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The Gift of Giving: Year-End Charitable Strategies

As the end of the year draws closer and the holiday season approaches, our thoughts often turn to generosity and gratitude. Year-end giving is not only a way to spread joy and hope, but also a strategic opportunity to align your philanthropic goals with your financial well-being. Let’s explore the power of year-end giving, delving … Continued

Welcome Mike and Bruce!

This month, we welcomed not one, but two, new hires to the team! Mike Maberry Mike Maberry is a new Relationship Manager in our Bangor, Maine, office. Mike came to Means after working for almost 15 years in the higher education industry, most recently at Husson University. Mike grew up in Western Maine but has … Continued

Cybersecurity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

It’s hard to read the news lately without hearing something about Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI, by definition, is computer technology which, when combined with ever increasing computing speed and efficiency, search engine capabilities and virtually unlimited data, enables simulated functionality commonly associated with intelligent beings. In its simplest form, artificial intelligence is the ability of … Continued

Insurance Planning

June 28th is National Insurance Awareness Day, which for most people probably ranks up there with other June holidays like National Prune Day (June 15) or National Parchment Day (also June 28). But insurance and insurance planning are an important, yet often overlooked, part of everyone’s overall financial plan. Having appropriate protections against the risks … Continued

The Value of Working with a Registered Investment Advisor

When it comes to managing one’s wealth, the guidance and expertise of a registered investment advisor (RIA) can be invaluable. Here, we will outline some of the key benefits of working with an RIA: Fiduciary Duty and Client-Centric Approach Unlike certain financial professionals who may prioritize their own commissions or sales incentives, RIAs are required … Continued

Silicon Valley Bank – What Happened?

You may have seen recent news regarding the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). In light of this event, we wanted to provide you with some information regarding the event itself and provide some information regarding the protection you have embedded within the accounts you hold at Fidelity. Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) – What Happened: … Continued

SECURE Act 2.0 – What Savers Need to Know

On December 29, 2022, President Joe Biden signed into law the SECURE Act 2.0 (the 2.0 Act) as part of the $1.7 trillion, 4,155-page 2023 omnibus spending bill. The 2.0 Act is referred to as the “SECURE Act 2.0” because it builds off the original SECURE Act, which was passed by Congress in 2019. Like … Continued

SECURE Act 2.0 – What Employers Need to Know

On December 29, 2022, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, also known as the SECURE Act 2.0 (the 2.0 Act), which includes several changes that impact employers, employees, and workplace retirement plans in general. The 2.0 Act includes at least 90 changes to retirement plans, so we thought it would be useful to summarize below, … Continued

Prioritizing and Planning for a Successful 2023

By:  Jamie Stone, Chief Planning Officer “The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.” —Abraham Lincoln As we begin a New Year, many of us have a desire to accomplish or do certain things during the year ahead. These “resolutions” can come fast and furious – exercise more, … Continued

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