Blog

At Plancorp, we don’t wait for you to ask the right questions.
We take the initiative to offer insights and guidance — real enlightenment for real life.

Deferred Compensation: What It Is and How It Compares to a 401K

Saving enough for a comfortable retirement in a way that is tax-advantaged can require getting creative at times. Numerous options exist for stashing your discretionary money in a retirement account, but not all options are created equal, nor are they taxed the same. An often-overlooked option, Read more…

Synthetic Equity Explained: Your Guide to Understanding This Type of Deferred Compensation

Synthetic equity. Phantom stock. Stealth securities. Read more…

How Much Money Should You Contribute To Your ESPP?

Employee stock purchase plans are a great benefit that many companies offer to help employees invest in the future of the company and make more money. When managed properly with tax implications in mind, your ESPP shares can be turned into rocket fuel for your financial goals. Read more…

Emergency Funds: How Much to Save and Where to Keep It

A recent study by Bankrate found that more than 20% of Americans have zero cash set aside for life’s inevitable emergencies. That same study showed that 35% of Americans would be forced into debt when faced with an unexpected expense over $1,000. That’s roughly 1 in 3 people who could face serious Read more…

New Contribution Limits for Retirement Plans, Health & Dependent Savings Accounts, and Estate & Gift Tax for 2024

With a new year comes many new changes – putting up a new calendar, making New Year’s resolutions, AND new contribution and gifting limits imposed by the IRS. The IRS reviews the contribution limits and income phase-out ranges for retirement plans, health and dependent care savings accounts, and Read more…

Good vs. Bad Debt: The Differences and Risks

We’ve all heard the phrase “too much of a good thing.” Usually we’re talking about something relatively harmless, but it’s a different story when it comes to borrowing money. Read more…

The Way We Compare Retirement Savings is Broken: Here’s Something Better

Am I on track? No matter the person, their stage in life, or their level of success, this is the ultimate question I hear as a financial advisor. What they specifically mean by ‘on track’ can vary by person, but most are curious to know if they have saved enough to retire comfortably. Read more…

What to Know About Pig Butchering Scams

In the ever-evolving world of financial fraud, a new investment scheme with an unusual name has emerged. Known as the "Pig Butchering" scam, this term, as unsettling as it sounds, metaphorically represents the methodical way scammers fatten their victims' trust before going in for the financial Read more…

529-to-Roth IRA Transfers: What Are They and Can You Make One?

You Can Now Convert Unused 529 Funds Into A Roth IRA For Your Beneficiary 529 college savings plans have become a popular vehicle for parents and grandparents to set aside money for their children or grandchildren's’ college expenses. Read more…

Is My Investment Portfolio Properly Tax-Optimized?

It’s common knowledge that simply saving for retirement isn’t enough. Investing those savings can help your nest egg outpace inflation and grow exponentially to maximize your retirement potential. Read more…

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