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Beyond financial security, what fuels your purpose?

For those who've built success, securing their future isn't the only driving force. We understand the desire to invest not just in your own well-being, but in a future that benefits everyone. That's where impact investing comes in.

This blog is your gateway to the world of socially responsible investing and the innovative tools that empower you to make a difference. We're not just talking about the latest financial tech toys, though those are pretty cool too. We're curating a toolbox specifically designed for changemakers like you.

Think beyond traditional financial metrics. Imagine investments that align with your values, generate positive social impact, and still deliver strong returns. That's the power of impact investing, and we're here to show you how to wield it effectively.

So, whether you're a seasoned philanthropist seeking new avenues for impact, or a curious investor exploring the world of conscious capitalism, this is your invitation to join the conversation. We'll introduce you to cutting-edge tools, share inspiring stories of impact investors, and provide insights to help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of socially responsible investing.

Together, let's build a future where financial success goes hand-in-hand with positive change. Welcome!

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Want to simplify charitable giving? Set up a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) at Charles Schwab for tax advantages, flexible grantmaking & expert investment management. Learn more & get started today!

Friday, April 5, 2024

While fixed-index annuities are "fan favorites," there are several other types of annuities in the market including: deferred annuities; variable annuities; fixed index annuities, and immediate income annuities.

Friday, April 5, 2024

Big pharma stocks can be risky over the long term due to patent cliffs & government price control. Concentration in any stock can be dangerous! We help create diversified portfolios to minimize risk. #investmentmanagement

Saturday, March 30, 2024

Avoid unexpected heartbreak for your furry friend! Courtney Barnes, CFP® explains how to include your pet in your estate plan to guarantee their future care #estateplanning #petcare #financialplanning

Monday, March 18, 2024

Plan for a vibrant retirement! ‍‍‍ Maryland financial planner helps you prioritize health & finances for a secure future. #retirementplanning #CFP Learn how to avoid rising healthcare costs & create a values-aligned plan.

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Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Fed minutes show inflation concerns may keep interest rates high for longer than expected, dashing hopes of multiple rate cuts in 2024. Homebuyers looking for lower rates may need to wait.

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Nervous speaker to confident leader? Toastmasters helped me find my voice & a supportive community! Conquer public speaking, build leadership, & network with professionals. #Toastmasters #PublicSpeaking #Community

Monday, February 5, 2024

Forget stuffy finance! Join friends in a book club that empowers financial confidence & sparks laughter. Learn with friends & ditch the overwhelm around your portfolio. Start your journey today!

Monday, January 29, 2024

Unleash Your Philanthropic Power: Donor-Advised Funds Explained. Maximize your impact & simplify giving with Donor-Advised Funds. Learn tax benefits, control & flexibility to support causes you care about. #charitablegiving #philanthropy

Friday, January 26, 2024

Make Sustainable & Impact Investing Speak Your Values! Gallant Financial Planning & YourStake help you invest in companies tackling climate change, promoting equality & more. See real impact, not just numbers.

Monday, January 8, 2024

Invest locally, see impact globally! CNote fuels economic justice + Baltimore developer David Akinniyi builds communities of opportunity. Invest with purpose & earn competitive returns. Read Full Blog Post #impactinvesting #Baltimore #CNote

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Buy or Rent? Rates Dip + Rent vs Buy Calculator! Say goodbye to 8% mortgage nightmares! Rates sink below 7%, sparking hope for 2024 homeownership. Use our FREE calculator to decide: Buy or Rent? Use our calculator to navigate fees & taxes!

Sunday, November 12, 2023

Savvy women investors! Align wealth & values with Janine Firpo's "Activate Your Money." Expert tips, actionable strategies, & community support to build a better future. Invest in yourself & the world. #womenandinvesting

Sunday, November 12, 2023

Support organic farming & BIPOC farmers with Iroquois Valley Farms! Invest in sustainable agriculture & a brighter future. Learn more about their impact & investment opportunities. #SustainableAg #BIPOCFarmers #GrowGood

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Schwab merger update! Set online access & explore new features. See step-by-step guide & video. Choose paperless statements by Nov 29! ️ More access options & update on cash disbursements. Questions? We're here!

Friday, September 15, 2023

Open Enrollment for Medicare begins next month, October 15. This is the opportunity to shop for and change Medicare Advantage plans, as well as Medigap and Medicare Part D plans. If you’re in the market for a new plan, here are...

Friday, September 15, 2023

Medicare premiums projected to change in 2024.

Friday, September 15, 2023

BUSINESS PRACTICES around environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are a hot topic in policy debates and headlines across America. The term ESG originated as an investing framework to assess the environmental, social,...

Friday, July 28, 2023

The United Nations' International Resource Panel concluded that natural resource extraction and processing contribute to about half of all global greenhouse gas emissions. A circular economy keeps materials, products, and services in...

Monday, July 10, 2023

Balancing multiple financial goals can be challenging. Here are some considerations to help prioritize paying off student loans, saving for retirement, building an emergency fund, and saving for a home down payment:Interest Rates:...

Monday, July 10, 2023

Roth Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and Traditional IRAs are two popular retirement savings vehicles. Both have their pros and cons based on your financial situation and retirement plans. Here's a comparison:Roth IRA...

Sunday, July 9, 2023

Umbrella liability insurance is a type of personal liability insurance that provides extra coverage beyond the limits of your homeowners, auto, or other basic liability policies.Here's how it works: If you're held responsible for a...

Sunday, July 9, 2023

When purchasing homeowners insurance, there are several factors that you need to consider to ensure that your home is adequately protected. Here are some of the key considerations:Coverage Types: Not all homeowners insurance policies...

Saturday, July 1, 2023

Evaluating an estate plan is crucial to ensure that your wishes are followed after your death and that your loved ones are taken care of. Here's a checklist of some issues to consider:Will: This is the most basic estate planning...

Thursday, June 15, 2023

When a child leaves for college, parents are often faced with a range of considerations and emotions. Here are some important things to think about:1. Financial Planning:Understand the cost of tuition, room, board, books, and other...

Sunday, June 11, 2023

The Certificate in Economic, Social, and Governance (ESG) Investing is a unique program designed to educate and support investment professionals in the critical initiatives shaping the future of sustainable investment models. Learn more.

Saturday, June 10, 2023

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can be a powerful tool for saving money on healthcare expenses, offering triple tax advantages: contributions are tax-deductible, earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are...

Friday, June 9, 2023

To apply for Social Security benefits online at age 70, you can follow these steps:Visit the Social Security website: The first step is to visit the Social Security Administration's website. The exact URL is www.ssa.gov.Create or Log...

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Perspective on the US Debt Ceiling

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are both tax-advantaged accounts that can be used for healthcare expenses, but they have several key differences:1. Eligibility:HSAs are only available to those who...

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Employer-provided group long-term disability insurance can offer financial protection if an employee becomes unable to work due to a disability. As with any benefit, there are pros and cons:Pros of Employer-Provided Group Long-Term...

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Deciding when to take Social Security benefits is an important decision that depends on your individual circumstances. Here are some of the potential pros and cons of delaying your benefits:Pros of Delaying Social Security...

Monday, May 8, 2023

While the field of comprehensive financial planning has come a long way from only managing a person's investment portfolio, we still see this as a keystone part of our services to clients. One of the ways we do this is through periodic...

Monday, April 10, 2023

College Savings Showdown: 529 vs Brokerage vs UTMA! Learn the pros, cons & tax implications of each account to pick the right fit for your child's education savings. #collegesavings #financialplanning

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Don't overlook renters insurance in your financial plan! It protects belongings, covers liability & more. Secure your future. #financialplanning #rentersinsurance

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Advance Medical Directives for Maryland ResidentsWhat You Should Know About Advance DirectivesEveryone has the right to make personal decisions about health care. Doctors ask whether you will accept a treatment by discussing the...

Thursday, February 9, 2023

When purchasing auto insurance, it's important to keep the following things in mind:Coverage Types: Understand the various types of coverage, including liability (both bodily injury and property damage), collision, comprehensive,...

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Market Commentary Summary:In 2022, the S&P 500 index of large US company stocks had declined 19%, effectively erasing 2/3 of the market’s 27% gains from 2021. So, we were back to where our stock valuations roughly were in...

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Tax and Retirement Savings Changes for 2023 There are a number of tax and retirement changes for 2023, some of which are annual contribution limit increases, others are cost of living increases for Social Security and other government...

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

The new SECURE Act 2.0 and What it Means for YouThe new retirement rules passed in December have been in the news, raising questions for all of us about what is relevant to our particular situation. We’ve immersed ourselves in...

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

The Decision Center is an interactive cash flow planning tool designed to show you a real-time view of how your financial decisions can impact your overall plan.

Monday, January 9, 2023

Dave Ramsey, a personal finance expert, has outlined a plan for achieving financial stability and independence known as the "Seven Baby Steps." Here's a summary of those steps: Baby Step 1 - Save $1,000 for Your Starter Emergency Fund:...

Monday, January 9, 2023

Critical illness insurance is a policy that provides a lump-sum payment if you're diagnosed with one of the specific illnesses covered by your policy. As with any insurance, there are pros and cons: Pros of Critical Illness...

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

A new year is a good time to double check your credit report to ensure that the information is accurate. You can get a free credit report at annualcreditreport.com. There are 3 credit bureaus and each one is required to give consumers...

Monday, November 21, 2022

Congress is expected to pass new legislation later this year (SECURE Act 2.0) and this will have big impacts on savings and distributions from retirement plans as well. We’ll be sure to discuss these in our spring meetings and...

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

We have some exciting news to share. Our team member Courtney recently passed the arduous Certified Financial Planner exam and meets all the CFP Board’s criteria to become a CFP. Courtney has been working towards becoming a CFP...

Monday, November 14, 2022

Inflation Adjusted Series I bonds from Treasury DirectIf you haven’t purchased $10,000 in the Treasury’s inflation adjusted Series I bonds, we encourage you to by these through Treasury Direct if you have cash sitting in...

Sunday, November 13, 2022

Social Security and Other Federal Retirement Benefit Payments for 2023:The 2023 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) of 8.7% for Social Security (and the Federal CSRS annuity) is the second year in a row that these Federal benefits has...

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Retirement Savings: IRAs and Employer Plan ContributionsIn addition, retirement and health savings maximum limits increased as well. Plan to adjust the amount you contribute next year to your employer plan (401k, 403b, or TSP) to $30...

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Student Loan Repayment Strategy ReviewWith uncertainty about the student loan forgiveness program and the upcoming end of interest and payment forbearance, individuals with student loans are understandably unsure of the right next...

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

2023 Medicare Premiums and Income Based Surcharges

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

After decades of supporting two investment platforms—its brokerage and its legacy one just for in-house mutual funds—Vanguard is putting pressure on retail investors to leave the legacy one and join the brokerage. Any...

Friday, September 9, 2022

Key highlightsWe place the likelihood of a U.S. recession in the next 12 months at about 25% and in the next 24 months at about 65%.Vanguard is downgrading our China growth forecast for full-year 2022 from 3.0%–4.0% to 2...

Monday, September 5, 2022

With the recent market uncertainty, it is sometimes difficult to keep a long-term perspective and not concentrate on the short-term outcomes.According to Warren Buffet, during the 20th Century: 1900-2000, "The Dow advanced...

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

A reverse mortgage is like a traditional mortgage in that it allows homeowners to borrow money using their house as security. Also, like a traditional mortgage, the title to the house remains in the borrower’s name. However,...

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Lately, some of Vanguard’s most loyal long-term investors have been getting letters and emails that state: “If you choose to remain on the mutual fund-only platform after September 30, 2022, you’ll be charged a $20...

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Inflation Reduction Act Contains Cost-Saving Changes for Medicare Patients - Rethinking65

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

For folks lucky enough to have paid off their mortgage, that means you'll be paying  your property tax (and homeowner's insurance) directly rather than it being paid through your mortgage company's escrow.So, it's that time of...

Friday, August 12, 2022

Confusion about Required Minimum Distributions for IRAs inherited after 2019The IRS has proposed a rule change that differs from how Congress had intended RMDs to be taken from inherited IRAs in the 2019 tax changes.  The current...

Monday, July 18, 2022

One of the biggest potential disrupters to your plan is getting injured to the point where you can no longer work (either temporarily or permanently). Not only are you unable to earn income or save money, but you likely have ongoing...

Monday, July 18, 2022

If you haven’t had direct experience with a long-term care policy, then you’ve probably at least heard about this type of insurance. The feedback we hear most often when we broach this topic with clients is that it’s...

Sunday, July 3, 2022

Iroquois Valley is proud to share the stories of the six farms that they partnered with this spring – this is the largest number of investments they’ve made in a two-month timeframe in their Company’s history....

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

If you’re retired or just about to retire, next year’s Social Security checks are likely to see one of the biggest bumps on record as a result of surging consumer prices.The average beneficiary may be in line to get as much...

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Maryland recently passed a tax break for Marylanders ages 62 and up. Seniors who earn up to $100,000 per year could receive up to $1,000 in tax cuts, or up to $1,750 for senior couples who earn no more than $150,000. People who owe no...

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Life insurance comes in many forms and can serve different purposes. We view life insurance as a tool, rather than an investment, to manage any potential risks or exposures to your overall financial well-being. 

Monday, June 20, 2022

We believe in diversifying investment risk across different types of investments, including those not on the stock or bond markets. Here are some ideas to consider for investing on your own that can increase your diversification into...

Sunday, June 19, 2022

Celebrating Dr. George Washington Carver's impact on sustainable agriculture In honor of Juneteenth, we are celebrating the legacy of Dr. George Washington Carver, a Black farmer who was among the first to formally recognize the...

Thursday, June 16, 2022

This economy is comprised of a new type of corporation—the Certified B Corporation—which is purpose-driven and creates benefitfor all stakeholders, not just shareholders.As B Corporations and leaders of this emerging...

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

We are big fans of Washington Post columnist Michelle Singletary. In her article today, she shares pearls of wisdom about ways we can all prepare for a recession (and keep our sanity about the stock and bond market down turns, high...

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

High-end vehicles with low-end coverageWith a host of upgrades and safety features, new vehicles commonly cost upwards of $50,000. Protect the value of those cars, both for accidents and for repairs, with an appropriate policy. Teslas,...

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

While there are no "hard and fast rules" about the proper age to draw Social Security, there are several variables to consider for increasing your future benefits. And there are also your own personal circumstances to consider when...

Thursday, May 12, 2022

Because many retirees are on a fixed income, property taxes can play an important part in the decision of where to live during retirement years.

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Beginning with the July 2022 statements, TD Ameritrade will require that our investment clients establish a user ID and password on the web or via mobile on AdvisorClient® and log in to maintain your enrollment in electronic delivery of sta

Tuesday, May 3, 2022

Sunday, May 1, 2022

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Monday, April 25, 2022

Monday, April 18, 2022

Sunday, April 17, 2022

Thursday, April 14, 2022

Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Monday, March 14, 2022

Monday, March 7, 2022

Monday, January 31, 2022

Roller coasters in the real world? No thank you. Roller coaster ride in the financial markets? No problem, I have a financial plan.People in the crypto space like to use the acronym "FUD" (fear, uncertainty, and doubt) when referring...

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Friday, January 14, 2022

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Thursday, December 30, 2021

As a continuation of our Insurance Issue, read on for more about homeowner, auto, and umbrella policies.

Sunday, December 19, 2021

Thursday, December 16, 2021

Thursday, December 16, 2021

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Many home buyers need to get monthly mortgage insurance when they buy their house. Mortgage insurance is required when you put less than 20% down. It protects the lender from early default on a loan. Mortgage insurance automatically...

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

We got a new tax proposal on October 28th! And everything is different! Our tax consultants report that nearly all of the changes we saw in the September 13th tax proposal are gone. We can forget about updated tax brackets, the 25%...

Monday, November 1, 2021

We finally saw some movement last week on the proposed tax law changes, and it was pretty big news. A ton of our favorite planning strategies got a reprieve, (e.g. the back door Roth), but there are some gotchas for taxpayers at both...

Thursday, October 14, 2021

Below is a graphic from the folks at Sixty-Five Incorporated. We use their software tools and information to guide us in providing Medicare advice to clients.

Thursday, October 14, 2021

This is always an exciting and busy time of year for me: when the next year's Cost of Living Adjustments and tax-related thresholds for various contribution limits and tax brackets are published. We eagerly update our tax projections...

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Many of you have taken advantage of the low mortgage rates over the past 18 months and have refinanced into a lower-rate or shorter-term mortgage. However, there are some people who were left out of this opportunity and now Fannie Mae...

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

If you are a federal student loan borrower, you are no stranger to how complicated it can be to navigate options and strategies for repaying those loans. Last week, the Department of Education announced sweeping changes to the Public...

Sunday, September 26, 2021

Before the IRS publishes the official numbers for 2022 retirement contributions, analysts are projecting increases due to higher inflation numbers. The 401K, 403b, TSP, 457 elective deferral (currently $19,500) is expected to increase...

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

11 Health and Longevity-Related Risks That Can Wreck Any Savings or Investment Plan When financial advice professionals talk about “risk”, we usually are referring to the risks associated with your investment investments....

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

2021 Proposed Tax Changes By now, you’ve likely seen that the House Ways and Means Committee released a draft of major tax legislation yesterday. Our tax planning consultants have already parsed through the draft and started...

Thursday, September 2, 2021

We are excited to announce that our team member Courtney has completed the education, testing, and registration requirements to become an Investment advisor representative of Gallant Financial Planning. With this promotion from...

Tuesday, August 31, 2021

It can be difficult to determine what documents we should keep in our personal filing systems and for how long. It can seem equally as easy to just keep everything as it is to throw everything out. But then you’ve either got...

Monday, August 30, 2021

We developed a purely ESG investment model. We used Morningstar data along with non-profit database As You Sow to come up with the best options for our clients. Our fund line up include such funds as iShares ESG Aware small-cap ESML,...

Sunday, August 15, 2021

There have been a number of changes in the federal student loan world recently, so we want to make sure you’re up to date on what these changes mean for you. As of this posting, the freeze on federal student loan payments and...

Friday, August 6, 2021

Many investors are interested in adding ESG (environmental, social, and governance) factors to their investments, and want to include in their portfolio companies that align with their values. Developing products that allow investors...

Tuesday, July 20, 2021

Estate planning isn’t always the most fun topic to discuss, however not planning for incapacity or death can be a really big hole in your financial boat. And we wouldn’t be doing our fiduciary duty if we avoided this...

Monday, July 5, 2021

Last year's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act increased the percentage-of-AGI limit on cash contributions from 50% to 60%, and the CARES Act (as extended by the Coronavirus Stimulus Act) further increased the limit from 60% to 100%(!) of your...

Sunday, July 4, 2021

Summer has arrived, cicadas have left the DC Metro area, and we're halfway through what's turning out to be a much better year than last. We are fully engaged in our mid-year Investment Review zoom calls. If you haven't already...

Friday, April 9, 2021

Saving for retirement can be challenging. For young workers, paying the rent and buying the week’s groceries may take priority and there is only so much money to go around. And even older workers who are working part time as they...

Friday, April 2, 2021

The course Towards Aware and No-Harm Investing is for people who care and are actively engaged in making the world a better place but whose financial resources might not be fully aligned with their personal values and what they care...

Sunday, March 28, 2021

One of our favorite articles from Vanguard explains why contributing to your IRA (sooner rather than later each year) adds up to more money when you retire. You can make an IRA contribution for a given year anytime between January 1...

Sunday, March 28, 2021

The IRS has recently clarified that the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes for the primary purpose of preventing the spread of coronavirus are deductible medical expenses....

Saturday, March 13, 2021

More stimulus checks are coming: $1,400 checks could be hitting bank accounts and mailboxes this month, going out to adults, children, and adult dependents including students and parents. These adult dependents did not qualify for...

Friday, March 12, 2021

For the most complete analysis of the impacts of the latest stimulus package, we turn to our favorite financial analysts Michael Kitces and Jeff Levine for their take on how this impacts our financial advisory clients. Please note that...

Friday, March 5, 2021

Using Probability-Of-Success-Driven Guardrails To Manage Safe Retirement Spending or why creating a "retirement paycheck" is both an art and a science. Derek Tharp, a researcher on the team at Kitces.com has put together a framework...

Sunday, February 14, 2021

The advisory services that we provide to our clients is based on years of training that I've done in the area of "financial life planning." The graphic I"m sharing here is one of the best depictions I've seen for conveying the depth...

Sunday, February 14, 2021

According to Cnote, it has never been easier to align your investments with your values, whether you’re investing $5.00 or $50 million. CNote is an organization that works with federally-certified Community Development Financial...

Friday, February 12, 2021

Managing budgets, particularly during COVID, can be a challenge, particularly if you have lost a job and/or are dealing with unexpected expenses. Adding loans and other debt to the mix, and it can be helpful to reach out for help....

Sunday, January 31, 2021

To "refi" or not to "refi"The question posed to us most frequently recently involves whether to refinance a current mortgage. Our response evaluates both qualitative and quantitative factors that can be unique to each person. These...

Wednesday, January 13, 2021

Summary 2020 is finally over. And what a year it was! Among other things, we experienced: A global pandemic Virtual learning for many students A significant decline in financial markets The most rapid onset of unemployment in U.S....

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Hot off the presses (in this case, from our favorite financial advisor analyst MIchael Kitces): "After months of debate about providing additional economic relief in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the latest “Coronavirus...

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

On December 4th, 2020, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos announced that the administrative forbearance on federal student loans would be extended to January 31st, 2021. This means that borrowers with federal student loans are not...

Monday, November 30, 2020

Debbie recently completed a week-long virtual training on financial life planning with the Money Quotient team. The mission of Money Quotient is to facilitate the exploration and implementation of a values-based life-centered approach...

Friday, November 27, 2020

Headlines are saying that the taxes are record low this year. They are low compare to what we had historically and what we are likely to have in the future. By doing Roth conversions, you pay taxes today and lock in this low rate. 2020...

Sunday, November 15, 2020

We believe in diversification. When US stocks are going down, international stocks might provide investor with higher returns at that time. Look at the colorful and data filled periodic table of investment returns found in our previous...

Thursday, October 29, 2020

Our firm is a member of The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment (US SIF), a the leading voice advancing sustainable investing across all asset classes. Its mission is to rapidly shift investment practices toward...

Sunday, October 25, 2020

The 401k/403b/457/TSP contribution limit will stay the same at $19,500 in 2021 as in 2020. If you are age 50 or over, the catch-up contribution limit will also stay the same at $6,500 in 2021 as in 2020. Employer match or profit...

Friday, October 23, 2020

The Internal Revenue Service released inflation-adjusted contribution limits for health savings accounts (HSA) for 2021. For calendar year 2021, the annual limitation on deductions under §223(b)(2)(A) for an individual with...

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Social Security and Federal government retirees will receive a 1.3% cost of living (COLA) increase effective January 2021. The not-so-good-news is that while 1.3% is more than many expected, it won’t be enough to cover higher...

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Effective Monday, October 26, 2020, two-factor authentication will be enabled within your MoneyGuide plan and Client Portal. This is a security measure for accessing Plan data. The next time you log in, you will be asked to use...

Thursday, October 15, 2020

A blue wave this November led by Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden could lead to a surge in economic growth, according to Goldman Sachs.Goldman said in a note recently that Democratic control of the presidency and Congress...

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Schwab's purchase of TD Ameritrade has received final approval. The full integration of the two firms — which announced the transaction 10 months ago — should take 18 to 36 months to complete after the deal officially...

Sunday, October 11, 2020

As we further develop our business strategy of facilitating positive social impact and "doing good, better" we are rolling out a series of new investment vehicles that support this goal. This quarter, we are highlighting the recent...

Saturday, October 3, 2020

What is "financial wellness"? Financial wellness is best viewed as a tiered pyramid, with each layer building on the one below, analogous to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. What many regard as "financial wellness" is really just the...

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

As we continue to roll out our eMoney financial planning software, we want to make sure you have the tools you need to take advantage of all eMoney has to offer. That’s why we are offering all of our clients a Getting Started...

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Our goals for our own personal financial planning and investments can be congruent with sustainable development goals for the world. For example, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States

Saturday, September 5, 2020

Turning 65 and/or separating from an employer’s health plan at “retirement” (whatever retirement means to you) opens to the door to needing to make health care decisions that can boggle the mind. We’re here to...

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Key highlights Economic growth may slow later in the year, with the progression of COVID-19 and the prospects for a vaccine remaining the key drivers of economic activity globally. We continue to expect a 2020 U.S. economic contraction...

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

If you’ve noticed an unexpected increase in your paycheck recently, you’re not alone. While this could happen for several reasons, there are two likely and timely explanations you should watch out for. First, this time of...

Friday, August 28, 2020

The Federal Reserve is expected to hold short-term interest rates close to zero for the next five years and possibly longer, as well as adjusting its approach to inflation under a new monetary policy strategy. The new inflation policy...

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Gallant Financial Planning will be applying for B Corp certification in 2021. "B the Change" is a collaboration of B Lab, the community of Certified B Corps, and the movement of people using business as a force for good. Now, as the...

Monday, August 24, 2020

The CARES Act passed in March included relief for federal student loan borrowers in the form of canceled payments and no interest accrual through the end of September. President Trump has since signed an executive order extending these...

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

First it is important to discuss the record low interest rates. According to the latest market survey data on primary mortgages released by Freddie Mac on August 27, 2020, the 30-year fixed rate average fell to 2.91 percent. Last year...

Sunday, August 9, 2020

Last summer, we prepared Investment Policy Statements for our TD Ameritrade investment clients. We'll be reviewing and updating these important documents during our upcoming client review meetings. If you have new goals and/or life...

Friday, July 24, 2020

For those of you with children that have attained their 18th birthday and, especially, for those with children that may be heading off to college in the future, it is important that they have a health care power of attorney (HCPOA) in...

Monday, July 20, 2020

We are adding a new fund, Vanguard FTSE Social Index Admiral VFTAX to our portfolios valued over $50,000. This move will support the cause to make our world better and provide enhanced performance to our portfolios. VFTAX is one of the...

Thursday, July 16, 2020

Key highlights U.S. growth will turn positive in the third quarter, but significant risks to the economy remain. Vanguard expects that the U.S. unemployment rate will fall to around 10% by year's end. Continuing U.S.-China tensions...

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

One of life's challenges seems to be calculating what you'll owe in taxes the following April. There are several tools available for you to use including one of favorites right from our friends at the IRS: https://www.irs...

Saturday, July 11, 2020

Maryland isn't very tax-friendly for retirees, and many seniors are moving to more tax-friendly states as a result. Maryland exempts some types of retirement income from state income taxes, including Social Security. But it fully taxes...

Thursday, June 25, 2020

As you may have heard DOL and shareholders approved merger of TD Ameritrade and Schwab. We see it as a positive development

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

The Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed in March 2020 suspended Required Minimum Distributions during 2020, with some limited allowance for individuals to return unwanted RMDs that were already...

Monday, June 15, 2020

As we begin rolling out eMoney, our newest financial planning software and client portal, we wanted to highlight some features that you’ll definitely need to know about. The Vault First and foremost- the Vault! This is a secure...

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

IRS raises HSA contribution limits for 2021 The IRS has issued annual inflation-adjusted limits for contributions to health savings accounts permitted to participants in high-deductible health plans. Most amounts have increased...

Friday, May 8, 2020

One of the most compelling illustrations of the benefits of diversification is known as the periodic table of investment returns, originally introduced by Callan Associates in 1999. It’s called the periodic table because it...

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Inspired by the reading and deep thinking I've done during COVID-19, I've realized that my financial planning and investment advisory business can be a pivotal part of channeling resources toward bettering our families and our clients'...

Saturday, May 2, 2020

Several higher education institutions are issuing partial refunds for tuition and other expenses because of closures due to COVID-19. If you’ve taken a distribution from a 529 account to pay for tuition or other qualified...

Saturday, May 2, 2020

If you’re one of the millions of Americans who hold federal student loans, chances are you’ve heard about the 6-month payment and interest waiver as a result of the legislative response to COVID-19. As of right now, federal...

Friday, May 1, 2020

From our favorite financial blogger and researcher, Michael Kitces, comes an easy to follow flow chart on whether you can put back an unneeded/unwanted Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your IRAs this year: Let us know if you...

Friday, May 1, 2020

Increasing in funds that follow practices consistent with one's values Increases the amount of satisfaction from the investment Maximizing client satisfaction is the goal in the first place The origins of responsible investing, also...

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Key highlights The global recession will be short, with growth turning positive in the second half. Developed economies will not return to normal until later in 2021. Labor markets in face-to-face sectors such as leisure and...

Thursday, April 2, 2020

There are many variations of how to fund long term care. Educating yourself on these can help you determine the approach that is best for you. We can help you personalize your plan and how to fund it.

Thursday, April 2, 2020

Some interesting facts about funding long term care:

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Cybercriminals have been taking advantage of the novel coronavirus pandemic to bombard people with phishing emails, spam, and malware since the disease was first reported around the beginning of the year. The goal is to try to ensnare...

Friday, March 27, 2020

Congress has passed another stimulus law that provides many positive benefits to businesses and individuals. The most recent law (Friday, March 27) includes student loan payment and interest waivers for 6 months, no RMDs required in...

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

With the stock market on a wild ride and many Americans out of work due to COVID-19, it’s easy to be discouraged by the economic outlook. The federal government has stepped in and made changes to try and boost the economy. While...

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

On Monday US stocks declined 7% at the market open which triggered the fail-safes that paused trading. Stock markets have been extremely volatile recently making many investors nervous.People are panicking because they don't have a...

Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Friday, February 28, 2020

In your investing lifetime, you may only see a situation like the recent novel coronavirus (COVID-19) a few times. This is a circumstance where complete candor is necessary. The truth is that we can’t yet gauge the full economic...

Thursday, February 27, 2020

The same is true today as it was when this article was written in May 2018.

Monday, February 24, 2020

There is even more flexibility in how you can use money saved in your Maryland 529 college savings plan. As of January 1, 2020: You can now use 529 accounts to repay student loan debt - A 529 Account Beneficiary's student loan payments...

Friday, January 31, 2020

Vanguard suggests that by waiting until April 15th to make the prior year's IRA contribution, investors are losing 15 months of compounding investment returns on their money. Instead, contribute as early as you can afford to do so,...

Sunday, January 26, 2020

Maryland Pension Exclusion If you are 65 or older or totally disabled (or your spouse is totally disabled), you may qualify for Maryland's maximum pension exclusion of $31,100 (for 2019) under the conditions described in Instruction 13...

Friday, January 24, 2020

If you have student loan debt, we are very well qualified to help clients navigate through the ins and outs of setting up a payment plan. See our other articles about techniques student loan repayment. Other debt, particularly credit...

Thursday, January 16, 2020

So you have a good job with good benefits- congratulations! Chances are these benefits include long-term disability coverage that will provide you with 60% of your income if you were to become disabled. Great, right? Maybe not. While...

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

The new SECURE act, which passed in late December, pushed back the age in which individuals had to start their Required Minimum Distributions from retirement accounts (if they hadn't already reached the previously required age of 70...

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

The new SECURE Act included changed to how inherited IRAs much be distributed, resulting in accelerated distributions (and larger annual tax bills each year) and less control over how and when to take money out of an IRA for many...

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

As almost half of American millennials know, the burden of student loan debt can be a daunting cloud over your financial life. Carrying this debt has an impact on major life decisions such as when to have kids or whether to buy a home....

Monday, December 30, 2019

The last few days of 2019 brought a new law with sweeping changes to the retirement savings landscape. And lots of opportunities for financial advisors to learn new rules to ensure optimal outcomes for our clients. Financial expert...

Monday, December 30, 2019

Just before Thanksgiving, my younger brother passed away after a long illness complicated by depression. Both made it hard for him to plan for his family's future and for him to receive advice from others. While he had been sick for a...

Monday, December 30, 2019

We were excited to hear the news that Schwab plans to purchase TD Ameritrade, the investment custodian where we manage our client's accounts. Both companies are top notch providers of services to both clients and independent Registered...

Sunday, December 29, 2019

One of the most significant changes made by the SECURE Act to impact retirement savers is the elimination of the ‘Stretch’ provisions for most non-spouse beneficiaries of defined contribution plans and IRA accounts. Under...

Thursday, December 26, 2019

Below are the five things that may apply to our clients and we'll be focusing our attention to these in the first part of 2020. [There are lots of exceptions and provisions to many of these rules but I want to keep this readable, so I...

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Schwab acquisition of TD Ameritrade: This week we've learned about Charles Schwab and TD Ameritrade agreed on the deal. We want to assure you we are working proactively in communication with TD Ameritrade to understand what this may...

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

The IRS has proposed new life expectancy tables that reflect that Americans are living longer (and therefore their money needs to as well). The IRS tables that may go into effect in 2021 will slightly reduce the percentage of the...

Thursday, October 24, 2019

The air is crisp and we are heading toward the end of the year, a busy time here at GFP and surely in your household as well. What’s on your to-do list? Perhaps it’s home maintenance projects. Are your gutters ready for the...

Sunday, September 1, 2019

We were excited by the news that our newest client Quinn was born the last week of August. Quinn was a "surprise" in that his new parents had only 48 hours notice that they'd been selected by the birth mother to adopt this precious...

Saturday, August 31, 2019

To support our "boomer clients" and those clients who have parents or family members near or in retirement, we have three specialty software tools that we use in conjunction with our core financial planning and projection software that...

Friday, August 30, 2019

Conferences, vacations, new professional designations, and new tools and services. We have been busy this summer!

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Whether you’ve been investing for decades or are just getting started, at some point on your investment journey you’ll likely ask yourself some of the questions below. Trying to answer these questions may be intimidating,...

Tuesday, June 18, 2019

Ongoing Education Debbie has enrolled in a post-CFP educational course for a new designation called Retirement Income Certified Professional®. This program will enhance our knowledge of the latest academic and industry thinking...

Monday, March 25, 2019

At the end of February, our team member Courtney went to an insurance conference with the folks at LLIS to learn more about their products and services to better serve our clients. LLIS is an insurance broker out of Tampa, Florida with...

Thursday, February 21, 2019

After a December that marked the worst month for U.S. equities since the Great Depression, the U.S. equity market (as measured by the S&P 500® Index) experienced a robust rebound in January 2019, returning 8.01%—its strongest month since ..

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Debbie is having fun with the 15-minute “Jump Start” calls, kicking off 2019 on the right financial foot for our current clients. This turned out to be a popular event and our clients are keeping Debbie...

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Markets Back in our February blog post we commented on the stock market plunge after a surge in January, and here we are again. Unfortunately, the back-and-forth market swings and uncertainty are a new normal. For all the market growth...

Friday, November 2, 2018

Retirement contribution limit updates (2019) The IRS just announced the 2019 retirement contribution limits. In 2019 you can contribute $6,000 to your IRA, up from $5,500 with the same $1,000 catch up when you are age 50 and above, for...

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

New online meeting scheduling tool We are excited to roll out an online meeting scheduling tool right on our website and in our email signature to make scheduling easier. We offer a variety of meeting options, including a quick...

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Market Overview What a nice change of pace to see interest rates steadily increasing, with every indication that they will continue to do so. This is great news for consumers who hold CDs, as you’ve been able to see your money...

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

New service: TD Ameritrade CD and bond ladders We have recently started offering an enhanced service for our clients whose money we manage at TD Ameritrade. As interest rates rise, CD rates are increasing and are becoming a more...

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Health Savings Accounts in Maryland not IRS approved: UPDATE: On April 30, 2018. The IRS indicated that it would accept $6,900 as the 2018 HSA Family contribution maximum. This is a reverse decision from what was released in March...

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

The Dow Jones industrial average lost 1,175 points today—an all-time record. In Dow points, the loss was more than twice the 508 points the average plunged in the 1987 crash. Yet because of the much greater valuation of the Dow...

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

It looks like the U.S. stock market will finally get something that happens, on average, about once a year: a 10+% percent drop—the definition of a market correction. The last time this happened was a whopper—the Great...

Monday, January 15, 2018

2018 HSA UPDATE: Individual: $3,450 (up from $3,400 in 2017) Family: $6,900 (up from $6,750 in 2017) On April 30, 2018. The IRS indicated that it would accept $6,900 as the 2018 HSA Family contribution maximum. This is a reverse...

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

MoneyGuidePro is a goal-oriented software. The MoneyGuidePro planning philosophy’s five key points are: (1) Begin saving by setting goals based on what is most important to you (2) prior to retirement, focus on savings and the...

Friday, December 29, 2017

After interning with us last summer, Courtney is now our newest employee and continues providing her energy and enthusiasm for finance to the high-level services we provide to our clients. Using skills gained from academia and prior...

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Update as of December 28th 2017: Yesterday the IRS advised: “In general, whether a taxpayer is allowed a deduction for the prepayment of state or local real property taxes in 2017 depends on whether the taxpayer makes the payment...

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Sounds hard to do - plan for tax reform - when the news changes daily on different bills and deals that the House and Senate are putting together. And yet a large part of what we do for our clients is to help you plan for your future...

Monday, September 11, 2017

In between Irma and Harvey updates, we’ve all heard of another “hurricane” where a Equifax, a major consumer credit reporting agency, had a security breach. Hackers were able to retrieve names, birth dates and...

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

We are evaluating a new Medicare planning process. Our goal is to help you make better decisions when the time comes to apply for Medicare. We can guide you through a series of questions to develop a “road map” of when it...

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Gallant Financial Planning is pleased to announce the newest additions to our team! As a financial planning firm, we desire to offer exceptional service, a high level of fiduciary care, and focused, personal attention. We believe that...

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

It’s a new year, and a fresh opportunity to reevaluate your investments. Whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned investor, it is helpful to take a step back and review what makes up your portfolio. Taking into...

Friday, April 7, 2017

Believe it or not, but the first quarter of 2017 is already over! 2016 was marked by tumultuous politics, but Trump’s surprise victory resulted in a market surge that has continued into this year. In fact, the economy has been...

Thursday, January 12, 2017

It’s amazing how the smallest of moments or decisions we make in life can impact our entire lives. I remember clearly in 1984 picking up an issue of Money magazine. I was fascinated by financial planning and the strategies people...

Thursday, January 12, 2017

For most people, it’s hard enough to find the time and resources to confidently build and manage their assets. It can be even more difficult to know how to integrate your personal values into your financial plan and feel...

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

As you look forward to starting a new job, it's important to consider how you will manage your finances while making the transition from one employer to the next. The checklist to use before starting a new job: Proactively manage your...

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Who needs a pyramid scheme or a crooked money manager when you can lose money in the stock market all by yourself. If you want to help curb your loss potential, avoid these 10 strategies. Go with the herd. If everyone else is buying it...

Monday, August 1, 2016

Throughout her 20s, Nancy Corwin dreaded the day she turned the big 3-0.1 Then the day finally came—and went. "And it was no big deal," said Nancy. "It was really sort of a letdown after all that worrying," she joked. One thing...

Friday, July 1, 2016

Nothing in life is certain except death and taxes. —Benjamin Franklin That saying still rings true roughly 300 years after the former statesman coined it. Yet, by formulating a tax-efficient investment and distribution strategy,...

Friday, July 1, 2016

Many of us may live well into our 90s, especially if one or more of our parents did so. Most of my clients have at least a 20% chance of living to 90, with a 10% chance of living to 100! With a retirement that may last from 20 to 30...

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

When should I begin thinking about tapping my retirement assets and how should I go about doing so? The answer to this question depends on when you expect to retire. Assuming you expect to retire between the ages of 62 and 67, you may...