123-ABC-$$$
A 2006 study at Indiana State University (McCormick and Godsted: “Learning your Monetary ABCs”) concludes that teaching financial skills to young children is just as important as the teaching of reading and math. Why begin [...]
Name Your 401k Plan Fiduciary?
Your 401k plan's investment fiduciary is an important member of your retirement plan team. A paid professional, an investment fiduciary provides conflict-free investment recommendations to your plan’s sponsor or trustee. So, can you name your [...]
Brexit: Many Opinions; Many Unknowns.
June 24, 2016 An Important Email from SWP's CEO: Dear SWP clients: I have just finished listening to multiple conference calls on the UK’s vote to exit the European Union (several financial analysts participated in [...]
Don’t Make Assumptions !
Given that 2016 has begun with a steep decline in stock markets and a sharp rise in investor concern, we decided to devote this blog to discussing the current environment and what you should and [...]
Age 70 1/2? Consider making charitable contributions from your IRA!
It's permanent at last! The PATH Act of 2015 permanently extends the IRS provision that allows individuals who are at least 70 1/2 to make tax-free distributions to qualified charities from their IRA. In case [...]
The interesting history of the US charitable contribution deduction.
The Internal Revenue Service Code allows U.S. taxpayers to deduct charitable contributions of money or property made to qualified organizations as long as they file an itemized tax return. The general rule is that a [...]
Will the QCD be available in 2015? Those persons at least 70 1/2 in 2015 want to know!
If you're age 70½ or over and have a Traditional, Rollover, SEP, or SIMPLE IRA, you're required by law to take Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) annually. For the past seven years, up to and including [...]
Wealth Planning & Life Insurance – Should you finance your premiums?
There are certain advantages to financing life insurance premiums for new or existing policies. Here are 5 points to consider. Premium financing allows you to: -> Acquire new life insurance coverage or fund existing premiums [...]
Want to increase your tweenager’s financial literacy?
Try one of these 5 suggestions to increase your tweenager's financial literacy. 1. When your tween receives a monetary gift, discuss spending versus saving then open a bank account. Whether your child is earning money [...]
What’s Up (or Down) with the Stock Market?
What caused the substantial increase in market volatility over the past week? It appears that investors were spooked by the economic slowdown in China, but regardless of the cause, the effect caused a 10% drop [...]