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
Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.
The Power of 401k Catch-Ups
See how catch-up contributions after age 50 could significantly boost your retirement balance.
Debt vs. Investment
Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.
Social Security: Five Facts You Need to Know
Here are five facts about Social Security that are important to keep in mind.
Social Security: The Elephant in the Room
Some people wonder if Social Security will remain financially sound enough to pay the benefits they are owed.
Your Emergency Fund: How Much Is Enough?
Having an emergency fund may help alleviate the stress and worry associated with a financial crisis.
Tax Deductions You Won't Believe
Here are some examples of deductions from the IRS that were permitted and some that were, uh, too creative.
Does Your Child Need to File an Income Tax Return?
When your child has income, there’s a good chance that he or she will need to report it and pay taxes.
The Average American Budget
Learn about the average American budget in this fun and interactive piece.
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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
Comparing Investments
Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.
Emergency Fund Calculator
Find out how large your emergency fund should be based on your monthly expenses.
Monthly Budget
Track your monthly income and expenses to get a clearer view of your cash flow.
Inflation & Retirement
See how inflation over time could affect the purchasing power of your retirement income.
Federal Capital Gains Tax Estimator
Estimate your potential federal capital gains tax liability on the sale of an asset.
View all calculators
Extended Care: A Patchwork of Possibilities
What is your plan for health care during retirement?
The Richest Man in Babylon
In good times and bad, consistently saving a percentage of your income is a sound financial practice.
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.
Saving for College 101
Here's a crash course on saving for college.
Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.
Encore Careers: Push Your Boundaries
Ready for retirement? Find out why many are considering encore careers and push your boundaries into something more, here.