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Steven Merrell, Financial Planning: Should I reduce the risk in my portfolio?
Risk is one of the most misunderstood concepts in investing. Many investors equate risk with market volatility — or how much prices move up and down. That definition may make...
Steven Merrell, Financial Planning: Watch out for IRMAA
The acronym stands for income-related monthly adjustment amount, and while it sounds technical and harmless, IRMAA can materially increase the cost of Medicare for households with even modestly above-average income.
Steven Merrell, Financial Planning: Find Your why
Understanding our why matters in the more ordinary—and often more persistent—challenges of daily life. Consider saving for retirement. Doing so frequently requires us to give up enjoyable experiences today in...
Steven Merrell, Financial Planning: Stocks vs. Bonds: Finding the Right balance
Markets don’t move in straight lines and neither do investors’ lives. A formula that ignores individual circumstances risks creating a false sense of precision.
Steven Merrell, Financial Planning: Surprise! When your IRA owes taxes
Unrelated Business Taxable Income issues are complex and frequently misunderstood.
Steven Merrell, Financial Planning: Using annual gift tax exclusion
When you give appreciated assets, you remove future capital gains from your own tax picture.
Steven Merrell, Financial Planning: Four principles that shape a healthy investment philosophy
In the end, investing is never about winning the moment. It’s about winning the journey.
Steven Merrell, Financial Planning: Preparation is key if you’re laid off
Preparation is key. Thinking through these possibilities before you need them helps put you in a stronger position to respond confidently if change comes unexpectedly.
Steven Merrell, Financial Planning: Aligning your portfolio with your values
Even if you’re not adding ESG or faith-based investments to your portfolio, it’s still wise to review your current investments to identify any holdings that don’t align with your values.
Steven Merrell, Financial Planning: Pour-over will won’t prevent probate
It’s like the spare tire in your car — useful if something unexpected happens, but not what you want to drive on every day.