An HSA ((Health Savings Account) is one of the few tax benefits that did not change with TCJA 2017. Tax-wise, they are superior to 401k’s, IRAs, and Roth IRAs because you get a Continue reading
investing
529 plans and their tax benefits
With the costs of college and other post-secondary education continually rising, clients often ask about effective methods of planning for their children’s future education costs.
Though there are several methods of planning for future education costs, one popular technique is to use a 529 plan. Continue reading
Instructions for Backdoor Roth IRA’s
Backdoor Roth IRAs are a frequently-discussed topic on physician blogs and social media sites. But most conversations assume you understand basic investing concepts that many novice investors don’t. I’ve written this post as a reference guide for anyone who needs help with the mechanics on how to set up a backdoor Roth IRA. Continue reading
What do you need to know about your SPD?[VIDEO]
Your Summary Plan Description (SPD) is the rule book for all retirement accounts offered to you by your employer. Sadly, many employees do not know how to read their SPD or its importance. In this month’s video, Michelle gives you important features to look for in your employer’s SPD.
Also read Johanna’s companion blog post, It’s Open Season!
All About Rebalancing
Financial planning includes financial education. We believe that, for optimal investment results, an investor should commit to a chosen portfolio allocation. We refer to this allocation as a “well diversified, balanced portfolio”. Rebalancing is the process of bringing your portfolio back to the original asset allocations you have set for it. Continue reading
How to Grow Your Roth IRA
In my last Doctor Dilemma, How Should You Allocate Savings?, I discussed a different kind of investment strategy: taxation of withdrawals. Because we recommend allocating ~1/3 of investable assets to Roth accounts, we are regularly asked how that is possible for a high-income professional. Continue reading
How to Rebalance Your Portfolio [VIDEO]
How do you rebalance your accounts? Don’t know how? Follow along as Michelle walks you through the steps we use when rebalancing client accounts in this month’s vlog, then try it yourself! Continue reading
How Should You Allocate Savings?
If you live a reasonably balanced lifestyle, you will, at some point in your lives, find yourselves debt free, 529s funded and accumulating cash. As physicians, particularly in dual-doctor households, you can accomplish this 10 years or so out of Continue reading
Case Study: How to Prioritize Debt
Recently, a dual physician couple, held a debt planning meeting with me. They had various financial obligations and one spouse had just received a rather large bonus. This couple is not US-born and are not totally rooted in our customs. In their country of origin, however, debt is a big no-no. Continue reading
DAF’s: A Great Way to Control Your Tax Bill
This year, several of our clients have unexpectedly found they will have significantly more income than normal. From becoming partner to a surprising success with a non-doctor spouse’s startup business to an unplanned buyout of a practice, they have a very happy problem. The problem is, of course, they’ll have significantly more Continue reading
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