The Future is Now
Many people focus on how much money they need to accumulate so they can stop working. The question then becomes, “How do I get there?” Most of us contribute to a 401(k) at work, but often just enough to capture any employer matching funds. Let me tell it to you straight. If you are contributing […]
Read ArticleManaging Anxiety in Uncertain Economic Times
A 24-hour news cycle means that it’s easy to catch up in the day-to-day flux of the financial world. WorthPointe Partner and San Diego Financial Planner, Ken Cortlett, CFP® reminds investors to stay focused on our individual long-term plans.
Read ArticleOrange County Homeowners’ Tax Withholding Insider Tips
If you haven’t read my last two posts about filling out withholding forms and justifying low withholding, please take a look! Next up, I’d like to share some insider tips to make tax withholding work for you, especially if you started off with the wrong withholding rate, or if your income or deductions change during […]
Read ArticleU.S. Stocks: Smart or Lucky?
How is today like 1997? Take a look at the following graph. The top two lines are U.S. stocks, large and small. Over the past seven years, they have far and away outrun the light blue line, which shows international stocks. 2010 to 2016 Source: Russell, Standard and Poor, Morgan Stanley Capital International. Charting software […]
Read ArticleOrange County Homeowners’ Guide To Justifying Low Withholding
If you haven’t read my last post about cutting your federal tax withholding, Orange County Homeowners’ Guide to Cut Your Tax Withholding, please take a look before reading the information below. Once you have your federal W4 ready, your next steps are to file it and to verify you’re getting the savings you expect. The […]
Read ArticleOrange County Homeowners’ Guide to Cut Your Tax Withholding
Do you get big tax refunds every year? Cut them out! This article will show you how. In a following article, I offer to help you fill out your W4 and DE-4, or check your math, for free. (See details to follow; there’s no sales pitch, no obligation of any kind.) Also in a […]
Read ArticleNet Worth and Fee Only Pricing: What You Need to Know
A version of this article originally appeared in ThinkAdvisor magazine. This is a candid, extended version of the original article that takes a more in-depth view of net worth pricing and other pricing issues in wealth management. We recommend talking with your financial advisor to discuss the best pricing structure for your situation. As an […]
Read Article4 Steps to Your First San Diego Home
Are you tired of renting? Are you tired of paying someone else’s mortgage payment so they can benefit from powerful financial advantages like the mortgage interest deduction and real estate appreciation? If you are ready to change that, here are four steps. Step 1: Find out where you stand. Meet or talk with an experienced […]
Read ArticleFinancial Strategies for a Job Change
It can happen to anyone. Suddenly, you are between employers. And you don’t know how long it will take to land your next job. Especially in Orange County, where there is a thriving community of entrepreneurs, job change is common — and is not always predictable. Even if you are voluntarily moving directly […]
Read ArticleWisdom and Your Financial Planner
It truly is a fool who doesn’t want to be wise or receive wise counsel. However, I know from experience that wisdom is not the highest thing on the agenda for many people when they look for an investment advisor. For many, what they are looking for is someone who will make them rich — […]
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