Tricornered hats, fancy waistcoats, and tight knee-breeches. For many Americans, this is what comes to mind when we think back to July 4th, 1776. Perhaps that is understandable. We are now—today—almost 250 years removed from the birth of the nation. But is there anything else about revolutionary America that might help us feel closer to our founding fathers? This question was recently taken up...
On April 28th, before a joint session of Congress, President Biden announced his desire to increase the top capital gains tax rate from 20.0% to 39.6% for the highest of high earners (households earning $1 million or more annually). Most insiders in Washington expect this tax increase to be signed into law this year. Where the speculation gets more interesting, however, is when the new law would take effect.
By: Thomas Steffanci, PhD, Senior Portfolio Manager On Wednesday, June 23, 2021, the minutes of the Federal Reserve’s (the Fed) latest policy meeting held a week earlier were released along with individual members’ (anonymous) estimates of where the Federal funds rate will be through 2024. The policy setting group (the Federal Open Market Committee) is comprised of 18 members including Chairman...
Back by popular demand….BFSG’s Summer Webinar Series! BFSG is bringing together our CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS™ and other subject matter experts in a series of thought-provoking retirement webinars to give you the tools to help you boost your financial literacy and help you make smarter financial decisions. Register today and feel free to share this unique opportunity with friends and family....
Your credit report contains information about your past and present credit transactions. It's used primarily by potential lenders to evaluate your creditworthiness. So, if you're about to apply for credit, especially for something significant like a mortgage, you'll want to get and review a copy of your credit report. Getting A Copy Of Your Credit Report Every consumer is entitled to a free...
Cyber criminals exploit our increasing reliance on technology. Methods used to compromise a victim’s identity or login credentials – such as malware, phishing, and social engineering – are increasingly sophisticated and difficult to spot. Constant vigilance is key. This checklist summarizes common cyber fraud tactics, along with tips and best practices. Many suggestions may be things you’re...
BFSG’s Senior Portfolio Manager, Michael Allbee, CFP® and Senior Financial Planner, Paul Horn, CFP®, CPWA®, were invited to be guest speakers for the “It’s Your Money!” workshop series put on by Peter Kote for his not-for-profit Financial & Estate Literacy. These workshops educate seniors to take control of their financial, estate, and charitable giving decisions. You can check out the...
By: Paul Horn, CFP®, CPWA® You do not have to turn on the news to know that many in the world are hurting. There is a greater need for charitable giving today than any time I can remember and there are so many different causes that need support. The most common way to make a charitable gift is with cash and this works fine for smaller gifts (think one-time small charitable donations) but for...
By: Arash Navi, CFP®, CPA It is estimated that half of all children born today in the United States and Europe will reach their Centennial birthday. The number of Americans living past their 90th birthday will triple in the next 30 years. Consequently, it makes sense that the number one worry of retirees is running out of money! Unlike previous generations, many employers don’t offer...
By one estimate, U.S. landlords were owed about $57 billion in unpaid back rent at the beginning of 2021. The average household that fell behind owed about four months of rent, or $5,600. Altogether, more than 10 million U.S. families were facing the possibility of eviction.1 Many landlords, including those who depend on rent payments for retirement income, have experienced financial...
Last month was an interesting month for the markets and below is the economic summary for May. As always, if you have any questions or want to discuss more in-depth do not hesitate to give us a call! Sources: Sources: J.P. Morgan Asset Management – Economic Update; Bureau of Economic Analysis (www.bea.gov); Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov); Federal Open Market Committee...
“Our nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes that we can never fully repay.” – President Barack Obama Thank you to the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and join us as we remember and honor our nation’s heroes on Memorial Day. Today reminds us that legacies matter. Not only to our friends and our families, but also our communities and society writ large....
CPI Treemap: Area Represents Weight in Index, Color Represents % Change Year-Over-Year (Source: Payden&Rygel) By: Thomas Steffanci, PhD, Benefit Financial Services Group The past two weeks saw some eye-popping inflation readings. The consumer price index (CPI) for April came in at 4.2% year-over-year (YoY), but a surprisingly large 0.8% month-over-month (MoM) gain. The producer price index...
BFSG’s Senior Portfolio Manager, Michael Allbee, CFP® was invited to be a guest speaker for the “It’s Your Money!” workshop series put on by not-for-profit Financial & Estate Literacy. These workshops educate seniors to take control of their financial, estate, and charitable giving decisions. For this session, Mike discusses stock terminology, the importance of diversification, market...
Please join us in welcoming Andrew Donahue to Benefit Financial Services Group. Andrew joins BFSG as a Wealth Manager and Financial Planner. Prior to a career in portfolio and wealth management, Andrew served as a congressional aide on Capitol Hill and held various senior roles as a health care administrator (hospitals and physician practices). We are very excited to have him on the BFSG team!
Tailor portfolios to your needs and goals.
Investing and saving wisely is vital to success in retirement.
Navigating the complexities of your financial affairs can be simplified.
Help to increase the amount you “take home”.
Protect your loved ones and make sure your legacy endures.
Simplify the many options and decision points of executive compensation plans.
Confidently plan for your children’s future.
Give in a tax-smart, simple way.
*Please Note: Limitations. The scope of services to be provided depends upon the terms of the engagement, and the specific requests and needs of the client. BFSG does not serve as an attorney, accountant, or insurance agent. BFSG does not prepare legal documents or tax returns, nor does it sell insurance products. Please Also Note: Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. Therefore, it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy (including the investments and/or investment strategies recommended and/or undertaken by BFSG) or any financial planning or consulting services, will be profitable, equal any historical performance level(s), or prove successful.
California Office (Headquarters)
Wealth Management & Institutional Services
2040 Main Street, Suite 720, Irvine, CA 92614
Arizona Office
Wealth Management
1643 E. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, AZ 85016
