Should I Pay Off My Mortgage Early?
I’m thinking of paying my mortgage off early. Being debt free would feel great, but is this a good strategy? Should I be investing those extra dollars instead?
Should I Pay Off My Mortgage Early?
Financial Planning
6 Things that Affect the Value of Your Business – Guest Blog
6 Things that Affect the Value of Your Business – Guest Blog
If you are like most business owners, the bulk of your wealth is the value of your business, and at some point you want retire and harvest the value you have built. The majority of small to medium sized business owners only sell once, so the odds say this will be your first time selling a business. So what should you pay attention to? Here are six things with the biggest impact on the value and salability of your business.
Taxes & Highly Appreciated Assets – An Introduction
Taxes & Highly Appreciated Assets – An Introduction
You might be an early employee at Microsoft, a successful real estate investor, or the owner of a small business that has taken off. In each case, you own something worth a lot more than when you first acquired it. Now you’re staring down a large capital gain tax bill if you sell. Are you just stuck or is there anything you can do? We have a few ideas!
Taxes & Highly Appreciated Stock
Taxes & Highly Appreciated Stock
You might be an early Microsoft employee, tech company executive, or have been gifted shares of stock as a kid. You’d like to diversify, but the resulting tax bill seems almost as big as the portfolio itself! In Taxes & Highly Appreciated Stock, we’ll look at a case study and strategies to consider if you find yourself in this situation.
Taxes & Highly Appreciated Real Estate
Taxes & Highly Appreciated Real Estate
You own a few rentals, maybe an apartment building or two, and you’re looking at simplifying your life by selling them and retiring, but the tax bill is daunting. In this Real Estate Edition of our Strategic Guide to Highly Appreciated Assets, we’ll look at a case study and strategies you might consider if you find yourself in this situation.
Taxes & Highly Appreciated Business Ownership
Taxes & Highly Appreciated Business Ownership
What started as a dream in your garage is now a thriving business! You’ve worked hard and now see a sale in your future…and a sizable tax bill. In this Business Owners Edition of our Strategic Guide to Highly Appreciated Assets, we’ll look at a case study and strategies to consider if you find yourself in this situation.
When Should I Take Social Security?
When Should I Take Social Security?
When should I start Social Security? Should I take it now or wait until I’m 70? We hear this question in almost every retirement planning meeting. The right choice depends on your specific needs, but this guide will help you weigh your options and pick the best one for you!
Big Giving in Uncertain Times
Big Giving in Uncertain Times
We all fear uncertainty, but in volatile times, many Big Givers are particularly nervous. When primarily using wealth to support causes you care about, it’s natural to wonder “Are we going to be ok?” “What if we need those funds?” “Can we continue with these large gifts?” First, we should first acknowledge that these concerns are normal. Then, we can ask two key questions back.
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.
Recessions – How Bad Are They & How Long Do They Last?
Recessions – How Bad Are They & How Long Do They Last?
Turn on the TV or scroll through a news feed in uncertain times and you’re sure to see that nasty “R” word - Recession. “How bad will this be?” “How long will this last?” It’s not uncommon to hear, “This one is different!” or “We’ve never seen this problem before!” So, what does history have to tell us about this topic?
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.
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?
You Can Skip Your 2020 RMD…But Should You?
You Can Skip Your 2020 RMD…But Should You?
The recently passed CARES Act allows you to skip your Required Minimum...