Maximizing Social Security benefits has never been more important—or more complex—under today’s tax laws. In our latest webinar, Transforming Social Security into a Winning Retirement Strategy, Senior Wealth Advisor Chris Johnson sits down with Adam Salach, CFP®, CEPA of BlackRock to explore strategies for navigating the system and positioning Social Security to work to your greatest advantage in retirement.
Is Real Estate the Missing Piece in Your Investment Puzzle? Andy Meyer, Partner & Wealth AdvisorHave you ever wondered if real estate could deepen the diversification of your investment portfolio? Are you curious about why some investors embrace it while others shy away? Real estate is an asset class that sparks intrigue, but it’s not for everyone. It requires a solid understanding of its risks, rewards, and illiquid nature—plus the experience to align it with your financial goals. So, what makes real estate worth considering, and could it be the key to strengthening your financial plan?Real estate isn’t just about
The Value of Experience in Financial Planning by Partner and CEO Jesse Niederbaumer Kobe Bryant once said, “Experience gives you the edge. When others panic, you stay calm. When others doubt, you believe.” This quote resonates deeply—not just in sports, but in life, parenting, and, yes, financial planning. Experience teaches us to gather information, make decisions, learn from outcomes, and improve. It’s the essence of what I bring to the table as a wealth advisor. Over the past 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of helping individuals and families achieve financial clarity. Every client is unique, and every day brings
Take Control of Your Future with Simple Estate PlanningPlanning for the future is one of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones. Whether you want to provide for your family, safeguard your wishes, or establish a legacy, creating an estate plan is essential. For many, the process feels intimidating—full of decisions, legal jargon, and uncomfortable topics like death and finances. Deciding who inherits what, drafting a will, or assigning power of attorney can feel overwhelming. But despite the discomfort, estate planning is crucial. Organizing your assets and making key decisions ensures your loved ones are cared for, avoids
How the Social Security Fairness Act Affect You? by Michael Franks, Senior Wealth AdvisorOn January 5th of this year President Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act. This Act has caused significant changes in how individuals qualify for retirement income benefits.What You Need to know About the Social Security Fairness Act:For retirees and government employees, Social Security Benefits play a crucial role in financial planning for the future. However, if you dedicated your career to public service and either you or your spouse earned the required 40 work credits in the private sector to qualify for Social Security, you may
Planting for Tomorrow: Building Your Financial Legacy by Michael Franks, Senior Wealth AdvisorFor young professionals, new investors, and entrepreneurs, the idea of building a financial legacy may feel far off, like something reserved for another stage of life. But the truth is that the trees you plant today will define the shade and fruit for future generations to enjoy and build on.Start With VisionYour legacy begins with clarity. Take the time to envision the future you want to create. What are the values you want to pass on? How do you want your efforts to impact those around you? It
Your personal data is valuable—keep it safe! 🛡️Vantage Ohio Regional Director Chris Johnson and Fingarde President and CEO Mark Linton share actionable steps to help you safeguard your personal information in this informative video.
Important Update for Business Owners (Corporations, LLCs, and similar entities) The Financial Crimes Enforcement network (FinCEN) enacted a new federal filing requirement that requires certain businesses to report information about their beneficial owners. A beneficial owner is someone who: Directly or indirectly owns 25% or more of a company, or Exerts substantial control over the business, such as senior officers or individuals who make key management decisions. Your business may now be required to file this form with FinCEN called the Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOIR) by 1/1/2025. This is NOT a tax form with the IRS
Reverse Mortgages: A Guide to Understanding the ProgramAre you considering a reverse mortgage to unlock the value in your home? Join Vantage Ohio Regional Partner Chris Johnson and Julee Felsman of Guaranteed Rate for an insightful discussion on whether a reverse mortgage is right for you.During the session, Chris and Julee will explore both the advantages and disadvantages to empower you with the knowledge needed to make a well-informed decision.For over 25 years, Julee Felsman has been helping clients find just the right loan and successfully navigate the mortgage process. With a focus on transparency and education,
Simplifying Your Tax Planning: Introducing the 1040 Tax Estimator for 2024Tax planning can often feel like an overwhelming task, especially when dealing with complex numbers and multiple forms. To ease the burden and give you a clearer picture of your financial future, we’re excited to introduce the 1040 Tax Calculator. This simple and effective tool can help you estimate your taxes, whether you’re planning for a refund or calculating what you might owe the IRS.Why Use the 1040 Tax Estimator?The 1040 Tax Estimator makes tax planning easy by allowing you to enter key financial details—such as filing status, income, and
