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Advice. Guidance. Direction. If you're on the Michael Matheson Blog, you've come to the right place. Follow my blog and find the resources and information you need to learn about various financial topics and tools. Don't be afraid to ask questions. I'm always open to guiding individuals in the right direction.
Should Investors Be Worried About Israel/Palestine Conflict?
There’s no denying we live in a world where tragic headlines seem to occur daily. From floods, earthquakes, and devastating wildfires to inflation, political discord, and world hunger, the bad news can be hard to stomach some...
Read MoreHappy 4th of July 2023!
Happy 4th of July 2023 from the M2 Financial Group Team
Read MoreSilicon Valley Bank Update
First Trust Economics Blog regarding recent events and the Silcon Valley Bank Collapse
Read MoreTax Preparation Checklist
Happy 2022 tax return time! By now, many of your tax forms are trickling in and you may find yourself wondering if you have everything. We’ve put together a handy checklist of items you may need for filing your 2022 taxes.We also...
Read More2022 Holiday Letter
Time is a funny thing. Sometimes there isn’t enough of it. Sometimes it drags on and on (especially at the dentist!). It seems the one consistent thing about time is that it moves fast. 2022 was no exception.
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Fall Blog 2022
If you are young and pre-retirement, you need to stay invested and keep investing. You are retired? Be reminded of some of the defensive maneuvering that we started to use before markets started to be unsteady. We are here to help!
Read More2022 Quarter 1 Blog Post
Hello and Happy 2022 to you all. Welcome to our first ever quarterly blog post for M2 Financial Group! We hope you get some benefit from this short read, and wish amazing blessings, health and abundance to you all!
Read MoreEstablishing a Budget
Establishing a Budget Do you ever wonder where your money goes each month? Does it seem like you're never able to get ahead? If so, you may want to establish a budget to help you keep track of how you spend your money and help you...
Read MoreCharitable Giving: Smart From the Heart
Three tips for giving smart from the heart. https://www.m2financialgroup.com/resource-center/estate/charitable-giving-smart-from-the-heart
Read MoreSaving Time On School Mornings
If you have school-age children, you’re intimately familiar with the often-hectic morning routines that make launching a rocket into space look easy. And, the longer the morning routine, the greater the likelihood of running late...
Read MoreOpen Enrollment Video
Have questions about open enrollment? Look no further! Our team at M2 Financial are happy to answer any of your questions. Watch link below.
Read MoreDebt Stress
Debt Stress The average American owes $51,900 in debt. Of that $51,900, $35,660 is from mortgage debt, $5,610 is from student loans, and $4,760 is from auto loans.1 Little wonder that money worries can be a major cause of stress. THE...
Read MoreA Meal for All Generations
Home About Resources Blog Contact Client Center Share| HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THIS TOPIC? RELATED CONTENT Social Security: By the Numbers Here are five facts about Social Security that might surprise you. Important Birthdays Over 50...
Read MoreStop Wasting Money
Stop Wasting Money Benjamin Franklin once said, “a penny saved is a penny earned.” The modern upgrade to that observation might be that $100 not spent is more like $143.1 One way to find the money to meet your spending or...
Read MoreMarket Commentary
ECONOMIC REVIEW1• New Home Sales for the month of April decreased by -5.9%, ahead of expectations of a decline of -7.0%.• The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index fell to 117.2 in May from a prior reading of 121.7,...
Read MoreIt's Not Too Late!
If you haven’t contributed funds to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) for tax year 2020, or if you’ve put in less than the maximum allowed, you still have time to do so. Learn more in this video blog from M2 team...
Read MoreSpotlight on Technology
The focus on technology is more important than ever! We wanted to highlight some of the features and benefits to the different platforms we often utilize. Below is a short description of the various technology platforms we use: We have...
Read MoreHow the Internet Gamed Wall Street's Short Seller's
You may have heard the news about stocks for certain companies suddenly ballooning, quickly going from lunch money prices to several hundred dollars a share.
Read MoreNavigating eQuipt
Click the link below for a step-by-step guide on enrolling in eQuipt, setting up eDelivery preferences and more! eQuipt Guide
Read MoreeDelivery and Avoiding Paper Fees
Information on electing paperless delivery.
Read MoreHappy New Year!
2021 is almost here! Make the new year your strongest financial year yet! Check out the "New Year Planning Checklist" below (also found in our Life Event Checklists on this site) to learn about new contribution limits, tax strategies,...
Read MoreUpdate and Outlook
2020 is almost over! What a year this has been. In the link below, please find a reflection on 2020, an update on my team and a brief outlook of things to come! Update and Outlook
Read MoreCoronavirus Vaccines and the Economy
As the United States sees a rise in cases of COVID-19 across the nation, news of two promising vaccines out of hundreds being tested has offered a ray of hope for a fatigued world.1 A positive reaction to these vaccines affects every...
Read MoreOuch! September's Market Correction Hurt!
In theory, investors understand that stock market corrections are part of the investing process. But experiencing a setback—like the one we’ve witnessed in the past four weeks—can raise a lot of shoulda, woulda,...
Read MoreVisit to The Dave Ramsey Show
Always fun to get down to the Ramsey Solutions Headquarters and listen in to one of my favorite shows! Especially when I get the chance to meet some awesome people!
Read MoreSpecial Update - Market Matters Commentary
Vaccine development continues to a be a source for good news in the fight against COVID-19. AstraZeneca announced its vaccine candidate entered the final stage of testing in the US, while Moderna, Pfizer and BioNTech have vaccine...
Read MoreSpecial Update - Market Matters Commentary
Hope for a COVID-19 vaccine intensifies as potential vaccines are in various stages worldwide of clinical testing. Downward trends in unemployment continued as the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program ended on July 31,...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Coping with Pandemic Stress
If your stress and anxiety levels are reaching a breaking point, you’re not alone. A recent Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) poll found 45 percent of adults in the United States are feeling worry and stress related to the coronavirus....
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Happy Birthday, America!
2020 is destined to become an indelible chapter in American history. In just six months, we have suffered a pandemic, encountered economic and financial disruption, and tackled civil justice issues. After all that, we deserve a...
Read MoreHas the Economy Begun to Recover?
As coronavirus restrictions ease and businesses reopen, the American economy should gain steam. Data released in May and June, including employment, payroll, and manufacturing numbers, suggested the economy may have hit bottom in April...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - It’s Dad’s Day!
Break out the socks and neckties! It’s time to celebrate your dad. See what you know about Father’s Day by taking this quick trivia quiz: 1. When is Father’s Day in the United States? a. Second Sunday in Mayb. Third Sunday in Junec....
Read MoreIs 2020 the right year for a Roth IRA Conversion?
2020 may be a year that none of us ever forgets, for many reasons. Buthere’s one positive: Roth IRAs can be particularly beneficial for financialplanning in the current tax and economic environment. A major incentivefor investors...
Read MoreSpecial Update - Market Matters Commentary
Alongside the official U.S. recession announcement were some glimmers of hope in the form of a downward trend in new coronavirus cases and a decrease in the unemployment rate. While there are caveats to both, including 21 states with...
Read MoreSpecial Update - Market Matters Commentary
We’ve likely all noticed the civil unrest sweeping across the U.S. this past week, and we’re hoping you’re staying safe and well with your loved ones. The large number of people involved in protests have driven...
Read MoreLife and Finances in a Pandemic World
Life as we know it has changed dramatically during 2020. As the coronavirus spread across the United States, cities and states issued shelter-in-place orders to slow the spread of the coronavirus and prevent healthcare facilities from...
Read MoreSpecial Update - Market Matters Commentary
A new milestone was reached as COVID-19 candidate vaccines began being tested in human clinical trials at record speed. Meanwhile, economic data over the last week continues to indicate a recession but is also showing signs of life and...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Showing Gratitude on Memorial Day
At 3:00 p.m. local time on Monday, May 25, 2020, the National Moment of Remembrance takes place by silently thanking the men and women of the United States military who gave their lives for our country.1 Originally, Memorial Day was...
Read MoreSpecial Update - Market Matters Commentary
Hope was lifted this week with the potential development of a vaccine for COVID-19 however, the preliminary release of the vaccine quickly created skepticism. Unemployment is likely to peak in the next month and a new bill known as the...
Read MoreSpecial Update - Market Matters Commentary
COVID-19 continues to dominate the headlines, with some states initiating their reopening efforts even as the White House is battling cases within the West Wing. Experts say the critical balance will come down to finding the “new...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Moms are Priceless
Whether they stay at home or work for a company, moms rarely have just one job. They’re event planners, coaches, interior designers, chefs, art directors, judges (and juries), housekeepers, maintenance supervisors, network...
Read MoreSpecial Update - Market Matters Commentary
Positive milestones were reached regarding COVID-19 with over one million recoveries, progress in the vaccine search and potential drug therapy to lessen the severity of infection. While markets continue to be volatile, optimism seems...
Read MoreSpecial Update - Market Matters Commentary
Various states and some countries abroad are beginning to slowly reopen after shutdown precautions due to COVID-19. This is likely to be good for the economy, although it will take some time to feel the impact of that progress. To...
Read MoreResources to Help You Through the Coronavirus Crisis
If you have ever been flattened by a rogue wave while fishing or sunbathing on the shore, you probably recognize the emotional responses that have accompanied the pandemic wave crashing across the United States – shock, anxiety, and...
Read MoreWarning Signs of A Coronavirus Scam
During a time of crisis, people search for answers and ways to help. Unfortunately, hackers are using all types of methods to take advantage during these times. Here are a few things to watch out for: Warning Signs to Watch For
Read MoreSpecial Update - Market Matters Commentary
In the link below, please find a timely market update regarding the ongoing market volatility related to the COVID-19 pandemic: March 23, 2020-Market Matters Update
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - A Celebration of Irish Culture on St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day is a day of unity. In the past, St. Patrick was celebrated by Irish Protestants and Irish Catholics. As it has been said, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. See what you know about this celebration of Irish...
Read MoreThe Coronavirus Correction
In late February, concern that efforts to contain Coronavirus Disease 2019 (a.k.a. COVID-19) might result in slower global economic growth disrupted global markets. Share prices fell as economists and financial analysts revised growth...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Coronavirus 101: The Basics
The coronavirus, which is now officially called Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), has received a lot of attention. Since the outbreak began in China, late in 2019, the disease and efforts to understand and manage it have made...
Read MoreThe SECURE Act Changed Retirement, Estate, and College Plans
There was a little something for everyone in the ‘Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement’ (SECURE) Act, a piece of bipartisan legislation that was attached to the United States federal spending bill and signed into law...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - The Changing Soundtrack of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day and love songs go hand-in-hand. If you’re looking for a way to show love and appreciation, consider sharing some of the most popular love songs of all time. Here are a few of the most popular, according to Billboard...
Read MoreWhere is Your Best Place to Retire?
The best place to retire in the United States is in dispute. There’s no formal debate, but a review of reliable publications showed surveys have named different states and cities as the “best” place to retire. For instance: • Iowa was...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Hang On to Your Optimism!
In 2019, a Pew Research Center survey reported many Americans were pessimistic about the future. Their worries included the national debt, the gap between the rich and the poor, and automation.1 Martin Luther King was sometimes...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Do You Know What Your Smartphone Can Do?
Since 2011, the number of Americans owning smartphones has increased from 35 percent to 81 percent, although there remains a significant digital divide, demographically. A Pew Research survey found the vast majority of younger...
Read MoreRetirement: You’ve Got This!
Not everyone is financially prepared for retirement. Earlier this year, the Employee Benefit Research Institute estimated almost 41 percent of American households will run short of money in retirement. That’s an improvement over 2014...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Celebrate the New Year Your Way
If you’re not fond of New Year’s resolutions, then start or adopt new traditions that help get the year off to a positive start. Your new tradition should be something you can repeat each year with family and friends. Here are a few...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Wishing Joy and Laughter this Holiday Season
No matter what holiday you celebrate, we hope it’s filled with joy, laughter, and heartfelt happiness. That said, we know holiday cheer can be overwhelmed by the pursuit of perfection and opinions of relatives. Just in case your...
Read MoreWhat’s the Best Gift this Holiday Season?
You’ve probably never asked your adult children and younger relatives whether they have security software on their computers and devices. Why would you? They’re digital natives, born with keyboards under their fingertips.It may be time...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - What Are You Thankful For?
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude. In 1621, the Plymouth colonists shared an autumn feast with the Wampanoag Indians. They were celebrating survival and friendship. It’s also a poignant story.1About one-half of the passengers who...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - What Do You Know About Veterans Day?
After World War I, many nations celebrated the end of “The Great War” by establishing Armistice Day. Eventually, the holiday was broadened to celebrate those who served in all wars. In the United States after World War II and the...
Read MoreDoes Your Company Offer a Retirement Plan?
One of the most discussed topics in the United States is retirement security. Few Americans have set aside enough savings to live comfortably throughout retirement. In fact, the most recent National Retirement Risk Index (NRRI)*...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Save Money with a Green Halloween!
Americans expect to spend $8.8 billion on costumes, decorations, candy, and other Halloween purchases, according to the National Retail Federation.1That’s enough money to purchase the New England Patriots ($3.8 billion), the Los...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - The Secret Life of Data
What data about you is most important?The data that identity thieves are after – social security, credit card, and bank account numbers – is important, as well as more basic data which is being collected by companies whose devices you...
Read MoreWill There Be A Recession?
The simple answer is probably.Historically, the American economy has grown in fits and starts, otherwise known as recessions and expansions. As a result, it is likely there will be another recession in the United States.What are...
Read MoreUnused Vacation Days Can Be Costly
Would you give up a share of $62 billion?Would you give up a share of $62 billion?If your answer is no, then you may be a member of the relatively small group of Americans (36 percent) that takes all of the vacation days available to...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Labor Day is an Important Day
Just over 100 years ago, Americans typically worked physically demanding jobs. Adults toiled 12 hours a day, seven days a week for low wages. Americans did not take lunch breaks. They did not get sick days or vacations. They were not...
Read MoreProtect Yourself in a Smart and Connected World
The world is becoming smarter and more connected all the time – and that has serious implications for people who want to protect their personal data and their privacy. If you’ve been enjoying the convenience of smart utilities and...
Read MoreLifestyle Newsletter - A Prescription for Dementia Prevention
A Prescription for Dementia Prevention If you’ve ever played a party game that asks you to make difficult decisions, you may have run into a question like this one: Would you rather enjoy good physical health all of your life or good...
Read MoreLife, Liberty, and Tax-Advantaged Investing
Life, Liberty, and Tax-Advantaged InvestingAmericans are passionate about taxes. We have reason to be. In recent years, Americans have spent more on taxes than on food, clothing, and housing combined.1 The Tax Foundation estimates...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Collect the Best Recipes for Dads’ Cook Book
Most dads have at least one recipe they like to cook for family and friends. Some have dozens. This year, celebrate Father’s Day by collecting the recipes from the men in your family. Bring a notebook to your next family celebration...
Read MoreWhere There’s a Will, There’s a Plan
Throughout history people have made inheritance choices that are inexplicable to others. In 1926, Harry Houdini left his magical equipment to his brother, his pulled-from-the-hat rabbits to the children of friends, and a series of...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Memorial Day Quiz
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance. It’s the time when we pay our respects to the men and women who died fighting for our country. See what you know about this important holiday by taking our Memorial Day quiz.1. What did the...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Moms are Unique
Moms are like snowflakes. No two are exactly alike. So, when you’re thinking about what to give your mom for Mother’s Day, consider a gift that is as unique as she is -- share your memories with her. Here are some prompts to get you...
Read MoreFinding the ‘Goldilocks’ Retirement Plan
Where do you set aside the money you’re saving for retirement? If you’re like many Americans, you save for retirement primarily through an employer’s retirement plan, according to Pew Research.1Unfortunately, less than one-half of...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Sleep: It’s More Elusive as We Get Older
If someone tells you older people need less sleep than younger people do, don’t believe it. Older Americans need about eight hours of sleep, just like everybody else. What’s different is quality sleep is harder to come by as you age....
Read MoreHow Will Rising Healthcare Costs Affect Your Retirement?
It’s no secret healthcare costs are going up. Medical expenses have been steadily increasing for years. In 2007, costs were up almost 12 percent. However, the rate of increase slowed to 6 percent during the past five years and that...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day
On St. Patrick’s Day, it’s okay to celebrate even if you’re not Irish. St. Patrick himself wasn’t Irish. As we celebrate, we would like to share some of our favorite facts and tidbits about St. Patrick’s Day:1 • St. Patrick’s Day is an...
Read MoreBaby Boomers and Digital Assets
How many password-protected accounts do you have?If you keep mental inventory, use a password manager, or have a written record of your passwords (which is not recommended by anyone), take a quick count. You’re likely to find you may...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Valentine’s Day Spending
Valentine’s Day means different things to different people. Some welcome Valentine’s Day as a time for romance, while others see it as an opportunity to cherish friends and family. No matter how it’s celebrated, Valentine’s Day...
Read MoreMake Sure Your Smart Home is Safe from Cyber Attack
Whether you own a house or rent an apartment, building a smart home is easier than it has ever been. Homeowners and renters can purchase kits that integrate specific smart items or they can select smart home products, such as light...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - A Day On, Not a Day Off
In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation establishing the third Monday of January as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.1 Dr. King, who is remembered for his powerful oratory and transformative ideas, once said, “Life’s most...
Read MoreJust Another Member of the Family
Bella. Coco. Charlie. Lucy. Max. No matter the name, many pets are considered to be members of the family, providing companionship, protection, and unconditional love. The pet-owner relationship has some powerful benefits, which may...
Read MoreTax Season is Here Again
It’s only January, but you may want to jumpstart your 2018 taxes since there are a slew of new regulations that may affect you. The Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 goes into effect this year so make sure you understand how tax...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - How to Keep a New Year's Resolution
Eat healthier. Get more exercise. Save more money. Those were the top New Year's resolutions for 2018, according to Statista.1 Few people achieved them. One of the reasons so few resolutions become reality is because people tend to...
Read MoreMarket Update & Volatility Review with Guest Speaker
View our online recording of the recent seminar/webinar. In this special presentation, Michael A. Matheson and Susan Anderson along with their guest speaker, Bill Rothschild of Fidelity Investments, will analyze the events that took...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Fill Your Holidays with Happiness
Holidays can be joyful and a little stressful. Here are a few ways to bring a moment of happiness into your life and the lives of those around you:1 • Take time to call an old friend.• Buy coffee for a stranger.• Briefly chat with your...
Read MoreAre Volatile Stock Markets Good for Investors?
When the ups and downs of stock markets leave you stressed and wondering whether stocks really will help you pursue your long-term financial goals, there are two things to remember:1. Historically, over long periods, stocks have tended...
Read MoreAre Volatile Stock Markets Good for Investors?
When the ups and downs of stock markets leave you stressed and wondering whether stocks really will help you pursue your long-term financial goals, there are two things to remember:1. Historically, over long periods, stocks have tended...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Thanksgiving: A True American Holiday
Thanksgiving is a true American holiday. It celebrates generosity and gratitude, and it recognizes the relationships that helped colonists who arrived on the Mayflower in 1620 survive beyond their first winter. History.com explained:1...
Read MoreTo Retire with Confidence, Have a Plan
If you want to retire with confidence, have a plan. “As you near retirement age or even within a decade or so, it is time to start doing some serious financial planning,” said Larry Stein, CFA, author of Peace of Mind...
Read MoreIt's Time to Talk About Aging
We are all, inexorably, marching toward old age. By 2030, 72 million Americans will be age 65 or older.1 The good news is longevity has been improving, and people are remaining healthy and vibrant at older ages. The bad news is...
Read MorePublish Your History
Are there anecdotes about a family member you want to save for posterity? Has your genealogical research uncovered amazing family stories? Would you like to share the adventures of your life with future generations? If so, you’re...
Read MoreGet up! Stand up!
Sitting is bad for your health. Whether you’re sitting at a desk doing work, in a classroom listening to a lecture, or on a ship sailing the ocean, research suggests extended periods of sedentary behavior may increase the...
Read MoreRetirement Can Be a Bed of Roses...
…And, it may have some thorns. There’s something you should know about retirement. It’s not as easy as everyone makes it seem. Remember what life was like when you tied the knot? How about once you had children? Or,...
Read MorePaying for College
Paying for College While your high school student is taking standardized tests, parsing college choices, and raring for graduation, you’ll probably find yourself spending some time with net income calculators on college websites....
Read MoreInheritance Choices: What Will You Leave Behind?
Inheritance Choices: What Will You Leave Behind? History is full with examples of parents taking actions they believe will improve the lives of future generations. In 1780, then President of the United States John Adams wrote to his...
Read MoreStart Talking About Retirement
Start Talking About Retirement If you ask people what creates stress in their lives, money is often at the top of the list. Stress in America: Paying With Our Health found money was a somewhat or a very significant source of stress in...
Read MoreCyber Crime is a Growing Threat
Cyber Crime is a Growing Threat If you’re not a technology wonk, you may not realize the Internet and the Worldwide Web are actually two different things. The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks. The...
Read MoreCollege is Coming - Have You Started Saving Yet?
College is Coming – Have You Started Saving Yet? How times change! In 1940, half of Americans finished their education in eighth grade. College degrees were relatively rare. Just 6 percent of men and 4 percent of women had one.1...
Read MoreMaximizing Your Social Security Benefits
Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits Retirement and Social Security are inextricably linked. Not only did Social Security help establish the official U.S. retirement age at 65, it also provides a significant portion of...
Read MoreLife in the Future
Life in the Future Technology is a life changer. GPS has improved interpersonal relations by eliminating arguments about asking for directions. Apps for car services, food delivery, video streaming, news media, and social media have...
Read MoreHome Is Wherever You Make It
Home is Wherever You Make It “There’s no place like home.”1 Conjuring an image of ‘home’ was a lot easier for Dorothy than it is for people who are on the cusp of retirement. After all, isn’t...
Read MoreWhere is the Best Place to Retire?
Where is the Best Place to Retire? It all depends on you. Thanks to the Baby Boom generation, pre-retirees and retirees have a lot more options than did previous generations of Americans. There is a lot to consider before you decide...
Read MoreTwo Ideas Worth Thinking About When Markets Are Moving
Two Ideas Worth Thinking About When Markets are Moving Here’s a number most people would like to see on an annual statement: 21.6 percent. That was the annual return for the Standard & Poor (S&P) 500 Index during 2017. In...
Read MoreA New Tool for Parents of Children with Special Needs
A New Tool for Parents of Children with Special Needs Twenty-five years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law, guaranteeing disabled Americans – people with mental, physical, or emotional disabilities...
Read MoreMinnesota Budget Bill Highlights - Do you qualify?
Minnesota – Budget Bill Includes Numerous Tax Changes First-time home buyer account, 529 provisions, tax credits among the highlights After a year-long debate over the state budget, including the passing and subsequent veto of...
Read MoreEquifax - Has Your Personal Information Been Hacked?
Equifax, a major credit reporting agency, recently announced that a breach of sensitive information – including Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers and addresses – occurred between May and July of this...
Read MoreAfter the Diagnosis: Making a Plan for Alzheimer’s
In a 2002 interview with Mike Wallace, former First Lady Nancy Reagan said she often reread the love letters written by her husband, former President Ronald Reagan. The letters, which had sustained and enriched their relationship,...
Read MoreBeware of Spam 2017
Beware of Spam! While some may be concerned about the iconic American meat that arrives in a rectangular 12-ounce tin (and is inexplicably popular in certain island states and American territories), more should be wary of its namesake...
Read MoreROTH IRA - Start Planning NOW versus waiting for the deadline...Today!
7 Reasons a Roth IRA May Be a Good Idea for You or Someone You Love It’s almost tax time. During April, many people take advantage of the opportunity to reduce taxes by funding a Traditional IRA. While that makes sense for some...
Read MoreBeware of Schemes During Tax Season!
It’s tax season! Every year, around this time, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) publishes its dirty dozen – a list of scams criminals use to try and ferret out personal information and/or steal money.1 For example, if you...
Read MoreMichael A. Matheson, CFP®, CFS, CRPC®, CDFA™'s Client Quote of the Week - Social Security
"Since I was 7 years old in 1957, I was told that there would be no Social Security – what do you think Mike?” Retiree Social Security income is a politically charged hot button issue and opinions vary from source to source...
Read MoreWhen Your Children Leave Home, Will You Save More for Retirement?
When Your Children Leave Home, Will You Save More for Retirement? You may be asking yourself whether that’s a trick question. After all, almost one-third of 18- to 34-year-olds are still living at home with their parents. It is,...
Read MoreBeing Financially Savvy is A Family Business
Being Financially Savvy is A Family Business Like it or not, we’re all involved in running the “family business.” We worry that our parents might outlive their retirement savings. We’re comforted by the thought...
Read MoreBrexit Highlights
High-Level Takeaways On June 23, British citizens voted roughly 52 percent to 48 percent in favor to leave the European Union. Short term, we expect market volatility to pick up - Asian markets’ response and the Dow Jones...
Read More2016 New Years Newsletter
Dear Valued Clients, Friends & Family, Happy New Year! I hope you all have had a great Holiday season and are looking forward to a great 2016. Click here to read the full Newsletter
Read MoreEstimating the Cost of College
Estimating the Cost of College Tip: Public Costs. Average in–state tuition and fees for public four-year institutions was $9,410 for the 2015-2016 school year. Out-of-state tuition for these same institutions averaged $23,893.Source:...
Read MoreGetting a Head Start on College Savings
Getting a Head Start on College Savings The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates a middle-income family with a child born in 2015 can expect to spend about $275,000 to raise that child to the age of 17.¹ That’s roughly...
Read MoreCountdown to College
Countdown to College Tip: Parlez-vous Francais? Many universities like to see multiple years of foreign language on a transcript. Source: Collegeapps.about.com, 2014 Most parents want to give their children the best opportunity for...
Read MoreWhat to Look for in a Long Term Care Policy
What to Look for in a Long-Term Care Policy Tip: How Old Are You? Age makes a difference in the cost of a long-term care policy. Generally, the older you are when you purchase a policy, the higher you can expect the premiums to be....
Read MoreUnderstanding Long Term Health Care
Understanding Long-Term Care Tip: Won’t Medicare Pay for It? After a three–day hospital stay, Medicare will cover the first 20 days in a skilled nursing care facility completely. For the next 80 days, it will cover all but $157.50 per...
Read MoreStay Calm and Open a Health Savings Account
Healthcare. Retirement. Those may be two of the most stressful words in the English language today. Especially when you include them both in the same sentence. For instance, a married couple that saves $326,000 has a 90 percent chance...
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