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Money Matters

Money Matters: Financial Wellness and Controlling Credit Card Debt

Editor’s Note: Briant Sikorski from Stratos Wealth Partners in Cary contributed this article.

Cary, NC – You know it’s important to maintain your physical health. But did you know it’s just as important to pay attention to your financial health? When your finances are under control, you are likely to reduce stress and are better able to save for retirement and your other long-term goals. Read more

Money Matters

Money Matters: Annuity Options: Choices Abound for Today’s Retiree

Editor’s Note: Briant Sikorski from Stratos Wealth Partners in Cary contributed this article.

Cary, NC – As the earliest baby boomers begin to enter retirement, the various income guarantees and other living benefits offered through variable annuities (VAs) are gaining in importance.

Yet before you rush to add a VA to your retirement funding scheme, take some time to understand what VAs have to offer in a general sense and to sort through the host of optional features and their associated fees and investment risks. Read more

Money Matters

Money Matters: Divorce and Your Finances

Editor’s Note: Briant Sikorski from Stratos Wealth Partners in Cary contributed this article.

Cary, NC – Keeping an eye on your financial health during a divorce is essential. Even the most amicable divorce can have a significant impact on your finances. Knowing the laws that govern the division of assets during a divorce is an important first step in protecting your financial health throughout this difficult period. This article outlines some important topics to consider on how divorce may affect your finances. Read more

Money Matters

Money Matters: What’s the Best Way to Give Money to Children and Grandchildren?

Editor’s Note: Briant Sikorski from Stratos Wealth Partners in Cary contributed this article.

Cary, NC – There are several ways you might consider gifting money to your loved ones. In 2017, the IRS allows you to give up to $14,000 annually (or $28,000 if you give jointly with your spouse) in cash, investments and/or property to each of as many people as you’d like without triggering gift taxes (This limit may be adjusted for inflation in future years). Read more

Money Matters

Money Matters: I’m Changing Jobs. What Should I Do With the Money in My Plan?

Editor’s Note: Briant Sikorski from Stratos Wealth Partners in Cary contributed this article.

Cary, NC – Changing jobs is an important decision – one that many of us are making more often. Once you’ve decided to switch jobs, your next move is to determine what to do with the money in your former employer’s retirement plan. Read more

Cary Education

Money Matters: 529s and Estate Planning: What’s the Connection?

Editor’s Note: Briant Sikorski from Stratos Wealth Partners in Cary contributed this article.

Cary, NC – Assets in 529 plans have grown significantly in recent years due to their college planning potential. But there’s another side to 529 plans that may appeal to you – potential estate planning benefits.1 Read more

Money Matters

Money Matters: Five Things to Do Before Meeting With an Advisor

Editor’s Note: Briant Sikorski from Stratos Wealth Partners in Cary contributed this article.

Cary, NC – Americans’ financial lives are increasingly complex. It’s not unusual to have checking and savings accounts, a 401(k), IRAs and other personal investments. Keeping track of all your savings and investments has prompted many individuals to seek guidance. Read more

Money Matters: Are Your Kids Hurting Their College or Job Prospects on Social Media?

Editor’s Note: Briant Sikorski from Stratos Wealth Partners in Cary contributed this article.

Cary, NC – Everything doesn’t need posting.

Picture an admissions officer at an elite university, weighing whether that school should accept your child in its next freshman class. A quick Instagram or Facebook profile search discourages that academic gatekeeper. Your kid doesn’t get into that great college, all because of what was posted online.

Read more

Money Matters

Money Matters: Does Your Portfolio Reflect Your Risk Tolerance?

Editor’s Note: Briant Sikorski from Stratos Wealth Partners in Cary contributed this article.

Cary, NC – When it comes to investing, many people associate risk with losing money. But investing entails different types of risk. Understanding each type – and the potential return associated with your retirement portfolio – can help you determine whether your investments are appropriate for your situation. Read more

Money Matters

Money Matters: A Financial Plan for All Seasons

Editor’s Note: Briant Sikorski from Stratos Wealth Partners in Cary contributed this article.

Cary, NC – Grab your sunglasses: Summer’s here, and it’s time to kick back and relax.

If only it were that easy. It would be great if all your worries disappeared when Summer arrived, but that doesn’t happen. Actually, if money is stressing you out and you’re planning to take a vacation, summertime may be extra stressful. Read more