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
Personal Finance Calendar
Use this handy calendar to remember the year’s most important financial dates.
Life and Death of a Twenty Dollar Bill
How long does a $20 bill last?
Changing Unhealthy Behaviors
Five phases to changing unhealthy behaviors.
The Cost of Medical Care
Learn about the risks of not having health insurance in this informative article.
Raising Healthy Children
Healthy habits are one of the greatest gifts to give your child.
A Living Trust Primer
Living trusts are popular, but their appropriateness will depend upon your individual needs and objectives.
How the SECURE Act 2.0 Changed RMDs
Understand how SECURE Act 2.0 affects RMDs and how using a QCD can possibly benefit both taxes and charitable goals.
What Is a Roth 401(k)?
Roth 401(k) plans combine features of traditional 401(k) plans with those of a Roth IRA.
Variable Universal Life Insurance
Variable Universal Life is permanent insurance in which the policyholder directs how premiums are invested.
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What Is My Net Worth?
Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.
Simple 401k
See how increasing your 401(k) contributions today could affect your balance at retirement.
Social Security Tax Estimator
Estimate how much of your Social Security benefit may be subject to federal income tax.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.
Student Loan Refinance Calculator
Compare your current student loan terms to a potential refinance to see if it makes sense.
Wedding Budget Calculator
Estimate total wedding costs and see how different choices affect your overall budget.
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A Fruitful Retirement: Social Security Benefit
Taking your Social Security benefits at the right time may help maximize your benefit.
Preparation is the Key to Retirement
The simplest ideas can sometimes make a massive difference over time. Enjoy this brief video to learn more.
The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
When Special Care Is Needed: The Special Needs Trust
A special needs trust helps care for a special needs child when you’re gone.
Finding the Balance
The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.