When most people think about wealth, they picture numbers on a bank statement. But according to fee-only financial planner Darren Zagarola, true wealth is about something much bigger—freedom, purpose, and living life on your own terms. In this candid conversation, Darren shares how redefining wealth can change not just your finances, but your future.
Latest Insights Article
IRS Delays RMD Clarity for Inherited Retirement Accounts (Again)
Retirement plans usually require that minimum distributions be taken each year after a certain age. This includes Inherited IRAs, but these laws keep changing. Now, the IRS has again delayed a decision around this timeline. Here’s what you need to know if you are the beneficiary of an Inherited IRA.
Should You Buy or Lease Your Next Car?
Thinking of getting a new car? There are so many decisions to make about the make, model and your favorite options. An important financial consideration is whether to buy or lease your next car. Let’s explore the pros and cons.
Managing Money
When individuals mention the person who “manages my money,” they are often referring to the person who handles their investments. But the action of managing money goes far beyond investing. Here’s what you should know.
Celebrating a Market Anniversary: The Day the Dow Hit 10,000
It was 25 years ago today, March 29th, 1999, that the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) topped the 10,000 mark for the first time. It was a monumental moment for the stock market. And now, with the Dow Industrials approaching 40,000, it’s a good time to look back at what happened then, what has happened since, and what it all means.
Retirement Plan Contribution Deadlines
As the tax filing deadline approaches, it is important to understand the deadlines for retirement plan contributions. Depending on your retirement plan type, the contribution deadline may differ.
March Isn’t Just About Shamrocks!
It’s true – St. Patrick’s Day is probably the most popular holiday in March. But did you know about St. Joseph’s Day? In fact, there are dozens of holidays and observances in March that you may never have heard of!
Navigating Tax Payments in Retirement: Estimated Taxes and Alternatives
Retirement changes your income – and your tax obligations. But retirement won’t eliminate your tax obligations. Learn who needs to make estimated tax payments in retirement, and some tips for avoiding it.
It’s Not the Size of the Gift That Matters
How much does it take to make a difference in someone’s life? How much money do you need to make a “transformational” impact? Every gift, no matter how big or small, can have a great multiplier effect. Keep reading. It may inspire you to see how you too can make a difference.
Should You Carry a Mortgage into Retirement?
As many of us approach retirement, one of the key financial questions homeowners face is: should you pay off your mortgage before crossing into this exciting new phase of life? There’s no easy answer. You must consider many variables, weighing both financial and psychological factors.
The Rules of Personal Record Retention
Personal record retention is always a hot topic as individuals seek to downsize their homes or simply need to purge a closet. There are certain types of documents that need to be saved, and this article outlines the specifics.
Preparing for Change: The Federal Estate Tax Exclusion and Estate Planning
Estate tax will be a hot topic as we approach December 31, 2025. Currently, the exemption amount is $13.61 million per person. However, current estate laws are set to expire, sunsetting back to the laws in effect pre-2017, and reducing the lifetime federal estate and gift tax exclusion by approximately half.
Top Ten List of Resolutions for Financial Success
New Year’s Resolutions are popular to make, but they are easily – and frequently – broken. But when it comes to being financially independent, it’s important to make some resolutions you can keep. Here’s EKS Associates’ Top 10 List of Resolutions for Financial Success.