The end of the year is traditionally a good time to tackle tax planning. You have an idea of what your total income will be, so you can make decisions with an eye on tax efficiencies. This year, the back-and-forth on tax reform has narrowed the window of opportunity a bit. Read more…
Tax Reform Status Update
Tax reform seems to be the topic du jour of everything from dinner conversations to media headlines. But the frequency with which it changes, not to mention the current length of the bills (more than 400 and 500 pages for the House and Senate versions, respectively), makes it difficult to sift Read more…
Why Alternatives Are Bad for Your Portfolio
It’s never been easier for investors to add exposure to alternative investments into their portfolios. Read more…
Physicians: How to Create a Financial Independence Plan
The transition from a training program into the active practice of medicine represents one of the great opportunities and challenges in the life of a physician. Finally, you are doing what you trained so hard to do: making decisions independently based on the knowledge and skills you have developed Read more…
Spending Too Much? Here’s What to Do
What do you think is the most common problem people have in the process of building wealth? Read more…
Estate Planning: Not Just for the Old and Rich
While executing an estate plan might not be at to the top of your to-do list, it’s one of the most important pieces of your financial plan. I’ll admit, it took me expecting my first daughter to get my estate plan in order—but hopefully this post will motivate you to get your estate plan in place, Read more…
Is Life Insurance for You? 3 Questions to Ask Yourself
When our first son was born, I insisted that my husband and I purchase our first life insurance policies. The topic of life insurance can be overwhelming—and not just because it involves dealing with your own mortality. Everyone’s personal situation is different, so the need and timing for life Read more…
How to Plan for College Costs: A Roadmap
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent or student, the phrase “college tuition” comes with some degree of sticker shock. The good news is that it becomes much more manageable when you create a roadmap and plan ahead. Read more…
3 Times You Shouldn't Roll over Your 401(k)
Financial advisors are quick to encourage individuals transitioning into new jobs or who are near retirement to roll their 401(k) account into an IRA. But is a rollover always your best option? While it’s a popular move, that doesn’t mean it automatically makes sense for everyone. Read more…
Transitioning Your Business? Consider These Questions First
Like most major life decisions, the choice to exit your business should not be made alone. Read more…
Women in Charge: How Education Empowers Us
Guest post by Susie Mathias, financial planning intern Read more…
Why Market Prediction Is Harder than You Think
Imagine The Wall Street Journal ran a contest for its subscribers in which each subscriber viewed 100 photos of various men and women. To participate in the contest, each subscriber must pick the six most attractive people. The subscriber that choses the photos voted for most often will win $1 Read more…
How I Spent $50 to Save $2,000
I’m sure you’ve noticed there’s a common formula behind most “easy ways to save money” articles. It goes something like this: Read more…
So Your Employer Provides a Retirement Plan … Now What?
Whether you just got a new job (congrats!) or you have been working for your company for a couple years, you need to be aware of certain details around your retirement plan. I regularly work with employees enrolled in the plans we advise. Here are the key takeaways I want all employees and plan Read more…
The Important Benefits of Fiduciary Financial Planners
You probably know what you are looking for in a financial planner: Someone who is honest, hard-working, ethical, and will always act in your best interests. In fact, you'd expect that to always be the case with financial planners...right? Read more…
Monsanto Employees, Here’s What to Do with Your Bayer Merger Payout
In the midst of any merger, it can be hard to see past the near term. Changes to organizational structure, culture, and roles and responsibilities are at the forefront of everyone’s minds. Read more…
Do You Have a Bad 401(k) Plan?
When I first meet a potential client, I’m always disheartened to see the poor retirement plans offered by employers. Read more…
These Women Are Changing St. Louis for the Better
First and foremost, thank you! Thank you to the amazing women who attended our Women Who Inspire Us event. And thank you to the speakers who indeed inspired the entire room. We are so excited to be able to connect women such as yourselves and help foster relationships within our community. Read more…
The 3 Best Uses for Your Tax Refund
According to the IRS, U.S. taxpayers received $264.5 billion in total refunds in 2016. That makes the average refund total about $2,993. Read more…
6 Signs It’s Time to Sell Your Business
There’s no right or wrong reason to sell your business; when you’re ready, you’re ready. Read more…
Cash Is King: 3 Ways to Manage It the Right Way
People say that cash is king, but they don’t always give their cash the royal treatment it deserves. Read more…
Invest or Pay Down Debt?
Should you invest in the market or pay down debt? Read more…
Is It Time to Break up with Your Broker?
Chances are, you’ve heard of the impending Fiduciary Rule set forth by the Department of Labor. (If not – here is a brief summary). This new rule has started some important conversations on transparency and objectivity in the world of financial advice. It's also driven many Americans to rethink how Read more…
