The Roth 401(k) Some employers offer 401(k) plan participants the opportunity to make Roth 401(k) contributions. If you have access to this option, Roth contributions could play an important role in helping enhance your retirement income. What is a Roth 401(k)? A Roth 401(k) is a traditional 401(k) plan that accepts Roth 401(k) contributions. Roth […]

Alternative Asset Classes: An Introduction What are alternative asset classes? Beyond the three primary asset classes–stocks, bonds, and cash– many other types of investments can be used to diversify investment portfolios. The term “alternative assets” is highly flexible. It may include specific physical assets, such as natural resources or real estate, or methods of investing, […]

The Individual 401(k) If you’re self-employed or own a small business, you’ve probably considered establishing a retirement plan. If you’ve done your homework, you likely know about simplified employee pensions (SEPs) and savings incentive match plans for employees (SIMPLE) IRA plans. These plans typically appeal to small business owners because they’re relatively straightforward and inexpensive […]

Cash Balance Plan What is a cash balance plan? A cash balance plan is a qualified employer-sponsored retirement plan that has become increasingly common in recent years as an alternative to (or replacement of) the traditional defined benefit pension plan. Though it is technically a form of defined benefit plan, the cash balance plan is […]

What is the Roth 401(k) five-year rule? The Roth 401(k) five-year rule determines when you can begin receiving tax-free qualified distributions from your 401(k) plan Roth account. While it’s similar to the five-year rule that applies to Roth IRAs, there are important differences. Withdrawals from your Roth 401(k) plan account — including both your contributions […]

Taxes & Policy: Post Presidential Election Now that the election is over, what will the new administration prioritize in the new year? Here are a few things we’re watching in the months ahead: The debt ceiling debate may reignite in early 2025. The debt ceiling, the cap on the total amount of debt the U.S. […]

As we approach 2025, it’s essential to prepare for the financial changes that come with it. One critical aspect of financial planning is understanding the annual contribution limits for various accounts, as these limits can significantly impact your ability to save and invest for the future. In this article, we’ll look closer at the contribution […]

The equity pullback continued into the first week of August but most indices regained a substantial amount of their losses by month’s end. The S&P 500 rose 2.4% in August, the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 2%, and the Nasdaq Composite added 0.7%. The one laggard on our chart (below) was the small-cap Russell 2000 […]

Stating the obvious: no one enjoys watching their portfolio balance decline. And as advisors we know all too well how clients can feel uneasy about “staying the course” as their nest eggs shrink in periods of volatility. However, rushing for the exit when the market goes south can actually stunt long-term portfolio growth. “Timing the […]

How do you feel about the state of the economy? In more contemporary terms, what are your “vibes” telling you? Are you feeling confident and comfortable? Or are you feeling a nagging worry that things aren’t going well? If you’re experiencing a disconnect between official economic data and your personal perception, you’re not alone. This […]