We Look at Your Whole Financial Picture
Welcome to our website! Please browse around. Become a knowledgeable taxpayer and help us help you. Remember we want you to contact us with your "Here's what we're thinking about doing" questions--not your "guess what we just did" comments. Taxes are only part of your financial picture. Investments,* insurance, estate planning, long term care, and other areas can contribute to your long term plan development. It's not too late to start saving for retirement or to get assistance in how to take your retirement savings in a tax-advantaged way. We have articles on this website to help educate you and we're here to advise you about your particular situation. Investment and financial planning services are offered by Lori Rust through her affiliation with Avantax.
Helpful Content
Comparing Investments
This calculator compares the net gain of a taxable investment versus a tax-favored one.
The Richest Man in Babylon
In good times and bad, consistently saving a percentage of your income is a sound financial practice.
Social Security Taxes
Estimate how much of your Social Security benefit may be considered taxable.
Get Paid for Going Green
Those looking into environmentally minded home modifications may get a boost from Uncle Sam’s tax incentives.
Spotting Credit Trouble
The wise use of credit is a critical skill. These 10 questions will help you assess your skill level.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
Systematic Withdrawals in Retirement
Taking regular, periodic withdrawals during retirement can be quite problematic.
Financial Aid for Students 101
Help your college-bound child explore scholarships, grants, and more with this article on paying for higher education.
How Retirement Spending Changes With Time
It can be difficult for clients to imagine how much they’ll spend in retirement. This short, insightful article is useful for jumpstarting a conversation about retirement spending, spending habits, and potential medical costs.
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Should I Pay Off Debt or Invest?
This calculator will help determine whether you should invest funds or pay down debt.
A Look at Systematic Withdrawals
This calculator may help you estimate how long funds may last given regular withdrawals.
Inflation & Retirement
Estimate how much income may be needed at retirement to maintain your standard of living.
Tax Freedom Day
Assess how many days you'll work to pay your federal tax liability.
How Much Home Can I Afford?
With a few simple inputs you can estimate how much of a mortgage you may be able to obtain.
My Retirement Savings
Estimate how long your retirement savings may last using various monthly cash flow rates.
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Managing Your Lifestyle
Using smart management to get more of what you want and free up assets to invest.
An Inside Look at Retirement Living
A number of questions and concerns need to be addressed to help you better prepare for retirement living.
Long-Term-Care Protection Strategies
The chances of needing long-term care, its cost, and strategies for covering that cost.
5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
Investment Strategies for Retirement
Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.
Protecting Those Who Matter Most
The importance of life insurance, how it works, and how much coverage you need.
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A New Way to Look at Your Bucket List
Bucket lists don’t have to be for tomorrow.
Making Your Tax Bracket Work
Have you explored all your options when it comes to managing your taxable income?
How to Retire Early
Retiring early sounds like a dream come true, but it’s important to take a look at the cold, hard facts.
The Facts About Income Tax
Millions faithfully file their 1040 forms each April. But some things about federal income taxes may surprise you.
An Arm and a Leg
A visit to the hospital can be painful, for both your body and your wallet. Don’t let it be more painful than it has to be.
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.