By Colleen Weber, CFP^®, CPA

Giving gifts is often more fun for the giver than the person receiving the gift. Some people are better at giving gifts than others and you could even say there is an art to giving gifts. It takes time, consideration and intentional planning to find just the right gift for a particular person. However, when gifting a large amount of money, valuable items, or other assets as part of an estate plan, there are some important things to think about. As a donor, you need to be aware of the tax benefits and rules but also decide what you want to give, who you want to give to, how much, and what method to give. Here are some tips to consider when reviewing your estate plan. 

By Olivia Weber

What would you do if you received a sudden, unexpected chunk of change? Most of us could probably come up with a pretty long list of things we would like to spend that money on. But if you aren’t intentional about what you do with your extra cash, you could follow in the footsteps of many lottery winners who squander their winnings and end up unhappy and broke.

By Colleen Weber, CFP^®, CPA

Is the state of the world making you feel unsettled? It seems like things are constantly changing and we’re just waiting for the other shoe to drop. If you’re like most people, living with this level of uncertainty day in and day out can be stressful. But as much as we may not like living with instability, the market likes it even less. 

By Colleen Weber, CFP^®, CPA

It’s impossible to retire comfortably without years of strategic planning. And a key piece of that planning includes figuring out how much money you’ll need to live as you age. No matter your lifestyle or circumstance, you want to be confident you’ll have enough money to last through retirement. Unfortunately, there’s no magic number to save or invest as it’s different for everyone.

Let these questions be your guide as you figure out how much money you need for the retirement you’re dreaming of and working toward. 

By Colleen Weber, CFP^®, CPA

Have you ever wanted to own your own company—but without the hassle of starting, building up, and managing that company? Well, if your employer offers stock options as part of their benefits package, this dream could become a reality. Many employers offer stock options to their employees as a way of fostering a greater sense of ownership and encouraging long-term commitment. But knowing what types of stock options are available and what to invest in can be a little overwhelming. In this article, I will outline the two common types of stock options offered to employees: incentive stock options (ISOs) and non-qualified stock options (NSOs).

By Colleen Weber, CFP^®, CPA

The events of the last few weeks in Ukraine have been stressful and upsetting to many of us. The buildup of Russian forces along the border, rising tensions, and the ensuing attack have caused worldwide shockwaves. People across the globe are understandably concerned and anxious. 

By Colleen Weber, CFP^®, CPA

“Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference.” (1) This quote strikes a chord with me, and I bet it does with you as well. You recognize that the world extends beyond just you and your family and you want to leave your mark on it. You are grateful for the opportunities you have received and want to pass it forward in a meaningful way. 

By Colleen Weber, CFP^®, CPA

After a three-year rally, the financial markets have been down for seven straight days, marking their worst slide since the pandemic decline in March of 2020. (1) Monday’s market dip put the S&P 500 down over 10%, which is officially called a “correction” on Wall Street. (2)

In addition to the stock market decline, inflation has been causing concerns. Because inflation is reaching 40-year highs, it is expected that the Federal Reserve will begin raising interest rates in the spring, which could potentially slow the economy. (3)

Investors are understandably nervous about their investments and their purchasing power. If you are worried about your portfolio, you’re not alone. But during stock market volatility, it’s important to keep a level head to avoid financial mistakes.

By Colleen Weber, CFP^®, CPA

I’ll let you in on a secret: one of the best ways to retain more of your wealth is to reduce the burden of taxation. And this isn’t something to deal with once a year when tax day comes; ongoing tax planning can help you strategically reduce your tax bill so the IRS doesn’t get more of your money than they should. 

By Colleen Weber, CFP^®, CPA

In just one year, we’ve seen shocking increases in prices as inflation degrades the value of our money right before our eyes—with no clear end in sight. Case in point: gas is up 58%, meat 13%, food 6%, and used vehicles 31%. (1) For months we were told the current inflation crisis was transitory, what seemed like a slight inconvenience. But now it’s official: after months of being told the current inflation crisis is transitory, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced that we can expect high inflation to continue into 2022. (2)