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
Understanding Money Market Funds
Check out this brief article which explores the role Money Market Funds may play in your portfolio.
Buying vs. Leasing a Car
Whatever your relationship with your car, it may eventually come time for a new one. Familiarize yourself with your options.
Fixed or Variable Mortgage, Which Should You Pick?
When selecting a mortgage, one of the most critical choices is between a fixed or variable interest-rate mortgage.
Bull & Bear Markets: A Timeline
This helpful infographic will define bull and bear markets, as well as give a historical overview.
Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets
When the market experiences volatility, it may be a good time to review these common terms.
What If Your Kids Decide Against College?
Rising college costs prompt students to seek alternatives; 529 account funds can be used for other education options.
Stop Wasting Money
One way to find money is to examine your current spending habits and eliminate money wasters.
Should You Borrow from Your 401(k)?
Does it make sense to borrow from my 401(k) to pay off debt or to make a major purchase?
A Primer on Dividends
A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."
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How Long Will My Savings Last If I Become Disabled?
See how long your current savings might last if a disability interrupted your income.
The Power of Interest - How Long Will it take My Money to Do
Use the Rule of 72 to estimate how long it takes your money to double at a given rate.
Credit Card Payoff
Find out how long it may take to pay off a credit card balance and what it costs in interest.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.
Inflation & Retirement
See how inflation over time could affect the purchasing power of your retirement income.
Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.
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When Markets React
When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.
Saving for College 101
Here's a crash course on saving for college.
The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
Top 5 Things to Tell Your Financial Pro
Here are the top 5 things your team may want to hear.
How Cash Apps Work
Peer-to-peer payment apps are one of the newest ways to send money.
The Rule of 72
Do you know how long it may take for your investments to double in value? The Rule of 72 is a quick way to figure it out.