Some life insurance policies only pay a death benefit if the policy owner dies during a certain period—the “term” of a term life insurance policy. Others pay out a death benefit no matter when the policy owner dies—these policies are considered “permanent” policies and are intended to remain in-force for the entirety of the policy owner’s life.

The Top 3 Questions to Ask.

Oftentimes when we meet with clients there are a few common questions or topics that tend to come up regularly - things that seem to be on the minds of many of our clients. Usually, it has to do with some event or circumstance that is relevant at the time. In 2022, that question has revolved around the idea of “should I change the level of risk in my investments considering what is happening in the market.”

3 Questions to Help you Decide!

When I was a student I got so stressed before tests! The week leading up to the test I would study loosely, be constantly stressed, and cram the day before.

Eventually, I learned to create a study plan two weeks before my test. I studied each day for a set time, had little stress, and usually performed well. With an appropriate plan I was able to enjoy my life without worrying about my test. I wasn’t planning for the worst but rather preparing myself so I would have freedom.

This is similar to the approach we use in life insurance planning.

Cash Flow Management. What To Know and How Can It Help You?

If you ever google financial planning, there is no doubt that you will quickly come across the idea of budgeting. At Creekmur Wealth Advisors we prefer to focus less on budgeting and lean more into cash flow management as a foundation for beginning your financial journey.

Over several decades of working with people from all walks of life we have witnessed first hand that 

A common question I receive as a wealth advisor is, "What investments someone can make to get a big return?"

While Creekmur Wealth Advisors spends a substantial amount of time researching, modeling, and planning investment strategies we do not believe that rate of return is the most important rate to focus on when it comes to investing. We do appreciate seeing a high rate of return and strive to achieve that.

However, the most important rate I would encourage clients to focus on and monitor is their savings rate since it is totally under the investors control and is the largest contributor to your final net worth.

Your savings rate is calculated by taking the total amount of your annual savings and dividing it by your gross or net income. I prefer using gross income as this encourages us to find tax-efficient methods of savings to maximize our savings rate.

Tax season has come and gone, but that does not mean the planning stops! While much of your focus prior to April 18th may have been on making sure you get your tax return submitted properly, the focus can now shift towards some other items that can improve your financial well-being over the course of the rest of the year.

“Nothing is certain but death and taxes” -Benjamin Franklin.

The more time I spend in the financial services industry, the more I see this quote proving to be very true. 

There are not many certainties in life, but the things we do know for certain, we like to plan for and taxes are one of those certainties. You may have already filed your taxes, but planning for taxes is different matter.  Since it's tax season, there is no better time to review your financial plan to ensure your financial life is operating as efficiently as possible!