As tax time rolls around each year we all start getting the necessary documents for proper filing of our taxes. You're not alone if you find all of these important forms a little confusing! Besides the W-2 which is used to report wages, form 1099 is widely used for a variety of purposes. Here are the basics you need to know about this multi-functional form.

There are a number of reasons why a Roth IRA is a smart way to invest for retirement. For most investors, tax benefits rank #1 in their reasoning for investing in a Roth IRA. 

Even the most seasoned investors are prone to their influence.

Investors are routinely warned about allowing their emotions to influence their decisions. However, they are less routinely cautioned about their preconceptions and biases that may color their financial choices.

In a battle between the facts & biases, our biases may win. If we acknowledge this tendency, we may be able to avoid some unexamined choices when it comes to personal finance. It may actually "pay" to recognize blind spots and biases with investing. Here are some common examples of bias creeping into our financial lives.

“Do I have enough?” This is a question we hear all the time during our meetings with clients and prospective clients. While this question is often asked about retirement, we have heard it posed about countless other objectives clients are dreaming of and working towards:

How many pieces do you have in place?

When you read about money matters, you will sometimes see the phrase, “getting your financial house in order.” What exactly does that mean?

When your financial “house is in order,” it means it is built on a solid foundation. It means that you have six fundamental “pillars” in place that are either crucial for sustaining your financial well-being or creating wealth.

Each year as we look ahead at all we want to accomplish - and look back at all we wished we had done last year it's easy to feel some regret. If you're like me you might find yourself thinking "I wish I woulda. . ." or "I shoulda. . ." or "If only I coulda. . .".  But experience tells me that shoulda, coulda, woulda doesn't help us move forward. 

Some life and financial factors that can sometimes be overlooked.

We all have our “blue sky” visions of the way retirement should be, yet our futures may unfold in ways we do not predict. So, as you think about your “second act,” you may want to consider some life and financial factors that can suddenly arise.

You may end up retiring earlier than you expect. If you leave the workforce at “full” retirement age (FRA), which is 67 for those born in 1960 and later, you may be eligible to claim “full” Social Security benefits. Working until 67 may be worthwhile because it will reduce your monthly Social Security benefits if you claim them between age 62 and your FRA.¹

Here are some things you might consider before saying goodbye to 2020.

What has changed for you in 2020? For many, this year has been as complicated as learning a new dance. Did you start a new job or leave a job behind? That’s one step. Did you retire? There’s another step. Did you start a family? That’s practically a pirouette. If notable changes occurred in your personal or professional life, then you may want to review your finances before this year ends and 2021 begins. Proving that you have all of the right moves in 2020 might put you in a better position to tango with 2021.

Even if your 2020 has been relatively uneventful, the end of the year is still a good time to get cracking and see where you can manage your overall personal finances.

Focus on your overall approach during times of short-term volatility.

As an investor, it can be tempting to get caught up in daily news headlines. Consider how news about the election and COVID-19 vaccines have moved the markets over the past several weeks. But having a financial strategy can help you ignore short-term volatility and focus on your long-term vision.

As you know, investing is a process based on your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. Interestingly enough, it’s also a process that may help you prepare for life’s financial challenges.