By: Jeff Supple, Vice President & Trust Officer
Steven Wright’s quintessential, dry-witted line about excess probably doesn’t do much for most of us, other than cause a chuckle. We probably aren’t looking for a deeper meaning or applying it to our everyday life. However, I thought it might be interesting to examine a few well-known idioms/quotes/sayings and explore how we might use them to make practical applications to our personal finances.
Topics: Financial Planning, Wealth Management, Retirement, Stock Market, Economic Outlook, Retirement Planning, Saving, Budget
By: Dan Savage, Senior Vice President and Senior Trust Officer
Business owners know that a high-quality 401(k) plan is an essential fringe benefit, valuable to both company and employee alike. Some also believe that offering 15 to 25 mutual funds, daily valuation, online statements, reasonable cost, and perhaps a few slick online planning tools somehow make their plan “first-rate.”
We disagree. We believe that the above-listed attributes, while important, are insufficient to qualify a plan as first-rate.
Topics: Financial Planning, Wealth Management, Retirement, Retirement Planning, Saving
By: Mark Drachenberg, Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager
The following article – republished here courtesy of Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. – contains sound advice for investors of any age and level of expertise. Regardless of one's market savviness, employing a back-to-basics approach can help keep things simple and provide perspective on one's goals and how best to achieve them.
Topics: Financial Planning, Wealth Management, Retirement, Stock Market, Retirement Planning, Saving
By: Jordon Geiger, Vice President and Trust Officer
What is a legacy? Is it the continuing operation of your business? It can be. Your personal wealth? Your family’s wealth? The brand image and reputation you’ve built? The lifestyles and careers of your children or other successors? Yes to all.
There is no formula a business owner can use to address the emotional side of succession. But there are strategies and leading practices an owner can use to confirm that his or her legacy isn’t left to chance.
Topics: Wealth Management, Succession Planning, Retirement, Business Plan, Business Valuation, Retirement Planning
By: Mark Drachenberg, CFP®, Vice President and Trust Officer
If you are a fan of the mundane things in life, then 2018 was not your kind of investment year. On the other hand, if you thrive on the wild side, then the markets did their best to take you along on an adventure. A challenging year to say the least. The same might be said about 2019 once it is in the books.
Topics: Wealth Management, Stock Market, Economic Outlook, DJIA, Economy
Cost of living increase will kick in during the 2019 tax year which means individuals can save more money in tax-advantaged plans prior to their retirement.
Here are some key numbers:
Topics: Financial Planning, Wealth Management, Retirement, Tax, Retirement Planning
By: Dan Savage, Senior Vice President and Senior Trust Officer
and Cathy Durham, Shareholder, Capital Valuation Group
If you own a business, odds are that it is your single largest asset. This has profound, long-term implications for you and your family’s financial well-being.
Every business owner should develop a clear and accurate understanding of the value of his or her business. I often find myself discussing this topic with valuation expert Cathy Durham, a shareholder of Madison-based Capital Valuation Group.
Topics: Financial Planning, Wealth Management, Succession Planning, Retirement, Estate Planning, Business Valuation
By: Alyssa J. Chance, J.D., Vice President & Personal Trust Officer
Is 2019 the year? If so, congratulations! Whether your plan is to stop working cold-turkey or ease into retirement slowly, there are a few things that will help make the transition easier and more stress-free.
Topics: Wealth Management, Succession Planning
Buy-sell agreements or buyout agreements are often referred to as prenuptial planning for business partners. What happens to the business if a partner dies, becomes incapacitated or wishes to leave are all things that can be addressed with solid upfront planning. It is extremely valuable having an attorney draft an agreement that deals with situations that could disrupt the business’ continuity. A solid buy-sell agreement provides a value of the business and partner’s interest as well as terms dictating how the business continues while providing proper consideration to the departing partner or his/her estate.
Topics: Financial Planning, Wealth Management, Small Business, Business Operations
By: Dan Savage, Senior Vice President and Senior Trust Officer
Your employer’s retirement plan is a valuable fringe benefit. It will likely be your primary source of retirement income security years down the road; therefore, avoiding certain fundamental investment errors is a must. Here are eight for your consideration.
Topics: Financial Planning, Wealth Management, Retirement