The key with tax planning is to be proactive. The purpose of having three different tax buckets is to minimize taxes now or in the future, and to provide flexibility when taking withdrawals. This strategy is also called tax diversification. Bucket #1 This bucket is for tax-deferred assets, such as retirement plans (traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, […]
Read moreOne of the most confusing topics in retirement planning is understanding the basics of Social Security. I will admit that Social Security can be extremely technical, confusing and downright boring, and with the future of Social Security uncertain, many people are hesitant to put in the time and brain cells required to understanding how the […]
Read moreGreat financial advice should cost you much less in the long term than no advice at all. Not all advisors are the same, but if you do find a great one, it’s important to think about the overall value they can provide when considering costs. A Great Workout Hiring a financial advisor isn’t for everyone. […]
Read moreWhat a great financial advisor is NOT Over the last two decades, the value of an advisor (broker or independent) has changed dramatically. Back in the day, the value was in their ability to “beat the market” by picking the right stocks, bonds or mutual funds on your behalf. The reality is, however, that most investors […]
Read moreAsset allocation is how you allocate your money to different asset classes e.g. stocks, bonds, cash. The mix you pick has a big impact on both your expected return and the amount of risk you are taking. Each person has an ideal asset allocation based on their investment strategy, goals, and risk tolerance. The purpose of asset allocation The overall goal […]
Read moreMost individuals only think about taxes during filing season – which largely runs from January to April. Yet, this approach has a significant downside. It’s reactive rather than proactive. It doesn’t allow you to plan. If you want to lower your tax bill, think about taxes throughout the year. It can save you money. Why? […]
Read moreToday, there are three main types of Advisors; fee-only, fee-based, and commission based. Basically, fee-based and commission-based advisors have at least some reliance upon earning revenue indirectly from products you purchase. On the other hand, fee-only advisors earn 100% of revenues directly from client fees. With all of the confusing options combined with a lack […]
Read moreThis is the golden age of entrepreneurship. From a college dropout with a brilliant business idea, to an excellent home baker starting an online bakery, entrepreneurs in the new millennium are changing the tides of traditional businesses. But with 50% of start-ups shutting their doors even before they hit the 5 year mark, the one […]
Read moreWould you rather talk about your sex life than your salary? Would you rather stuff yourself with five Thanksgiving meals, while discussing politics with your most vocal and opinionated family members, than discuss how you, or they, are doing financially? Would you… ok, I’ll stop this terrifying exercise! The holiday season is upon us, which […]
Read moreThe discussion around marijuana has undergone great social, legal, and economic changes in the last few years: From Reefer Madness to hot new investing fad. Think marijuana is missing from your portfolio? Read this first… Marijuana is illegal on the federal level4 The marijuana industry is governed by a patchwork of state laws and remains […]
Read moreShore Financial Planning is a fee-only financial advisor based in Monmouth Beach, New Jersey. As a fee-only/commission-free/flat-fee financial planner, I do not sell products or collect commissions. I am a fiduciary financial planner that specializes in tax-focused planning as a CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT (CPA), and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ CFP® professional. I serve clients in New Jersey and remotely throughout the U.S.A.