Many people consider their financial goals to be far more important than their personal goals. But the personal goals have to come first -- the money is just a means to get there. ~Darren L. Zagarola, CFP®, CPA, PFS
Have a Financial Plan B in Place in Case the Unthinkable Happens
If something were to happen to you and someone else had to manage your affairs, would they know what to do and where to find everything? Learn how to protect yourself and your assets.
Tax Bill Update (The SECURE Act)
The SECURE Act can potentially make significant changes to retirement and 529 Plan accounts. Read about some of the major components here.
Earth Day 2019
In honor of Earth Day, EKS Associates is once again hosting a Shredding Week.
How the Auto and Liability Insurances You Select Can Impact Your Financial Plan
Auto insurance and liability coverage are not as boilerplate as you might think. Both come with a variety of options that you need to be aware of. Not having the right coverage can impact your financial independence should an accident occur.
Will I Get My Homestead Rebate After Moving?
This article originally appeared on NJMoneyHelp.com. Learn how you can obtain your homestead rebate after you've moved.
Property and Casualty Insurance: An often-overlooked part of one’s financial plan
P&C Insurance is a very important aspect of a comprehensive financial plan, and often overlooked. Not having it - or enough of it - can impact your financial future should an accident occur. Learn what you should look for inside your Homeowners Insurance.
Unusual Medical Tax Deductions You May Not Know About
Tax laws have changed, and in some cases popular deductions have been reduced and even eliminated. However, there are some unusual medical deductions you might not have considered.
How to Assess if the New Tax Law Helped You
So many Americans are still trying to figure out if the new tax law helped or hurt them. One’s instinct is to judge it based on whether you paid more taxes this year or last year. However, this may not be an accurate way to assess the result. Find out why.
Does the Change for 401(k) Loans Affect Me?
On February 22, we answered a NJMoneyHelp question regarding how 401(k) loan rules have changed. This resulted in a follow-up question, which we are answering here.
REMINDER: There’s Still Time to Contribute to an IRA for 2018
It's not too late to contribute to an IRA for 2018. Here's what you need to know.
Have Rules for 401(k) Loans Changed?
There's been a change in law about what happens to 401(k) loans that are not fully paid when you leave a job. Learn more.
Find the Best Retirement Plan for You
Saving for retirement seems like a straightforward goal. Yet nearly 50% of people wishes they were saving more. Part of the challenge is knowing where to keep it. Learn about some of your options, and the rules to consider.
When Can Medicare Part D be Opted Out of?
Medicare can be complicated. The New York Post asked us to answer this question recently: Can I opt out of Medicare Part D?
Can These Student Loans be Forgiven?
Are there any forgiveness or discharge programs available for graduates mired in debt?
Words of Wisdom
It takes a noble person to plant a seed for a tree that will someday give shade to people they may never meet. ~David E. Trueblood
How to Get Ready for the Tax Preparer
Tax season officially started this week, and the IRS maintains it is expecting to issue refunds within 21 days of when it receives and accepts a return - the same as always. Consider these tips to save your preparer time, and potentially save yourself money.
A New Tool to Save Money on Prescriptions: Your Pharmacist
The cost of prescription drugs continues to rise at a faster rate than overall inflation, especially for seniors. Now, consumers have a new weapon to control some of that cost: the right to ask your pharmacist for help.
Howard Hook is Teaching a Class on Charitable Giving Strategies at Princeton Adult School
Donating to charity makes us feel good. But resources are not finite. What if there was a way to structure your giving so you and the charity can both benefit to an even greater extent? This course teaches you how.
EKS Hosts HomeFront at Rider Broncs Game
EKS is proud to host HomeFront, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to end homelessness in Central New Jersey.
An Update on the Concern About the IRS Tax Withholding Tables
This is an update about the problem with the IRS Tax Withholding Table.
The Gift of Perspective
This article illustrates an important fact: Perspective is a gift.
Join us for Spring Semester 2019 at the Princeton Adult School
Spring Semester at the Princeton Adult School starts soon! Check out our classes here.
7 Resolutions for Financial Success
It's that time of year again, when we reflect on what is important to us, revisit values, and make resolutions. Consider what you can do to organize your financial life and achieve your long-term goals. Here are 7 realistic resolutions to get you started.
15 Money Moves to Make in 2019
Financial uncertainty is in the air, so here's how to spend less, save more and invest smarter.
Credit Freezes: Are they right for you?
Every time there is a massive data breach, we are asked "Should I freeze my credit?" Historically, the process has been cumbersome and time consuming, and few do it. Now, Congress has made it easier. Here's how it works.
Tax Bill Alert
Another tax bill is working its way through the House. If passed in its present form, it makes changes to retirement plans and other things. Read more.
We are pleased to announce that Darren Zagarola, Howard Hook, Howard Milove, and Eleanore Szymanski have all won the 2019 Five Star Wealth Manager award.
The Grass is Not Always Greener on the Other Side
Everybody wants to be in on the ground floor of the next big investment idea. This year, we're getting a lot of questions about the Marijuana industry. With medical usage now legal in most states, and well-established companies looking to enter the industry, is this a slam-dunk investment opportunity? Let's discuss.
Giving to Charity This Holiday Season? Why the New Tax Plan Changes Everything.
About 12% of charitable giving happens in the last three days of the year. But under the new tax plan, many taxpayers won't be able to deduct their donations. Howard Hook contributed to this article, outlining the new rules, explaining who can itemize, and reviewing some useful strategies.
Rules if You Inherit an Inherited IRA
How is the RMD of an inherited IRA calculated if that IRA was already also an inherited IRA? Read Howard's answer.
The IRS Tax Withholding Tables May Be Inaccurate. Here’s What You Need to Know.
Due to the many changes the recently passed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made to how taxable income is derived, many taxpayers may be more under-withheld than normal. Find out what you can do about it.
Three Changes to Retirement Accounts You Should be Aware of
Lost in all the tax changes that went into effect this year were several changes made to IRA and Roth IRA accounts that bear mentioning. Read about them here.
What to do in the Face of Volatility
Volatility in the stock market has returned. Here's some advice.
Change Can Be Good; But Not All Things Can Be Replaced.
The concept of "creative destruction" refers to new industries sprouting up to take the place of old industries. But throughout the destruction and eventual creation of these industries - including the financial industry - lies real people.
Tips for Preventing Fraud: A Checklist
Cybercrime and fraud are serious threats and constant vigilance is key. This checklist summarizes common cyber fraud tactics, best practices for protecting yourself, and actions to take if you suspect that your personal information has been compromised.
The Importance of Having a Will
Nearly 60% of U.S. adults do not have a will. The three most common reasons include "we can't agree on a guaradian/executor," "none of my assets are taxable," and "I don't have enough assets to leave to anyone." This article addresses the last two myths.
