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There are some significant changes happening with retirement plans, largely due to the SECURE Act 2.0. Here are some to be aware of. Some may require plan amendments and some are benefits that you could share with your employees.  Roth Plan Changes: Over age 50 Catch-Up Contributions for those with income over $145,000 must go into a Roth 403(b), 457(b), 401(k) beginning 2026. In the meantime, plans could work with their TPAs to ensure the plan document allows for the Roth provisi

Employees of public schools and certain tax-exempt organizations can save for retirement through a 403(b) account. There are two primary investment options: mutual funds and annuities. Understanding the differences between these options can help you make informed decisions about how to allocate your retirement savings. Mutual Funds Mutual funds are investment pools that collect money from multiple investors and invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities. When you in

Recently, I had a friend pass away. He didn't have a will, and I saw how this became an extra burden on the family during a difficult time. Estate planning might seem like something for "later," but none of us know what tomorrow holds. Establishing a will now will prevent a lot of undue stress on your family later on.   Even if my friend did have a will (which everybody should have) an heir preparation packet would be much more helpful in giving guidance. It only takes a

A trusted contact can help safeguard your well-being and financial interests by serving as a point of communication if any unusual activity is noticed in your accounts. If we are not able to reach you or we see suspicious account activity, this is someone we could contact to check on you.

Because no one investment type works well all of the time, one of the most important objectives of asset allocation is diversification. Instead of trying to "pick the winner," which almost never works, diversify your investments to spread risk and enhance your chances of achieving long-term financial goals. Learn more about asset allocation and how it can help reduce your risk.Asset Allocation Concepts

Is your portfolio aligned with your financial goals? While your financial goals may stay the same, market conditions don't. Regular portfolio rebalancing ensures your investments remain aligned with your objectives. Learn why rebalancing your portfolio regularly is so important and why now is the perfect time for an advisory review. 

What is a deferral and why should I increase it? Employee deferrals, also known as salary reductions, are the most common way to contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans like 403(b)s. These contributions are pre-tax, meaning they come out of your paycheck before taxes are calculated. Many people start with a smaller contribution to see how it impacts their take-home pay. While automating these contributions is a great way to save consistently, it can also lead to complacency. It

Saving money is essential for achieving financial stability and reaching your long-term goals. Whether you're looking to save for a big purchase or just want to build a stronger financial foundation, saving is the first step and it goes a long way. Here are a few tips and strategies to help you cut expenses, increase your savings, and make the most of your hard-earned money: Buy in bulk On average big box stores will give you the most long-term savings -especially on non-perishable item

Originally Posted June 4, 2017
When we get older it may become necessary to obtain long-term care for ourselves or for a family member. It can be a financial strain, but also an emotional time of change in a family. It is good to prepare and to know what kind of long-term care is available before the need becomes necessary..

Originally Posted June 4, 2017
Would you like to be more organized and more confident in your financial life? School employees are turning to Sequoia Financial Strategies for their financial planning needs..