How opening a 529 plan for your kid could save your retirement

Signet

August 4, 2022

An important role for a financial advisor is helping clients save for their children’s college costs, including opening 529 plans. These plans have clear tax and estate planning advantages.

You might also like

How to use a Roth IRA to avoid paying estate taxes

August 11, 2022

Smart estate planning will minimize the tax bill that your heirs pay when you die, and a Roth IRA is one of the most effective tools for that purpose.

Social Security: WSJ readers’ biggest questions answered

August 9, 2022

Should people in poor health go ahead and grab the Social Security retroactive benefits payment? Glenn Ruffenach tackles Social Security questions.

Why it is too early to say the world economy is in recession

July 28, 2022

The US economy contracted for the second quarter in a row. This would count as a recession by one rule of thumb, but it does not pass the smell test.

How to protect your financial wellness from market volatility

July 26, 2022

The easiest way to deal with a frothy market is to have a strategy in place that anticipates the unpredictability of ups and downs. Here are a few methods that help.

The stock market is on sale. That doesn’t make it cheap.

July 21, 2022

Valuations are only helpful if they suggest stocks are so inexpensive that bad news is all priced in. Needless to say, that’s not the case.

Reasons to be optimistic about the economy and the environment

July 19, 2022

What's the point of saving for the long run if there isn’t going to be one? Larry Siegel objects it will be a great time to be alive. Here's why.

IRS gives wealthy families more time to shelter assets from estate tax

July 14, 2022

This change means less hassle for widows and widowers, and it sets the families up for potentially big estate tax savings.

4 strategies for managing volatility

July 6, 2022

Volatility can be managed. Steve Tuttle shares 4 investment strategies to manage volatility: reducing, navigating, harnessing, and monetizing.

If the U.S. is in a recession, it’s a very strange one

July 5, 2022

Economic output is down — but the job market is strong, unlike in previous recessions. It’s the latest twist in the odd trajectory of the pandemic economy.

3 ways to keep your emotions in check while building your wealth

June 30, 2022

The most common money mistakes people make aren't due to an inability to handle their finances. The real trouble? Keeping emotions in check.

How to start investing, even in a bear market

June 28, 2022

The immediate outlook is grim, but low-cost funds that track the entire market can help you prosper over the long term.

Transitioning into retirement: your Plan A and Plan B

June 23, 2022

To help you focus on the most important decisions, you’ll want to prepare a realistic retirement plan that can guide you to a financially secure retirement.

How does a 401(k) work after you retire?

June 21, 2022

Rules controlling what you can do with your 401(k) after retirement are very complicated. Consult your financial advisor before making any final decisions.

3 financial moves to make fast after the Fed’s 75 basis point rate hike

June 16, 2022

Here’s how much Americans’ borrowing costs have increased already and how to prepare for the next rate hike.

What happens when stock markets become bears

June 14, 2022

Steep downturns of stocks by 20 percent or more are relatively rare, but how long they last could portend damage — for you and the economy.

5 things you shouldn’t do during a recession

June 7, 2022

A recession can impair your personal finances. Being prepared and taking a few simple steps to reduce your risks can help you weather the economic storm.

How retirees and retirement savers can navigate the market tumult

June 2, 2022

Now may be a good opportunity to make small changes to a portfolio — and to remind oneself of the value of sound financial planning.

What is a bear market? As the S&P 500 skids, how bad could it get?

May 24, 2022

The S&P 500 is more than 20% below its record, putting the index on track to close in a bear market for the first time in more than two years.

What is a fiduciary, and do I need one?

May 17, 2022

In this context, a fiduciary is a financial advisor that puts your interests first — and that could make all the difference.

Is it worth delaying retirement one year?

May 12, 2022

What if I delay retirement by one year? There are many ways retiring either sooner or later than planned can impact your life, beyond retirement income.

What retirees should do in this whirlwind market

May 10, 2022

Now may be an opportune moment to make tactical portfolio changes — and above all to remind oneself about the value of sound financial planning.

Will rate hikes cause a recession? Here’s how to prepare

May 5, 2022

The Fed just raised interest rates by the most in 22 years. Consumers should be mindful of the risks associated with tighter monetary policy.

Money moves when retiring in times of rising inflation

April 28, 2022

Healthcare, housing, travel, supporting adult children – all of these expenses and more are subject to inflation. Here is how to plan for inflation when thinking about retirement.

What are I bonds? Everything you need to know

April 26, 2022

Government savings bonds offer a guaranteed return, but the rules can get complicated. Here're the rules and strategies for making the most of them.

Home costs and rents are soaring. When buying makes sense.

April 21, 2022

In some U.S. cities, renting is more costly than home buying. Meanwhile in tech hubs, renting remains cheaper.

This is what living with long-term high inflation feels like

April 19, 2022

Americans are entering a period when consumer prices will continue to rise steadily, which will bring a whole different set of costs and benefits to a new generation.

4 steps to creating a vacation budget and saving enough to make it happen

April 14, 2022

Carefully planning the financial aspects of your vacation and coming up with a smart approach to saving for it can relieve a lot of the pressure that vacation planning can bring.

Maximize life insurance at the right time with a ladder

April 12, 2022

Getting the right coverage is a challenge because there can be so many variables. Laddering life insurance is a way to tackle life insurance needs that change over time.

All your burning tax-filing questions for this year, answered

April 7, 2022

Tax Day looks a little different in 2022. Here’s everything you want to know to minimize mistakes, maximize your refund and file your tax return successfully.

US shorter-duration bonds can provide attractive income

Value in short-term bonds in a rising rate environment

April 5, 2022

The Signet investment team thinks the hawkish pricing in short-term rates might be overdone and prefers short-maturity bonds over long-term ones.

Biden’s tax hike proposals take aim at wealthiest Americans

March 31, 2022

If the billionaire tax passes it would be the biggest tax hike on record. Here’s a look at major tax changes in the budget proposal.

Is it smarter to file your taxes early, or wait until the last minute?

March 29, 2022

With just weeks to go until the tax deadline, should you be waiting to file your taxes? Are you hoping the deadline will be extended once again this year?

Why it’s important to have a financial plan

March 25, 2022

Financial planning goes beyond growing savings and cutting expenses. Here're 5 steps to a solid financial plan.

4 things every woman business owner should know about divorce

March 24, 2022

For women business owners, the toll of divorce can be particularly overwhelming. You might face the possibility of having to split your company with your ex-spouse.

How Marie Kondo can help you spark joy into your financial life

March 22, 2022

Once a year, tidy things up to ensure you're on track for your financial goals. Follow these steps to Marie Kondo your way to a joyful financial life.

What the Fed’s interest-rate increase means for you

March 17, 2022

The Fed raised its short-term benchmark rate, which can affect how much you pay on your mortgage, credit cards and more.

What Equal Pay Day 2022 data is — and is not — telling us

March 15, 2022

This Equal Pay Day, the data shows the wage gap closed by 1 cent. On the surface, this looks like progress. Yet these numbers are not telling the whole story.

Thinking of buying an EV as gas prices surge?

March 10, 2022

Electric vehicles are growing in popularity, but can be hard to find. What to know before you buy.

Will inflation fall? Any pullback depends on these sectors

March 8, 2022

Factors affecting cars, rent, energy and other categories play crucial roles in determining if a drop in inflation will occur. Cross your fingers.

How to calculate your personal inflation rate

March 3, 2022

Learn how to get a firm grasp on your own personal rate of inflation, and employ strategies that will protect your bottom line.

How retirees can lose due to the gamification of Monte Carlo analysis

February 24, 2022

When you seek to maximize the probability of outliving your savings, you risk subjecting yourself to unnecessarily low standards of living.

Why many Americans will be getting smaller tax refunds this year

February 22, 2022

Some taxpayers with children didn't know that the tax credit money they were advanced last year would be deducted from their 2021 returns filed this year.

Are your parents paying their Medicare premiums?

February 17, 2022

If you have parents on Medicare, here are some tips to help ensure premiums are paid so they — and you — don’t face crushing problems.

4 tips and tricks for this chaotic tax season

February 15, 2022

The Internal Revenue Service has a long history of raising taxpayer ire, but this tax filing season could be one for the record books. Here are 4 tips from Barron's.

Higher inflation is probably costing you $250 a month

February 10, 2022

Who is feeling the price squeeze the most? Here is a demographic breakdown of inflation’s impacts.

Common expenses we don’t think to budget for (but should!)

February 8, 2022

There are a lot of expenses that, although they are common and, in some cases, annual, we don’t think to plan for. Here are a few you should work into your budget.

Value investing is back. But for how long?

February 3, 2022

Does this mark the rebirth of what was a dying strategy? Or was this just another spasm, already fading as technology stocks rebound?

How to retire now-ish: a guide to inflation, rising rates, and more

January 25, 2022

Strong markets have swelled account balances, but changing conditions make it a good time to revisit your plan. How to get built-in inflation protection?

a person filling out a car loan application form

Should you ever refinance your car loan?

January 20, 2022

Auto loans are reaching the longest term and highest balance ever. Should you refinance? It really depends on what you stand to gain by refinancing.

The clashing forces that will drive U.S. inflation in 2022

January 18, 2022

Things are about to get worse — but after that, they should steadily get better. That’s roughly how economists envisage the path of U.S. inflation in the year ahead.

Revisiting retirement legislation in 2022: what’s in store?

January 11, 2022

The SECURE Act 2.0, autoenrollment expansion, and a continuing question: just how are retirees doing, anyway?

8 ways to supercharge your retirement savings when you start later in life

January 6, 2022

During the early stage of our careers, it can be challenging to prioritize retirement savings. If you haven't managed it yet, you can still get starting saving later in life.

What the No Surprises Act means for your medical bills

January 4, 2022

Surprise medical bills have become increasingly common and stressful. Now, thanks to the No Surprises Act, surprise medical bills may be a thing of the past.

New year, new tips for smart financial planning in 2022

December 30, 2021

The New Year is the perfect time to set smart financial planning goals. Here are the top ten tips for how to step forth with a good financial audit in 2022.

Year’s end financial cleanup: which documents do you need to keep

December 23, 2021

In case paper documents are filling up your drawers, you may be wondering which documents you need to keep and what you can shred or otherwise dispose of.

5 things that have compounding effects on your savings

December 16, 2021

Over time, making little changes to your finances can add up. The earlier you take these steps, the longer they have to work and the greater your outcomes will be.

5 ways to maximize your retirement income from Social Security

December 9, 2021

A good financial planner should be able to help you answer various Social Security questions and find the right time for you to claim Social Security benefits.

6 end of year tax planning tips for 2021

December 6, 2021

As the year comes to an end, it's important to start planning your 2021 taxes to reduce your obligations wherever possible.

New for 2022: Roth IRA changes you need to know

November 23, 2021

While the maximum Roth IRA contribution remains $6K (with a $1K catch-up contribution for those 50 and older), the phase-out ranges for eligibility to contribute have changed.

Invest to stay ahead of inflation

November 1, 2021

Inflation worries grow as the economy reopens. Steve Tuttle explains how to position your portfolio for financial success regardless of how much prices rise.

How to keep emotions in check during market volatility

October 25, 2021

Amid the market volatility fear and greed can get the best of investors. These tips help control your emotions and achieve long-term success in the markets.

4 questions to ask yourself to prepare for retirement

September 21, 2021

Financial security in retirement takes planning, commitment, and money. These 4 questions help identify your goals and needs within a retirement strategy.

Success in investing requires patience

July 27, 2021

There are many successful investment strategies that have performed well over time. Yet, capturing these returns is not easy for investors. Patience can help.

Why consider dividends to generate income for retirement?

July 6, 2021

Do you want to invest for retirement? Dividend-paying stocks can help preserve your capital over long term and generate income regardless of market conditions.

Impact of tax hikes on the stock market

April 28, 2021

Tax policy impacts corporate earnings and the stock market. However, over the long haul, other factors have more influence on the stock market performance.

Reasons not to worry about market corrections

March 23, 2021

Every correction seems like the start of a downturn. Yet market corrections don't lead to lengthy bear markets. Read how Signet handles market volatility.

Why real assets are worth investing in now

March 9, 2021

Real assets can hedge against inflation in the current environment. Find out what two types of real assets Signet advisors focus on for a balanced portfolio.

Should investors worry about GameStop?

February 1, 2021

The GameStop and AMC Entertainment story has dominated headlines recently. Steve Tuttle on why this won't have a big, lasting impact for long-term investors.

Investment lessons from 2020

January 14, 2021

2020 was a year of major upheaval. Here’re universal and timeless investment guidelines from Signet advisors to help you improve your financial situation.

8 ways to help lower your taxes

December 9, 2020

It’s a tough year for tax planning without knowing for sure which party will control the Senate. However here's how Signet advisors help clients save taxes.

Why having multiple financial advisors isn’t better than one

November 1, 2020

Some investors think putting their money with multiple financial advisors means better results. This is not necessarily the case. It can make things worse.

Patent disclosure effects: Signet’s study preliminary results

October 8, 2020

In a joint study with Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, Signet investigates how patent disclosure impacts stock price of the focal patent company.

The market focuses more on the macro environment than elections

October 1, 2020

President Obama and President Trump pursued different policies while in office. Yet results in the financial markets were awfully similar during their terms.

Sector investing: goals and advantages

September 1, 2020

Sector investing is an underrated strategy for investors, while it complements a core portfolio by seeking to enhance returns or diversifying portfolio risks.

Are you holding your assets in the right types of accounts?

July 1, 2020

Careful asset placement helps save on taxes. Asset location seeks to identify the right type of investment to own in retirement plans vs. taxable accounts.

Diversification benefits to factor investing

June 1, 2020

No single factor works all the time. Steve Tuttle highlights the performance of factor investing and shows why portfolio diversification is so important.

Opportunities in municipal bonds

May 1, 2020

As Signet carefully monitors risks, we deem tax-exempt municipal bonds are generating tremendous interest from investors. See the analysis for our optimism.

Don’t panic — stay safe

April 1, 2020

COVID pandemic short-term dynamics are rapidly changing causing many unknowns. Signet explains what to focus on to improve financial standings post crisis.

Why investors shouldn’t overreact

February 26, 2020

Steve Tuttle comments on market volatility and what to do if you are worried. Hint: don’t let coronavirus fears rattle your investment plan.

Congress changes the rules for retirement planning

January 1, 2020

The new law expands opportunities to save for retirement, but changes the way beneficiaries receive money from inherited IRAS. Steve Tuttle gives highlights.

3 year-end tips for retirees

December 1, 2019

The end of the year is viewed as a time of spending. It can also be a time to consider tax-saving strategies. Here're the Signet advisors' tips for retirees.

Political noise and investing

October 1, 2019

The media flurry around the elections received a boost from impeachment talk. How will the complexities that follow major political events impact markets?

Advice for investing near market highs

August 1, 2019

The S&P 500 is again near all-time highs. Psychologically, it can be tough for some investors to stay invested and buy. However, it is not a signal to sell.

4 areas of focus for retirement planning

July 1, 2019

Investing during retirement can be a daunting task. Steve Tuttle explains how to build a sound retirement plan that will increase your chances of success.

Help lower overall portfolio risk with short-term bonds

June 4, 2019

Short-term bond strategies are attractive for investors seeking to enhance yield while defending against volatile markets. Here's more about their benefits.

Tax-exempt bonds to ease the impact of lower SALT deductions

April 1, 2019

Steve Tuttle discusses strategies on how to deal with higher federal tax liability from newly imposed limits on deductions for state and local taxes.

How to put more certainty in your retirement income

March 4, 2019

The emotional toll from the stock market crash of 2008 still lingers for retirees. To avoid a similar calamity may of them reduce exposure to equities.

Should you consider a Roth IRA?

February 1, 2019

Due to lower income tax rates the benefits to establishing Roth accounts are increasing. Here're strategies to optimize the use of tax-advantaged accounts.

Why investors shouldn’t chase the S&P 500 or any benchmark

September 24, 2018

Driven by fear of underperforming the market, investors tend to focus on stock market benchmarks. But benchmarking investment can take your eye off the ball.

Are fears of flattening yield curve overblown?

July 3, 2018

Yield curve causes anxiety with some investors. Fixed income CIO, Steve Tuttle, discusses bond yields and where Signet sees income opportunities heading.

4 bond strategies to consider with market volatility on the rise

April 3, 2018

Today’s backdrop requires a fresh approach to bond investing. Here are the strategies that can reduce equity risk while providing liquidity and income.

Fixed income 2017 review: fears of bond bubble misplaced

January 3, 2018

Steve Tuttle shows why investors shouldn't bet against bonds. As stock and other risk assets rise in value, bonds are an important diversifying asset class.

Guide to healthcare in retirement

December 15, 2017

Our healthcare system is complex and difficult to navigate. Signet Financial Management provides a summary of the healthcare programs available to retirees.

An effective tool for fixed-income investors: bond ladders

December 1, 2017

Even in a rising rate environment, bond ladders can mitigate downside equity risk and diversify portfolios through good and bad market cycles.