Bill Brancaccio

What constitutes a gift to charity? A gift to charity is simply a gratuitous transfer of property to a charitable organization. The key is that your gift must be some kind of property–your time or personal services do not count. There are several different types of property that can be donated to charity, and a …

Charitable Gifting Read More »

If you are shopping for a financial professional, you need a good checklist of questions to ask. What you are looking for is someone who handles clients like you – and who is financially wise. As you assess a professional who manages your assets, for instance, do yourself a favor: Don’t rely on his or …

Questions to Ask A Prospective Financial Professional Read More »

Most of us go to see professionals when we’re in trouble or during times of crisis. Think about it. We go to the doctor when we’re sick. We go see a lawyer when we have a pending legal matter. We go see a counselor when we’re feeling depressed. As a financial advisor, unfortunately, I often …

When to Call Me: Times to call your financial advisor Read More »

The start of the year has come and gone. You may find that the goals and resolutions you set at the start are no longer getting the attention they deserve. Whether you are feeling your motivation waning or feel like the goal is too far off, recommitting to these goals and resolutions may be just …

Revive Your Resolve: How to Recommit to Your Goals and Resolutions Read More »

In a rush to file for Social Security benefits at age 62? Many people are – but slow down and do the math first. When it comes to claiming Social Security retirement benefits, you may want to consider waiting to start benefits when you’re 70. That means not starting benefits when you’re 62 (which is …

3 Reasons to Wait Until 70 to Claim Social Security Benefits Read More »

Teaching your children about finances may seem like a weighty topic; however, it does not have to be challenging. By opening the lines of communication early and demonstrating good financial decisions of your own, you may set your children up for success. Here are four tips for teaching money management skills to the children in …

4 Tips for Teaching Children the ABCs of Money Management Read More »

Like many people, you may associate Social Security retirement benefits with a key part of their name: retirement. However, you may continue working while drawing Social Security retirement or survivor’s benefits, and in many cases, doing so could lead to a higher overall benefit. Below, we discuss a couple of things retirees should know if …

Continuing to Work After Drawing Social Security? What Retirees Should Know Read More »

April is not just about tax season and springtime. Since 2004, April has also been Financial Literacy Month throughout the U.S. Some states also recognize it, such as Arkansas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Texas.1  This celebratory month began as Youth Financial Literacy Day, an effort to educate young people about key financial concepts that are often …

Three Ways to Celebrate Financial Literacy Month Read More »

If you are wondering what in the world a “backdoor Roth IRA” is, you’re not alone! In short, if you’ve been frustrated by the contribution limits associated with Roth IRAs, then read on – this article describes a strategy that designed to help. We all know that the IRS imposes annual contribution limits for both traditional and …

The Backdoor Roth IRA in a Nutshell Read More »

Heading to your first meeting with a new financial professional may be a lot like going on a blind date. Can you have anything in common? Can you click? Can you trust this other person with what’s most important to you? A strong relationship with your financial professional may be key in managing your finances, …

Making the Most of Your Relationship with a Financial Professional Read More »