News and Commentary

COVID-19 Stimulus Package Provides Penalty-Free Relief for Retirement Savers, Retirees and Plan Administrators By Sean Deviney, CFP®*

Posted on March 31, 2020 by Sean Deviney

The Coronavirus, Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), signed into law on March 27, 2020, offers individuals the ability to tap into their retirement savings plans, including IRAs and 401(k)s, to access needed funds without incurring early-withdrawal penalties. This relief is similar to the way in which the IRS lifts restrictions to defined contribution […]

IRS Extends Federal Tax Filing, Payment Deadlines to July 15 By Robert Mark Weiss, CFA

Posted on March 25, 2020 by Robert Weiss

Individuals and business owners facing a sea of challenges responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, received some welcome relief from the IRS in the form of a federal income tax filing and payment extension. On March 21, the IRS extended the 2019 federal income tax filing and payment deadlines to July 15, 2020. This move gives […]

Contributions to Certain Retirement Plans Extended to July 15 by Sean Deviney, CFP

Posted on March 25, 2020 by Sean Deviney

The IRS has announced that the extension of the 2019 federal tax filing deadline to July 15, 2020, also applies to individual contributions to traditional IRAs and solo 401(k)s. Due to the fallout from the spread of COVID-19, the IRS is giving taxpayers an additional 90 days to contribute to these plans and apply the […]

Relatable Finance Podcast Episode 40 – ESG Investing

Posted on March 24, 2020 by Shane Phillips

In this episode the relatable finance guys break down the pros and cons of investing with environmental, social and corporate governance priorities.

COVID-19 Market Commentary for March 19, 2020 By Joseph Karl, CFA

Posted on March 19, 2020 by Joseph Karl

Concerns and consequences of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have increased significantly in recent days. President Trump acknowledged this week that the impact of the pandemic could last into the summer months, with more states and counties announcing lockdowns. At this moment, it is almost certain the United States and the global economy will dip into […]

Disaster-Relief Loans Available to Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 by Todd A. Moll, CFP®, CFA

Posted on March 19, 2020 by Todd Moll

Federal and state governments have announced relief programs to help the nation’s 30 million small businesses suffering financial hardships in the wake of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Federal Aid The Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, managed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) in tandem with U.S. state and local government, will offer up to […]

Keep an Eye on Estate Planning Through COVID-19 Pandemic by Eric P. Zeitlin

Posted on March 19, 2020 by Eric Zeitlin

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is having a profound impact on people and businesses across the globe. Lives have been lost, businesses are facing the potential of mounting losses, and an uncertain economic future is roiling the global equity markets. Through this time, families must also assess the impact of the virus on their estates […]

The Valuable But Often Forgotten Tool of Successful Solopreneurs and Gig Workers by Sean Deviney, CFP

Posted on March 18, 2020 by Sean Deviney

Starting a small business can be an exciting prospect for anyone seeking career and financial independence. However, the planning and processes required to achieve those goals can be quite daunting. Entrepreneurs should be concerned with not only how they will make money today, but how they will save enough to ensure a successful retirement for […]

Critical Financial Planning for Widows and Widowers by Kathleen Marteney, CRPC

Posted on March 12, 2020 by Kathleen Marteney

The death of a spouse can be one of the most devastating events in an individual’s life. Not only must surviving spouses cope with the emotional, mental and physical turmoil of their crushing grief, but they will also face a tsunami of legal and financial decisions, including the responsibility to pay their bills, keep the […]

Relatable Finance Podcast Episode 39 – Disruption and Why It Can Impact Your Investment Plans

Posted on March 10, 2020 by Joseph Karl

In this episode, the relatable finance guys discuss disruption and why it is important to think about when you are making investment plans.

Elections and Their Impact on Investor Returns by Shane Phillips, CFA, CAIA, CFP

Posted on March 03, 2020 by Shane Phillips

It’s an election year, and investors across the country are trying to predict how the markets will respond after the polling locations close and a presidential victor is announced. Will the longest economic expansion in U.S. history continue? Will stock prices continue to rise or will they start to decline? While there is no crystal […]

Timing Social Security Benefits by Lee F. Hediger

Posted on February 26, 2020 by Lee Hediger

If you turned 62 this year, congratulations! You may begin collecting Social Security benefits. The longer you wait to start claiming these benefits, the higher the monthly payout you will receive. For example, by waiting until you reach your full retirement age (FRA), as defined by the Social Security Administration depending on the year you […]

Relatable Finance Podcast Episode 38 – Financial New Year’s Resolutions

Posted on February 25, 2020 by Shane Phillips

In this episode the relatable finance guys check in on your new year’s resolutions.

Women Need to Plan for their Long-Term Care by Olga Ismail

Posted on February 20, 2020 by Olga Ismail

No one wants to think about spending their golden years in a nursing home or with round-the-clock nursing assistance for basic self-care tasks, such as eating, dressing, bathing and using the bathroom. Yet, according to AARP, approximately 52 percent of Americans turning 65 this year will require some sort of long-term care services and support […]

IRS Assures Taxpayers of Higher Estate and Gift Tax Exclusions Through 2025 by Eric P. Zeitlin

Posted on February 19, 2020 by Eric Zeitlin

Ultra-wealthy families who take advantage of the historically high estate and gift tax exclusions included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) have received welcomed news from the IRS. Taxpayers who rely on the very generous but temporary provisions of the new law to make gifts during tax years 2018 through 2025 will not […]