Latest Blogs

Financial Planning
March 29, 2023
Thought Leadership: Teaching Kids About Money
America is drowning in debt, and even six-figure earners are living paycheck to paycheck. Good or bad, financial habits start young: It’s imperative to teach our children financial literacy.

On average, America’s teenagers score just 64% on financial literacy tests. Starting your adult life without a grasp of personal finance concepts is a recipe for trouble! Stewart Willis discusses ways to teach your teens about money in his latest blog.

March 28, 2023
What Is an Annuity Death Benefit?

An annuity death benefit is a payment made to beneficiaries of your annuity when you die. With proper planning, you can make sure loved ones are taken care of.

Financial Planning
March 22, 2023
Silicon Valley Bank Lessons
If you read this blog regularly, you’re already familiar with diversifying your portfolio. That’s important in the banking world too.

The collapse of three banks within one week made for troubling economic news. But there are lessons we can take away from the failures that can help us strengthen our personal finances. Stewart Willis explains in his new blog.

March 18, 2023
3 Roth Conversion Strategies That Should Be Avoided

Do you want to save money for your retirement? Learn what mistakes and strategies you should avoid for a successful Roth conversion.

Financial Planning
March 15, 2023
What Is a Thrift Savings Plan?

Are you wondering what a thrift savings plan is? A TSP is a retirement savings plan for US federal employees that can help with your financial future.

Retirement Planning
March 14, 2023
Women and Retirement - How to Make Retirement Money Last
How to Make Retirement Money Last

On average, women are paid 84 cents for every dollar earned by men. That makes it harder for women to make their retirement savings last. For Women’s History Month, Stewart breaks down how women can still work toward a successful retirement.

Retirement Planning
March 9, 2023
Early Retirement
If you had a choice between continuing to work at your job for years to come or starting your retirement right now, it’s not unreasonable to suspect you’d be on a fishing boat tomorrow! If early retirement is something you’re thinking about, there are important things to consider.

Retirement is often thought of as a permanent vacation, and who wouldn’t want to start that sooner than expected? However, if you’re considering early retirement, it’ll take careful planning to do it successfully. Stewart explains why in this week’s blog.

Financial Planning
March 1, 2023
Should You Get a Reverse Mortgage?
Reverse mortgages are often misunderstood, with people either thinking they’re a great financial decision or a poor one. The truth, as with most financial matters, is that whether a reverse mortgage is a good idea depends on your individual situation.

Reverse mortgages are often advertised, and they can be tempting for homeowners. But they aren’t free money, and there are things to know before you jump into one. Stewart details what you should consider in this week’s blog.

Tax Services
February 22, 2023
Don’t Procrastinate on Taxes!
It’s fine to put off tasks like washing the car or sorting through your closet, but procrastinating on your taxes could cost you money.

We’re all guilty of procrastinating on some tasks, but doing your taxes shouldn’t be one of them! In this week’s blog, Stewart outlines why you should prioritize filing your taxes this year, and why planning ahead for next year’s taxes can be beneficial.

Retirement Planning
February 8, 2023
Retirement Part 6: Retirement Planning Mistakes
People commonly make retirement mistakes that keep their financial planners up at night. In the final installment of our Retirement series, we dive into what those mistakes are and how to avoid them.

Mistakes you don’t even know you’re making could have a huge impact on your retirement. In the final installment of our Retirement series, Stewart discusses common financial blunders and how to avoid them.

Retirement Planning
February 1, 2023
Retirement Part 5: Unretirement
What if the worst happens and you need to exit retirement completely in order to make ends meet?

Running out of money in retirement and having to go back to work is a common fear. In Part 5 of our Retirement series, Stewart outlines the difficulties people who unretire face, and how to avoid retirement failure.

Retirement Planning
January 24, 2023
Retirement Part 4: Partial Retirement
Many retirees opt for partial retirement once their career comes to a close, shifting from full-time work to a part-time job. But before you do, there are some factors you should consider.

Partial retirement may be a worth while arrangement to the way you approach work. In this article we take a look at how and why that might be the case.

Retirement Planning
January 18, 2023
Retirement Part 3: Planning for Retirement Amidst a Layoff
Part Two of our retirement series discussed planning for your retirement lifestyle. That becomes more difficult if your savings momentum is interrupted by a recession or job loss.

How does job security and the job market affect your retirement planning? Let's take a closer look on what considerations you should make with today's job market and the fluctuations within.

Retirement Planning
January 13, 2023
Retirement Part 2: Retirement Lifestyle
The kind of lifestyle you lead in retirement not only impacts your enjoyment of that permanent vacation, but also the probability of financial success.

What’s your ideal retirement lifestyle? Whether it’s world travel, or long lazy days reading in a coffee shop, retirement dreams are different for everyone. In part 2 of his Retirement series, Stewart breaks down how to determine and plan for your retirement lifestyle.

Retirement Planning
January 3, 2023
Retirement Part 1: Retiring Confidently
One of the biggest fears for people close to retirement is the worry they’ll run out of money and have to re-enter the workforce.

Retiring confidently can entail many different things. Let's take a look at what it takes to retire confidently and know for sure your plan will succeed.

Financial Planning
December 28, 2022
Interest Rates & "Safe" Investments
Rising interest rates aren’t all bad news; as rates rise, certain traditionally “safe”investments become more attractive.

With uncertain market conditions, consideration of risk within your financial plan may change. Lets take a moment to evaluate what that may look like for you.

Financial Planning
December 20, 2022
Holiday Shopping Amidst Inflation
Record inflation and interest rates, combined with the threat of a possible recession, are making holiday shopping especially tough this year.

Holiday shopping during uncertain economic times can be confusing. Lets discuss some tips to navigate today's circumstances and holiday shopping.

Financial Planning
December 7, 2022
Crypto: Is the Risk Worth the Reward?
The collapse of the FTX Crypto Exchange highlights the risk inherent in cryptocurrency.

The demise of FTX Crypto Exchange is a strong reminder of risk for cryptocurrency enthusiasts.

November 29, 2022
Tax Planning for 2023
It’s always a good time to plan for the future.

Even though we’re still working on our taxes for this year, it’s time to start thinking about taxes for next year as well. Most tax strategy happens in the current tax year, but there are some preemptive moves you can make now before we ring in the new year.

Financial Planning
November 15, 2022
Holiday Conversations
Holiday gatherings are all about family, food and football, but they’re also a great time to talk about finance!

The holidays are often the only time extended families get together in person, which makes them a great time to have serious discussions about things that matter. That doesn’t just mean football! Many financial conversations are best held in person.

Financial Planning
November 9, 2022
Year-End Giving
End-of-year charitable giving is a great thing to do; here’s how to do it more effectively.

The season of giving is upon us, but that idea goes well beyond the exchanging of gifts. The final months of the year are also an ideal time to wrap up your charitable donations. Did you know that some ways of giving are more effective than others?

Financial Planning
November 1, 2022
Year-End Financial Moves: Taxes
Tax strategy is key to getting the best return on your retirement savings.

As we head into the holiday season, many of us are thinking about the gifts we’ll buy and the feasts we’ll eat. But we also need to turn our thoughts to our finances! Every November, it’s a good idea to plan and execute year-end financial moves. 2022 is one of the most crucial years we’ll ever see!

Financial Planning
October 12, 2022
Buy Now, Pay Later is Still Debt!
Don’t believe the marketing hype; owing money is debt

Social media influencers have been showing off expensive purchases they’ve made using a service called Buy Now, Pay Later, or BNPL. A twist on old-school layaway plans, BNPL allows you to pay for purchases in a store or online over a set number of installments. The difference is, unlike layaway, you don’t have to wait until you make the final payment to get what you’ve bought.

Financial Planning
September 21, 2022
Financial Psychology
Using behavioral finance to improve your investing habits

Buy low, sell high is a common saying in finance. But investors often buy high and sell low! Why? Behavioral Finance is a field of psychology that has the answers. Stewart Willis explains.

Financial Planning
September 7, 2022
Recessions Aren’t All Bad
Don’t let fear reduce your options

There’s a lot of debate about whether or not we’re in a recession. By the traditional definition - two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth - we seem to be. But there are some extenuating circumstances that make drawing a conclusion either way more difficult. Whether we are or not, any cyclical economy will experience recessions, which means there’s always one looming somewhere in the future. We can’t predict with certainty when recessions will happen, but since we know they will eventually occur, we need to understand the opportunities they can present.

Financial Planning
August 22, 2022
Bull and Bear: What to Know About Market Cycles
Understanding the differences and opportunities

Investors are often happy in bull markets and decidedly less so in bear markets. We almost instinctively view bull markets as positive while perceiving bear markets as negative. That impression has taught us to react emotionally to market ups and downs instead of logically, but that impression doesn’t necessarily hold up under scrutiny!

Financial Planning
August 9, 2022
What is Stagflation?
There has been a lot of talk about “stagflation.” What does that mean?

The 2022 U.S. economy has been a whirlwind! We've seen inflation skyrocket. Wall Street entered bear market territory, and we've experienced two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth

Financial Planning
August 8, 2022
Financial Disasters: How to Prepare
How to deal with money emergencies

If 2022 has taught us anything, it’s that the unexpected is expected! When it comes to our finances , that’s particularly true. Unanticipated financial catastrophes can happen unpredictably. Even a conscientious money manager can be surprised. But there are ways to prepare for unforeseen disasters.

Retirement Planning
August 1, 2022
Retirement Savings Options Beyond Employer Plans

Many people don’t realize there are additional opportunities to diversify their portfolios and maximize their money beyond contributing to employer - sponsored retirement accounts. While your 401(k) or 403(b) are vital vehicles for your future retirement, it’ s a good idea to explore additional options. Some options are helpful tools to work toward your retirement goals, and others raise red flags.

Financial Planning
July 26, 2022
When Should You Start Tax Planning?
Procrastination can be costly

Nearly a third of Americans delay filing their taxes until the last minute! If the first time you consider your taxes is when you begin to fill out that 1040 form, you may neglect some significant tax breaks

Financial Planning
July 18, 2022
Social Media Financial Information
The good, the bad and the misleading

Many of us pass the time scrolling on social media or surfing the web. An estimated seven in ten Americans use social media to interact with friends and family. However, 38% of people work with financial advisors, and there are many more of us on social media than seeking financial guidance.

Retirement Planning
July 11, 2022
When Should I Start Saving for Retirement?

Regardless of your age, it’s never too early to start thinking about retirement. Retirement can seem like a long way away if you are in your 20s or 30s, but as many of my clients will tell you, retirement comes about quicker than you can imagine!

Financial Planning
June 27, 2022
Finances for the Post - Graduate
Financial planning for the real world

Walking across the stage to receive your diploma is a rite of passage for many young adults. As soon as you graduate, it’s time to get a job. Many young adults are ready to start their careers, but they might not be quite as ready to manage their finances. New workers must learn to handle not only their new jobs but also manage their benefits and keep up with their student loan payments. If you’re a recent college grad, these tips for financial success can help you now and in the future.

Financial Planning
June 21, 2022
Financial One - Stop Shops. What are they?

We’re all familiar with a one - stop shop . If you need a liter of soda, a TV and a set of tires, you head for the store that has everything. But did you know there’s such a thing as a financial one - stop shop? If you want a complete financial plan, a one - stop shop is for you. At Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax, we think of ourselves as a one - stop shop because we look at the entire financial picture for each of our clients, from their earnings to tax and estate planning. We even keep tabs on their investments.

Financial Planning
June 13, 2022
Capitalize on the Current Tax Laws

We are still in the midst of the largest tax code overhaul in three decades. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) became law on December 22, 2017. The law cut individual tax rates, doubled the standard deduction and eliminated personal exemptions from the tax code. But, these modifications will expire in 2025. How can you take advantage of this current tax window? There are four key steps I help my clients to take.

Financial Planning
June 10, 2022
Is a Roth Conversion Right for You?
Questions to ask about Roth Conversions

A Roth IRA is a beneficial tool when it comes to retirement savings. In a perfect world, retirees should have 100% of their money in Roth accounts because they are “after - tax” accounts. Having an after - tax account means you pay taxes prior to putting money in, so you do not have to pay taxes when you withdraw. Unfortunately, Roth accounts often aren’t taken advantage of enough because they can be confusing.

Financial Planning
June 6, 2022
How to Choose the Right Financial Advisor

A recent study found that only 4 in 10 people work with a financial advisor. Making the decision to work with a professional can be a taxing and prolonged task. However, it's imperative to your financial future to find someone to help you plan and manage your retirement. How do you choose the right financial advisor?

Financial Planning
June 3, 2022
Planning and Preparing Your Taxes
The importance of having both in your financial plan

They are two of the most dreaded words in the English language: tax season. But for me, taxes are what I love the most about financial planning. Tax planning and preparation is what the entire staff at Asset--including myself--love most when helping our clients.‍

Financial Planning
May 31, 2022
Coping with Market Volatility

2022 has been one of the most volatile times for the stock market in recent memory. In the first quarter of the year, the S&P 500 had its most dismal beginning of the year since 1939. World events such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic all played a part in making an extremely turbulent economy. So how do we navigate these volatile times? How do we protect our finances?

Retirement Planning
May 16, 2022
Picking the Right Pension Options
How to navigate Retirement Choices

If you’re one of the fortunate few with a pension, you have a critical decision to make: which pension option should you choose? Making the right decision for your unique situation could mean the difference between a comfortable retirement or one plagued by high income taxes and lost funds.

Estate Planning
May 2, 2022
Planning Your Estate
Even if you’re not rich, estate planning is important.

Most of us want our heirs to benefit from the wealth we accumulated when we pass away. But many don’t realize that the process of planning your estate isn’t just for the mega - wealthy; even those of modest means should be setting up an estate plan.

Financial Planning
April 25, 2022
Preparing for Interest Rate Hikes
The Federal Reserve is planning to keep increasing interest rates to combat inflation. How can you prepare your finances?

The Fed has been raising interest rates for months and has signaled plans to continue the increases, possibly into 2023. Rapidly rising inflation is the main culprit, but the economic impacts of COVID - 19 also played a hand. The rise in interest rates is me ant to slow down economic growth and bring inflation rates back down to around 2%

Retirement Planning
April 18, 2022
Social Security Frequently Asked Questions
A Look at Social Security in the Past, Present & Future

One of the most neglected retirement decisions is how and when to claim your Social Security benefits. Many people take their best guess instead of meeting with a financial advisor and building a strategic plan. I can’t stress enough -- Social Security is too important to base your choice on what people are saying around the water cooler

Financial Planning
April 15, 2022
The Importance of Wealth Management

The importance of wealth management lies in how it helps you accomplish your financial goals. A thorough financial strategy can give you financial security.

Retirement Planning
April 15, 2022
How to Find the Best Retirement Planners in Phoenix

Do you want to make the most out of your golden years? Retirement preparation can be overwhelming, and most of the time, you don't even know what to do next. Don't worry! You're not alone. Many retirees find planning for retirement daunting, but it doesn't have to be.

Retirement Planning
The ABCs of Annuities: A Simple Guide

Understanding the ABC's of annuities can help you determine whether an annuity is a suitable option for you. Let’s break down the basics of annuities.

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