Blog
Severance Agreements: It's Not Just About the Money
Welcome back to the blog, everyone! In our latest podcast episode, "What To Do After A Layoff Before You Sign Anything," we delved deep into the often-overlooked complexities of severance agreements.
Read MoreThe Psychology of Panic Selling: Why We React to Headlines
In this latest episode of our podcast, we delved deep into a topic that touches every investor at some point: the overwhelming urge to sell when headlines scream danger. It’s a visceral reaction, isn’t it? Your phone buzzes with...
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Podcast - The Tax Trap In Your Mailbox
New Podcast - The Tax Trap In Your Mailbox: A tax bill for gains you never saw coming can sour an otherwise smart investment. We pull back the curtain on mutual fund capital gain distributions.
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Plan your charitable donations now for the future
Many people continue to make charitable giving a priority after they retire. To meet your giving goals, it’s helpful to plan your cash flow for both the present and the future. Consider your income and investments before and during...
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The Impact of Tariffs and the "Big Beautiful Bill" on the Bond Market
As of May 21st, 2025, President Trump’s tax reform bill—dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill”—has passed through the House and is moving on to a Senate vote. This bill is poised to have significant implications for the bond market, which...
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What Is IRMAA?
The Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) is an additional premium surcharge that higher-income Medicare beneficiaries must pay on top of their standard Medicare Part B (medical insurance) and Part D (prescription drug coverage)
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Tariffs vs. My Investment Porfolio(s)
This morning, I realized I would need to confront the challenge of addressing clients' concerns regarding the recent decline in the stock market. I often find it helpful to compare current situations to periods of similar uncertainty....
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Legal Documents Before Sending Your Kids Off To College
When a child turns 18, they are legally recognized as an adult, meaning that parents no longer have automatic access to their medical, financial, or educational records without the child's consent. Many parents are surprised by this...
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Tax Loss Harvesting
Implementing strategies to reduce tax obligations can significantly enhance after-tax investment returns. One effective method is tax loss harvesting, which involves selling securities at a loss to offset capital gains in your taxable...
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Educate Yourself On Identity Theft
I hope you've never fallen victim to identity theft. Unfortunately, there has been an increase in reported cases of identity theft. Sadly, many more cases go unreported due to the embarrassment victims feel after being taken advantage...
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A Major Misconception about Delaying Social Security
Navigating the intricacies of retirement planning often feels daunting. Among the myriad decisions awaiting those embarking on this new chapter, choosing when to start Social Security benefits stands out as the most common question our clie
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Estate Document Review
Estate planning is an essential part of financial planning. It's important to regularly review your documents to ensure they reflect your intentions. Just like an annual physical check-up, scheduling time to review your estate...
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Your Forties
Your forties are a pivotal time in your financial journey. As you approach middle age, you've likely established your career, bought a home, and started a family. However, you may also juggle competing financial priorities, such as...
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When to Adjust Your W-4
When starting a new job, employees are given a W-4 form to fill out. The W-4 form provides information about the employee's filing status, adjustments for multiple jobs, tax credits, other income, deductions.
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Investment Risk
Investment Risk refers to the potential for loss or volatility in the value of an investment. It is essential to understand that all investments carry some level of risk, and it is crucial to assess and manage these risks effectively...
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Financial Advice Series - Thirties
Your thirties are crucial for making financial decisions that will affect your future. This is when you may settle down, start a family, or even consider buying a home or starting a business. Here are some important financial decisions...
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How Long To Save Tax Documents
The duration for which you should retain a document relies on the action, expense, or event recorded in the document. Typically, you need to keep records that substantiate an income, deduction, or credit shown on your tax return until...
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Financial Advice For Young Adults
As a financial advisor, I often have folks ask me for casual financial advice. I found I kept bringing up the same topics, such as budgeting, savings, and investing. I decided it would be fun to make a series of blogs that address what...
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Charitable Gifting of Life Insurance
Are you interested in contributing to a charitable organization while taking advantage of tax benefits? Gifting a life insurance policy can provide you with a unique opportunity to do so. In addition to supporting a worthy cause, this...
Read MoreInvesting in a Presidential Election Year
As the presidential election race heats up, a common question on investors’ minds is, “How might the looming White House vote impact the markets?” Some may wonder if they should tweak their portfolios or sit tight...
Read MoreSECURE Act 2.0 Includes New Provision On Special Needs Trusts
Experts estimate there are more than 44 million people with disabilities in the U.S., representing 13.4% of the population.1 Many parents of children with disabilities choose to establish a special needs trust. This can help provide...
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Form 480.6C
You may have received a form called "480.6C" in Spanish recently. This form displays the taxes you paid to Puerto Rico from a stock that you hold...
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The "Debt Snowball" Method
If you have outstanding balances on multiple credit cards, you might be confused about the best way to tackle your debt and which card to pay off first. A helpful strategy to pay off your debts is by starting with the...
Read MoreAppreciated Stocks
Donating stocks instead of cash to a nonprofit can be a smart way to increase the value of your gift while also benefiting the charity. There are two potential tax benefits associated with donating stocks. Firstly, you can...
Read MoreRules and Regulation Changes That Could Impact Your Finances in 2024
In the ever-evolving financial landscape, staying informed about the latest changes and potential implications for your retirement savings is crucial. Shifts in retirement regulations define 2024, and we’re committed to keeping...
Read MoreThe Psychology of Love and Money
Money can be a touchy subject, especially regarding our closest relationships. Whether we like it or not, finance plays an integral role in our partnerships, families, and friendships. So, how can we foster healthy attitudes and...
Read MoreDonor Advised Fund
Charitable giving is an essential aspect for many households. We often tend to write a check to ourpreferred charity without giving it much thought. However, this method may not always be the mostbeneficial for tax planning purposes....
Read MoreThe Big Game Indicator and Other Unusual Economic Theories
It’s a fun time of year for football fans. The NFL playoffs are starting, and the Big Game is just around the corner. While football fans will tune in for the matchups, commercials, and Usher’s Big Game halftime show, you...
Read MoreMajor Tax Changes Looming: Are You Ready?
With the start of the new year, we wanted to discuss a topic that will likely garner attention throughout 2024: the potential sunsetting of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in 2025. Although some of the provisions within the TCJA are...
Read MoreInherited IRAs
The SECURE Act 2.0 has brought about significant changes in the rules governing inherited IRAs. As a beneficiary, it's important to understand these changes and take the necessary steps to ensure that your inherited IRA is managed in a...
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Required Minimum Distribution
It is that time of year when the Internal Revenue Service requires you to take your required minimum distributions from qualified employer retirement plans and IRAs. Please check with your accountant or financial advisor if you need to...
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Significant changes in the financial world
Significant changes in the financial world have occurred since the government introduced the Secure Act and the Secure Act 2.0. With 2024 approaching, it may be wise to consider adjusting your contributions to your retirement plans to...
Read MoreWhat to Know When Your Child Turns 18
Your Child is Turning 18: Handling Healthcare, Academics, and Finances Together As your child blows out the candles on their 18th birthday, you may still see your baby girl or boy. But in the eyes of the law your child is considered a...
Read More2023 Recap and 2024 Outlook: Key Events and What May Be in Store
As we get ready to turn the page on 2023 and welcome the new year with all its possibilities, we’d like to take some time to reflect on the year that was—the notable events, trends, and developments that defined our...
Read MoreTechnology Guide for Dementia Patients and Their Caregivers
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or any other form of dementia, this can be an extremely challenging time. While promising new treatments are developing and research continues, a cure remains elusive....
Read MoreNew Podcast: Insights from an Industry Expert Kevin Caron
Curious about how changes in the Federal Reserve's interest rates impact the market? Join Kevin Caron, a seasoned Portfolio Manager from Washington Crossing Advisors, as he unravels the complexities of finance. In this podcast, we...
Read MoreFunding your Individual Retirement Account (IRA)
Funding your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) presents several advantages, one of which is flexibility in tax planning. By contributing to your IRA, you can evaluate the impact on your tax return before making a final decision,...
Read MoreWhat is Subscription Base Financial Planning?
Navigating the financial landscape in today's fast-paced world can be a daunting task. With so many financial products, investment options, and economic uncertainties, individuals often seek expert guidance to ensure their financial...
Read More10 Financial Missteps to Avoid During a Divorce
Divorce is one of the most stressful life events. Even the most amicable splits can be complicated and emotionally draining. We likely all know couples who have gone through divorce, and it can be a trying time for everyone involved....
Read MoreHidden Perks of 529 Plans under the New Secure Act 2.0
Discover the hidden potential of 529 plans and the exciting new twists introduced by the Secure Act 2.0. This episode is a goldmine waiting to be discovered if you're curious about how these changes can revolutionize your child's...
Read MorePreparing for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Sunset at the End of 2025
While we haven’t yet said goodbye to 2023, it’s not too early to begin thinking about any tax changes that may be on the horizon. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 was designed to overhaul the federal tax code by...
Read MoreThe Impact of SECURE 2.0 in 2024 and Beyond
SECURE 2.0: Changes Going Into Effect in 2024 Passed in 2019, the SECURE Act was the most substantial retirement legislation in over a decade. It contained important changes designed to help investors save more and be better prepared...
Read MoreA Year-End Financial Checklist
Time to Think About Year-End Financial Strategies As we roll into fall and the fourth quarter, now is a good time to pause and reflect on proactive ways to set up your finances for 2024. Economically speaking, we are now in a much...
Read MoreThe Role of Trusted Contacts in Money Management
Our latest podcast episode introduces our new co-host, Josh Levitus, who brings invaluable insights and energy from his journey in the financial services industry. The episode discusses a crucial aspect of financial management -...
Read MoreInsurance Audit
As we go through life, we often purchase insurance policies to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Auditing those policies to ensure they still meet our needs is essential. Specifically, life and long-term care insurance policies...
Read MoreAI's Role in Shaping Our Tomorrow: A Look Ahead
While artificial intelligence (AI) is making headlines today, the concept of "thinking machines" can be traced back to ancient philosophers and mathematicians. The phrase artificial intelligence was first used in the mid-20th century,...
Read MoreMeet Our Newest Team Member, Joshua Levitus!
I am pleased to introduce Joshua Levitus, our newest team member at New Century Financial Group, LLC. Josh is a familiar face at New Century, having completed two internships with our firm. He graduated from Leigh University with a...
Read MoreTop 10 Questions High Net Worth Individuals Ask About Social Security
Social Security, the program you may have spent a lifetime paying into, is designed to offer stability, supplemental income, and other valuable benefits that can play a role in your overall financial strategy after you retire. We've...
Read MoreCertificates of Deposits (CDs) Purchased Through a Brokerage Firm.
Certificates of deposit offered through brokerage firms are known as "brokered CDs." These CDs are provided to clients by partnering with various banks and financial institutions. While they share similarities with traditional...
Read MoreUnderstanding the September Effect: What It Is and Why It Happens
If you ask the average investor which month is the most volatile for the stock market, they will probably say October. It's a reasonable answer, but it's incorrect. Despite October's reputation for market-defining events like the...
Read MoreDon't Get Hooked: A Guide to Recognizing and Avoiding Phishing
As financial professionals, we understand how vital it is to safeguard your personal and financial information. Unfortunately, in our increasingly digital world, cybersecurity risks, such as phishing attacks, have become a prevalent...
Read MoreTrusted Contacts
You work hard and are disciplined with your investments. So why not protect them with someone you trust? It's almost impossible to always be available to make decisions for your accounts. You may be out of the country, recovering from...
Read MoreMoney Tips for Parents Sending Children Off to College
You’ve done a great job teaching your children vital life lessons and instilling values that will last a lifetime. As summer ends and a new school year begins, one thing that shouldn’t be overlooked, especially for...
Read MoreAttention Parents and Grandparents of College-Bound Students: FAFSA Gets an Overhaul
Changes are coming to the complicated form that students must submit to qualify for college financial aid, known as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).The Department of Education is calling it the “most...
Read MoreThe 6 Biggest Mistakes DIY Investors Make and How to Avoid Them
IntroductionOver the last several months, I have met with quite a few self-proclaimed do-it-yourself (DIY) investors who, after struggling with the markets in 2022, approached me asking for a second opinion. Interestingly, almost every...
Read MoreHow the SECURE 2.0 Act Changed 529 Plans
Changes to 529 Plans in the SECURE 2.0 ActThe SECURE Act was initially passed by Congress at the end of 2019 and was intended to improve retirement savings opportunities. It was a big deal at the time and the most significant piece of...
Read MoreHealth Savings Accounts: Pros, Cons, and Retirement Considerations
What if your child needs braces? The cost may be as much as $6,000 for metal braces—more modern versions can run as much as $13,000. Your health insurance may cover only a portion of the cost. If you're well past the braces stage...
Read MoreTax-Efficient Investing
Managing your investment accounts with tax efficiency in mind is essential to save more money and maximize your investment returns. This is especially crucial in today's economic climate.Investing in tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs,...
Read MoreThe Eye-Popping Cost of College
During the 2022–2023 academic year, the average cost for one year of college—including tuition, fees, room, board, and other expenses—was $27,940 for public four-year, in-state schools and $57,570 for private...
Read MoreLiving Trusts: Understanding the Basics and Key Considerations
Estate management can be a complex and daunting task for many people, but it’s a critical step in helping your assets get managed and distributed according to your wishes.One popular tool that can be used in estate strategies is...
Read MoreTrying to Time a Recession?
Economies move in cycles – always have, always willThe Federal Reserve has been steadily increasing interest rates in an attempt to slow the rate of inflation. Its efforts are yielding some results, although inflation remains...
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