IRA’s (Individual Retirement Accounts) are one of the most common ways to save for retirement. Conceptually, they are familiar to many, but the details related to and surrounding these types of accounts can be confusing. Many investors are also familiar with Roth accounts, which are a type of an IRA. This time of year, January thru April 15, is a critical time to understand IRA parameters since during that time you can address both tax years--2017 and 2018. In this article by Jim Glass of The ... [Continue Reading]
Financial Planning for Women
Articles and resources related to Financial Planning for Women.
The Importance of Updating Your Estate Plan
Posted on August 11, 2017Estate planning includes the process of documenting our intentions so that they are known after we pass away. Done well, the process is straight-forward, and the outcomes align with one's original vision. Not done well, or ignored, the process can be quite difficult, time consuming, and leave heirs with complicated situations to sort out. As Cheryl Munk of the Wall Street Journal highlights in, "Haven't Updated your Estate Plan in a While? It's time," 52% of children report that they haven’t had ... [Continue Reading]
Five Key Estate Planning Matters to Consider Annually
Co-Authored by Katy Vermeer Estate planning is one of the key components of the integrative wealth management process. However, for many people, absent major life changes, drafting or updating estate documents is a process they may only consider every five to ten years. We recommend, however, that clients consider the following five key related items on a more frequent basis: Beneficiary Designations Beneficiary designations are a very important part of one’s broader estate plan because ... [Continue Reading]
Retirement Spending: Don’t Leave the Best for Last
Posted on June 7, 2017At CCM, our mission statement is: “To be a trusted partner that allows our clients to feel secure in the knowledge that their investment, estate, tax, retirement, risk management and philanthropic plans are complete, optimized and integrated, in order that they may understand and use their wealth as a tool to accomplish what is important to them.” Today’s recommended reading, "The Mental Mistakes We Make With Retirement Spending," connects directly with that final piece..."in order that they ... [Continue Reading]
Lifestyle Inflation — the Impact of an Inflating Lifestyle on Retirement Planning Forecasts
At varying ages and stages in life, people experience the impact of inflation at different rates. These varying rates of inflation and their subsequent expenses have a direct impact on the income needed from an investment portfolio. They must be accounted for within a holistic wealth management plan to ensure a successful outcome. The phenomena of experiencing the impact of inflation rates at varying stages of life is primarily observed through lifestyle expenses. For example, the inflation ... [Continue Reading]