Howard Hook recently spoke at Temple Emeth in Teaneck as part of the 2025 Life Hacks lecture series, sharing practical retirement planning strategies and strategic approaches to charitable giving that help families preserve independence while making a meaningful impact.
Latest Insights Article
Howard Hook Featured in ‘Ask NJ Money Help’ Tax Planning Q&A
A reader recently submitted a question to the ‘Ask NJ Money Help’ column asking how to lower their daughter’s taxes. Howard Hook was invited to weigh in. His response breaks down the difference between tax liability and tax withholding, and offers practical guidance families can use. Read the full Q&A on NJMoneyHelp.com.
Howard Hook and Darren Zagarola Offer New Course on Roth IRAs
The seminar, “Demystifying the Roth IRA,” breaks down how Roth IRAs work and why they may be a smart move for your retirement strategy.
Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap): Do You Need It?
Medicare offers a strong foundation, but it doesn’t cover everything. Medigap can help fill those coverage gaps by reducing unpredictable medical bills and providing more financial stability in retirement. Learn how Medigap works, what it covers, and how to choose the right plan for your needs.
How to Spot Financial Scams Before You Fall Victim
With scam tactics evolving fast in 2025, now is the time to sharpen your radar. This article walks you through the red flags of today’s financial frauds and practical steps you can take to stay ahead.
Understanding the Real Costs of Medicare
Many retirees are surprised to discover that Medicare isn’t free. Each part—A, B, C, and D—comes with unique premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs. This article breaks down what you’ll pay and offers smart ways to plan for these expenses in retirement.
IRMAA Demystified: What High-Income Retirees Need to Know in 2025
IRMAA can raise your Medicare costs if you’re a high-income retiree. Here’s what to know for 2025 and how to plan ahead wisely.
Medicare 101: What You Need to Know Before You Enroll
Medicare is one of the biggest transitions in retirement. Whether you’re turning 65 or still working, this guide explains what each part covers, how to enroll, and how to avoid common mistakes that can impact your financial plan.
Medicare Open Enrollment Is Coming: An Overview
Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7. Learn what changes you can make, who should review their plans, and how your choices fit into your overall financial plan. Our advisors explain what you need to know — and what’s coming next in our Medicare Education Series.
Patience Pays: What Market History Teaches Us About Staying the Course
When markets dip, it’s easy to panic. But history shows that downturns are temporary and recoveries are powerful. Here’s why staying invested is often the best path to long-term success.
Howard Hook Speaks to Hadassah Members About Charitable Giving Strategies
Fee-only financial planner, Howard Hook, recently spoke at a Hadassah Southern New Jersey virtual event on “Taxes and Giving Strategies with Your IRA.” He shared practical ways to use IRA distributions to support charities while reducing taxes, offering members valuable insight into aligning giving with personal values and financial goals.
Using QCDs to Reduce Taxes and Support Charities in Retirement
What if you could lower your retirement tax bill and make a lasting difference at the same time? For retirees over age 70½, that’s exactly what a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) offers. By directing required withdrawals from your IRA straight to charity, you can reduce taxable income and put your money to work for the causes you care about most.
90 Years of Social Security: What It Means for You Today
Social Security has turned 90! For nearly a century, this program has provided a reliable source of income for retirees, people with disabilities, and families who have lost a loved one. But what role should it play in your retirement strategy? Learn how Social Security benefits work, when it makes sense to claim, and how to weave it into a broader plan for long-term financial security.