Welcome to our Learning Center
Browse our latest or list by category:
December 2023 Participant Memo: Financial Frost Checkup
As the winter season blankets our surroundings, it’s the perfect time to conduct a comprehensive review of your financial situation. Adapting to Life’s Changes Reflect on the past year and consider any shifts in your personal, family, or financial life. If changes have occurred, consider taking these steps: Review your beneficiary designations for accounts like… Read More Read More
November 2023 Participant Memo: Gobbling Up Good Financial Habits
Holidays are all about spreading cheer and giving, but sometimes people tend to go a bit overboard, which can later result in financial stress. According to a survey conducted by Country Financial, 32% of folks feel the most financial pressure during the holiday season.1 Create a Budget: Start by setting a clear budget for your… Read More Read More
October 2023 Participant Memo: The Worry on Investors’ Minds
Smart Portfolio Stress Testing: Your Retirement Safety Net You’ve been diligent—saving, monitoring retirement accounts, consulting your advisor. But are you prepared for life’s uncertainties? Your retirement plan relies on assumptions: savings, investment duration, inflation, and returns. Life, however, loves throwing curveballs—job loss, health issues, financial shocks. That’s where stress testing comes in, your safety net… Read More Read More
September 2023 Participant Memo: The War on Investors’ Minds
Past Wars and Long-Term Market Performance Since the dawn of time, war and conflict have been with us throughout history, bringing with them their own horrors and uncertainty. Stock markets do not like uncertainty, and when war and conflict strike, stock markets will exhibit bouts of short-term volatility. Wars and conflict can and have led… Read More Read More
August 2023 Participant Memo: Risk-proofing Your Future: Personal Protection Strategies
Are you prepared for a secure financial future? Discover some key aspects of a comprehensive risk management strategy. Disability Income Protection: Protect your income by obtaining disability income protection. Purchase it when you are young and healthy, considering factors like occupational specialty coverage, ensuring future income increases, and prioritizing individual plans over group coverage. Property… Read More Read More
Podcast Q&A: Merging Retirement Plans During M&A Transitions
Scott Tuxbury, Vice President, Retirement & Wealth Management at Sapers & Wallack, and Tanya Loranger-Egan, Co-owner and Managing Member 401(K) Plan Resources in New Hampshire, Resolution Property Management, answer questions about merging retirement plans during M&A transitions. This podcast is 19 minutes long. If you prefer you can skip to the relevant question you… Read More Read More
July 2023 Participant memo: Build a Bright Retirement Future
Clear, achievable, and meaningful goals can lay the foundation for success. Vague aspirations may have limited worth without a well-defined plan. Depending solely on past performance or arbitrary investment rules may carry risks when striving to achieve your financial goals. Time is a critical factor in goal setting that can shape your financial objectives. With… Read More Read More
Podcast Q&A: Financial Planner & Estate Planning Attorney: Working Together
Andrew MacDougall, Director of Wealth management at Sapers & Wallack, and Bryce J. Helfer, Attorney at Nixon Peabody, answer questions about working together for estate planning needs of their clients. WE HAVE MOVED! You can find us at: 313 Washington Street, Suite 308, Newton, MA 02458 Read More
June 2023 Participant memo: How Much is Enough?
There are many formulas for figuring out how much money you need to retire. While thinking seriously about retirement finances is useful, for most people, these formulas may not come close to what your retirement actually looks like. Taking Stock To truly get comfortable with your retirement plan, the first thing you should do is… Read More Read More
May 2023 Participant memo: The Advantage of Saving early
The early bird really could get the worm! In the chart below you will find no secret tips or tricks to investing that cite prior market events: just plain old math. The amount of your total nest egg is exponentially influenced by the duration of time it has to compound. In other words, the earlier… Read More Read More
Are Socially Minded Investments in ESG Right for You?
By Evan Macedo Recent years have seen an uptick in the desire for more “socially responsible investing,” with individuals and corporations alike focused, more than ever, on environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) concerns around where and how their money is spent. The basic idea is to emphasize impact investing which prioritizes financial returns in… Read More Read More
Gifting to Children and Grandchildren
/// By Melissa E. Sydney & Aviva Sapers Right now, individuals with large estates have an unprecedented opportunity to move assets out of their taxable estate down to their children and grandchildren. The current tax rules allow individuals to make lifetime gifts of up to $12.92 million during their lifetime ($26.84 million for married couples). … Read More Read More
April 2023 Participant memo: Need a Tax Break?
You may be eligible for a valuable incentive, which could reduce your federal income tax liability, for contributing to your company’s 401(k) or 403(b) plan. If you qualify, you may receive a Tax Saver’s Credit of up to $1,000 ($2,000 for married couples filing jointly) if you made eligible contributions to an employer sponsored retirement… Read More Read More
Sapers & Wallack Named to List of Nation’s Top DC Advisor Teams
Sapers & Wallack has been named to the National Association of Plan Advisors’ list of the nation’s top defined contribution (DC) Advisor Teams with Assets under Advisement over $100 Million. Unlike other lists, this focuses on individual firms, or what may, in a wirehouse environment, be referred to as a team, or office, and the… Read More Read More
March 2023 Participant memo: Planning Financial Futures
Do you spend more time planning your annual vacation than you do thinking about your personal finances? If so, you’re not alone. A lot of people put off financial planning or avoid it altogether. Personal financial planning is an ongoing, lifelong process. If we break it down into small, achievable tasks, it’s a lot less… Read More Read More
February 2023 Participant memo: The Importance of naming a Beneficiary
Do you know what will happen to your retirement savings if you were to pass away? Here are some things you should know about naming beneficiaries that could save your loved ones’ time, money and frustration. Facts about beneficiary designations 48% of people don’t have a named beneficiary.1 Generally, if you are married, your retirement… Read More Read More
January 2023 Participant memo: Financial Wellness 101: The Real Cost of Takeout
Financial Impact Think back to your last DoorDash order. How much did it cost you? How much food did you actually get for the money you were paying? Did you feel like you got a good deal? To those of us who order out consistently, a $35 tab on a DoorDash order might seem normal.… Read More Read More
December 2022 Participant memo: ‘Tis the Season for Investing
During the holidays, we think about spending time and reconnecting with family and friends, cozying up by the fireplace, enjoying each other’s company. We also tend to spend quite a bit of money this time of year, on everything from gifts to new year’s resolutions (think gym memberships). In a typical holiday season, we don’t… Read More Read More
November 2022 Participant memo: Are You Thankful for Your Health?
The holidays are upon us! Staying healthy just might make you wealthy. With small lifestyle changes and healthy choices (especially with all the shared yummy foods), you may reduce your annual healthcare costs and increase your income. These lifestyle changes can be as simple as limiting your salt intake or taking your prescribed medication regularly.… Read More Read More
October 2022 Participant memo: Market Trick and Treats
With the recent market volatility, it’s understandable that you may be concerned about your investments. Don’t let the market volatility spook you! Consider the following tips: Review your safe route. It is ok if your investment portfolio isn’t performing as you expected, but as you age closer towards your retirement, check out different investment options… Read More Read More
Podcast Q&A: “How a Fixed Annuity Can Fill a Gap in Your Retirement Savings Plan“
Aviva Sapers, CEO and Kim Bernabeo Landry, Director, Insurance Underwriting Advocacy at Sapers & Wallack answer questions about their blog “How a Fixed Annuity Can Fill a Gap in Your Retirement Savings Plan” You can read the blog: “How a Fixed Annuity Can Fill a Gap in Your Retirement Savings Plan)” here. Read More
September 2022 Participant memo: Retirement Readiness: How will you Prepare?
Much has been made of the current state of the American worker as it pertains to their retirement savings. According to a recent study by the General Accountability Office, 29% of Americans 55 and older do not have any retirement savings or pension plan and those who have saved are woefully behind with 55-64 years… Read More Read More
How a Fixed Index Annuity Can Fill a Gap in Your Retirement Savings Plan
/// By Aviva Sapers and Kim Bernabeo Landry Amid the economic uncertainty and volatile stock market of recent years, many are looking for ways to ensure a steady income stream throughout retirement. With the diminishing existence of employer pensions and uncertainty about Social Security programs, people are looking for new approaches to share in some… Read More Read More
How a Personalized Retirement Employer Plan Meets the Needs of an Evolving Market
The retirement plan landscape is rapidly changing and increasingly complex. Between volatile markets, the boom of remote work options, shifting worker demographics, and evolving challenges around hiring and retention—finding the right plan to balance performance with a reduced cost structure and mitigation of fiduciary risk and record keeping responsibilities can be a lot for an… Read More Read More
July 2022 Participant memo: Beneficiary Designations Who will get your money?
We know you are ready for summer! But how’s your retirement plan doing? Summer can serve as a preview of your retirement — long days in the sun and spending time with your loved ones! So, what better time to do a routine check-up on your retirement plan! Protect your loved ones and ensure… Read More Read More
June 2022 Participant memo: Beneficiary Designations Who will get your money?
Although not a pleasant topic, it is an important one – Who is the named beneficiary of your retirement account should you pass away? When you enrolled in your retirement plan, you were asked to select a beneficiary to receive your retirement plan assets in the event of your death. This step may be more… Read More Read More
Benefits of a Roth Conversion
With Americans living, on average, longer than before and the strength of Social Security and pension programs on the decline—securing enough income to maintain quality of life throughout retirement can be complicated. With tax rates likely to increase for certain groups in the future, now may be a good time to consider a Roth IRA… Read More Read More
May 2022 Participant memo: Millennials – The Time to Start Saving is Now!
Typically, younger people don’t make retirement savings a priority. Living expenses, student debt, rent or house payments, and other day-to-day expenses mean that retirement savings take a back seat. In fact, research from National Institute on Retirement Security says that 66 percent of millennials haven’t saved any money for retirement, and 66 percent haven’t started… Read More Read More
Podcast Q&A: Financial Matters for Women in Divorce
Aviva Sapers, CEO of Sapers & Wallack and Lisa M. Cukier, Partner & Co-Chair of Burns & Levinson LLP, answer questions about their blog “Financial Matters for Women Divorce” You can read the blog: “Financial Matters for Women in Divorce‘” here. LISA M. CUKIER is a Partner, Co-Chair of the Private Client Group, and Executive… Read More Read More
April 2022 Participant memo: Tax Saver’s Credit: Get the “Credit” You Deserve!
Tax Saver’s Credit: Get the “Credit” You Deserve! You may be eligible for a valuable incentive, which could reduce your federal income tax liability, for contributing to your company’s 401(k) or 403(b) plan. If you qualify, you may receive a Tax Saver’s Credit of up to $1,000 ($2,000 for married couples filing jointly) if you… Read More Read More
Financial Matters for Women in Divorce
/// By Aviva Sapers and Lisa M. Cukier Regardless of the circumstances, divorce is always an emotional, financial, and logistically challenging time for everyone involved. But for women, who are historically less often the primary breadwinner or financial record keeper in a marriage—and more often the primary caregiver for children and aging parents—divorce can pose… Read More Read More
Podcast Q&A: Department of Labor is Focusing on the Rollout of a Lifetime Income Product for Retirement—What Does that Mean for You?
Scott Tuxbury, Vice President, Retirement & Wealth Management of Sapers & Wallack, answers questions about his blog “Department of Labor is Focusing on the Rollout of a Lifetime Income Product for Retirement-What Does that Mean for You?” You can read the blog: “Department of Labor is Focusing on the Rollout of a Lifetime Income… Read More Read More
Department of Labor is Focusing on the Rollout of a Lifetime Income Product for Retirement—What Does that Mean for You?
In 2007, I worked at a large multi-national asset management firm and was asked to attend an annual retirement industry event with the executives of every major retirement company in the United States. Held at the Harvard Club, the theme of the meeting was “idea day,” where retirement focused asset management firms shared thought leadership… Read More Read More
Podcast Q&A: Getting Your Financial House in Order – Part 2 (Middle Age)
Andrew MacDougall, Director, Wealth Management at Sapers & Wallack, answers questions about his blog “Getting Your Financial House in Order – Part 2 (Middle Age)” You can read the blog “Getting Your Financial House in Order – Part 2 (Middle Age)” here. Read More
Getting Your Financial House in Order – Part 2 (Middle Age)
In June of 2020, my colleague, Evan Macedo, wrote about taking a practical and proactive approach to taking control of personal finances for individuals at the start of their careers. That piece, linked below, was primarily geared toward people in their 20s and 30s who are starting out with savings, budgeting, and paying down debts.… Read More Read More
It’s Time For Your Life Insurance Checkup
September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month, so i’s a great time to review your coverage.* If you don’t have any life insurance, you’re not alone. Life insurance is one of those “someday” things for many people – but the cheapest time to buy it is probably today. There are two kinds of life insurance:… Read More Read More
Podcast Q&A: Why Foreign Nationals, Green Card Holders, and US Citizens who Own Property Abroad and Property in the United States Should Consider Purchasing Life Insurance
Aviva Sapers, President and CEO of Sapers & Wallack, and Kenneth J. Vacovec, Founding Partner of Vacovec, Mayotte & Singer, answer questions about their blog “Why Foreign Nationals, Green Card Holders, and US Citizens who Own Property Abroad and Property in the United States Should Consider Purchasing Life Insurance” You can read the blog “Why… Read More Read More
Why Foreign Nationals, Green Card Holders, and US Citizens who Own Property Abroad and Property in the United States Should Consider Purchasing Life Insurance
/// Posted by Aviva Sapers & Ken Vacovec This blog is co-authored by Aviva Sapers, CEO of Sapers & Wallack, and Kenneth J. Vacovec, Founding Partner of Vacovec, Mayotte & Singer. For many Green Card holders or US citizens who own property or assets abroad, the eventual estate taxes that will be due on those holdings… Read More Read More
How to Utilize Technology Tools to Boost Financial Wellness
Stress is likely the largest contributor of health issues and loss of productivity at the workplace in America—and an estimated 84% of stress is derived from financial problems. That equates to huge financial ramifications for businesses of all sizes. A recently conducted Salary Finance survey found that American businesses are losing as much as 500-billion-dollars… Read More Read More
Womenology: Managing the Financial Trifecta Caregiver Checklist
Managing the Financial Trifecta Your Retirement, Your Parents & Your Kids! Presented by Aviva Sapers & Holly Knight May 20, 2021 Caring for Older Parents: To get a complete picture of what may be coming your way as far as your parents’ needs are concerned this checklist will help you get started. Read More
Womenology: Managing the Financial Trifecta Resource Sheet
Managing the Financial Trifecta Your Retirement, Your Parents & Your Kids! Presented by Aviva Sapers & Holly Knight May 20, 2021 Here is a useful sheet you can download showing the “Parent Caregiving” resources and the “Raising Kids who Launch” resources. Read More
Womenology: Financial Wellness Activity
Make Money not Excuses. A discussion for women to gain control over their finances. Presented by Aviva Sapers, Holly Knight of Sapers and Wallack February 25, 2021 Here is a pdf document of the Womenology Financial Wellness “Your Money Why” Activity Sheet Read More
Womenology: Financial Wellness Handouts
Make Money not Excuses. A discussion for women to gain control over their finances. Presented by Aviva Sapers, Holly Knight of Sapers and Wallack February 25, 2021 Here is a pdf document of the Womenology Financial Wellness Women and Investing Retirement Options Handouts. Read More
Womenology: Financial Wellness Budgeting Worksheet
Make Money not Excuses. A discussion for women to gain control over their finances. Presented by Aviva Sapers, Holly Knight of Sapers and Wallack February 25, 2021 Here is a pdf document showing the Womenology Financial Wellness Monthly Budgeting Sheet. Read More
Womenology: Financial Wellness Resource Links
Make Money not Excuses. A discussion for women to gain control over their finances. Presented by Aviva Sapers, Holly Knight of Sapers and Wallack February 25, 2021 Here is a pdf document showing the Womenology Financial Wellness Resource Links. Read More
Contributing to an Emergency Savings Account Through Payroll Deduction
With the benefit of the past year in hindsight, it’s safe to say that most everyone has learned some lessons from the pandemic about planning for the unexpected. Both businesses and individual financial outlooks have been dramatically affected by the months of uncertainty and shutdown, with short-term risk mitigation and long-term planning for the next… Read More Read More
Podcast Q&A: Contributing to an Emergency Savings Account Through Payroll Deduction
Scott Tuxbury, Vice President and Leader for the Retirement and Wealth Management Practices at Sapers & Wallack answers questions about our May blog, Contributing to an emergency Savings Account Through Payroll Deduction. Read More
Why Wealth Management at Sapers & Wallack?
As one of the newest members of the Sapers & Wallack team, I thought this a good way to introduce myself and explain why I am so excited to join this company as the new Director of Wealth Management. I have been in the financial services field for over fifteen years now ranging from getting… Read More Read More
Estate Planning To-Do-List – No Matter What Stage of Life You Are At
I have worked in the financial services industry with life insurance products and estate planning for over 25 years, and in that time, I have had the opportunity to help many families file policy claims as they settle the estates of loved ones. I have seen first-hand the importance of the deceased having a financial… Read More Read More
Retirement Times January 2021: 3(38) Advisory Services
The January issue of Retirement Times asks whether fiduciaries should outsource retirement plan investment responsibility, and discusses whether you should adopt a plan committee charter. This month’s Participant Memo discusses your financial wellness 101 – how much do you know about your retirement plan? Read the whole issue here. Read More
Using Life Insurance to Offer Diversified, Tax-Advantaged Retirement Savings
Regardless of your financial situation, for most of us, saving the right amount of money for retirement can be difficult. Establishing sources of replacement income that will allow you to consistently maintain your expected lifestyle after your working years often requires careful planning, financial discipline, and if those are not attainable, some creative solutions. Read More
Podcast Q&A: Using Life Insurance to Offer Diversified, Tax-Advantaged Retirement Savings
Scott Tuxbury, Vice President and Leader for the Retirement and Wealth Management Practices at Sapers & Wallack answers questions about our January blog, Using Life Insurance to Offer Diversified, Tax-Advantaged Retirement Savings Read More
Retirement Times December 2020: Post Election Investment Commentary
The December issue of Retirement Times gives us a post-election investment commentary as well as an article about cyber security issues for plan sponsors. This month’s Participant Memo covers the 10% Savings Goal, start small and grow. Read the whole issue here. Read More
Retirement Times November 2020
The November issue of Retirement Times gives us information about the Volatility of Investments in this Election Year; the results of a Retirement Income survey and an Auditor’s Perspective of an Annual Plan Audit. This month’s Participant Memo covers Retirement Plan Basics – 10 things to know about your employer’s retirement plan. Read the whole… Read More Read More
AALU: Defined Value Clauses: An Important Tool for Turbulent Times.
The purchase of life insurance products and their implementation into a client’s broader legacy planning strategy requires clients to navigate through a complex web of financial and cashflow management strategies, transfer tax considerations, and tax reporting obligations that must be approached differently on a client by client basis. Failure on the part of advisors to work… Read More Read More
Reviewing Life Insurance Needs in the Time of COVID
As we enter Life Insurance Awareness Month, it seems a good moment to reevaluate why we have the insurance we do and whether it is the right amount to fulfill the needs we have. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and with an election only months away that has the potential to greatly change… Read More Read More
Retirement Times August 2020
The August issue of Retirement Times focuses Collective Investment Trusts — The Fastest Growing Investment Vehicle Within 401(k) Plans – and also Allowable Plan Expenses. This month’s Participant Memo shares a Retirement Plan Check-Up. Read the whole issue here. Read More
Estate Planning Today for the World You Want Tomorrow
Often, when I begin a discussion with a client on estate planning, I remind them that they generally have three beneficiaries: family, charity, and Uncle Sam. I follow up with the question, “how much do you want to leave to each?” No one ever wants to leave their money to Uncle Sam, but the government… Read More Read More
Mitigating Downside Risk in the Market with Annuities and Life Insurance
There is a pervasive myth that insurance products produce mediocre returns. In truth, though life insurance has been purchased for many years to provide security and guarantees, there are some newer product lines that can be very attractive for investment purposes—particularly in volatile markets. In order to remain competitive and relevant, the insurance industry has… Read More Read More
Getting Your Financial House in Order
Since many of us are stuck at home with our fiscal future full of bumps and potholes, I’ve found it to be a good opportunity to assess my relationship with personal finances. Full disclosure, I am a bit of an “Excel geek,” so expense tracking and spreadsheets are definitely in my wheelhouse. Nevertheless, this process… Read More Read More
Retirement Times May 2020
The May issue of Retirement Times focuses on if you are ready for an audit; if your company should implement a student loan assistance plan: complying with ERISA 404(c). This month’s Participant Memo shares Four Basic Steps for a Successful Retirement Read the whole issue here. Read More
Retirement Expenses memo
How Can you Prepare for Healthcare Expenses in Retirement? Rising healthcare costs are on everyone’s mind, even for affluent people. In fact, 69 percent of affluent pre-retirees cite rising healthcare costs as one of their top fears in retirement, according to a survey from the Nationwide Retirement Institute. In fact, 63 percent of these affluent… Read More Read More
Retirement Times April 2020
The April issue of Retirement Times focuses on Closing the Retirement Gender Gap: How Retirement Plan Advisors Can Help, along with Another Way to Save: New Tax Credit for Plan Participants. This month’s Participant Memo shares Five Key Decisions for a Successful Retirement. Read the whole issue here. Read More
Tax Efficiency: It’s Not What You Earn; It’s What You Keep
As a general rule, the more money you make, whether in work generated income or capital gains, the more you will pay in taxes. But rules are meant to be broken, and there are ways to mitigate tax losses with the right planning and advice. The after-tax return vs. the pretax return. Everyone wants their… Read More Read More
A Better Way to Give: Donor Advised Funds Auditing Your Donors to Maximize Donations for Your Not-For-Profit
Many people believe in giving back, but under the new tax laws, it may not be as tax advantageous as it used to be. With the steady appreciation in the stock market – the longest bull run in history – some folks have achieved a level of wealth they never imagined. Our Charitable Strategies work… Read More Read More
AALU: Better Together – The Importance of Collaboration Among Client Advisors When Acquiring Life Insurance (With Case Study)
The purchase of life insurance products and their implementation into a client’s broader legacy planning strategy requires clients to navigate through a complex web of financial and cashflow management strategies, transfer tax considerations, and tax reporting obligations that must be approached differently on a client by client basis. Failure on the part of advisors to work… Read More Read More
Do You Know Where Your Money is And What it is Doing?
As 2019 closes and a new year starts with a fair amount of uncertainty, it is a good idea to take stock of your financial situation. While markets have been going strong and the economy seems largely sound, upheaval in both domestic and world politics, an increasingly fragile interaction with the environment, and uncertainty in… Read More Read More
Mega Backdoor Roth Conversion Primer
Background There is growing interest in a design strategy known as the Mega Backdoor Roth Conversion (the Conversion). The Conversion allows 401(k) or 403(b) Plan participants who are already deferring the maximum allowed to contribute After-Tax funds to the plan. The participant may then convert the money from After-Tax funds to Designated Roth funds. This… Read More Read More
Medicare Coverage: What to Expect, How to Enroll, and Will you Need Supplemental Plans for Retirement
/// Posted byAviva Sapers & Peter Stoner Whether your 65th birthday is fast approaching or decades away, it pays to understand the basics of how Medicare works and what it does and does not cover—and then plan accordingly for any additional coverage that you may need in retirement. Enrolling in Medicare can be more complicated… Read More Read More
Podcast Q&A: Medicare Coverage: What to Expect, How to Enroll, and Will you Need Supplemental Plans for Retirement
Aviva Sapers, President and CEO of Sapers & Wallack, and Peter Stoner, President and CEO of Stoner & Company, answer questions about our October blog ‘Medicare Coverage: What to expect, how to enroll, and will you need supplemental plans for retirement’. Read More
Why Retirement Planning Must Account for the Rising Cost of Healthcare
For most Americans in 2019, the idea of retirement is associated more with a sense of anxiety than the promise of relaxation it once inspired. Have I saved enough? When should I stop working? Will I have a guaranteed source of income? And more than ever before, how can I plan for the rising costs… Read More Read More
Podcast Q&A: Why Retirement Planning Must Account for the Rising Cost of Healthcare
Scott Tuxbury, Vice President and Leader for the Retirement and Wealth Management Practices at Sapers & Wallack answers questions about our September blog, “Why Retirement Planning Must Account for the Rising Cost of Healthcare” Read More
AALU: Watch Your Step: Fiduciary Pitfalls for Trustees of Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts.
A trustee’s job in administering a trust can be unexpectedly treacherous, especially in the context of an ILIT and the management of its life insurance portfolio. Clients frequently turn to family and friends to fill this important role, since many financial institutions will not serve as trustees of an ILIT only funded with life insurance. … Read More Read More
Roth Conversions for Retirement
On average, Americans are living longer than ever before. This reality has complicated the planning and saving stage of retirement as we struggle to secure enough income to cover our needs for the duration of our lifetime. One increasingly critical tool of financial planners for retirees is the use of Roth IRA conversions. A Roth… Read More Read More
How to Not Outlive Your Income
After extensive polling, the number one concern for most retirees is outliving their income. Much of today’s workforce do not have enough to guarantee success in retirement, and a recent study found that the average median savings of millennials is only $8,000—promising that adequate saving for retirement will be a problem for a long time… Read More Read More
AALU: Out with the old, in with the new – revitalizing or unwinding existing ILITs.
With recent changes in federal gift and estate tax exemptions, many clients may want to take a new look at their old irrevocable life insurance trusts (“ILITs”). In trust planning, irrevocable no longer means inflexible. Keeping this in mind, clients and advisors should review existing ILITs and weigh the trust’s potential practical benefits against… Read More Read More
AALU: Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs) and Divorce – what you don’t know …
SLATs have become increasing popular in legacy planning for married couples but may have unanticipated consequences if the marriage ends. Per Notice 2018-37, the IRS plans to issue future guidance that could impact the income taxation of SLATs post-divorce. Regardless, clients and advisors should be proactive in addressing these issues when planning with SLATs. New SLATs… Read More Read More
What is a Roth IRA and Why Do I Need One?
There’s a lot to like about investing in a Roth IRA, Roth 401(k) or Roth 403(b), especially if you’re young or expect to be in the same (or higher) income tax bracket when you retire. Any money you invest in a Roth grows tax-free—even when you cash out in retirement—and it can be invested in… Read More Read More
Podcast: Q&A on “What is a Roth IRA and Why Do I need One?” with Scott Tuxbury
Scott Tuxbury, Vice President and Leader for the Retirement and Wealth Management Practices at Sapers & Wallack answers 3 questions about our March blog, “What is a Roth IRA and Why Do I need One?” Listen to our podcast here: Read More
Reimagining Retirement Distribution Planning
Retirement distribution planning is not what it used to be. People are living longer, cost of living expenses are on the rise, and healthcare costs are easily outpacing wage increases and the market. Now, more than ever, creating and sticking to a thorough retirement savings plan is necessary to ensure that your latter years and… Read More Read More
Podcast: Q&A on “Reimagining Retirement Distribution Planning” with Scott Tuxbury
Scott Tuxbury, Vice President and Leader for the Retirement and Wealth Management Practices at Sapers & Wallack answers 3 questions about our February blog, “Reimagining Retirement Distribution Planning”. Listen to our podcast here: Read More
IRS Contribution Limits 2015-2019
The Sapers & Wallack Retirement Team has developed an IRS Contribution Limits one pager to assist with any questions you might have. This is a great resource tool for you to keep on file in the event you or someone from your firm has questions about not only what the limits are in 2019 but… Read More Read More
Is There a Better Option for College Savings than Using a 529?
Many people feel that the most cost effective way to fund college for their kids is by contributing to a 529 plan. The benefits are: All earnings grow tax free and are distributed tax free if used for qualified education expenses 30 states offer full or partial deduction – Not MA Owner can change beneficiaries and… Read More Read More
Retirement in the Age of Rising Health Care Costs
Most people make a concerted effort to plan and save for retirement, but many fail to account for the projected toll that health care costs will take on their mandatory expenses throughout their retirement. There is a common misconception that savings will be enough to cover living expenses while Medicare can cover health care related… Read More Read More
Five Ideal Summer Action Items
Have you ever come home from a trip with a renewed perspective? Sometimes the very activities designed to help us relax can also work to free the mind so we can more easily prioritize what needs to get done. Here are five goals that can be great to achieve during the rest of the summer. Click… Read More Read More
Unclaimed Retirement Benefits
Unclaimed Retirement Benefits: Do you have money lost in old 401(k)s and pensions? There has been a wave of reporting over the last few years around the vast sums of money in unclaimed accounts in the US. Millions of Americans have forgotten or are completely unaware of money in their name from government payouts, bank… Read More Read More
Termination Death Benefit for Large Corporations
Termination Death Benefit for Large Corporations: How Not to Lose Benefits to Taxes, While Insuring Recovery of Accrued Liabilities It is a hard, somewhat morbid, topic to face, but the death of business executives at large companies is a financially fraught time for both the company and family of the executive alike. The financial payout… Read More Read More
Will Debt Spoil Too Many Retirements?
What pre-retirees owe could compromise their future quality of life. The key points of retirement planning are easily stated. Start saving and investing early in life. Save and invest consistently. Avoid drawing down your savings along the way. Another possible point for that list: pay off as much debt as you can before your “second… Read More Read More
Beware of One of the Most Costly “FREE” Employer Provided Benefits, Otherwise Known as the Fallacy of Group Term Life Insurance
One of the bread-and-butter staples of a well-conceived employee benefit program is the classic group term life insurance. You join a company, fill out a beneficiary form, and voila, you are provided with group term life insurance equivalent to a multiple of salary, such as two times annual earnings. You don’t think much of this… Read More Read More
Everyone Needs an Estate Plan!
Make sure your plan matches your stage in life Most people do not like thinking about their own death or the death of family and friends. Benjamin Franklin famously wrote: “… in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Simply stated, the reason to have your own estate plan… Read More Read More
Summer: An Unlikely Time for Changing CPAs
Last year my husband and I knew there was something wrong with our boiler, in the basement of our house. We knew this because we lost heat in the house during the winter – twice. We learned that repairing it would involve dismantling part of it and having no heat for a day. Our plumber,… Read More Read More
How 529 Plans Can Help Take the Bite Out of the College Price Tag
Every May, years of all-night study sessions and grueling examinations endured by thousands of young men and women culminate with graduation and the receipt of a four-year college degree. While more and more young men and women are attending college, the cost to attend continues to skyrocket. The Institute for College Access and Success reports… Read More Read More
International Women’s Day: Your Financial Future Matters – Resolve to Be 10% More Engaged
It’s International Women’s Day, and I have been thinking about how financial advisors interact with women, especially when those women are one half of a couple, and how I wished both advisors and women would behave differently. I’ve been to several conferences in recent years, where I find myself in hotel ballroom, listening to a… Read More Read More
The time is now: Make your annual IRA contribution
Happy new year! Now that the holidays are over and all those new year’s resolutions have almost been broken (come on, admit it), here’s something you can do to help your long-term financial situation: make your IRA contribution now. I’m not referring to prior year’s contributions (which you can make until April 15th of the current… Read More Read More
Defined Benefit Plans – A Wealth Accumulation Strategy for High Income Business Owners
With the end of the year approaching, now is the time for high income earners to assess whether a defined benefit plan makes sense. A defined benefit plan allows the highest deductible contributions of any retirement plan. This plan allows you to save for retirement on a tax-deductible basis. Investments made within the plan grow… Read More Read More
Webinar: Overlooked Financial Details in Today’s Households
Karen Van Voorhis, CFP, Vice President of Wealth Management hosted a webinar to help you avoid the common pitfall of not being engaged with your overall financial picture! She shared 15 “nuggets” to shore up your financial situation, such as checking on benefits at work, getting more life insurance, understanding your investments better, and putting an… Read More Read More
Sapers & Wallack’s Karen Van Voorhis quoted in Bob Veres ‘Inside Information’
Sapers & Wallack’s Karen Van Voorhis quoted in Bob Veres ‘Inside Information‘ Karen Van Voorhis, Vice President of Wealth Management was recently quoted in the September 2016 of Bob Seger’s Inside Information newsletter. When discussing the process of simplifying household finances, Karen takes on the role of household CFO for her clients, and that requires… Read More Read More
Recorded Webinar Financial Wellness: Commonly Overlooked Financial Details in Today’s Households
Recorded Webinar Financial Wellness: Commonly Overlooked Financial Details in Today’s Households Many of us know that we’re not fully engaged with our overall financial picture or aware of the potential we can reach with our earnings and savings. It’s time for us all to have ownership and understanding of our financial futures. Avoid the common pitfall… Read More Read More
eMoney Vault Checklist
eMoney vault, a digital storage platform, enables us to exchange and share documents with clients, their CPAs and estate planners in a secure way. Financial Planning magazine called it a “lock box in the clouds that provides peace of mind.” Take a look at the Vault Checklist here. If you would like more information on… Read More Read More
Economic Recap Q1 2016: Important Factors and Events Shaping US Economy
Markets Stop, Drop, Roll…And Rebound SEI gives a breakdown of important factors and events that have helped to shape US economic standing for the first-quarter of the year: Despite the dramatic equity market selloff (and recovery), one of our bedrock assumptions is that a global recession remains unlikely. Another bedrock assumption is that central-bank policy… Read More Read More
What to use: Family Foundations vs. Donor Advised Funds
Many wealthy families consider creating Family Foundations (FF) to secure a legacy of giving and to perpetuate philanthropy as a family value. A common question that arises, is whether a Family Foundation is a more appropriate vehicle for multi-generational giving than a Donor Advised Fund (DAF)? I think it’s worth looking at the advantages and… Read More Read More
Leaving a Vacation Home to the Next Generation: Does it Lead to Family Harmony?
As someone who has been in the estate planning world for 30 years I have had many clients ask for creative ways to leave vacation homes to their kids and grandkids while minimizing taxes. With that in mind, there are some great techniques, from QPRT’s to LLC’s, to pass assets down at discounted values, which… Read More Read More
Economic Outlook Q4 2015: The Ongoing Challenges for Investors
More of the same in 2016…With a Little Less Certainty SEI gives a breakdown of important factors and events that have helped to shape US economic standing for the end of the year, as well as speculate as to how said factors will govern economic expectations moving ahead into 2016. Read the summary here or the… Read More Read More
Contributing Women: Historic Benchmarks
Charity and “good works” have been part of American identity since before our country’s founding. To commemorate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day on March 9, we take a look at some women whose charity enabled them to contribute to—and work for—causes they strongly believed in. In 1780, Esther Reed, the wife of the… Read More Read More
Quilts & the Art of Investing
While most people use quilts on their beds for warmth and beauty, our Wealth Management team often uses them as symbols of its investment philosophy. Recently, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston exhibited the Pilgrim/Roy Collection of American Quilts, a breathtaking showcase of hand worked tapestries created by women mostly before the turn of the… Read More Read More
Will You Outlive Your Retirement Assets?
As life expectancies continue to rise, coupled with historically low interest rates, the prospect that retirees face of running out of retirement funds is very real. Given the average life expectancy of a 65 year old female is age 90 and with conservative investment portfolios earning less than 3%, the paradox retiree’s face is daunting.… Read More Read More
Resisting the Emotional Spin Cycle
As we look back over the first decade of the 21st century, we can draw one undeniable conclusion – it was a bear of a time for investors. Major market declines from 2000 to 2002 and then again in 2008 dragged equity returns well below their long-term averages. But research will show that, as disappointing… Read More Read More