3 Tips to Maximize Your HSA
Health Savings Accounts, or HSAs, can be a great way to pay for healthcare expenses and save taxes. And, with these 3 tips, you can significantly increase your HSA's impact.
3 Tips to Maximize Your HSA
Josh Whelan
Can you gift too much?
Can you gift too much?
A discussion of giving too much away might initially seem strange. But, if you’re not careful, you might inadvertently end up with a tax bill on funds you give away. This is called the gift tax and the IRS expects you to know it. After all, they’ve generously listed it on their website for you to read! So, how does it work?
Socially Responsible Investing in Your Financial Planning
Socially Responsible Investing in Your Financial Planning
An introduction to Socially Responsible Investing and how you can choose an approach that aligns your values and resources.
The Mega Backdoor Roth Solo 401(k) for Solopreneurs
The Mega Backdoor Roth Solo 401(k) for Solopreneurs
The Mega Backdoor Roth 401(k) has typically been reserved for select Fortune 500 companies. Here's how you - the Solopreneur - can access this little known strategy!
My Portfolio & the S&P 500
My Portfolio & the S&P 500
Why is my portfolio underperforming the S&P 500? Do I need to make a change? These questions are on the minds of many investors when a primary index like S&P 500 rallies ahead of many others. As one of the most widely recognized benchmarks, it's common to compare your strategy against it – but should you?
Are We a Fit? The Alterra Fit Interview
Are We a Fit? The Alterra Fit Interview
A first meeting – or “first date” – with a professional like a financial advisor can be uncomfortable. Believe it or not, it can feel just as uncomfortable for the professional. But it doesn't have to be! Our Alterra Fit Interview creates an open, comfortable, productive first discussion and enables us to discover together if we're a good fit and your best next steps - whether with or without us!
5 Mistakes People Make in a Recession and How to Avoid Them
5 Mistakes People Make in a Recession and How to Avoid Them
There’s no getting around it – recessions are stressful. The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic is just the most recent reminder. Recessions bring volatility, uncertainty, anxiety and the urge to act – do something, anything, to make sure I’m safe. This is often where people make mistakes. Here are a few common ones we see and how to avoid them so you’re ready the next time around.
How to Enroll in Medicare when Turning 65
How to Enroll in Medicare when Turning 65
Turning 65? Medicare can be a daunting topic, but this guide should help understand your options and build your plan to successfully enroll!
Is Your Home an Investment?
Is Your Home an Investment?
“Why are you throwing away money on rent when you could own?” Have you ever heard this? Its core assertion is that renting a home is an expense while owning a home is an investment. For most homeowners, however, this is unlikely to be the case.
Why This Isn’t the Next Great Depression
Why This Isn’t the Next Great Depression
We don’t see this as the next Great Depression. Why? Well, historically, major economic downturns have different causes, but one common thread separates the Great Depression from each subsequent recession and recovery.
The Mega Backdoor Roth – A Hidden 401(k) Benefit
The Mega Backdoor Roth – A Hidden 401(k) Benefit
Microsoft led the way in a rarely utilized benefit within their 401(k) plan – the after-tax Roth conversion. And, slowly but surely, other companies are adopting this plan feature. So, how does it work, what other companies offer it and is it worth it?
PPP vs EIDL – Which CARES Act Program is Right for Me?
PPP vs EIDL – Which CARES Act Program is Right for Me?
The CARES Act provides a wide range of support to struggling small businesses. But which program is right for you? Here’s a guide to help navigate your options.
CARES Act and Tax Deadlines – 6 Coronavirus-Related Changes to Know
CARES Act and Tax Deadlines – 6 Coronavirus-Related Changes to Know
With so many feeling the effects of the COVID-19 quarantine, federal and state governments are moving to help. Here are a few of the notable tax deadline changes and stimulus efforts in the recent Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Tax deadlines, IRA & RMD changes, stimulus efforts, small business relief options and more.
Tips to Stay Informed, Healthy and Balanced During the COVID-19 Quarantine
Tips to Stay Informed, Healthy and Balanced During the COVID-19 Quarantine
Hello from the entire Alterra team! We’ll use this page to provide a few updates from us and resources we hope help you holistically while staying home!
Backdoor Roth IRAs – What Are They and Are They Worth It?
Backdoor Roth IRAs – What Are They and Are They Worth It?
Roth IRAs are one of the few ways to build tax-free retirement income. And with a long retirement time frame, they can build quite the snowball. But, if you make too much income, the IRS won’t let you contribute. Fortunately, for many, the Backdoor Roth IRA can help...so is it worth the extra effort?