Blog by Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA

Equity Compensation Series: Employee Stock Purchase Plans

10/18/2024 09:28 AM By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA - Comment(s)
Equity Compensation Series: Employee Stock Purchase Plans
Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs) allow employees to purchase company stock at a discount, offering potential financial benefits but requiring careful planning to manage risks and tax implications.

Preparing for a Stress-Free Retirement

10/10/2024 04:36 PM By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA - Comment(s)
Preparing for a Stress-Free Retirement
Make the most of retirement by streamlining your finances. These steps can help alleviate stress and allow more time to focus on enjoying life’s experiences and the rewards of decades of hard work.

The Importance of a Diversified Portfolio

10/03/2024 12:49 PM By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA - Comment(s)
The Importance of a Diversified Portfolio
Major news events can influence investments, but diversification plays a crucial role in managing risk. Understanding the pros and cons of diversification and finding the right balance can help protect a portfolio, with guidance from a financial advisor recommended before making any changes.

7 Steps to Actually Completing Your Estate Plan

09/25/2024 04:05 PM By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA - Comment(s)
7 Steps to Actually Completing Your Estate Plan
Estate planning is a continual process of designating how your assets will be distributed and selecting key individuals for important roles. Here are steps to get through the initial process and to ensure your estate plan is up-to-date.

Timing Your Social Security Benefits

09/18/2024 10:44 AM By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA - Comment(s)
Timing Your Social Security Benefits
Claiming Social Security benefits early, at full retirement age, or delaying until age 70 presents unique financial advantages and disadvantages, depending on individual circumstances and future projections of the Social Security trust fund.

Potential Economic Outcomes and Strategies for Interest Rate Cuts

09/13/2024 08:13 AM By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA - Comment(s)
Potential Economic Outcomes and Strategies for Interest Rate Cuts
The Fed’s potential rate cuts could impact bonds, stocks, real estate, and loan rates in varying ways depending on the broader economic environment, making diversified investments and strategic debt management essential for navigating these uncertainties.

Equity Compensation Series: Incentive Stock Options

09/05/2024 05:48 PM By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA - Comment(s)
Equity Compensation Series: Incentive Stock Options
Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) provide employees the opportunity to purchase company stock at a set price with potential tax advantages, but they require careful financial, investment, tax, and estate planning to manage risks and optimize benefits.

Equity Compensation Series: Non-Qualified Stock Options

08/29/2024 10:39 AM By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA - Comment(s)
Equity Compensation Series: Non-Qualified Stock Options
Non-Qualified Stock Options (NSOs) grant employees the right to buy company stock at a predetermined price, offering potential financial gains but also carrying risks such as tax liabilities and stock price volatility.

401(k) to IRA Rollovers: What You Need to Know

08/22/2024 09:43 AM By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA - Comment(s)
401(k) to IRA Rollovers: What You Need to Know
Rolling over a 401(k) to an IRA offers greater investment flexibility and potential cost savings, but it requires careful consideration of the disadvantages before proceeding.

SEP IRA vs Solo 401(k): Which is Right For You?

08/16/2024 11:54 AM By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA - Comment(s)
SEP IRA vs Solo 401(k): Which is Right For You?
SEP IRAs and Solo 401(k)s offer distinct retirement planning options for self-employed individuals, with differences in contribution limits, Roth availability, and eligibility that require careful consideration.
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