Articles

Welcome to our research center! We've put together a library of information on important financial topics that we believe you'll find helpful.

Simply click on one of the general financial topics below and you'll find a selection of easy-to-understand information sheets about related financial concepts and strategies. This information is updated regularly to reflect the latest facts, figures, legislation, and economic trends.

Market Commentary

Estates & Trusts

What Key Estate Planning Tools Should I Know About?

Wills and trusts allow you to spell out how you would like your property distributed, but they also go beyond that.
How Can a Living Trust Help Me Control My Estate?

A living trust can help control the distribution of your estate upon death.
What Are the Pitfalls of Probate?

The probate process can be lengthy and complex. There are strategies you can use to help avoid the probate process.
How Can My Gift Benefit Me and the Charity?

To retain the tax advantages associated with charitable giving, your gift must be made to a qualified organization.
What Gifting Strategies Are Available to Me?

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of different gifting strategies available for planned giving.
How Can I Benefit from a Charitable Remainder Trust?

A designated income beneficiary could receive payment of a specified amount from a charitable remainder trust.
What Is the History of the Federal Estate Tax?

Careful estate planning is still one of the most important ways to manage and protect your assets for your heirs.

Retirement

What Is a Roth 401(k)?

A Roth 401(k) is funded with after-tax money, and allows for tax- and penalty-free withdrawal of earnings if requirements are met.
Unforgettable Birthdays

There are key dates after you turn 59½ that can impact your taxes, Medicare eligibility, and retirement benefits.
Will Social Security Retire Before You Do?

Greater demand is being placed on the Social Security system as the baby boom generation has begun to retire.
How Can I Estimate My Future Social Security Benefits?

The Social Security Administration’s retirement estimator gives estimates of your future benefits based on your actual Social Security earnings record.
Save Now or Save Later?

If you start saving for retirement sooner, the more money you are likely to accumulate and possibly retire sooner.
What Is a Roth IRA?

Qualified Roth IRA distributions in retirement are free of federal income tax and aren’t included in gross income.

Tax Planning

What Is the Capital Gain Tax?

Capital gains are profits realized from the sale of assets; a tax is triggered only when an asset is sold, not held.
What Is the Estate Tax?

Everything you own, whatever the form of ownership, is subject to federal, and possibly state, estate taxes.
What Is the Gift Tax?

The federal gift tax applies to gifts of property or money while the donor is living.
What Is a Required Minimum Distribution?

Required minimum distribution is the annual amount that must be withdrawn from a qualified retirement plan/account.
What Are the Tax Benefits of Charitable Trusts?

For the grantor, there are a few potential tax benefits that can come with setting up a charitable trust.
What Is the Most Tax-Efficient Way to Take a Distribution From a Retirement Plan

Consider a trustee-to-trustee transfer to an IRA versus a lump-sum distribution from a workplace retirement plan.
How Can I Keep More of My Mutual Fund Profits?

Want to keep more of your mutual fund profits? You may be interested in strategies to help lower your tax liability.

Investing

How Are Mutual Funds Taxed?

Mutual fund taxes can be cumbersome, but there are ways to help mitigate the amount of taxes you may owe.
What Is Stock?

Before investing in stocks, it is important to understand some of the basics and the risks involved in owning stocks.
What Is a Bond?

A bond is simply evidence of a debt from a government entity or a corporation and represents a long-term IOU.
What Do Bond Ratings Mean?

Bond ratings gauge a bond issuer’s financial ability to repay its promised principal and interest payments.
What Is a Mutual Fund?

A mutual fund is a collection of stocks, bonds, and other securities with certain benefits and risks.
What Is an Annuity?

An annuity is a flexible financial vehicle that can help protect against the risk of living a long time because it provides an option for a lifetime income.
What Investment Risks Should I Know About?

Understanding different types of investment risk can help investors manage their money more effectively.
What Is Dollar-Cost Averaging?

Dollar-cost averaging involves investing a set amount of money on a regular basis, regardless of market conditions.

Cash Management

How Long Will It Take to Double My Money?

Before making investment decisions, it is helpful to determine the real rate of return on the investment.
How Does Inflation Affect Me?

Historically, one of the best ways to fight the effects of inflation has been to utilize growth-oriented investments.

Risk Management

What Is Property and Casualty Insurance?

Property and casualty insurance can help protect a variety of assets. Find out what it does and doesn’t cover.
What Types of Health Coverage Are Available?

There are three basic types of medical insurance plans: fee-for-service, managed care, and high-deductible health plan.
How Can I Extend My Liability Coverage?

Consider additional liability insurance to help protect you from the potentially devastating effects of liability lawsuits.
How Can I Determine the Financial Strength of My Insurance Company?

Using a financially sound insurance company is an important part of ensuring your family’s financial security.
Am I Prepared for Long-Term Care Expenses?

The odds of needing long-term care increase as you age. Prior planning can help protect you from financial ruin.
What Are the Basic Types of Life Insurance?

When selecting a life insurance policy, examine all your options, as well as the positives and negatives of each type.

James Azzarello CFP® ChFC CLU

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