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| Considerations for Your Financial Checkup |
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As we start a new year and 2009 gets under way, it’s a great time for a financial checkup and review of your financial situation. Following are some items to consider:
Take a look at your current budget and savings plan and make adjustments as necessary.
Review current IRS guidelines, such as contributions to your employer retirement plans and other retirement accounts. The maximum contribution to a 401(k), 403(b) or 457 plan in 2009 is $16,500, and taxpayers age 50 and older may make “catch-up” contributions of an additional $5,500. The maximum contribution to a SIMPLE IRA plan in 2009 is $11,500 with a catch-up contribution of $2,500 for taxpayers age 50 and older. The maximum contribution to traditional and Roth IRAs is $5,000 in 2009, subject to eligibility based on adjusted gross income, and taxpayers age 50 and older may make catch-up contributions of $1,000. Please note: You have until... MORE
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| CLICK HERE to get your free copy of our 24-page retirement booklet, “Planning for Retirement – Strategies for Your Life, Your Finances, and Your Future”. In this booklet, you’ll learn more about strategies and options for your future. |
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CLICK HERE for your FREE Financial Review. Because we place such a high priority on mutual trust in our client relationships, we offer this free analysis to help us both decide if we are a good fit. |
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Financial Planning:
Surviving an Economic Downturn
With the economy slipping into a recession, many Americans have suddenly seen their earnings decline due to slower sales, salary cuts or layoffs. With less money coming in, you could... MORE |
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Tax Planning:
Congress has Passed Legislation that Suspends
Required Minimum Distributions for 2009
In December, both houses of Congress unanimously passed the Worker, Retiree, and Employer Recovery Act (H.R. 7327)... MORE |
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Mortgage Tips:
Using Vacation Real Estate to Generate Retirement
Income and Transfer Wealth
If you have a vacation home, you’re already aware of the enjoyment it provides and the benefits it can offer at tax time. But you may not be aware of how vacation property can... MORE
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Insurance Insights:
Naming Beneficiaries of Insurance Policies and
Retirement Plans
A major issue in estate planning is who to name as beneficiaries on life insurance policies, pension plan accounts and... MORE |
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Investment Management Updates:
Taking a Look at the Business Cycle
When looking at financial markets and economies from a historical perspective, it’s important to recognize the recurring business cycle that is taking place. While no two business cycles have... MORE
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Thoughts from Bruce Helmer:
Plan Together
The first step in planning for retirement with your spouse is to reach agreement on your primary objectives. Without that, a strategy is impossible or at least a lot more complicated and... MORE |
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Sudoku Puzzle:
When you play sudoku you qualify to win a FREE $25 Gift Card for any participating T.G.I. Friday’s restaurant. This month's puzzle... MORE |
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Upcoming Events:
As most of you know, one of our main goals is to educate our clients and our community. We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming seminar... MORE |
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Minnesota: Blaine, Brainerd, Burnsville, Chaska, Edina, Mankato, Oakdale, Plymouth, Rochester, St. Cloud, and Vadnais Heights
Iowa: West Des Moines – North Dakota: Fargo |
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