Blog
Our blog has a little bit of everything for our clients and those who are "just looking"...
- Looking for some ideas of places to visit on your travels around New England?
- Need to know if establishments are friendly for LGBTQ folks, families, couples, and also your wallet?
- Do you need to know an update on current hot topics?
- Appreciate reminders of deadlines and summaries of tax-related law changes?
- Want to get a feel how we work as a team?
- Maybe you're just open to some practical tips to keep your finances in good shape!
Check here often to learn something new!
Your Quarterly Medicare Newsletter
The year is winding down, and you’re likely dealing with all that entails, including making health decisions and pondering the new year ahead. Have you had your annual wellness check for 2023? If not, you may want to schedule it...
Read MoreDo Annuities Deserve a Second Look?
"Annuities used to have a bad reputation, and rightly so. In the past, they had long surrender periods (periods when you can’t withdraw all your money without a penalty), offered limited options like tax-deferral and standard...
Read MoreConsiderations During Medicare’s Open Enrollment
How long has it been since you’ve reviewed your Medicare policy? With open enrollment fast approaching, there are a few questions you may want to ask yourself before you renew, add, drop, or switch coverage. Have you switched...
Read MoreHow Seniors Can Avoid Stress and Anxiety Over Life and Finances
As seniors, there is great joy in being able to retire to relax and spend time with your grandchildren. However, when you stop working, then finances can start to get tight and life can become a bit more stressful. Today, Planning for...
Read MoreAssetMark Premier AdvisorMeetings
2-3 times per year, our advisors attend the AssetMark Premier Advisor Meeting. Here's why this is important for our investment advisory clients: This is an opportunity for us to meet with the AssetMark leadership team, including:...
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Karen Visits Philadelphia
I was fortunate to attend an AssetMark Investment Mastery conference this past September and lucky for me, my hubby tagged along on a little 5-day adventure to Philadelphia. To recap, it was an awesome two-day intensive class on how to...
Read MoreHave you recently inherited an IRA?
Here are some rules to know if you were not the spouse of the original IRA owner. These tips are provided by one of the leading IRA experts whom we follow to stay up to date with law changes: #EdSlott #InheretedIRA #PlanningforGood...
Read More1.02 Billion Reasons to Be Prepared
What would you do with a windfall? It’s a question I’ve read or heard a lot lately. Considering the Mega Millions jackpot has now grown to $1.02 billion, it’s safe to say most of us have thought about what it would...
Read MoreReview of Atlantic City and Margaritaville
Note: I write these reviews as I travel to help provide my clients with a little insight and inspiration! My aim is to review establishments, big and small, from the perspective of my unique client base. That is, I assess things like...
Read MoreReview of Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Hancock, MA
If you ever find yourself traveling on Rt. 9 around Shrewsbury, MA, do yourself a favor and stop in at Pho Sure, a local Vietnamese restaurant. I stopped in with my family while headed back home from a vacation in the Berkshires...
Read MoreSeptember Is National Life Insurance Awareness Month
It’s time for your life insurance checkup. September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to review your coverage.1 If you don’t have any life insurance, you’re not alone. Life...
Read MoreFinancial Freedom Plan
As pre-retirees, the prospect of financial freedom in retirement is a dream we all aspire to achieve. The essence of independence and freedom lies in enjoying life on our terms without worrying about financial constraints.
Read MoreReview of Pho Sure - Shrewsbury, MA
If you ever find yourself traveling on Rt. 9 around Shrewsbury, MA, do yourself a favor and stop in at Pho Sure, a local Vietnamese restaurant. I stopped in with my family while headed back home from a vacation in the Berkshires...
Read MoreTo Max or Not to Max…..Your 401(k)
At some point, you’ve probably heard the financial advice that says you should max out your 401(k)—i.e., contributing the maximum allowable limit each year. You can contribute up to $22,500 of your annual salary for this...
Read MoreOrganize, Simplify, Thrive: Streamline Your Finances for a Stress-Free Future
August is here, the month of simplicity and decluttering! As we embark on "Simplify Your Life Week," it's the perfect opportunity to take a step back, reassess our priorities, and streamline our lives for greater peace and fulfillment...
Read MoreYour Vision & Objectives for Planning
One of the best places to start planning is by figuring out what you'd like your future to be! Try a visualization exercise and write down specific goals. This is important not only in articulating your thoughts, but clients have...
Read MoreThe Berkshire Museum
If you ever find yourself in the Berkshires of Massachusetts, do yourself a favor and stop in at the Berkshire Museum. I stopped in with my family for the second time while traveling. Here are a few things we learned and saw at this...
Read MoreWe're so excited to announce our new Tax Planning Services!
We're so excited to announce our new Tax Planning Services! New planning tools have been introduced to our industry in recent years that allow financial advisors to review a client’s information in light of current tax rules.
Read MoreHappy Pride 2023
June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate. Pride serves as a reminder of our progress in fostering a society that embraces people of all orientations, identities, and expressions. It is a time for us to honor the contributions,...
Read MoreWe need a favor! Please share your experience
At Planning for Good, we strive to provide exceptional service and guidance to help you achieve your financial goals. Today, we're requesting your support through a Google review. Previously, financial advisors were restricted from...
Read MoreHappy Pride Month!
Pride Month is here! All month long, people across the country are planning parades, events, and other community gatherings to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.For this entire month, we honor our collective rights to live freely, love...
Read MoreThe Retractable (Debt) Ceiling
The clock is ticking on US debt ceiling negotiations. Treasury Secretary Yellen informed Congress that cash balances are estimated to run out by early June, the so-called X-date. With the deadline fast approaching, markets are sending...
Read MoreStart Investing with WealthBuilder
Whether beginning your investment journey, saving for a major purchase, planning for college, or funding your retirement we will help to track and realize your financial wishes. Working together, we’ll review your objectives...
Read MoreFreshen Up Your Finances for Spring
Birds singing, bees buzzing, and slightly longer days are all signs that winter has finally turned to spring. And with spring often comes the urge to deep clean your home, giving you the feeling of a fresh start. But spring cleaning...
Read MoreFed Decision—Aiming for Stability
Over the last two weeks, the banking system experienced stress not seen since the 2008 financial crisis. Today, the Fed raised the Fed Funds Rate by 0.25%. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell emphasized the resilience of the banking system...
Read MoreCambridge Financial Stability
Recent developments in the U.S. banking sector have a lot of people thinking back to the unprecedented events of 2008 and questioning the stability of well-known financial services organizations. It is natural to have concerns during...
Read MoreBanking Crisis Averted, but What Are Our Protections?
What a week it's been! We're getting lots of questions about FDIC insurance, the SIPC protection program and similar programs offered for insurance and annuity products. Here's a quick summary of it all. Please click the link for...
Read MoreThe State of Women 2022
In partnership with HerMoney, a digital media company, started by personal finance expert Jean Chatzky, focused on improving the relationships women have with money, the Alliance released the fifth chapter of new research, The State of...
Read MoreThere's Still Time to Contribute to Your IRA for 2022!
Periodically, we'll be providing a flowchart with answers to the questions we most get asked! If this topic doesn't pertain to you at this time, stay tuned, more frequently asked questions will follow.
Read MoreWe’ve heard you loud and clear!
Over the last month, we’ve been proactively connecting with our clients by phone, Zoom meeting, and via a client survey.
Read MoreWhy did I get a 1099-R tax form?
I rolled over assets to an IRA. Will I pay tax on this? IRS form 1099-R will be generated for any distribution from a retirement account. To know if your distribution is coded as a non-taxable direct rollover, look for the code...
Read MoreWill I get a tax form 1099?
Clients can expect a tax form 1099, of various kinds, if (this is not an exhaustive list):You took a distribution from an employer retirement plan, such as a 401(k) or 403(b)Including a rollover to an IRA, which isn’t considered...
Read More2023 Pocket Tax Guide
From eligible deductions to limits, changes, and deadlines, deciphering the annual tax updates can be challenging. We’ve attached this handy quick reference guide that outlines key tax information for 2023 so as you look to the year ahead,
Read MoreName & Address Change Checklist
Are you getting ready to change your name and dreading the process of updating all the various accounts and systems? Perhaps we can help… HERE is a list of the most common places where you’ll want to update your name....
Read MoreNew Year, Better Credit Score
The new year is an ideal time to review your financial goals for the future; it’s fresh, new, and a time of intention. Credit and finances go hand in hand, so it’s also the perfect time to spot-check your credit and...
Read MoreRefresh your budget for the new year
Following a budget is one of the essential steps to securing your financial future. Coming out of the holidays always creates an opportunity to review your budget and refocus. Not only that, inflation has skyrocketed to levels not seen...
Read MoreWhich portfolio would you prefer?
A summary of how time periods impact perceived risk and return.
Read MoreCheck Your Credit Report Annually
One of the best ways to protect the security of your most important data, and to help ensure lenders are seeing your best credit score, is to check that all of your financial information is up to date and accurate.
Read MoreHappy New Year - 2022 into 2023
A new year is on the horizon. Each day that comes presents something new and exciting both for you and the people in your life.Is this the year you open the door to something new and exciting? Embark on some new travel adventure? Or...
Read MoreProtect Your Credit from Scammers This Holiday Season
The holiday season is a time for celebrating and connecting with family and friends. It’s also a time of increased spending. Many consumers rely on electronic methods to cover the cost of gifts, travel, parties and gatherings,...
Read MoreControlling Junk Mail
Are you tired of getting inundated with junk in your mailbox? Are you having to recycle more mail than you open? Not only is this a nuisance, but it could cause you to miss something important in the shuffle. Here are some tips to...
Read MoreHappy Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is here, and we have much to be thankful for – In good times and bad, there is still much for which to be grateful. Our quality of life is remarkably high. We come through tough times and solve problems – and...
Read MoreIs it time for a change?
You need someone who will actively monitor your plan, someone who listens when you tell your story, someone who provides leadership at the right time.
Read MoreTis the season… for holiday cybercrime. Four tips to stay safe
The holidays are right around the corner, and you’ve likely got a long to-do list to prepare such as planning meals, booking travel, and picking out gifts.One holiday prep tip that often goes by the wayside but is most important...
Read MoreThe Biggest COLA Increase Since 1981
This year’s COLA increase won’t be the all time highest, but the Senior Citizens League anticipated it to be as much as 8.7%. As it turns out, they were right on the nose. This tops last year’s 5.9% increase.
Read MoreYou’re Invited - Investing in Uncertain Times
AssetMark’s experts review the markets and economy for last quarter and year-to-date. They also will review recent Fed actions, inflation, and the possibility of recession, as well as the investment implications for stocks and...
Read MoreThese Months are More Volatile Than Others
We’re entering a tricky time of year: September and October have a reputation for bringing an extra measure of market volatility.Some of the stock market’s most challenging events have hit in September and October, and...
Read More1% Moves in S&P 500
If you’ve felt like stock prices were a little more volatile in 2022 than in recent years, your “spidey senses” are right on the money.The S&P 500 has posted 81 daily moves of at least 1% through August. Of those...
Read More3 Actions to Consider When Volatility Strikes
Yes, portfolio losses are painful, but volatility can offer opportunities to strengthen portfolios and enhance long-term results. In this edition of On the Mark, AssetMark Chief Investment Officer Christian Chan, CFA shares three...
Read MoreAugust is National "Make a Will" Month
"Where there's a will, there's a way." Sage advice that applies not only to our lives but to your estate strategy.
Read MoreSummertime Checkup
Summer’s here, and the time is right for vacations, outdoor activities, and fun. It’s also a good time to consider a few financial matters. Here are some questions to ask yourself mid-year.
Read MoreThe Worst Years for US Stocks
Stock market losses can occur for a variety of reasons, sometimes they are driven by excessive market valuations after an extended bull market and other times, may be due to external events, such as a war or a pandemic.
Read MoreHow to Invest in LGBTQ+ Friendly Companies
Together we can learn about diversity, equality and inclusion. We get to dig a little deeper into LGBTQ history and share our hopes for the future.
Read MoreInverted Yield Curve + Inflation = Stay the Course
Last week, the yield curve inverted for the first time since August 2019 (as a refresher, a yield curve inversion means that long-term interest rates have dropped below short-term rates).
Read MoreCELEBRATING 15 YEARS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE!
I am overwhelmed with gratitude as I pause to reflect on the evolution of Planning for Good. It was 15 years ago that I made the decision to leave corporate America so I could focus on directly helping people manage their finances.
Read MoreWhat You Can Find on the IRS Website
Since income taxes are currently top of mind, I thought I’d share a tip on where to find details of information provided to and from the IRS, which now has a new way to verify your identity.
Read MoreThe Uncertainty of War
The one thing that is certain when geopolitical events take hold is that uncertainty runs rife, and one thing that the markets don’t like is uncertainty. It’s during these times when market volatility picks up, it's most...
Read MoreBeing Prepared for Emergencies / Security Check
An important part of planning is to ensure that you think ahead and prepare: for the unexpected, for eventualities and for silly mistakes you’re sure you’ll never make, until you do! Like what, you ask? A sudden flood, loss...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Inflation and Ukraine Rattle Investors Another Week
Stocks closed lower for the week as escalating tensions on the Russian-Ukrainian border added to existing jitters over higher inflation and a pending tightening of monetary policy. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.90%, while...
Read MoreWhat We Do Behind the Scenes
If there’s one thing that causes me to roll my eyes, it is people patting themselves on the back for doing things they are expected to be doing. It’s for that reason that I don’t typically go-on about what our team...
Read MoreHow to Support Black-Owned Businesses
Every February, Americans celebrate Black History Month. In addition to honoring the accomplishments of Black Americans past and present, many clients often ask if they can do more. The answer is yes! By supporting Black-owned...
Read MoreIt’s OK to Feel Vulnerable
Prospective clients often tell me that that they feel uncomfortable or embarrassed to share their personal circumstances with me, for fear that they will be judged. It’s likely been the thing keeping them from seeking help when...
Read MoreStock Market Volatility
Interest rates. Trade Talks. Inflation Fears. Political Events. International Developments. During the past year, every one of these events have influenced stock prices. So when you hear that the financial markets are reacting...
Read MoreIt Starts with a Plan
In order to bring your vision alive, we need a well-thought-out framework, we need specialists, and we need people to pay attention to the details and move things along smoothly.
Read MoreWhat’s ahead for 2022?
By any measure, 2021 was a strong year for investors. But what’s in store for 2022? From my perspective, I expect that many of the same forces that influenced markets last year will play a role again in the year ahead. COVID-19...
Read MoreDivorced Women – Financial “Red-flags” to Look Out For
Divorce can be an emotional rollercoaster, and because of its unique challenges, you can find countless articles online about how to get through it. That’s not my goal here. Below you’ll find some of the commonly overlooked...
Read MoreOn the Mark: Three Market Surprises in 2021
We strive to keep you updated on the latest financial updates and information. Each year the markets bring new surprises and 2021 was no different. Despite a slew of concerns including new COVID variants, inflation and supply...
Read More2022 Contribution Limits
Preparing for retirement just got a little more financial wiggle room. This week, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced new contribution limits for 2022.Staying put for 2022 are traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)...
Read MoreWho’s on Your Professional Advisory Team?
In this day and age, we have endless responsibilities competing for our time. Some decisions are complicated and have serious repercussions if we make a poor choice, or neglect to act. Traditionally, we’ve learned to seek...
Read More8 (Non-financial) Steps to Prepare for Retirement
Let’s begin by defining “retirement”. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines retirement as “withdrawal from one's position or occupation or from active working life.” While this may be the traditional...
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