The death of a loved one is an emotional event. Having to deal with personal loss is compounded by a host of legal and financial issues that must also be addressed. No one is ever quite prepared for either. This checklist is designed to help you navigate many of those issues in a systematic way.
Whether you're just starting your career or have been working for a while, intentional planning for financial wellness is essential for achieving your long-term goals. Here are some steps to get you started on the path to financial confidence...
Tips to combat banking failures, inflation, rate hikes and market corrections
We’ve all heard about Warren Buffett, the 92-year-old multibillionaire known for his friendly demeanor, modest style of living in Omaha, and remarkable ability to create wealth. How does he make so much money? How does Warren and his long-time associate, Charlie Munger (who is 99), choose their investments?
Stock markets in the U.S. and around almost all of the world dropped in February, in very stark contrast to January, when almost all equity indices around the world advanced markedly.
Tax season can be a stressful time for many people, especially if you're not fully prepared. However, with some advance planning and preparation, you can take steps to reduce your tax bill for the upcoming year. Here are 7 things you can do now to trim your 2023 tax bill.
Your portfolio may be designed to give you the best chance of achieving your financial goals. Unfortunately, the market doesn’t care about your risk tolerance or your goals.
It can be tempting to spend your tax refund right away. Use your refund to your advantage from the tips below.
Lately there seem to be boxes everywhere I look. With everyone doing more online shopping, we get more deliveries. Not to mention the moving boxes I've been unpacking in AffinityBST's new office space.
Generation Z, also known as Gen Z, is the demographic group born between 1997 and 2012. This generation is characterized by its confidence and ambition, and many members of Gen Z believe that they can retire at the age of 59.
Equity markets rang in the first week of the new year with a gain, driven by a solid rally on Friday, as all the major U.S. equity markets jumped more than 2% on the day.
After 30 years as both a financial coach and a lawyer, I’ve learned a lot about human nature. People often don’t get real until we set the spreadsheets aside. Money talks, but it also triggers deeply ingrained behaviors and assumptions. Becoming aware of those behaviors (so that they work for and not drive us) is the foundation of sound decision-making, financial or otherwise.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Census Bureau announced the following international trade, wholesale inventories, and retail inventories advance statistics for November 2022.
On Tuesday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPIU) rose 0.1% in November on a seasonally adjusted basis, after increasing 0.4% in October.
When you work with a financial advisor, then you know how important the year-end review is to the financial planning process. And given that you should be scheduling your year-end review this month, let’s review how you can best prepare.
Stocks advance slightly as the Dija enters a bull market with all eyes on the fed's mid-December FOMC meeting.
The end of the year is fast approaching, and with it comes the opportunity to reassess your tax and financial circumstances. By taking advantage of savvy estate planning and gifting strategies now, you can minimize your tax liability, maximize your assets, and plan for a secure future. In this article, we’ll outline several moves to consider before the end of the year.
Buying a home is one of the most financially significant events of your life. But even after closing, your financial work isn’t done. There are a few more steps you should take to incorporate your home into your greater financial picture.
Wall Street's thankful for a positive week as retail and tech earnings are decent and new home sales are surprisingly on the upside!
U.S. Equities leap a housing is beaten down repeatedly while corporate earnings hold up better than expected.
Buying a home is one of the most financially significant events of your life. But even after closing, your financial work isn’t done. There are a few more steps you should take to incorporate your home into your greater financial picture.
Wall Street closes out a rotten September with another down week as equity and bond markets drop
Retirement is a major milestone that brings many life changes. One thing that doesn't change for most people: the fear of running out of money.
World currency fluctuations means more than calculating our travel costs.
Equities suffer again as FED raises rates by 75 BPS again.
Since the beginning of the year, economists and pundits seem united in the belief that economic growth will continue to contract, propelling inflation and interest rates to levels that we haven't seen in years. When the Federal Reserve lifts the fed funds rate again – likely on the way to 4.00% – holders of CDs and money market funds will likely benefit.
You might be thinking about retiring, but how do you know when you are really ready for it, mentally and financially? For decades, the normal retirement age was 65. This was when you became eligible for Social Security and Medicare. But things are different today
You hear it all the time: you should make sure your retirement savings at least keep pace with inflation. But what is inflation and how does it really affect your retirement savings? Let’s explore.
Your portfolio may be designed to give you the best chance of achieving your financial goals. Unfortunately, the market doesn’t care about your risk tolerance or your goals.
Wall Street snaps three week losing streak as the Fed suggest inflation might be moderating and oil prices decline again.
The week brought us the end of August, but it didn’t matter as equities retreated just about every day this week, closing the month of August and the week with big losses – the third consecutive week of healthy declines.
Every month, the National Association of Home Builders gauges builder perceptions of current single-family home sales and sales expectations for the next six months as “good,” “fair” or “poor.” Scores for each component are then used to calculate an index where any number over 50 indicates that more builders view conditions as good than poor.
Families with significant or fast-growing assets are often concerned about minimizing estate taxes, protecting assets against creditors, and succession planning. One estate planning tool used by many families to address these concerns is a family limited partnership ("FLP").
As most are now aware by now, Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine—one of the most significant geopolitical events in decades. As we reflect on the news, we are primarily concerned about the countless innocent lives that will inevitably be impacted by this war.
To set your heirs up for success, craft a practicable plan for passing down life and work skills – attitudes and attributes – as well as wealth.
Succession planning takes the skills and experience that made you successful in the first place and focuses them on what your business and business heirs need to thrive in a changing world.
The most successful estate plans are driven by who and what matters most to you, rather than by tax strategies.
It's been a rough start of the year for the stock market and it could get worse. The federal reserve has projected it will raise interest rates three times this year to curb inflation.
BST & Co. CPAs has created a new wealth management division called Affinity BST Advisors following a merger between BST Wealth Management LLC and The Affinity Group, a boutique wealth management firm.
As we head toward the holiday season, many people start thinking about year-end planning and giving back to their favorite charities. It occurred to me that this is not the only time of year people should think about doing good for others.
Affinity BST Advisors, LLC. introduces a new partnership, and a new brand. Entrepreneurs of a better way to ensure your family’s financial health for generations. We are transforming the model for financial planning.
