Posts by Mark Kutzke
Understanding the New Stimulus Bill
On December 27, 2020, President Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, into law (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”), with large portions of the bill acting as an economic stimulus for individuals and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation (the second major congressional response to the COVID-19 pandemic) is intended to provide…
Read MoreOutlook 2021: Where We Are and Where We’re Headed
As we approach the beginning of a new year and consider what it may bring, it’s helpful to reflect on the one now behind us. After what has been a tumultuous year of unbelievable events and unprecedented circumstances, we’ve made it to a point where there may actually be more good news than bad. The…
Read MoreSolutions for Managing Student Loan Debt
Managing student loan debt has become one of the biggest financial planning challenges for many. In the U.S., student loan debt rose to $1.51 trillion last year, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. So, if you or family members are dealing with the burden of budgeting every month for a student loan,…
Read MoreAre You an Intelligent Investor?
Considered “the father of value investing,” Benjamin Graham wrote The Intelligent Investor more than 70 years ago, and the principles in his book are still highly respected today. Investing legend Warren Buffet, who studied under Graham, called The Intelligent Investor “by far the best book about investing ever written.” Despite what you might think, being…
Read MoreUnderstanding Advance Directives
If you became seriously ill and could no longer communicate your wishes, how would you want to be cared for? Which treatments would you want and which would you want to avoid? Advance directives allow you to convey your decisions for end-of-life care to family, friends, and health care professionals, helping prevent confusion down the…
Read MoreYear End Financial Planning Checklist
Although 2020 has been a year of unexpected changes, one routine has remained consistent: the fourth quarter means it’s time to begin organizing your finances for the new year. To help you get started, here’s a checklist of key topics to think about, including new tax and retirement considerations related to the COVID-19 pandemic. 1)…
Read MoreWhy You Might Want to Consider Repositioning Assets to Pay for Long-Term Care
Today, people are living longer than ever but not always in the best of health. In fact, most individuals will need some form of long-term care in their lifetime. The aging process often leaves them needing assistance with activities of daily living (e.g., bathing or dressing), or they may be affected by cognitive disorders (e.g.,…
Read MoreMastering Financial Aid Eligibility
For many families, financial aid programs help make higher education attainable. The first step in applying for aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It is used to determine the student’s eligibility for federal aid programs, such as grants, work-study options, and loans. Schools also use the FAFSA to assess…
Read MoreLearn More About 401(k)’s
Does The Presidential Election Spell Risk For The Markets?
As the U.S. presidential election draws closer, there are growing questions (from both sides) on whether the outcome will negatively affect the markets. Of course, this is not unusual. As you may remember from the last election cycle, many predicted doom if Trump were to win. In the election before that, we saw similar worries…
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