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

“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)

By Colleen Weber, CFP^®, CPA

What are those worries keeping you up at night? I’m willing to bet that money is near the top of that list, if not at the very top. I firmly believe that no matter how tough (or uncertain) times are, one thing that shouldn’t cause you stress is your financial plan. That’s why it is my goal to help you simplify the complexities of your financial life so you can focus on what matters most. 

By Colleen Weber, CFP^®, CPA

Benjamin Graham once said, “In the short run, the market is a voting machine, but in the long run, it is a weighing machine.” This quote may seem confusing on the surface, but the point is quite simple: in the short run, the market acts like a popularity contest with investors chasing the hottest trend of the moment. The votes are tallied, and the most “popular” stock gets the highest price, regardless of its true value. In the long run, however, the popularity contest fades and the market starts to reflect the true value of the stocks.

By Colleen Weber, CFP^®, CPA

Thomas Jefferson said, “With great risk comes great reward.” But certainly there needs to be wisdom in recognizing how much risk is too much risk—especially when it comes to your investment portfolio. This is where diversification comes into play. 

Diversification can help you offset risk and reach your goals with an added level of confidence. Even if you already have a good understanding of diversification, it’s wise to review its importance and some examples to gain more clarity.

By Olivia Weber

When it came time for me to choose a career path, I knew that whatever job I pursued needed to be in line with my passions. Most importantly, I wanted to serve others; to help people in a tangible way and add value to their lives while building lifelong relationships. I had the privilege of witnessing my mother do just that as she helped countless individuals and families create financial strategies that would have a positive impact for generations. Working as a financial advisor provides me with that same opportunity!

By Colleen Weber, CFP^®, CPA

I am so pleased to share with you two new developments at Colleen Weber CPA, CFP this summer. To my great delight, our company has been recognized as a top firm by Accounting Today magazine, which is a testament to the hard work we’ve done together over the past year.