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Newton's Laws (Blog)

Welcome to Newton's Laws Blog! What’s on our mind? You can read all about it right here. Whether it’s tax strategy ideas worthy of sharing with you or emerging trends, chances are if you've been curious about what works and what doesn't, you are not alone.  In addition to our own experiences we plan on sharing, we work with a number of industry experts whose ideas we may want to pass along your way.  And once in a while, to make sure you are paying attention, we may throw in a golf tip, a movie review or some other surprise. So keep checking in. We’re glad to have you with us.

 

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Risky Business

 

Tuesday, June 4, 2019

Summer Reading For Tax Geeks

 

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Tax-Free Smarts

 

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

We can all almost say money is always on our minds…how much do I have in my account? Am I able to afford that? Do I simply enough? Being aware of your financial health is important. Studies reveal Americans could be saving more with...

 

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

May the 21st Be With You, Yes? Yoda says tax advice you need.

 

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Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Many people may think life insurance is just another unnecessary expense without realizing its purpose and benefits. The question to ask yourself is would someone in your life suffer financial hardships if you were to pass away? If the...

 

Wednesday, May 8, 2019

It’s never too early nor too late to start thinking about retirement and planning for one. It takes careful planning for your money to last a lifetime. Here are simple action steps you can take today to start preparing for your golden...

 

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Many Americans significantly underestimate the impact that a loved one’s long term care needs could have on their own lives, marriages, work, and not to mention their finances. As a matter of fact, 57% of caregivers surveyed tapped...

 

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Oftentimes we tend to be unrealistic when it comes to planning how much we can achieve and how long it will take, especially when it comes to setting money goals. A general rule to reaching your financial goals is to establish a plan...

 

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

For many, our children’s high school graduation is just around the corner and then they’re off to college. And we ask ourselves–where did the years go by? Besides seeing an empty nest, parents are also seeing empty pockets; thus,...

 

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Estate planning is something that’s never easy to do or even to begin thinking about for that matter. But it can help give you comfort knowing your estate and loved ones are protected after your death. Avoid missteps and get your...

 

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Today, women are providing more financial value to their household than ever before. Studies show 51% of women are responsible for household finances while 37% reported to be the primary breadwinner of their family (compared to 31% in...

 

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Seniors can benefit from many discounts and offers; however, taxes aren’t one of them. Retirees will be shocked to find that much of their income is, in fact, subject to taxes. Here are a few that you can expect to face in...

 

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

When it comes to annuities, misinformation surrounds them. To help you make a sound decision on whether or not an annuity is right for you, here’s the truth behind some of the most common misconceptions:They’re only for retirees. While...

 

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

When it comes to retirement, both men and women face many risks. However, women are faced with greater financial obstacles:Living longer. It’s a known fact that women enjoy a longer lifespan than their male counterparts. As a matter of...

 

Wednesday, March 6, 2019

For many of us, we look forward to this time of year where we can expect some extra money in our pockets. The sooner we file, the sooner we can receive our tax refund. And you can do so by filing electronically, requesting your refund...

 

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Many of us look forward to our golden days, the days where we can simply kick back, relax, and do a lot more things we didn’t have time for during our days of labor. How comfortable and secure your retirement will be depends on how...

 

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Running out of money in retirement is a worry for many people. In fact, 55% of baby boomers and 57% of Generation X expressed outliving their savings is one of their greatest fears. 47% of millennials also have similar concerns.1...

 

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Making the decision to place your spouse, partner, or family member in long-term care (LTC) might be one of the hardest decisions in your life. Nobody wants to think about putting their loved ones in assisted care. For many, it is a...

 

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Filing season for the 2018 tax year is officially underway. To help you stay organized as you prepare to file, use the checklist below to gather all the forms and documents you’ll need.1Identification for You and Your SpouseFull...

 

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Nearly 50 percent of Americans aren’t prepared for retirement.1 However, there’s still time to catch up. Here’s some insight on how you can better position yourself for securing a happy retirement:Pay off large debts. By focusing on...

 

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

It’s January of the New Year and other than starting fresh and enduring frigid temperatures, tax season has arrived. Below are some of the 2018 tax deduction changes you should know when filing in 2019.1Medical and dental expenses. You...

 

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Have a life insurance policy? That’s great! If you don’t, well, you may want to reconsider. But what are some of the features that a life insurance policy should have built-in to it? There are a lot of different options, but here are...

 

Wednesday, January 9, 2019

Every birthday is special – but these are particularly important in your retirement journey.1 Here are some age milestones to keep in mind:Age 55 – Penalty-free distributions allowed from 401(k), if retiredAge 59 ½ – Penalty-free...

 

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Happy New Year! We are officially in 2019, and there’s no better time to start fresh with your finances than now by laying out your goals for the New Year. Follow these simple tips below to help your financial year start off on the...

 

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

You’ve worked hard this year and it’s that time of the year again for New Year’s Resolutions. And for many of us, that means getting your finances in order. Follow the calendar below to track important deadlines and notices for your...

 

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Many people think they don’t need life insurance for one reason or another. A lot of these same people also think life insurance is too expensive (it’s not). Add these two together, and you get a population that simply doesn’t...

 

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

There are millions of different ways a person can get themselves to be financially-stable in retirement, but what is the ideal way? Through examining studies and compiling expert opinions, MarketWatch came up with an ideal timeline for...

 

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Now’s the time to observe your entire financial situation. The new year is upon us, so it’s only smart to start looking towards next year so you aren’t caught off-guard. Follow this quick tips and be on your way to a current financial...

 

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

There are some things in life that are just worth knowing. Retirement terms is one of those things. Regardless if you’re far off from retirement or in the middle of it, it pays to understand some common retirement lingo, so you’re not...

 

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Many factors come into play when you consider an annuity. They come in various shapes and sizes, so it’s important to know which questions to ask to come away with the right annuity for you. We’ve compiled a list of questions you’ll...

 

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

We get it—life insurance isn’t the most exhilarating topic. No one wants to talk about their own death. And because of that, a lot of people don’t consider it a priority in their finances. Yet, nothing could be further from the truth....

 

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

In retirement, annuities can be an essential part of your income strategy. They can provide guaranteed income for as long as you live, and are often a great way to supplement income from the likes of a pension or Social Security....

 

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

If retirement is in your future, listen up: A secure retirement plan isn’t just about savings, it’s about generating income, too. If you’re focusing only on your retirement savings, you likely will miss out on the retirement you want...

 

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

A lot of people purchase life insurance and never look back. If that’s you, you may think that once you place a life insurance policy, you’re set until, well, you know.But that’s not really the case, given life’s dynamism. Here are...

 

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

With life expectancy continuing to rise as care costs grow with it, finding sustainable funding for long-term care (LTC) needs can be a challenge. Here are three ways to fund your LTC.Annuities – Annuity-LTC hybrid products deliver a...

 

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Do annuities and retirement go hand-in-hand? Not always. But, annuities do serve as a great way to secure income in retirement, especially under certain conditions. Here are four situations where annuities make most sense in retirement...

 

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Life insurance is most valuable to you in times of need, which is why it's important to know in advance when and how to file a claim. Insurance companies are required to pay insurance claims promptly, but there are steps you or your...

 

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

A recent study found that there were 16.7 million victims of identity theft in 2017, combining for a total loss of $16.8 billion.1 Still to this day, one of the most effective ways to prevent identity theft is to spot and stop the...

 

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Sending a child or grandchild to college comes with new insurance responsibilities. Whether they're already in college or still have a few years to go, your family's insurance needs change when your children go off to school....

 

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Sending a child off to college? Sit down together and go over these important financial issues before dropping him or her off for the semester.Get your student set up with a credit card.If your child doesn't already have a credit card,...

 

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

There are some things in life that are just worth knowing. Retirement terms is one of those things. Regardless if you’re far off from retirement or in the middle of it, it pays to understand some common retirement lingo, so you’re not...

 

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

New types of policies are emerging that combine life insurance with long-term care (LTC) insurance, getting you covered for both. If you’re intrigued by these hybrid policies, they may be worth a look. Here’s a few notes about how they...

 

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

How much do you know about Social Security in 2018? Because of the program’s complexity, chances are you don’t know every little piece of information. These four facts serve to fill in some gaps in your Social Security knowledge. If...

 

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

If you’re retired or nearing retirement, you know how long you’ve been saving for your best years. Are you ready to manage your distributions well and budget correctly? If not, you may run out of money. Consider this tips when you’re...

 

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Long-term care (LTC) insurance is often overlooked as a necessity, but as humans continue to live longer lives, LTC is becoming an important asset to have in your later years. It helps take care of daily tasks when you’re unable...

 

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

With retirees living longer than ever before, it’s becoming more and more important to accrue enough savings during your working years to help you live the retirement you deserve. The three strategies below can help you get your...

 

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

There are many types of annuities, but immediate annuities are one of the most popular options. These annuities are purchased with one lump-sum payment and begin paying out the agreed-upon amount right away. But, to be sure this...

 

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Technology today allows for access to more information and choices than ever before across all industries – and financial advisory is no different. But, before you think about trying the next up-and-coming “robot advisor”, consider...

 

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Did you know that 65% of Americans end up saving little or nothing at all? And only 39% can cover a $1,000 emergency. This begs the question, are you saving enough money? Here’s four signs that you need to be saving more.You don’t have...

 

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Thinking of life insurance? You should be doing your math then, too. With a few simple “rules of thumb”, and dependent on your age, you can define a solid estimate based on your loved one’s needs in the future and your current...

 

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

What value does a financial advisor actually provide? This may surprise you, but the value of a quality financial advisor goes far beyond portfolio advice. It’s about guiding clients to develop sophisticated financial behaviors....

 

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Converting your individual retirement account (IRA) into an annuity can be an excellent way of supplying yourself with a steady income stream for the rest of your life. That doesn’t mean it’s for everyone, though. Here’s two pros and...

 

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Social Security is meant to lead people into a comfortable, stress-free retirement. But, that doesn’t mean you don’t encounter some unchartered territory along the way. These tips should help you navigate Social Security with greater...

 

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Estate planning is no easy task. There’s a lot of time and energy put into each plan. Every estate plan is unique, but unfortunately, the same mistakes occur. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but these three classic mistakes are...

 

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

The reality is many Americans – about 50 percent – aren’t prepared for retirement. If you don’t have enough saved up for your golden years, there is one way to catch up relatively quickly. Work a little longer. We know, we know, it’s...

 

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

You may have heard about fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) through the news, your friends or family, or perhaps your financial advisor…but do you know what they offer? Here’s four important characteristics of FIAs. FIAs allow people to...

 

Monday, May 14, 2018

4 Reasons Your Retirement Plan Might Fall Short Ever find yourself daydreaming about retirement? Whether your dream retirement entails traveling the world, dedicating time to beloved hobbies, or helping your children and grandchildren,...

 

Monday, May 7, 2018

It’s no secret that life insurance gives a much-needed financial safety net for your dependents if you aren’t around to be there. Mortgages, funeral costs, debt – the list of costs is plentiful. But when you’re deciding on a new policy...

 

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Many Americans are aware of the tax benefits from certain savings accounts such as individual retirement accounts, or 401(k) plans; but the less-known HSA can provide some major tax relief. Here’s three ways: 1. Tax-deductible...

 

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Most of our lives are spent saving for retirement, but when the time comes, how do you turn that nest egg you’ve created into a steady income? We’ve broken down three ways. 1. Annuitization. Income annuities take a lump sum of cash...

 

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Americans routinely report being anxious about their money and retirement plans. Today, over 50% of American adults report being either “very” or “moderately” worried about retiring with too little money. How can you achieve a...

 

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

As you get older, the pressure to plan for long-term care costs rise with your age. To get a good deal on long-term care (LTC) insurance easier, here’s a few secrets for you. 1. Assess your risk. When you’re searching for the right LTC...

 

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

As a financial advisor, I learn a lot about clients’ short and long-term financial goals through many conversations and building relationships with them. I also often learn about their frustrations and regrets regarding past...

 

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Even though required minimum distributions (RMDs) are due by the end of the year, there’s some practicality in taking advantage of your RMDs earlier rather than later. Here’s three reasons why taking RMDs out early can be advantageous:...

 

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

The “bucket” savings strategy has been gaining traction in recent years, but is it right for you? The idea is simple: have three “buckets” of money where you save – one for now, one for soon, and one for later. Assets are then...

 

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

With all its intricacies and technicalities, life insurance can be tough to figure out. Knowing these three myths can make your pathway to coverage easier to understand. Myth #1: I should always buy term insurance and invest the...

 

Friday, March 16, 2018

Americans are living longer. That’s the good news. The bad news is that most people aren’t financially prepared. Many Baby Boomers will be in retirement for over 20 years and unfortunately, many aren’t saving and...

 

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Annuities have been a hot commodity in recent years but can sometimes get a bad reputation. While annuities aren’t for everyone, there are situations where annuities may be the best option available, especially as you near retirement....

 

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

It’s that time of year—Uncle Sam is asking for money again. If you’ve kept up with the news, you probably know the tax laws have changed a bit. Here’s five important changes you should know before Tax Day. 1. Standard deductions...

 

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Not the most exciting topic, long-term care (LTC) is often avoided or overlooked by people when planning their retirement years. However, it can be one of the most important things to have later in life. Having an LTC policy in place...

 

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

It’s not for everyone. But, if it’s possible for you, there’s a few great reasons to start collecting Social Security once you hit the age of 62. Check out the reasons below and see if it seems right for you. Reason #1: You may have to...

 

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Whether you're aware of them or not, there are some substantial benefits to having a 401(k) plan. Here are four benefits that make these plans worth having. 1. Payroll deduction. At the surface it may not seem ideal, but in reality,...

 

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

A lot of people ask, “When should I start my estate planning?” The shorter answer is: it’s never too early. There’s lots of ways to go about planning, but generally there are three main steps to be followed when you start: Start by...

 

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

The new year has begun, and with it, some tweaks and changes have been made to Social Security that its beneficiaries may notice. Here’s a look at what you can expect if you’re a beneficiary in 2018: A higher tax cap. Workers will now...

 

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Annuities: insurance contracts that offer guaranteed income, usually for life. Some even have capital appreciation. But, you probably already knew that. Do you know the five primary types of annuities, though? Each is unique, and all...

 

Thursday, January 18, 2018

A new year brings with it lots of excitement, but also a lot of uncertainty. As a family, are you taking to necessary steps to set achievable, realistic financial goals for 2018 that will help remove any uncertainty from your personal...

 

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Arguably the most popular buzzword in the global economy right now is "cryptocurrency." While Bitcoin is currently the most well-known cryptocurrency, most people don't understand it beyond the hype and reported skyrocketing value. The...

 

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Giving to charities is a great way to help out your community and give back during the holiday season. Charitable gifting can take many forms, from cash donations to even donated appreciated assets. And individual donations make up...

 

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Financial information can often include confusing industry jargon and lingo. But understanding your financial details can help you use better judgment to make decisions. We are continuing our guide to help you get a hold of common...

 

Friday, December 8, 2017

With New Year’s right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to make resolutions before the calendar flips to January 1st. The 7th Annual New Year’s Resolution Survey found that many resolutions made last year were...

 

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

No matter your stage in life, saving money is essential to ensure you can afford your lifestyle. Yet, Americans have a money-savings problem: 69% of people do not have $1,000 in savings.[1] Without this financial buffer, we end up...

 

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Losing a loved one and life partner is a devastating experience that no one can fully predict. Despite the emotional heaviness one must navigate, another pressing topic requires attention: finances. Knowing how to move forward in your...

 

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Financial literacy in America is staggeringly low. The U.S. ranks 14th on a global scale of financial literacy, and 1 in 5 teenagers do not have basic financial skills.[1] Helping our younger loved ones to understand the...

 

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Saving enough money to last through retirement is an ongoing responsibility and one that Americans should take seriously. And the money you may need could be more than simply replacing the income you had during your career. You...

 

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Owning a business in the U.S. is an integral factor of our economy. In fact, the U.S. has 28.8 million small businesses, comprising 99.7% of all business in America.1 And while risks abound in entrepreneurship, owners can take...

 

Monday, November 6, 2017

When purchasing a life insurance policy, you can opt to add on different benefits to a standard policy and expand your coverage. These riders help you customize your protection for supporting your family’s unique needs. Different life...

 

Thursday, October 26, 2017

When purchasing a life insurance policy, you can opt to add on different benefits to a standard policy and expand your coverage. These riders help you customize your protection for supporting your family’s unique needs. Different life...

 

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Is Your IRA Haunted? Posted: 23 Oct 2017 06:29 AM PDT By Sarah Brenner, JD IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport It’s Halloween season! This is the time for ghosts, witches, and trick or treating. What does Halloween...

 

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Financially preparing for retirement is essential in order to maintain your quality of life as you age. As long-term-care costs continue to rise, having adequate money to cover any medical situations is an escalating concern. And the...

 

Thursday, October 12, 2017

So, you have sent the kids off on their own and now find yourself an empty nester. This new life stage brings quieter vibes in the house and less multitasking to manage. But beyond the physical changes, you also have new financial...

 

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Finding any helpful reason to pull down your tax liabilities is a welcomed benefit, no matter one’s age. But, once you move into your golden years, exploring new tax benefits is worth the time and effort—you may have specific tax...