your children’s education is a worthwhile endeavor, but paying for tuition, books, and living expenses can quickly become impossible...

Tuesday, September 7, 2021

Monday, July 19, 2021

American author and evangelist Robert Schuller once posed an interesting question to consider: “What would you do if you knew you could not fail?” If you are like me, you might be quick to say “jump off a cliff”...

Friday, July 16, 2021

In today’s blog post we look at some common misconceptions clients have when they first meet with our advisors. We asked three of our advisors to answer the question, what is the most common misconception they see with new...

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

One of the most frequent questions we get has to do with IRAs. There is a lot of confusion regarding IRAs, what their purpose is, what their benefit is and what are the differences between a Roth IRA and a Traditional IRA. The purpose...

Thursday, July 1, 2021

A retirement plan should be carefully constructed with your unique set of goals in mind, but this should be a good starting point if you are not sure where to begin!

Sunday, June 27, 2021

As financial planners, our job is often seen as helping people navigate through the financial aspect of retirement. However, we are the first to admit that a vibrant, meaningful, successful retirement goes far beyond finances. With...

Thursday, June 24, 2021

A big risk to businesses and individuals alike, social engineering involves exploiting bugs in our “human hardware.” In person, over the phone, or via e-mail, criminals draw on social engineering techniques to evoke...

Friday, June 18, 2021

When it comes to money it can often feel like we have no control. Your income is what it is, your expenses are what they are. However, these 4 items are all within your control and can...

Sunday, June 13, 2021

The process of meeting with a financial advisor for the first time can be intimidating. You are stepping out of your comfort zone into an office with fancy decor, meeting with someone in a nice suit who speaks in terms you may not...

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

We’ve walked many clients through the financial challenges of divorce and have compiled a few tips for women who might be finding themselves in the process...

Sunday, June 6, 2021

To the untrained eye, it might seem that debit or prepaid cards are a smarter way to pay. Since they don’t involve borrowing money, there’s no way to get into debt, right? Before you shred all your credit cards, it is...

Saturday, June 5, 2021

When it comes to your finances, try to consider possible future situations you could find yourself in, and ask yourself if you would rather have a professional or an automated platform to assist you in your decision-making...

Friday, June 4, 2021

Whether climbing a mountain or saving for retirement, we have to journey out into the great unknown. Embarking into the unknown can cause uncertainty, even with a good plan and a worn path ahead. It takes a lot of work to prepare but...

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

I wish every family could have an Aunt Pansy! There is so much that we can learn from someone so full of faith, love and spunk! As I think about her life, I have some very clear thoughts about the way her life has impacted mine with...

Saturday, May 29, 2021

How to protect yourself from a "get rich quick" scheme that is actually a “go broke” scheme in clever disguise...

Thursday, May 27, 2021

I think the link between money and happiness is the same as the link between relationships and happiness. It comes down to how we deal with the “bad” and whether or not we choose to appreciate the “good”.

Monday, May 17, 2021

Teaching your kids about money can start at a very early age. We recommend starting at age 3 or 4 (when they start learning how to count) because it is at this early stage when they can begin to learn some very basic concepts about the...

Monday, May 17, 2021

The use of debt is sometimes necessary, and sometimes beneficial. However, in our professional we often see the impact that debt has on the emotional well-being of individuals, particularly the use of certain types of consumer debt...

Monday, May 17, 2021

There are few things that are as overwhelming as insurmountable debt. Being in debt can feel hopeless for some. In fact, according to a 2013 study published in the journal Clinical Psychology Review, those who died by suicide were...

Monday, May 17, 2021

Ever felt a case of FOMO when it comes to investing? FOMO (the fear of missing out) is a common occurrence in the investment world. It’s hard to avoid it. Here are some examples of times when you might have felt like you blew a...

Sunday, May 16, 2021

At Summit Wealth Group, we are passionate about seeing our clients reach their financial goals. Life often calls for a break from the norm. A reset or refresh if you will. This is why we love to see our clients getting out and...

Friday, May 14, 2021

You can learn a lot about the way a person spends their free time. Whether it is being with family, fishing out on the lake, taking a trip to the beach house, hitting the golf course — the way a person chooses to spend their free...

Friday, May 14, 2021

What is budgeting? Ask a few people and you might get a few different answers. The reason is because cash flows in and out of your account whether you are intentional about the budgeting process or not. Cash flow management, or...

Thursday, May 13, 2021

We get the question a lot from clients of all ages and walks of life of whether they should contribute to a Roth or a Traditional IRA. Everybody’s situation is unique, but there are some things we can consider:Current ageInvestment...

Sunday, April 11, 2021

Having kids is the most incredible gift I’ve been blessed with. I have two little girls and another child on the way, and the amount of joy they bring to our lives is simply indescribable. One thing they don’t tell you...

Monday, March 22, 2021

We survived the snowmageddon of 2021. I’ve been in CO since 1976 and have seen quite a few spring blizzards. They arrive (used to without a lot of fanfare), dump a bunch of snow, create massive drifts and wreak havoc on travel...

Thursday, March 18, 2021

A question we often receive, and one that is deeply intertwined within our financial planning process is the question of “when should I start collecting Social Security? Social Security is something we pay into throughout our...

Thursday, March 18, 2021

What age can I retire? It's a common question and one that people would love to type into Google and have it kick out a quick answer. Unfortunately the reason we have a hard time finding a straight answer to this question is because...

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

Starting a budget can be hard. Keeping a budget is even harder. But it doesn’t have to be. Today we want to talk to those of you who have had a hard time keeping a budget over the years. Today we will simplify it for you so it...

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and it’s been a long year. You deserve to spoil each other. Buy that special gift if your budget allows it. For some couples, the most romantic gift they can give each other is the...

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

Owning and operating a business can be complex but starting one doesn’t have to be! If you’ve ever had a business idea the thought of starting the business might be overwhelming to one who has never done it before. In...

Monday, January 11, 2021

Every year we make new resolutions for the New Year and every year we struggle to keep them. Research shows that 75% of resolutions will be continued through the first week of January and only 8% make it the full year. Oof. Popular...

Monday, January 11, 2021

Did you recently go through a divorce? As your marital status changes, so does your tax situation. Don’t panic, we are here to help. Keep in mind, in 2020 we saw the tax deadline extended due to the pandemic. We do not anticipate...

Monday, January 11, 2021

Working from home is something that many of us have had to adapt to over this past year, and it’s something the majority of business owners believe is here to stay even after the pandemic. It is interesting to see how the...

Monday, January 11, 2021

The Formation of a Dental Partnership What is a partnership? A partnership is a legal business entity in which each business partner has an equal or proportional ownership of a business. This typically means an equal ownership of the...

Monday, November 23, 2020

To say this past year has been a strange one would be an understatement. Many would label 2020 as the year they would prefer to forget. However, life’s biggest lessons can come out of challenges, trials and heartache. So...

Friday, November 20, 2020

4 Secrets of Happy Retirees We see a common theme amongst our happiest retirees. If happiness is what you’re seeking in retirement, consider using the happiest amongst us as a template for how to live out your retirement years....

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

6 Ways to Save Money on Life Insurance How can you save money on life insurance? Believe it or not, there are ways you can save. Let’s look at 6. 1) Buy term Term life insurance vs whole life or universal life is a popular debate...

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

The Case for High Wage Earners Using Roth IRAs Roth contributions are a popular choice for retirement planning for a number of reasons. However, some people try to make the case that high wage earners should prioritize traditional IRA...

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

What to do in retirement - Guide to Retirement Planning Part 1 What to do in retirement? Let’s take a look. This is the first part in a series of common retirement planning questions we get. If you are not sure what to do or how...

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

Our guest today is Michael R. Helbert, Esq. Michael is a managing member and a Trusts and Estates and Business Attorney engaging in both transactional and litigation matters at Arrowood Helbert PLLC. If you are in need of an estate...

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

Our guest today is Tom McFarland. Tom is an Office Manager at Allstate in the Scottsdale, AZ area and specializes in property and casualty insurance. If you are in need of home or auto insurance, give Tom a call! We’ve dropped...

Monday, October 19, 2020

Our guest today is Cassandra Leivas Cassandra is a realtor in the Scottsdale, AZ area with Realty ONE Group www.cassandraleivas.com and specializes in Residential Resales. If you are looking to buy or sell property, check her out....

Friday, September 18, 2020

We have many things to take care of and worry about in our day to day lives. What seems to be unlimited tasks in one day or week, makes it difficult to prioritize some important things. Not to mention, in a technology driven society,...

Thursday, August 27, 2020

We are now well underway into 2019, however, it isn’t too late to make some tax planning decisions that will make next tax season a little less dreadful. When you filed this year, you might have seen a significant change in your...

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Today we are going to look at a key component to building wealth that is often overlooked. I’m going to share this in one sentence, and then I’ll explain some important caveats to what I’m about to say. Check this...

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Saving money can mean different things to different people. Some of us are inclined to save for a rainy day. Perhaps you have 3-6 months of monthly expenses already set aside, but maybe your retirement savings is lacking. Today...

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Raising children is one of the most rewarding, most life-fulfilling jobs many of us have been tasked with. And while the experience is invaluable, the actual cost of raising children is something that should be considered when mapping...

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Coming to the decision to file for divorce is never easy, but at times it is unavoidable. As CPAs and financial professionals, we thought we would shed some light on what the cost might look like so you can begin to plan for a better,...

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

“How much should I save for retirement?” It might be one of the most common questions we get here at Summit -- and rightfully so. It’s a big question. This is why, when you ask 10 financial advisors, you’ll...

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Over the past few months we have all been stretched and squeezed into a new form of “normal”. For me, balancing working from home, raising children, and setting aside time for myself has been a challenge. Here are 5...

Thursday, June 11, 2020

Updated 6-11-2020 If you’re wondering this, you are not alone. Day trading can be appealing for a lot of reasons. Investors who want to take a hands-on approach to investing may be drawn to the various strategies and research...

Thursday, April 16, 2020

There’s a lot of wisdom to be had by studying the day to day lives and financial decisions of everyday folks who just seem to be successful in whatever they touch. You know the ones. They work a regular 9-5 job, they aren’t...

Thursday, April 16, 2020

We all could use a vacation. Am I right? The coronavirus has plagued our nation since early March and no one knows when we will get back to "normal". However, let's dream a little bit. Someday (hopefully soon) the economy will open,...

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

To say the stock market has been on a wild ride the past couple of months would be an understatement. We can attribute it to the economic impact of the coronavirus, but the dust hasn't settled yet. Until we know more, much of what...

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Being quarantined has forced a lot of people into doing something they may not otherwise be used to: slowing down. Seeing people around the country using their quarantine time to build forts with their kids, have popcorn and movie...

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

On Friday, March 27, President Trump signed a massive $2 trillion-dollar stimulus package to provide some financial relief for business owners and individuals across the country who may be feeling the financial effects that the...

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

When was the last time you spent an entire day looking at your budget? “A day?” Yes, a day. We are living in such a fast paced society. Time is one of the most precious commodities, and yet no one seems to feel like they...

Friday, February 28, 2020

As we roll into the spring season and the weather starts to get a bit warmer, you might be thinking of doing a little spring cleaning of your home. This usually consists of boxing up clothes you haven’t worn in years for Goodwill...

Friday, January 31, 2020

If you are looking to purchase a new home, you might be torn between selling or renting out your current home. If you’ve never been a landlord before, you need to be sure you know what you’re getting into. The thought of...

Friday, January 31, 2020

If you are in the market for a new home, or a refinance, you will eventually be asked by your lender if you wish to purchase mortgage points, or discount points. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at mortgage points. First,...

Friday, January 31, 2020

An interesting stat was reported by Investopedia recently. It said that 30% of affluent millennials have lied to their financial advisor about their savings and spending habits. The reason? According to the study, 34% said the reason...

Friday, January 31, 2020

Let’s face it, sticking to a budget can be challenging enough by yourself. Forcing yourself to have the self discipline to not only come up with a spending plan, but following it despite the many temptations that come our way is...

Friday, January 31, 2020

It’s 2020 and talks of recession have been in many investors' minds over the last several months. Our economy faces a lot of headwinds. We see political challenges, impeachment talks, trade deals, unrest in the middle east. Then...

Thursday, January 30, 2020

This spring, if you have the space, consider gardening. There are so many benefits to it, and we are about to explain 5 of them. 1) Physical health benefits Studies show that gardening counts as your exercise for the day. In fact, the...

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving season? At Summit, we have a lot to be grateful for this year. As a company we have been blessed to see another year of rapid growth. We've seen our team gelling like never before, despite...

Monday, October 21, 2019

If you or someone you know has recently been through a divorce, this article will be an important read. Today we are going to look at 4 ways to recover financially from a divorce. 1) Control the things you can control The reason we...

Monday, October 21, 2019

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Families around the world will celebrate by lighting their homes with Christmas lights, decorating a tree, singing carols and roasting chestnuts over an open fire. It is also tradition...

Monday, October 21, 2019

When you meet with a financial professional, chances are, the first question they will ask is: what are your financial goals? As a matter of fact, type in “financial advisor in my area” into Google and visit the top 2 or 3...

Monday, October 21, 2019

Have you recently received an inheritance? This can be a life changing, pivotal time for individuals. Not only can this have a massive impact in your financial lives, it can often come attached with deep feelings and emotions. Here are...

Monday, October 21, 2019

Imagine this. It's a normal day. You wake up, go to work, grab your coffee, sit down at your desk and open your computer. Browsing through the news, you see an article talking about unclaimed money sitting with the state government....

Monday, October 21, 2019

Being self-employed has many benefits. You set your own hours, you answer to yourself, you have the freedom and flexibility to set your daily schedule as you wish. However, along with the benefits comes an equally long list of...

Monday, October 21, 2019

As we approach the holiday season and end of year, now is the time to start thinking about how to close out the year strong financially. There are some tax considerations, as well as some financial planning ideas which you would be...

Monday, August 12, 2019

Have you ever met a rich person that hoards money or a responsible person going further into debt for no reason or someone that never lets others pay the bill at dinner? Money affects us all differently. We all have a certain attitude...

Tuesday, July 2, 2019

In our experience, we find the wealth building journey, is less about head knowledge and more about our relationship to money. My wife’s grandmother was a saver. She grew up on a farm and lived frugally. My mother-in-law once...

Tuesday, July 2, 2019

Building wealth doesn’t happen for most of us overnight. It’s a lifetime of hard work, combined with good decision-making and self-discipline. It starts early, learning and developing a savings-first mindset. Accumulating...

Tuesday, July 2, 2019

This is a great question, and one that was recently asked of Dave Ramsey featured in an article for Fox News. You can see his full response here. To summarize Dave’s response, he essentially says he supports taking a year or two...

Tuesday, July 2, 2019

It can be challenging to receive a straight answer when you ask this question from a financial advisor. And the reason is because it can be a deeply personal question. Retirement looks different for each person and, therefore, what...

Tuesday, July 2, 2019

My wife and I love hiking. Having lived in Arizona for a number of years, and traveling to different countries and states with beautiful landscapes, it has become one of our favorite pastimes. When most people go on vacation, they look...

Tuesday, July 2, 2019

Private mortgage insurance (often referred to as PMI) is one of the necessary evils for individuals trying to buy a home with a down payment under 20%. How it works: First time home buyers often get confused between homeowner’s...

Tuesday, July 2, 2019

As we continue our #RetiringWithPurpose content series for 2019, today we’d like to talk about something almost everyone strives for in retirement: happiness! While it will vary for each individual, there are some common...

Tuesday, July 2, 2019

Today we want to look at the 15 best financial decisions you can make in your 30s. How many of these have you already done? Own a home instead of rent - Real estate is historically a fantastic investment and a built in savings plan...

Tuesday, July 2, 2019

Last month we talked about 3 common misconceptions about retirement. Today we'll pick up where we left off. Now that we’ve addressed 3 things retirement is not, let’s look at 3 important truths about retirement! 1) A New...

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Cemeteries are incredible places. When was the last time you visited one? It may sound a bit morbid, but I recently walked through a cemetery for no reason other than I wanted to experience the stunning silence and imagine the stories....

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Did you know there are approximately 10,000 people retiring every day? The Baby Boomer generation started reaching the retirement age of 65 back in 2011 which means we are now in full swing. With this many people retiring every day, it...

Thursday, April 4, 2019

You’re likely aware of how specific investments in your portfolio relate to your overall financial goals. But did you know that your investments can also reflect your personal values? Environmental, social, and governance (ESG)...

Friday, December 28, 2018

As we approach year-end, the market continues to drop. Plus, the major U.S. stock market indices are now in or approaching bear market territory (i.e., down 20 percent or more). As such, there is a real concern that this drawdown...

Thursday, December 27, 2018

The stock market has been on a wild ride these past several months. Before Christmas we saw the worst week of trading since 2008 and we were on track for the worst December on record since the Great Depression, which understandably had...

Thursday, December 20, 2018

How much thought have you given to the idea of what an "active retirement" will look like for you? Does it look like hours of fun on the golf course? Does it look like a cruise to the Mediterranean? Is it an entire reading of all the...

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Whether you’ve been told you should retire at 62, 65, or some other age, only you can decide what is right for you. In fact, you may want to reconsider retiring at all––at least in the traditional sense. Many of us...

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Epic Retirement from Summit Wealth Group on Vimeo.

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

As we look at a timeline of someone’s life, allow us to paint in broad strokes in regards to our observations. Age: 20s and 30s We generally find that in one’s 20s and 30s, individuals are often not thinking much about...

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

In his book “The Prosperous Retirement: Guide to the New Reality”, Michael K. Stein, CFP® was among the first to discuss the non-financial factors that contribute to, or detract from, a successful retirement. Mr. Stein,...

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

During the holiday season many of us find ourselves spending extra time with our families and close friends. Whether you spend your time together laughing about the years past, playing games, or watching a favorite Holiday movie, this...

Monday, October 1, 2018

As we look to implement specific financial planning techniques with our clients, one strategy we often look to is something called a qualified charitable distribution, or QCD. First we will talk a bit about what a QCD is, then...

Monday, October 1, 2018

In a recent study performed by Charles Schwab, millennials were asked when they plan on retiring. The average answer? Age 60. Interestingly, this is 7 years before they would be eligible for full social security benefits. Yet, the...

Monday, October 1, 2018

A financial plan can also be referred to as a financial roadmap. In a recent blog by Nate Archuleta, he draws a parallel between the trips he and his wife take to Telluride, Colorado, to financial planning. He talks about the...

Monday, September 10, 2018

Each year, my wife Nicole and I plan a road trip to the southwestern corner of Colorado to enjoy great blues music and the unparalleled beauty of the San Juan mountains. We begin months in advance, giving each other a wink and a nod to...

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Can money buy happiness? According to the age-old adage, the answer is no. However, I am about to explain exactly how purchasing happiness is not only possible, but very attainable — and affordable! In 2006, a team of biologists...

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Over the last several months, many of our clients and prospective clients have asked me the question, “How long are you going to be doing this?” In other words, when are you retiring? I seem to be getting this question more and more. I...

Monday, August 13, 2018

Think back to your first experience with money. Not the time you swallowed 7 pennies, but rather an instance when you began to realize that money means something. I remember my grandparents handing me some change at church for the...

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

There are several studies out there attempting to discover why people divorce. Lack of trust, infidelity, lack of communication or incompatibility are all common reasons. However, surprisingly, in most studies it is the issue of money...

Tuesday, August 7, 2018

When it comes to investing, the current standard of return on investment (ROI) can be self-limiting, adding pressure that is counterproductive. So much of ROI is not within our control. We can diversify investments––always...

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Seems like a foreign concept, doesn’t it, graduating debt-free? The average debt of the class of 2017 students finishing their undergraduate degree was $39,400, and 88% of students attending a for-profit school graduated with at...

Friday, June 22, 2018

Tell us a little about yourselves so we can get to know you! I spent virtually all my live as government employee. So, I guess it’s fair to say I never had a real job. All kidding aside I spent about 40 years in law enforcement....

Thursday, June 14, 2018

Top 5 Summer Travel Apps for 2018 Planning your summer vacation? There are many apps out there, designed to help you make the most out of your trip. Here are some of the trendiest travel apps for 2018. Hopper Price: Free Purpose:...

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

As we look at the top reasons for divorce, you’ll find almost any study shows that "financial reasons" consistently make the cut. It turns out compatibility in relationships extends beyond personality types. When couples are not...

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Hey grad, congrats! You made it to the end — or shall we say, the beginning! Assuming you just graduated with a traditional 4-year degree and before that attended K-12th grade, you’ve accumulated about 21,600 hours inside a...

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Homeownership is a big deal. Finding a house to call your home, moving in, fixing it up, decorating it, making it your own, then building years and years of memories in it is one of the more rewarding things we experience in life....

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Millennials get a bad rap, no doubt about it. The stereotypes are generally negative: lazy, self entitled, no drive, no motivation. Generally people think of Millennials as the generation of “me”. Are these stereotypes...

Friday, March 2, 2018

Growing and protecting your hard-earned assets takes time, energy, and balanced emotions. At Summit Wealth Group, we feel that investing is simply the vehicle used to pursue a desired lifestyle. Retirement is the main goal for most...

Thursday, March 1, 2018

During the week of February 5th, U.S. stock funds saw a record $23.9 billion withdrawn by investors, the worst outflows on record. The Dow Jones dropped 1,175 points that day, the greatest point drop in the history of the stock market....

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

If you are pregnant or are thinking about trying for a baby in the near future, first of all, congrats! What a super exciting time for you and your significant other! You are about to embark on a wild adventure. Speaking from...

Monday, January 22, 2018

1. Take advantage of compound interest. If you set aside $5,000 per year, starting age 25, and it averaged 10% growth per year (the average S&P 500 return since inception) you’ll have $1.05 million by age 55. If you had set aside...

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Today we’ll address a question we commonly receive from our clients — “should I pay off my mortgage early?” This question comes up with clients in many stages of life, but today we’ll look at it...

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Special thanks to Sarah Willink, Social Worker / Case Manager for Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan for contributing to this article There is no doubt, one of life’s more difficult challenges comes in caring for aging...

Monday, November 20, 2017

The trend of online consumerism is fascinating. We do everything online these days. We shop for cars, electronics, clothing, even groceries can be ordered online! In fact, roughly 80% of consumers shop for things online. With...

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Visiting the barrio of Mexico really puts things in perspective. I had the privilege of going this past weekend with a team of individuals. Our mission: to build a house from the ground up. Start to finish. In one weekend. The kicker?...

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Many financial professionals might call themselves “financial planners” but it is another thing to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. About this time last year, I was spending what seemed like every...

Thursday, September 28, 2017

The question for today’s topic: Is leasing a vehicle worth it? The really short answer is: perhaps! Let’s take a look. How Leasing Works Leasing is essentially a long-term borrowing situation from the dealership. A lease...

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

When brands become verbs informally adopted by the english language, it is a good sign that the company has made it big. Need an answer to something? Google it! Would you like to place a video-call to your friend? Skype them! Looking...

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

In our previous blog post, we revealed the first 5 of 10 common mistakes people make in retirement. In this blog, we pick up where we left off, providing the last 5. If you haven't already done so, you can check out part 1 here! 6....

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

As advisors, retirement planning is one of our greatest passions. "Retirement" may not be the correct terminology, rather, transitioning from full time work to “work-optional”. This is a wonderful time in life to continue...

Thursday, June 29, 2017

“Are you a fiduciary?” This is a question our advisors get a lot these days. Interestingly, 2 years ago we rarely received this question. Now we get it all the time. The shift has to do with a recent ruling by the...

Monday, April 10, 2017

Every year, families around the country gather for Easter Sunday. As you celebrate the holiday with family, friends, eat dinner, decorate easter eggs and enjoy the holiday, we thought we would provide you with some ammunition to keep...

Monday, February 27, 2017

Care to guess the most frequent question I received from my clients after the election? You’re right! “What should we do?” Futures and markets were down overseas and in the U.S. However, it wasn’t long before a...

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Children are expensive —every Tom, Dick and Harry knows that. Thankfully there are several vehicles set in place that will help you lessen the financial burden of starting a family, should you implement them. When it comes to...

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal is unfortunately an example of the poor quality of journalism that has become all too common, even in such prestigious publications as this one. The article published on January 2, 2017,...

Friday, December 16, 2016

I have a 2-year-old daughter at home named Remy. She is our only child, and admittedly rather spoiled at this point. But, so much fun – she truly is the light of our world. Remy is at a very curious stage. For you parents out...

Monday, October 31, 2016

We live in an incredible age, with vast global knowledge available at the click of a button. As we continue to automate our lives through technology, who needs a financial advisor? Historically, the most common reason people have...

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

As another option for compensation, many employers have added company stock plans as an employee benefit to promote loyalty and increase compensation. If you are reviewing your company’s benefits or considering a new position, it...

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Today I purchased a new vehicle. I hate to admit, because I try very hard not to be a typical materialistic American, but I do enjoy new vehicle shopping. I am not immune to the thrill of that new car feel. However, my "new" vehicle is...

Friday, September 9, 2016

“Half of the American people have never read a newspaper. Half never voted for President. One hopes it is the same half.” —Gore Vidal Most would agree that this election is one of the most interesting yet anxious...

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

For anyone who has a qualified company retirement plan, such as a 401(k) or ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan), there is a little known tax strategy that can potentially save you thousands of dollars in taxes. The strategy is called...

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

What a wonderful season so far for my herbs, peppers and tomatoes. And the carrots, beans, corn, squash and potatoes are coming up for harvest... is what I would be saying had I planned ahead with preparing my garden beds and sowing my...

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Many advisors and clients are frustrated with portfolio performance from 2012 to date but for very different reasons. Clients are frustrated due to well publicized returns from 2012 through 2014 for the S&P 500 index and perceived...

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Amazing how questions from a 6 year old can grab your attention. We are spending some of our summer in the woods outside of Durango, Colorado. We purchased this “40-acre-slice-of-heaven” about 5 years ago. Nancy and I...

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Came from Reagan. Not the Reagan you just pictured. My wife, Kaira, and I recently returned from Uganda. We went on a 10-day Compassion International sponsor tour. We’ve sponsored many children through Compassion International,...

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

We’ve all heard the statistics about Americans and our savings rates. According to some recent data gathered by the Center for American Progress, nearly one-third of Americans have no savings. This is a problem that must be...

Monday, April 25, 2016

I have fond, fond memories of living in New Jersey. Being from Colorado and my wife from Hawaii, we had spent zero time on the east coast. We moved there when I was with AT&T. There's a significant event that occurred in our life in...

Friday, April 8, 2016

An unfortunate effect of our 24 hour financial data cycle, (I refuse to use the word news since most of it is totally irrelevant to our financial lives at present, much less five or ten years from now) is a complete loss of historical...

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

I was reading an article last week about crazy things that people do on their tax returns. The article was a CPA sharing some of the more humorous stories from the past few years. I thought I’d share a few with you as well as my...

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Wow! The global stock markets have had a shaky start to 2016, to say the least. In a little over two weeks of trading, the U.S. S&P 500 index is down 10% on the year, which brings us into correction territory. On top of that, we’ve...

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Baby Boomers are growing older and the “greatest generation” from the World War II era are now 80 years of age plus. This should add to financial planning discussions the unpopular topics of failing health and eventually...

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Every year our advisory team goes through a business planning exercise. We each develop our own goals for the year and then share these with the rest of our team members. The goals are both personal and professional. It is quite an...

Friday, July 17, 2015

As I write this article I am concurrently looking at two financial websites. They will remain unnamed to protect the guilty. Just a splattering of headlines read: “Historic day for Wall Street as Nasdaq rallies past Dot-Com era...

Friday, May 29, 2015

My wife and I recently had a wonderful experience hiking the 10+ miles to Havasupai Falls. Once there we were also able to plunge into the blue-green waters of Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls. This idyllic slice of paradise hours away...

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Half the year is almost gone. Summer is just around the corner, at least in Colorado we’re optimistic it is. During Mother’s Day week we had crazy weather, 9 inches of hail, lots of rain and even a couple of inches of snow....

Friday, February 27, 2015

Imagine my client’s surprise when she found out the health insurance policy she owns is not “qualified coverage” for purposes of the new healthcare rules, and that she would be paying approximately $1,100 in...

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Last October, my wife and I took our youngest daughter, Kulia, age 9, and middle child, Mason, age 20, to Disney World. Check that off the to-do list. We had a great time building memories as a family. Over the last several years I've...

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Many of us are aware of what took place recently when Sony Corporation’s entire computer network was breached by a group of hackers that work under the disguise name “Guardians of Peace”. We know that sensitive...

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

I recently had a lifelong friend pass away at the age of 30. He had a week-long battle in the hospital before finally going peacefully in the presence of the most important people in his life. His situation involved serious medical...