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Craftswoman with tablet computer ; representing a small business owner with a Solo 401k
Self-Employed (Solo) 401(k): A Retirement Plan Option for Solo Entrepreneurs

Solo 401(k)s are specially designed for small businesses with no employees, including solo entrepreneurs and the self-employed. Here’s everything you need to know to determine if a Solo 401(k) is the right retirement plan for you and your business. Since they were first introduced in the early 1980s, 401(k) plans have become the most popular […]

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Picture of a black SEP-IRA booklet on a desktop
Simple Employee Pension (SEP) IRA – 2024

If you’re a small business owner or self-employed individual looking for a way to prepare for retirement, it’s worth exploring the Simplified Employee Pension-Individual Retirement Account (SEP-IRA).   What is a SEP-IRA? With its easy setup, high contribution limits, and tax advantages, SEP-IRAs offer an attractive retirement planning option for self-employed individuals who want to help […]

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young business people sitting at a conference table; representing small business using SIMPLE IRA
Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE IRA) – 2024

Lots of small business owners want to help their employees save for a financially secure retirement by offering them a retirement plan. However, the cost and complexity of most plans, including the popular 401(k) plan, dissuade many from doing so. This is one reason why more than 40% of full-time employees in the United States […]

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Glasses on a desk, on top of a spreadsheet, representing Common 401k questions
How Do Self-Employed 401(k) Contributions Affect Take-Home Pay? And Other 401(k) Questions

When discussing Self-Employed 401(k) plans with our clients, we often are asked how the contributions to this type of retirement savings plan will affect take-home pay. Read on for the answer to this question, as well as other commonly asked questions related to retirement plans.

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Depiction of a chart with the title "Market Review February 2024"
Market Review – February 2024

Every Rose Has Its Thorn The Cautionary Tale of Valuation February 2024 Key Observations Most risk assets advanced in February as optimism remains that the no-show recession of 2023 continues to fade further into the rear-view mirror. As a result, fixed income investors have also tempered the expectations around rate cuts and longer duration assets […]

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2024 Market Outlook

Prepare Not Predict Interest Rate Challenges into Opportunities December 2023 Key Observations  Our 10-year return forecasts show increased opportunity across fixed income and real assets with a modest step back for equities. This makes for one of the more attractive risk-adjusted returns for fixed income relative to equities we have seen in several years. We […]

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Market Review - November 2023
Market Review – November 2023

Market Review Cheerful for the Holidays Markets rallied in November giving investors plenty for which to be thankful. November 2023 Key Observations  Longer dated interest rates experienced a significant decline as market sentiment leaned towards anticipating 2024 rate cuts. Overall, markets showed positivity, driven by heightened risk appetites fueled by the decrease in rates and […]

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Key Person Disability and Life Insurance: Protect Your Business

As a small business owner, safeguarding your enterprise’s assets and growth is paramount. One often overlooked vulnerability is the potential death or disability of one of your key people. Key person insurance (sometimes referred to as key man insurance) is designed to address this, ensuring your business remains stable during unforeseen challenges. By understanding and […]

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Cash Balance Plan
Traditional Cash Balance Plans Pros and Cons

Are you seeking financial stability and retirement peace of mind? You might have encountered various retirement plan options, including the traditional cash balance plan. However, like any financial decision, there are benefits and drawbacks that you must carefully consider. If you’re a business owner you may be wondering whether a traditional cash balance plan is […]

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Market Review - August 2023
Market Review – August 2023

Market Review Summer Doldrums Markets took a step back in August as sentiment shifted surrounding Fed policy August 2023 Key Observations  Fitch downgraded the United States’ credit rating to AA+ from AAA at the start of the month. Market volatility continued through the month and most major asset classes experienced negative returns. Higher interest rates […]

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