Blog

The Biggest Mistakes Made During Tax Season That Can Trigger IRS Audits

Here are the biggest mistakes taxpayers make during tax season that can trigger IRS enforcement—and how you can avoid them.

Michael Reynolds, CFP® | January 13, 2025

My Three Words for 2025 – Setting Intentions for the New Year

I love this exercise because it avoids the head trash that can result from the pass/fail nature of goal-setting. Don’t get me wrong, there is a time and place for setting goals. But for me, setting three words is much more effective when defining a theme for an entire year.

Michael Reynolds, CFP® | January 6, 2025

How to Create Retirement Income From Your Investments – A Comparison of Three Popular Strategies

Here’s a look at three common retirement income strategies—Systematic Withdrawals (Total Return with Rebalancing), the Bucket Strategy, and the Guardrails approach. Each one has its own strengths and challenges, depending on your goals, risk tolerance, and personal style.

Michael Reynolds, CFP® | October 28, 2024

Why Shouldn’t I Just Invest in the S&P 500?

While the S&P 500 can be a great foundation for a portfolio, investing solely in this one segment of the market may not always be the best approach. We'll explore several reasons why relying solely on the S&P 500 might not be the ideal strategy.

Michael Reynolds, CFP® | October 14, 2024

What to Do if You Lose Your Job

Losing your job is never easy, whether you saw it coming or it took you by surprise. Beyond the emotional toll, the financial uncertainty can be overwhelming. However, with thoughtful planning and strategic actions, you can protect your financial future and manage the transition to your next chapter with confidence.

Michael Reynolds, CFP® | October 7, 2024

5 Myths About 401(k) Plans That Need to Be Debunked

The truth is, a 401(k) can be a powerful tool for building a secure retirement if you know how to use it wisely. We'll dive into five of the most common myths about 401(k) plans, debunk them, and provide clarity so you can make the most of your retirement savings strategy.

Michael Reynolds, CFP® | September 30, 2024

How Do Presidential Elections Affect the Stock Market?

Presidential elections often bring a heightened sense of uncertainty to the stock market, but historical data suggests that the impact is not as significant or predictable as many might believe. Here are some key points to consider.

Michael Reynolds, CFP® | September 23, 2024

Navigating Your Child’s Transition to Independence – Key Considerations for Parents

As your child becomes independent, there are a multitude of factors to consider. From health care access and insurance coverage to tax strategies and estate planning, it’s a significant transition for both you and your child. By proactively addressing these issues, you can ensure a smoother path toward your child's independence while safeguarding your family's financial well-being.

Michael Reynolds, CFP® | September 16, 2024

The Right Way to Set Up (and Use) YNAB for Budgeting

You Need a Budget (YNAB) is a powerful tool that can help you manage your cash flow, save with intention, and spend with confidence. I'm going to walk you through the "right" way to set it up and use it. Or at least, MY way.

Michael Reynolds, CFP® | September 9, 2024