The SECURE Act is likely to impact everyone's retirement and estate planning. Learn about the major changes and what strategies are available to mitigate potential problems.
There's no place like home. That's the feeling many of us have as we age and need to consider where and how we will live as seniors. It's not always an option, however. Read how two retirees made their (different) choices.
By the time you read this article, 75% of people will have already given up their New Year’s resolutions. Why? Because resolutions tend to be vague. Learn why setting goals is more effective, and how these 7 ideas can jumpstart your year.
We are pleased to announce that Darren Zagarola, Howard Hook, Howard Milove, and Eleanore Szymanski have all won the 2020 Five Star Wealth Manager award.
Authorities are warning about a new scam and it's one that can easily be avoided. Read More.
The recently passed SECURE Act contains the most significant changes to retirement since 2006, and there's something in it for everyone. Find out how the changes may impact you.
Have you ever wondered what you would do with a big financial windfall? In addition to celebrating, there are several important things you should (and should not) do. Learn how to avoid the most common mistakes.
Thank you to all our clients, business partners, and employees who contributed to this year's food drive.
New tax laws made significant changes to Federal income taxes beginning in 2018. While there was no significant new legislation in 2019 affecting individual taxes, personal situations do change from year to year, thus requiring a fresh look at how to approach your year-end tax planning. Here are some suggestions.
When setting up a 529 plan, is it best to make the intended recipient the owner, a parent, or a grandparent? Read the answer here.
You make a purchase at a store, swipe your credit card, and sign the receipt. But then you notice that the charge doesn't appear on your credit card statement - ever. How long does the merchant have to charge you?
Donating mutual funds and appreciated stock may be a better strategy than donating cash. But timing is everything. Here's why.
EKS is hosting a food drive and we need your support! Here are the items most in demand...
Open enrollment for the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace Exchange opened on November 1 and closes on December 15. If you are not enrolled in an employer-sponsored health plan, now is the time to get covered.
When was the last time you changed your passwords or thoroughly updated your devices? Here are some easy and free things you can do immediately to secure your digital world.
Can you detect a financial scam when you see one? AIG Life & Retirement conducted a survey on elder abuse and confirmed that elder financial abuse is a pervasive and expansive problem.
Ever wonder how to calculate the cost basis of inherited stock? This dad asked for guidance so he could pay for his daughter's wedding.
The annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period begins October 15, 2019. This is the time to make changes to your plan. Here's what we recommend.
A Reader of Ask NJ Money Help asked: I take Required Minimum Distributions every year, but I don't need the money. How can I decide if I should convert the IRA? The short answer is you could be a candidate for a Roth conversion, but it depends on several issues. Read the full answer here.... Continue Reading →
Do you know that NJ offers to freeze the property tax of senior citizens and disabled homeowners? The deadline to apply is October 31; so don't delay.
Recycling, reusing, repurposing and reducing. Four simple and inexpensive ways we can cut our carbon footprint, reduce consumption, and limit the wasteful use of resources. This article is the second part of our two-part series that discusses how each of us can contribute to the effort to save our planet. Here, we share ideas for how your values can impact your daily activities.
Saving the planet is not a one-person job, but each of us can contribute in different ways. Some enjoy a socially-conscious investing style called SRI. Find out if it's right for you.
Read about the two new classes that EKS is offering this fall at the Princeton Adult School.
Far more money has been lost by investors trying to anticipate corrections, than lost in the corrections themselves.Peter Lynch, American Investor, Mutual Fund Manager, Philanthropist
Studying abroad is becoming a more popular option for students looking to expand their horizons. Here are some tips for using your 529 Plan to pay for an overseas education.
"Why do I need a will?" is a question I get asked often. Individuals incorrectly assume their assets are not large enough to warrant a will; but there's more to it than that.
Handing a credit card to a young adult can make a parent nervous. But there are tangible benefits to consider, especially when sending your kids off to college.
The Federal Reserve lowered the target for the Federal Funds rate by a quarter of a percentage point. The cut was expected; but was it enough, and where is the Fed headed from here?
Health Savings Accounts are evolving and becoming more popular every year. Learn if you are eligible, what the benefits and drawbacks are, and how best to leverage it.
This article originally appeared on NJMoneyHelp.com. Learn if you can appeal your homestead rebate if you missed the deadline.
Retirement is supposed to be enjoyable. But every day people make mistakes that derail their plans to live comfortably in retirement. Read about the most common pitfalls you can avoid.
The Federal Reserve Open Market Committee has met and decided not to change interest rates. They are, however, considering a future rate cut. Here is why this is a curious move.
Congratulations to Darren Zagarola on being elected President of the Board of Directors of the Princeton Adult School. Learn more about how Darren plans to help.
Howard Hook has been invited to join the Forbes NY Finance Council. Read more about this exclusive organization.
We invest time in our families trying to ensure that our heirs live healthy, prosperous, and loving lives, long after we're gone. But death can bring out the worst in people. Here's how to ensure your money and legacy do not leave your family in turmoil.
401(k) balances are near all-time highs, leaving retirement savers feeling pretty good about themselves and their futures. Eventually though, we all have to take distributions from those accounts, and that includes paying taxes. To lessen the tax bite, financial pros recommend a few key tips.
Will you leave your assets to your heirs? Do you worry if an inheritance will impact them negatively? This article discusses how to determine how much to leave loved ones, and if that money should come with strings attached.
There aren't many shortcuts to becoming wealthy. Regardless of its source, saving and investing properly are still the keys to its longevity. Learn some strategies that create middle-class millionaires.
Living a good life involves many things, including having a satisfying career, strong family ties, good friends, and hobbies you enjoy. Leaving a legacy may be part of what you desire; and charitable giving is a way for us to show future generations the importance of improving the world around us. Learn the importance of having a charitable giving strategy you can communicate to heirs.
