Blog
Why We Don’t Chase IPOs
By: Karen Oeser, CFA®, CFEI® From time to time, a high-profile company captures headlines and client attention as it approaches the public markets. We’re seeing that again now, and it’s a good time to share how we view IPOs. At Means Wealth, IPOs are not part of the portfolios we build or recommend. That’s not … Continued
Is a Roth IRA Conversion Right for You?
A Roth IRA conversion is the process of moving money from a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA, typically resulting in paying taxes today so that future growth and withdrawals can be tax-free (if all IRS requirements are met). It’s one of several planning strategies that may come into play as part of a broader … Continued
2026 Tax Landscape
“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” – John F. Kennedy As we move through tax season and 2025 tax returns are filed, it’s important to look beyond the numbers on last year’s return. Over the past decade, there have … Continued
Two Important Details That Help Protect Your Financial Plan: Trusted Contacts & Beneficiaries
When it comes to financial planning, many people are diligent about saving, investing, and preparing for retirement. But there are two important details that are often overlooked, and they can have a major impact on your loved ones and the legacy you intend to leave behind: trusted contacts and beneficiary designations. These items may feel … Continued
A Look Back at 2025
It’s that time again, a year to recap We’ll end with a poem, and call it a wrap So much in the news, some lows and some highs A lot to discuss, so we’ll give it a try. Trump re-elected, his last term they say Or yet maybe not, if he had his way … Continued
Your Top 5 Year-End To-Dos
The final quarter of the year always seems to arrive faster than expected, and 2025 is no exception. Our focus this fall is on helping clients make the most of financial opportunities by addressing them earlier, before the year-end rush. With a little planning now, you’ll have greater flexibility, more peace of mind, and extra … Continued
Tax Law Changes and Summer Tax Strategies
Tax Law Changes and Summer Tax Strategies: Financial Planning Moves to Consider Before Fall Most years, summer is a time when tax season might feel far off. However, with the signing of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) on July 4th this year, the months of August and September could be ideal for making … Continued
Market Volatility: A Closer Look at the Opportunity in Front of Us
With the recent volatility in the stock market, it’s completely natural to feel some concern. Headlines can make it seem like the sky is falling, and short-term drops can feel unsettling—even if you’ve experienced them before. The S&P has fallen over 10% in the last two trading days, and today has been volatile, too. Historically, … Continued
The Case for Taking Retirement Plan Distributions Earlier in the Year
An RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) is the minimum amount you must withdraw from certain retirement accounts each year once you reach a specific age. The IRS mandates these withdrawals to ensure that retirement funds are eventually taxed rather than left to grow tax-deferred indefinitely. The rules governing these distributions are complex and have changed significantly … Continued
Staying the Course During Market Volatility
“The most important quality for an investor is temperament, not intellect” – Warren Buffett Market corrections can be unsettling, and the recent volatility has left many investors wondering what’s next. According to the American Association of Individual Investors (AAII), last week’s sentiment reading revealed some of the lowest levels of optimism and the highest levels … Continued
Protecting Your Wealth: Recent Cryptocurrency Scams and How to Stay Safe
Cryptocurrency continues to capture investors’ attention, offering exciting opportunities—but also significant risks. With digital assets still relatively new and regulations evolving, scammers are taking advantage of gaps in knowledge and security. In recent months, we’ve seen a rise in sophisticated cryptocurrency scams that have cost investors millions. If you’re considering investing in crypto, it’s important … Continued
The Social Security Fairness Act: What It Means for Your Financial Plan
A new era for Social Security brings both opportunities and challenges – here’s how to stay prepared. Social Security retirement and survivor benefits form the foundation of financial security for millions of Americans. As of November 2024, over 60 million retirees, eligible dependents, and survivors received Social Security benefits. For beneficiaries aged 65 and older, … Continued