Articles and Publications

A library of topical publications and articles written by CCM team members specifically for our clients.

Financial Checklist for Young Adults: Essential Tips for College Students

Valerie Thomas, CTFA
Senior Integrated Wealth Advisor
Published September 16, 2019

One of the most meaningful gifts a young person can receive as they strike out on their own after high school is wise counsel on financial matters. As a new school year begins, we wanted to share the following guidelines and important actions to help young adults in our clients' lives to build a strong foundation and get a sound start on their financial journey. Avoid Consumer Debt and Be Careful With Student Loans The fastest way to financial success is to avoid debt, because not having ... [Continue Reading]

Mosquitoes and BBQ’s: Minnesota Twins and Equity Market Highs

Adam Hoffmann, CFP^®, AIF^®
Chief Investment Officer
Published July 19, 2019

Summer is here once again with its ubiquitous combinations like mosquitoes and barbeques, lightning and thunder, swimming pools and sunshine. One exciting pairing for 2019 that has been far less common, in fact it hasn’t happened since the early 1990s, is an American League-leading Minnesota Twins and equity market all-time highs. As a lifelong Minnesota sports fan, and having experienced what felt like greatness coming up short one too many times, it’s easy to be conditioned to feel that the ... [Continue Reading]

Have You Considered a Family Meeting?

Katy Vermeer, CFP^®
Senior Integrated Wealth Advisor
Published July 18, 2019

What image does a “family meeting” conjure up for you? Do you think of your childhood when your parents would ominously announce, “It’s time for a family meeting!” or maybe it’s your spouse asking, “Does this incident warrant a family meeting?” In our home, one form of a family meeting occurred when my husband and I had casual discussions with our three kids over dinner when we would say something along the lines of, “We have something important to talk about.” I recently asked our young adult ... [Continue Reading]

Should I Contribute to a Roth 401(k) Instead of the Traditional 401(k)?

Kevin Koski, CPA
Principal Tax Advisor
Published July 17, 2019

With many employer-based retirement plans (i.e. 401(k) or 403(b) plans) now offering a choice between making contributions into a Roth or a Traditional option, a conversation we frequently have with clients centers on the difference between contributing to one versus the other. As with most financial and tax planning questions, the answer depends a great deal on your personal situation, but there are several factors that are generally the most important to consider in deciding if a Roth is a ... [Continue Reading]

Financial Plan for One, Please

Kim Diemer
Associate Integrated Wealth Advisor
Published June 28, 2019

Looking around, whether in a restaurant, an airport or even on the beach, you may be observing more and more people out on their own—or perhaps with a group of friends. There are many ways one might be taking note that one of the largest growing demographics globally is single people. 1 This shift in demographics can also be seen here in Minnesota. In 2017, whether by choice or circumstance, 41% of women in the state over age 29 were widowed, divorced, or not married. 2 A single status may ... [Continue Reading]