Taxes can be confusing, but working with a CPA early helps avoid last-minute stress. Key tax forms to bring include W-2s, 1099s (NEC, R, SSA), and investment forms like 5498 and 1099-Composite. Understanding these forms ensures accurate filing. For guidance or help with your 2025 taxes, Whitaker-Myers Tax Advisors is ready to assist you through the process.

Tax loss harvesting helps offset gains by selling investments at a loss, reducing taxes in taxable accounts. Retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s are tax-favored and don’t require this strategy. For maxed-out retirement savings, consider taxable accounts. Consult financial advisors to navigate tax loss harvesting effectively and avoid costly mistakes. Need guidance? Contact our Whitaker-Myers team to optimize your investment strategy.

Reflections on my visit to PIMCO Headquarters - fixed income, trade policy and tariffs

College financial aid season is here, but cuts to programs like Pell Grants and Work-Study could shrink student aid. Proposed changes to student loans, including eliminating Parent PLUS Loans, may increase costs for families. Parents should understand aid offers, know what to negotiate, and avoid debt that risks their retirement. Exploring state schools, community colleges, and scholarships can help manage costs. Speak with a financial advisor to plan smart for college.

Understanding the business cycle helps investors make smarter financial decisions during market uncertainty. While we can't control the economy, we can plan with discipline—by staying invested, rebalancing portfolios, managing expectations, and maintaining emergency funds. Market cycles may be more volatile, but a resilient, diversified portfolio helps weather all phases. Don’t try to time the market—plan wisely and stay focused on long-term goals.

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) helps lenders reduce risk when borrowers put down less than 20%. Types include BPMI (monthly payments), LPMI (built into interest rates), and Lump-Sum PMI (paid upfront). PMI can be removed once equity reaches 20% or by refinancing. Though PMI opens doors to homeownership, it’s a cost to the borrower that only protects the lender. Saving a full 20% down can help avoid PMI and save money long-term.

Major life changes like marriage, divorce, childbirth, or the death of a loved one make it essential to update your beneficiaries. Outdated designations can lead to legal disputes, delays, and unintended asset distribution. Keeping beneficiaries current ensures your estate plan remains effective, avoids probate, and protects your loved ones. Regular reviews align your wishes with your evolving life and financial goals.

Tax loss harvesting is the strategy of selling investments at a loss to offset capital gains and reduce your tax bill. Understanding capital gains brackets—especially with the 2025 thresholds—can help retirees and middle-income earners potentially avoid taxes altogether. Timing and spreading gains across years, as well as offsetting with losses, can maximize savings. A financial advisor can help tailor strategies to fit your income and goals.

Combat pay is tax-exempt at the federal level but still subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes. Service members can contribute this income to their TSP, with Roth TSP being the most beneficial option—offering both tax-free contributions and tax-free growth. Contributions from combat pay don’t count toward annual limits, allowing greater retirement savings potential. Keep records of your pay and consult a financial advisor to track and manage TSP rollovers effectively.

After discovering Dave Ramsey 30 years ago, my wife and I transformed our finances—and our future. Today, as a Ramsey Master Financial Coach and Financial Advisor at Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers, I help others do the same. A monthly budget is vital at every stage, from getting out of debt to planning for retirement. It puts you in control of your money. Want help creating a personalized budget? Let’s build a strategy that works for you. Schedule a meeting today.

Sequence of return risk—the timing of investment returns near retirement—can significantly impact portfolio longevity. Losses early in retirement are far more damaging than losses later. Investors approaching the “Retirement Red Zone” should reduce risk exposure and consider tools like income annuities, buffer assets, and diversified portfolios. A trusted financial advisor can help build a plan to retire with confidence and stability.

When comparing portfolio returns to benchmarks like the S&P 500, it’s crucial to ensure a proper match in asset composition. The coefficient of determination (R²) measures how well a benchmark fits your portfolio—an R² of 0.70 or higher suggests a good match. However, no single metric should drive decisions. At Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers, our research team uses tools like R² to guide informed, holistic financial planning. Connect with an advisor to learn more.

Homeowners who install energy-efficient systems like heat pumps, skylights, or biomass stoves may qualify for the Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit—worth up to 30% of the cost. Caps apply, such as $2,000 for heat pumps and $600 for windows. To claim it, file IRS Form 5695 with your tax return. Before starting home upgrades, consult a tax professional to ensure eligibility. Whitaker Myers offers financial and tax guidance to help you save more this tax season.

Starting your financial journey as a young adult begins with building a budget and following Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps—starting with a $1,000 emergency fund and progressing toward saving 15% for retirement. Use a money market fund for emergency savings and take advantage of employer retirement plans and Roth IRAs for long-term growth. The earlier you start, the better. For personalized help, connect with a Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers financial advisor today.

Over the next 20 years, an estimated $84 trillion will transfer from baby boomers to their heirs—marking the largest wealth shift in U.S. history. This transition, driven by 401(k)s, rising home values, and disciplined savers, will reshape the economy and widen the wealth gap. For those expecting an inheritance, now is the time to meet with a financial advisor to plan wisely, maximize tax efficiency, and set long-term goals. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers can help you prepare

Without a will, you die “intestate,” leaving state courts to decide how your estate is divided—often in unintended ways. Dave Ramsey emphasizes having a proper estate plan, preferably through a legally valid will. There are various types, including holographic, nuncupative, and statutory wills. While wills ensure your wishes are on paper, they also go through probate, which can be contested. For guidance, Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers partners with Encore Estate Planning to

Technology now makes up about 32% of the S&P 500, highlighting its dominance in the U.S. economy and markets. In 2024, strong demand for AI, semiconductors, and cloud computing fueled growth for firms like NVIDIA and Microsoft. However, this concentration poses risks—tech’s heavy influence can create volatility and distort the index's representation of the broader economy. Investors should review their diversification and risk exposure with an advisor.

John-Mark Young earns the ChFC designation from the American College of Financial Services

For self-employed individuals and small business owners, SEP IRAs and Solo 401(k)s offer powerful, tax-advantaged retirement savings beyond traditional IRAs. SEP IRAs are simpler to set up and ideal for businesses with employees, while Solo 401(k)s allow higher contributions and catch-up options for owners with no employees. Each has unique rules and benefits—consult a Whitaker-Myers advisor to choose the best fit for your retirement goals.

Tim Hilterman gets a shout out on the EntreLeadership Podcast.