“Life Is A Highway…”
Ever stop to think about some of the positive aspects of driving? Obviously, it makes it easier to get to wherever we need to go. But what are some of the other benefits associated with getting behind the wheel, cranking the engine up, and heading for the open road? Is it the feel of the car running through the gears, the wind blowing through your hair, the spectacular scenery whizzing by, the anticipation of a new adventure, or something else? For many of us, it’s all of that, accompanied by some favorite tunes, which can usually stir up memories of good times spent with family and friends.
While we’re on the subject of journeys, it is our that hope you will extend a warm welcome to the very first edition of Prosperity Wealth Planning’s Newsletter, The Journey. We’re excited to bring you the news and topics you need to stay informed and prepared for what’s ahead on your own financial journey. Certainly, 2020 has taught us that life truly is a highway, with starts and stops, twists and turns, and, unfortunately, plenty of detours and unplanned delays. The purpose of The Journey is to provide some navigation and advice to help you along the way.
Here’s what to expect in each issue:
- Timely tips
- Financial planning articles of interest
- Prosperity Wealth Planning resources
- News about upcoming events
Timely Tips
- SHOULD I REFINANCE?
With interest rates so low, is now a good time to consider refinancing? We have a terrific online calculator that will clearly show you what you can save in interest, compared to keeping your current mortgage. Definitely takes the argument of “I don’t want to pay closing costs” off the table! - HOW ABOUT PAYING OFF THE MORTGAGE?
Great question, thanks for asking! Did you itemize or take the standard deduction last year? Let’s discuss it! - WHAT ABOUT THIS THING CALLED AN RMD?
If you are nearing your 70’s, there’s a lot to talk about, including required minimum distributions. And whether or not you are taking your RMD there is some very good news for 2020 and future years. - AM I MAXIMIZING 401(k) CONTRIBUTIONS?
So many ways to address that issue: Pre-tax? After-tax? Company match? We’re here to help. - AM I ELIGIBLE FOR A ROTH CONTRIBUTION OR CONVERSION?
Can I contribute to a ROTH IRA? How about a ROTH 401(k)? Does it make sense to do a ROTH conversion? The answers to these questions depend mostly on your tax bracket now, versus your projected tax bracket in the future. And since 2019 tax returns are in the books, now is a great time to discuss these options. Let’s plan on looking at your tax situation and having that discussion!
Financial Planning Articles of Interest
Items posted in the last few weeks include:
 | Insights on Roth IRA Conversions |
 | Weekly Market Perspectives |
 | Quick Financial Tips for the Summertime |
Prosperity Wealth Planning Resources
Our new website
Last month we announced the launch of the new Prosperity Wealth Planning website. The site is designed for easy navigation and features a number of useful tools to help educate and inform, including:
- A Resources tab that is currently filled with articles and videos that provide knowledge on most topics related to financial planning and your money.
- A Client Portal that provides easy access to frequently used partner sites such as TD Ameritrade, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Orion, and Money Guide Pro.
Over the next few months, we’ll focus on a few of these links in order to demonstrate the utility and convenience of the website.
This month, we’re going to talk about Orion. Orion is your unique personal client portal that lists all of your investment accounts under management in one place, with details including asset allocation, performance, and reporting tools. Your quarterly statements and tax forms are here, along with your retirement plan. Consider Orion a “one stop shop” for your money.
The screenshots below provide an example of what is available at Orion:
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Being remote has never been closer
We believe that when it comes to you and your financial future, it is important to stay connected, so we are also available on social media.
Click on the links below to follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn
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As always, we love getting your feedback – it helps guide our efforts on every communication platform. Whether it’s email, telephone (does anyone still make phone calls?), comments on LinkedIn or Facebook, or any other way you can think of to talk with us, we’d love to hear from you.
News about Upcoming Events
Upcoming articles to watch for in August
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| 6 Signs Your Elderly Parents May Need Help With Their Finances |
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| Avoid These Blunders When Setting up a Living Trust |
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| Using 529 Plans to Pay for Private K-12 Expenses |
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| Strategies for Living on a Single Income |
Finally, if you would like to schedule a meeting, or if you know someone who is looking for some financial planning assistance, please email me at carolanne@prosperitywealthplanning.com.
Until next time, stay positive, connected with those you love, and remember to keep the music playing.
Carolanne