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
Should I Accept a Free Credit Lock?
Learn the ins and outs of credit locks, freezes, and more.
Personal Finance Tips for Military Families
Military families face unique challenges, making personal finance even more critical.
U.S. Personal Savings Rate
What can be learned from the savings rate?
What to Look for in Personal Finance Apps
An increasing number have been developed to help individuals with their personal finances.
The Value of Insuring Against Life’s Risks
Building wealth requires protection from the forces of wealth destruction.
Buying a Vacation Home? 5 Questions to Consider First
You may be considering purchasing a vacation property, this can be an exciting milestone, but there are a few things to consider first.
You Would Rather Be...
Are you a thrill seeker, or content to relax in the backyard? Use this flowchart to find out more about your risk tolerance.
Social Security Fairness Act's New Chapter
Learn how the Social Security Fairness Act boosts benefits for eligible public sector workers and their families.
5 Benefits of Working in Retirement
Here are 5 reasons why you may consider working through retirement.
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Long-Term-Care Needs
Estimate potential long-term care costs and what coverage may help address them.
How Much Do I Need To Retire?
How much is enough to retire? It depends on your lifestyle, timeline, and more. Use this calculator to get a personalized est
Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You
See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.
Emergency Fund Calculator
Find out how large your emergency fund should be based on your monthly expenses.
Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments
See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.
Social Security Tax Estimator
Estimate how much of your Social Security benefit may be subject to federal income tax.
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From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall St., the stock market has a long and storied history.
The Facts About Income Tax
Millions faithfully file their 1040 forms each April. But some things about federal income taxes may surprise you.
Acres of Diamonds
In life it often happens that the answers to our most pressing questions are right in our own backyards.
The Latte Lie and Other Myths
Check out this video to begin separating fact from fiction.
A New Way to Look at Your Bucket List
Bucket lists don’t have to be for tomorrow.
A Fruitful Retirement: Social Security Benefit
Taking your Social Security benefits at the right time may help maximize your benefit.