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Benefits of the Right Amount of Active Management

2025-03-25T13:07:23-05:00April 29, 2020|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: , |

Benefits of the Right Amount of Active Management

Benefits of the Right Amount of Active Management

For years, the debate has been whether active or passive management investing was ideal.

When it comes to investing, many people fall into one of two extremes: being too passive or too active. Passive investors often rely on tools like target date funds or robo-advisors, which can be risky during market volatility due to their equity-heavy portfolios. On the other hand, too-active investors may fall into emotional traps like market timing or buying and selling based on fear of missing out, which often leads to underperformance compared to the broader market.

A balanced approach is ideal, and this is where professional financial advice can make a significant difference. A trusted advisor provides active management that goes beyond stock picking. They help assess your risk tolerance, ensure proper diversification, and tailor investment strategies based on your long-term goals. …

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CARES Act Overview

2020-04-10T09:44:59-05:00April 10, 2020|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: |

CARES Act Overview

As the CARES Act was signed into law very recently, we wanted to share a summary of the key provisions and how they might affect you. Take a look at our quick overview. In particular, small business assistance and the waiver of Required Minimum Distributions. https://bit.ly/3e9kZvt.

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The Value of a Fee-Only, Fiduciary Advisor

2025-03-25T13:09:40-05:00March 27, 2020|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: , |

The Value of a Fee-Only, Fiduciary Advisor

The Value of a Fee-Only, Fiduciary Advisor

What makes financial advice “good enough”? Well, that depends on if your advisor is working under the fiduciary or the best interest standard. The good news is that as the client, you have the power to decide which standard is the right fit for you.

When meeting with a financial advisor, it’s important to understand their motivations and how they prioritize your best interests. Financial advisors are held to different standards of care: the best interest standard and the fiduciary standard. Under the best interest standard, advisors must recommend investments that are in your best interest but can still disclose conflicts like commissions or bonuses they receive. This can sometimes lead to recommendations that benefit the advisor more than the client.

In contrast, fiduciary advisors are legally required to put your best interest first in all aspects of their …

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Financial Goals for Your 30th Birthday

2025-03-25T13:13:52-05:00February 21, 2020|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: , |

Financial Goals for Your 30th Birthday

Financial Goals for Your 30th Birthday

The years between 20 and 30 can be some of the most exciting – and challenging – times in life. But what really matters when it comes to the financial lives of young investors? To help simplify things a bit, we created a resource that details 8 financial goals for investors to accomplish before their 30th birthday. If you’re under 30, how are you doing on the list? If you are over 30, how are the young investors in your life doing?

The years between 20 and 30 are often filled with excitement, but also present a number of challenges, especially when it comes to personal finances. As you transition from high school to a young adult, it’s crucial to focus on financial goals that set you up for success by the time you turn 30. Here are eight key …

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The SECURE Act: 3 Key Takeaways

2025-03-25T13:17:17-05:00February 7, 2020|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: |

The SECURE Act: 3 Key Takeaways

The SECURE Act: 3 Key Takeaways

By many estimates, the SECURE Act was the largest retirement reform bill since 2006. But at 18,000 words long, most investors haven’t had time to sit down and read it yet.

Passed in 2020, the act introduced several key changes to retirement planning. One significant change is that retirees must now begin taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) at age 72, rather than 70½, providing an additional 18 months for funds to grow before taxable distributions begin. Another major change is the elimination of the “Stretch IRA” for many beneficiaries, meaning that most beneficiaries must now withdraw the full balance of an inherited IRA within 10 years, which could lead to higher tax liabilities.

Additionally, it allows individuals over the age of 70 to make tax-deductible contributions to retirement accounts, which is beneficial for retirees who continue to work and want to …

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Insurance: Just Starting Out

2025-03-25T13:20:00-05:00January 17, 2020|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: |

Insurance: Just Starting Out

Insurance: Just Starting Out

The transition to adulthood is an exciting time that marks true independence. With this new freedom comes some real responsibility, including the need for protection against the financial risks that life can present.

As a young professional transitioning to adulthood, it’s important to manage the financial risks that come with independence. Once off your parent’s auto policy, you’ll need to secure coverage in your name, which can be costly for young drivers. Shopping around for the best rates and exploring discounts can help. Renting your own place opens up new risks, so protecting your belongings with renters insurance is a smart move, especially since it’s often affordable. Health coverage is available either through your employer, your parents’ plan until age 26, or through a plan you purchase on your own. Disability protection is essential, as a significant portion of young adults will experience a …

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Started in Chicago

2025-03-26T08:02:42-05:00December 20, 2019|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: |

Started in Chicago

Started in Chicago

Every year, Chicago further strengthens its position as a business and tech hub, serving as home base to many fantastic young companies and well-known, industry powerhouses.

Chicago has been home to many successful businesses that started small but grew into major players. FCB, an advertising agency founded in 1873, is known for global campaigns, including one that popularized orange juice. Basecamp, originally 37signals, started as a web design firm in 1999 and now supports over 3 million users with its project management platform. Crate & Barrel began with a trip to the Caribbean and grew into a leading retailer with 122 stores nationwide.

Some newer companies, like The Mom Project and KNTXT Group, are poised for big things. The Mom Project connects companies with parents seeking part-time work and recently secured significant funding. KNTXT Group uses virtual reality to help visualize homes and office buildings before they’re …

  • Three People on Edge of the River, Estate Strategies, Estate Strategies - Critical Elements of an Estate Plan

Estate Strategies – Critical Elements of an Estate Plan

2025-03-26T08:12:34-05:00December 12, 2019|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: , , |

Estate Strategies – Critical Elements of an Estate Plan

Estate Strategies – Critical Elements of an Estate Plan

Taking steps to protect your estate is an important financial decision. Proper strategies can maximize opportunities and reduce stress for your loved ones. Yet, around 50% of people over 50 don’t have a will, even though almost 60% of Americans plan to leave an inheritance. By creating an estate plan, you can put your financial house in order and save money. Documenting your wishes ensures that your family won’t face a costly and lengthy probate process, and it helps make sure your legacy is honored.

A will is essential for outlining how your assets will be distributed, naming an executor, and designating guardians for minor children. However, wills can be contested in court, which is why additional documents like a letter of intent can be helpful to clarify your intentions. A power of attorney …

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Tax Planning: Year End Preparations

2019-10-25T10:13:51-05:00October 25, 2019|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: , |

Tax Planning: Year End Preparations

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 continues to provide Americans with opportunities and challenges as they prepare to file their taxes. As we prepare to head into tax season once again, we feel that a review of deductions, tax brackets and exemptions may be in order. Grab a copy of our updated 2020 Tax Planning piece here. http://bit.ly/2p025CF

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