Don't get scammed!

The year 2018 ushered in seismic tax-code changes that you're likely to see reflected on your 2018 return: notably, the end of personal exemptions as well as higher standard deduction amounts that mean many fewer taxpayers are apt to benefit from itemizing their deductions than in the past.

by Julie A. Welch, CPA, CFP^®, PFS; and Cara L. Smith, CPA, CFP^®
Julie A. Welch, CPA, CFP^®, PFS, is the director of tax services and a shareholder with Meara Welch Browne P.C. in Leawood, Kansas.
Cara Smith, CPA, CFP^®, is a senior tax manager with Meara Welch Browne P.C. in Leawood, Kansas.

In this world of technology and constant connectivity, working remotely has become more common. 

 Hurricanes, floods, fires, blizzards, ice storms. No matter the season, we are reminded on a daily basis just how fragile our homes are. With the gas explosions in the Merrimack Valley and Hurricane Florence fresh in our minds, this is a good time to consider the safety of your valuables and your important papers. We suggest that you consider a safe deposit box in addition to an in-home lock box or safe. 

When is the last time you checked the beneficiaries of your 401(k) account? 

Phishing, the fraudulent practice of sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information such as passwords and credit card numbers, was recently reaffirmed as the "biggest cybersecurity threat in 2018." 

Have you been meaning to enroll your company's 401(k) but keep putting it off? 

Looking to increase your financial fitness in 2018? 

 To prevent/minimize the impact of data breaches and identity theft:

Here’s a plus for passive investingover active: lower taxes.

By the Editors of Kiplinger's Personal Finance

Follow our stategies to achieve financial Security, then reap the rewards.
 

All who chose annuitized payment happy with their choice

Eight in 10 DC plan participants talk to an advisor

By Christine Benz | 01-19-2017 

Christine Benz shares the keys to determining if your retirement plan is on track.

By Christine Benz | 01-19-2017

Take a step back and look at your household balance sheet to make sure your savings dollars are generating the highest return, says Morningstar's Christine Benz.

The FTSE 100 Index, which is composed of the 100 largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange is at a higher level now than during BREXIT. Click Here to check out the performance of the Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA)

Why is it so important to save for retirement (Part 1)?  Life Expectancy is a big reason.  In addition to Social Security benefits (more to come on this next month), your investment portfolio is likely to be your most significant source of financial support in retirement.  Naturally, the longer you live, the more financial support you will need and people do continue to live longer.  The following chart uses information from the Social Security Administration to compare the probability of living to a specific age for someone born in 1950 versus 1990.  

The absence of significant inflation, driven by gas prices which are substantially lower than a year ago, means bad news in 2016 for those who receive Social Security benefits - there will be no cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA.  In an unintended consequence, Medicare premiums could also rise for many.