Editor’s Note: Briant Sikorski from Stratos Wealth Partners in Cary contributed this article.
Cary, NC – When planning your estate, be sure you understand the differences between bequests spelled out in a will and beneficiary designations incorporated in retirement accounts. Read more
Editor’s Note: Briant Sikorski from Stratos Wealth Partners in Cary contributed this article.
Cary, NC – A health care proxy allows you to designate a person who can make medical decisions for you in the event that you are too seriously incapacitated through illness or injury to make those decisions yourself. In some states, a health care proxy is known as a medical power of attorney. Read more
Editor’s Note: Briant Sikorski from Stratos Wealth Partners in Cary contributed this article.
Cary, NC – How times have changed. Only 26 percent of American households are composed of married couples with dependent children, according to the latest U.S. Census. Financial advisors may wish to educate themselves regarding the unique financial needs of unmarried couples – a group that may already represent a growing number of your clients. Read more
Cary, NC – Most adults become eligible for Medicare on the first day of the month they turn age 65. Whether you need to sign up and how to go about doing so depends on the type of coverage you select and whether you collect Social Security benefits prior to becoming eligible for Medicare.
Editor’s Note: Briant Sikorski from Stratos Wealth Partners in Cary contributed this article.
Cary, NC – When friends and loved ones finally raise their glasses to bid you a long and healthy retirement, you do not want to be worrying about how your bills will get paid. That is why it is so important to participate in your company’s retirement plan now. Read more
Editor’s Note: Briant Sikorski from Stratos Wealth Partners in Cary contributed this article.
Cary, NC – If you’re ready to start investing or ramp up your current investment initiatives, but there just doesn’t seem to be enough money left over at the end of the month, don’t give up. The following strategies could help you manage your money better and free up resources for your investment goals. Read more
Editor’s Note: Briant Sikorski from Stratos Wealth Partners in Cary contributed this article.
Cary, NC — Early retirement is a phrase many Americans wish they could turn into a reality. While retiring in your 50s or early 60s sounds enticing, it typically requires years of planning to make sure you’ve accumulated enough retirement assets to last for 20 or 30 years or more. It’s important to factor in how an early retirement could affect your Social Security benefits, options for health insurance and the nest egg you plan to rely on for ongoing living expenses. Read more
Editor’s Note: Briant Sikorski from Stratos Wealth Partners in Cary contributed this article.
Cary, NC — For 2016, the IRS allows you to give up to $14,000 annually (or $28,000 if you give jointly with your spouse) to each of as many people as you’d like in cash, investments and/or property without triggering gift taxes (this limit may be adjusted for inflation in future years). Read more
Editor’s Note: Briant Sikorski from Stratos Wealth Partners in Cary contributed this article.
Cary, NC — Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs – there are some key differences between these two types of individual retirement accounts (IRAs). While the contribution limits are the same for both, each has its own specific rules and potential benefits. Read more
This article was contributed by Becca Smith, Director of Marketing for Smith & Smith, CPA in Cary.
Cary, NC — Here we are at the end of January 2016, and, if there is one thing on all of our minds, it’s our 2015 tax returns. Here are some important things for you to remember when filing your 2015 tax returns. Read more