Blog

Last Minute Tips Before Tax Day

March 25, 2022

Fewer things are more reliable than tax day, even if the deadline has shifted around a bit in recent years. This year, it's April 18th for most taxpayers, and recent legislation changes include substantial increases to standard deduction amounts and modifications to itemized deductions.

2021 - Focus on financial goals

February 3, 2021

We wish you a happy new year! Despite a crazy year or perhaps because of it, many Americans will be making financial resolutions for 2021. If you would like to put some of this year's focus on financial goals but haven't identified yours, read further for ideas.

Things You Can Do With an IRA But Not a 401(k)

December 3, 2020

There are a few important differences between 401(k)s and IRAs. While both vehicles share some similarities such as tax-deferred retirement savings, IRA accounts have some benefits that 401(k) do not.

Fall: A Season of Change and a Time to Plan

November 6, 2020

As the leaves fall and the sweaters come out, autumn is typically the time of year when many are feeling the financial effects of the previous ten months.

Tips to Protect Against Cyber Crime

October 21, 2020

The pandemic has showcased how much we rely on the internet. It's possible to virtually work from home, shop, attend religious service and stay connected with family and friends. Here are a few ways you can protect yourself from hacks, scams, and malware.

A Taxing Story: Capital Gains (and Losses)

August 27, 2020

Comedian Chris Rock once remarked, "You don't pay taxes; they take taxes." That applies not only to income, but also to capital gains. Learn more about how long- and short-term capital gains are taxed, and where losses fit in.

A Look at Diversification

August 13, 2020

Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk. Learn more about how to add diversification to your investment portfolio.

An Investment Decision Not Made is Still a Decision

August 6, 2020

It can feel overwhelming to make decisions about your investments, including your 401(k). However, almost any decision is better than no decision at all. Learn why it's important not to ignore your investments and what you can do to take action.

9 Surprising Facts About Social Security

August 5, 2020

Social Security has been a fact of retirement life ever since it was established in 1935. We all think we know how it works, but how much do you really know? Here are nine facts that might surprise you.

9 Surprising Facts About Retirement

August 5, 2020

Retirement can have many meanings. Regardless of whether you plan to travel, start a new job, or just relax, here are nine things about retirement that might surprise you.

The Cost of Procrastination on Saving for Retirement

July 9, 2020

Everyone procrastinates, and we know it's detrimental for any number of good reasons. Waiting to save for retirement can really hurt the future you, so read on to learn just how much.

3 Reasons It Might Make Sense to Covert to a Roth IRA in 2020

July 2, 2020

Roth IRAs can be particularly beneficial for financial planning in the current tax and economic environment. Read on to see if this option might make sense for you.

4 of Our Favorite Personal Finance Blogs

June 25, 2020

Blogs on personal finance can help address your day-to-day and long-term financial life concerns and goals. Read on for a list of our favorites!

Our Commitment to Listen and Learn about Racial Injustice

June 19, 2020

We know that as a society, we ALL must do better. Our team’s first small step is to share some of the videos, blog posts, podcasts, books, and websites we’ve been reviewing about racial injustice in order to find a way to move forward.

How Long Should You Keep Financial Records?

June 12, 2020

This is a great time of year to clean out your financial paperwork since you've filed (or will soon file) your 2019 tax returns. Here are some tips on what to keep, and for how long.

Stay-at-Home Spouse? Consider a Spousal IRA

June 5, 2020

An ongoing study shows that women, on average, have lower retirement savings balances than men. One reason is the decision to stay home to raise children. Learn about how spousal IRAs can help to close this gap.

COVID-19 Legislation that Benefits Working Families

May 22, 2020

Here are key takeaways of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act that directly support families during the COVID-19 crisis.

Emotional Resilience During the COVID-19 Crisis

May 13, 2020

Any unpredictable situation in life is likely to bring emotional challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s definitely no shortage of them. Read on for tips on how to better cope.

Financial Life a Struggle? Book a No-Cost Financial Coaching Session!

May 10, 2020

Worried about your business or personal finances in the time of coronavirus? Schedule a no-cost financial coaching session with one of our financial advisors today!

Take Back Control of Your Financial Life in the Time of Coronavirus

May 1, 2020

Take steps today to get your financial house in order and take back control of your financial life! Here are five steps you can take today to feel better about your financial life in the time of coronavirus.

Will vs. Trust: Know the Difference

April 30, 2020

We often hear confusion from clients about not only why wills and trusts are important, but the difference between the two, and how to decide which option makes sense for your legacy.

COVID-19 Update: Flattening Curves, Reopening

April 24, 2020

The curve of overall COVID-19 infections continues to flatten, although there may be daily spikes and developments may be uneven by region. While the short-term news about the market is expected to be negative, longer term outlook remains more positive.

Coronavirus and the Global Economy

March 2, 2020

What does the coronavirus outbreak mean for the financial markets? While nobody knows for certain, it can be helpful to know how the market has reacted up to this point, and what may be ahead.

Socially Responsible Investing: Aligning Your Money with Your Values

February 14, 2020

In honor of Valentine's Day, this post talks about the growing interest in sustainable, responsible, and impact (SRI) investing (also called socially responsible investing). Read on or contact our advisors for more information.

Could You Survive a No-Spend Month?

January 31, 2020

There's a new trend going around to take on a 30-day challenge to spend money only on necessities such as rent, utilities, and groceries. Read on to learn more about this novel approach to changing your spending habits.

For College Savings, 529 Plans Are Hard to Beat

January 17, 2020

Raising kids is hard enough (not to mention expensive), so why not make things easier for yourself when it comes to saving for college? Read on for information on the benefits and drawbacks of 529 plans.

Hindsight Is 2020: What Will You Do Differently This Year?

January 10, 2020

It's the time of year we look back at the previous year. According to a recent survey, 76% of Americans reported having at least one financial regret. If this sounds like you, read on for solutions to help you move forward!

Annual Market Review for 2019

January 3, 2020

The year began with the government stymied by a shutdown and ended with articles of impeachment levied against the president. In between, a lot happened, both here and abroad. Read on for our 2019 market review.

8 Ways to Quickly Whittle Down College Debt

October 31, 2019

Last year, college seniors graduated with a diploma, a well-paying job (hopefully), and an average student loan debt of a whopping $29,200. Read on for tips on how to pay down college (or other) debt more quickly to relieve the burden of seemingly never-ending monthly payments.

Do Millennials Need Life Insurance?

October 22, 2019

The financial challenges millennials face can be overwhelming. Between figuring out how to pay off college loans, save to buy a home or start a family, and sock away money for retirement., it can be easy to overlook life insurance. Read on to find out why this isn't a smart idea.

Balancing 401(k) and HSA Contributions

October 11, 2019

Hopefully you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to contribute to both a 401(k) and a health savings account (HSA) through your employer. If you're wondering how best to take advantage of them, read on for some tips about how best to take advantage of these two employer benefits.

Five Times in Your Life When You Might Need Help with Your Finances

October 8, 2019

Did you just get engaged? Do you have children? Are you buying a new home? Are you wondering when you can retire? Read on for tips on how to navigate these life transitions.

Eleven Ways to Help Yourself Stay Sane in a Crazy Market

August 28, 2019

Keeping your cool can be hard to do when the market's on a roller-coaster ride. That's why useful to have strategies in place that prepare you both financially and psychologically to handle market volatility. Read on for 11 tips to help you put things into perspective.

How Much Money Should a Family Borrow for College?

July 10, 2019

There is no magic formula to determine how much you or your child should borrow for college. But there is such a thing as borrowing too much. How much is too much? Read on to find out.

Is It Time to Declare Your Financial Independence?

June 28, 2019

It's almost the 4th of July, so we thought it apt to share some tips about how to work towards your own independence--financial independence, that is! No matter how much money you have or which life stage you're in, becoming financially independent starts with a dream. Read on to learn more.

Have You Checked Your Tax Withholding Lately?

June 20, 2019

If you were unpleasantly surprised by the amount of tax you owed or the amount of your tax refund when you filed your 2018 tax return, it may be time to check your withholding. Read on for some tips on what to look for.

9 Things a Business Owner Should Know After Tax Reform

March 15, 2019

As a business owner, you should be aware of some recent federal tax legislation changes. Many of the changes can affect the bottom line for the business as well as you as the business owner — some in a good way and some in a bad way. Read on to learn more.

Women: Are You Planning for Retirement with One Hand Tied Behind Your Back?

March 1, 2019

Women can face unique challenges when planning for retirement. Read on for tips on how to overcome them.

Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2019

February 15, 2019

As we recover from the holidays and get through some dark and cold winter days, most of us are getting prepared to file our taxes. Every year, the Internal Revenue Service announces cost-of-living adjustments that affect contribution limits for retirement plans and various tax deduction, exclusion, exemption, and threshold amounts.

What Are the Costs of the Government Shutdown?

February 8, 2019

The longest government shutdown in U.S. history ended after 35 days on January 25, 2019. Read on for a look at the estimated cost to the U.S. economy, as well as the effect on public safety and other government services.

Don't Let Market Headlines Get the Best of Your Emotions

January 4, 2019

There were certainly a lot of news headlines during the holidays about the market. This left some of us feeling like the Grinch disrupted our Christmas cheer! Since December, we've seen a lot of volatility in the stock market. Read on to hear how we feel about the market outlook in 2019--and why it's important to temper what you read in the headlines.

Our Thoughts on Recent Market Volatility

October 30, 2018

We've seen a good deal of market volatility this month. Does this mean that it's time to worry? What are some of the possible reasons for this pullback? And, is this to be expected this time of year? Read on to find out.

Why You Need a Retirement Plan in Writing

August 8, 2018

Getting your retirement strategy down on paper may help you define just what you need to do. Many people save and invest vaguely for the future. Don't let that be you! Consider working with a financial professional on a written financial plan.

New Reports Highlight Ongoing Challenges for Social Security and Medicare

July 25, 2018

Most Americans will receive Social Security and Medicare benefits at some point in their lives. A lengthy report produced each year by the Trustees of the Social Security and Medicare Trust Funds highlight some of the financial challenges facing these programs. Read on for a summary of the report findings.

Economic Outlook: This Bull is Old, But Not Sick

July 11, 2018

While flat returns and increased market volatility may make some investors uncomfortable, we continue to see the overall economic outlook in a positive light and expect moderate growth through the end of the year. And as always, we feel staying the course is the best long-term strategy. Read on for details about the economic outlook for the remainder of 2018 and beyond.

Beware of Lifestyle Creep

June 7, 2018

Sometimes more money can mean more problems. Oftentimes, the more money people earn, the more money they tend to spend! Read on for tips on how avoid lifestyle creep!

It's Time to Spring Clean Your Finances

April 5, 2018

Spring has sprung. You know what that means. Time to spring clean! Why not get your financial house in order, too? Read on for some tips on how to get your paperwork and finances in order!

Checking In With the Markets

March 29, 2018

While tranquil periods won't last forever, one can never try to time a peak or trough in the market. Corrections can come suddenly, surprising the most astute market observers.There is no one out there that can consistently call the tops and bottoms in the market, period. However, we can think about what may be ahead.

Is Now the Time to Convert your IRA into a Roth?

March 29, 2018

There are many different ways you can shelter your savings from taxes. It is a powerful incentive for us to save for retirement. We contrast the differences between traditional and Roth IRAs, and show why it might sense given the new tax code to convert to a Roth this year.

Tips for Paying Off Credit Card Debt

March 15, 2018

Need some ideas for paying off credit card debt? Nowadays, it's easier than ever to get caught up in the cycle of credit card debt. According to the Federal Reserve, total U.S. credit card payments reached 111.1 billion in 2016, up 7.4% from 2015. Make 2018 the year you pay off your credit cards!

How to Protect Against Identity Theft

March 6, 2018

Massive computer hacks and data breaches are now common occurrences and an unfortunate consequence of living in a digital world. Here are some steps you can take to protect your personal and financial information.

What Will You Pay for Medicare in 2018?

January 24, 2018

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced the standard monthly Part B premium in 2018, which is increase from 2017. Due to a provision in the Social Security Act called the "hold harmless" rule, Medicare premiums for existing beneficiaries can't increase faster than their Social Security benefits. Read on to learn more.

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Impact on Individuals

January 18, 2018

On December 22, 2017, President Trump signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a sweeping $1.5 trillion tax-cut package that fundamentally changes the individual and business tax landscape. While many of the provisions in the new legislation are permanent, others (including most of the tax cuts that apply to individuals) will expire in eight years. Some of the major changes included in the legislation that affect individuals are summarized below.

A Brief Year in Review for 2017

December 22, 2017

As we head into the final lap, 2017 has been a banner year for stocks not just in the U.S., but around the world. The U.S. economy grew at 3.3% in Q3. S&P 500 earnings are up a solid 8.4% versus a year ago. Strong gains in the market sometimes encourage investors to plow headfirst into stocks. Others openly wonder if it’s time to move to the sidelines. Let us tell you market timing is a game best left to gamblers.

Investment Basics: Setting Your Goals

November 28, 2017

Setting goals is an important part of financial planning. Before you invest your money, you should spend some time considering and setting your personal goals. For example, do you want to retire early? Do you need to pay for a child's college education? Would you like to buy or build a new house? In addition to these, there are several other considerations that can help you and your financial professional develop your plan.

Honoring Eldon Laidig, 1932 - 2017

November 21, 2017

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our firm's longtime financial advisor and friend Eldon Laidig.

How Millennials and Baby Boomers Invest

October 31, 2017

Millennials have overtaken Baby Boomers as the largest population. Learn the investment differences and similarities that exist between the two generations.

Medicare Open Enrollment Begins October 15

October 18, 2017

What is the Medicare open enrollment period? The Medicare open enrollment period is the time during which people with Medicare can make new choices and pick plans that work best for them. Each year, Medicare plans typically change what the plans cost and cover. In addition, your health-care needs may have changed over the past year. The open enrollment period is your opportunity to switch Medicare health and prescription drug plans to better suit your needs.

The Election is Over, Now What?

October 18, 2017

The election produced an unexpected outcome and caught the markets by surprise. When a Trump victory seemed likely late in the evening on election night, Global stock markets were volatile and Dow futures saw a significant drop.

Trumped Up Market

October 18, 2017

A look at the market's reaction to the inauguration of our 45th President, and what we might expect going forward.

Ahead of the Curve on DOL Fiduciary Rule

October 18, 2017

The Department of Labor (DOL) rule was created to introduce the concept of fiduciary duty to investors. At PBS Wealth Management, we have always worked as fiduciaries by putting our investors' interests first.

Inflation and the Market

October 18, 2017

As the US and global economies expand, we are seeing inflation return. Many people are nervous that we are entering a period of hyperinflation. However, this inflation is long overdue and part of an overall cyclical trend. While it is not considered hyperinflation, it will most certainly affect the financial markets.

PBS Wealth Management Celebrates 40 Years

October 18, 2017

Since 1977, PBS Wealth Management Consultants has supported clients to meet their life goals through proper financial resource management-building trust and demonstrating commitment to investment education along the way. This milestone is a testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment of our associates.

The Equifax Data Breach

October 13, 2017

On September 7, 2017, Equifax, one of the three main credit reporting agencies, announced a massive data security breach that exposed vital personal identification data. Here's what to do to protect yourself.

The Power of Compound Interest

October 13, 2017

You know it's important to save for emergencies, your kid's college education, retirement. But why else is saving now so important? Compound interest. It's an easy way to increase what you're saving, and if you get started now, you can let compounding potentially grow your retirement savings. You'll start by earning interest on your investments, after which that interest will earn interest on itself, and so on through the years.

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Blog

Last Minute Tips Before Tax Day

2021 - Focus on financial goals

Things You Can Do With an IRA But Not a 401(k)

Fall: A Season of Change and a Time to Plan

Tips to Protect Against Cyber Crime

A Taxing Story: Capital Gains (and Losses)

A Look at Diversification

An Investment Decision Not Made is Still a Decision

9 Surprising Facts About Social Security

9 Surprising Facts About Retirement

The Cost of Procrastination on Saving for Retirement

3 Reasons It Might Make Sense to Covert to a Roth IRA in 2020

4 of Our Favorite Personal Finance Blogs

Our Commitment to Listen and Learn about Racial Injustice

How Long Should You Keep Financial Records?

Stay-at-Home Spouse? Consider a Spousal IRA

COVID-19 Legislation that Benefits Working Families

Emotional Resilience During the COVID-19 Crisis

Financial Life a Struggle? Book a No-Cost Financial Coaching Session!

Take Back Control of Your Financial Life in the Time of Coronavirus

Will vs. Trust: Know the Difference

COVID-19 Update: Flattening Curves, Reopening

Coronavirus and the Global Economy

Socially Responsible Investing: Aligning Your Money with Your Values

Could You Survive a No-Spend Month?

For College Savings, 529 Plans Are Hard to Beat

Hindsight Is 2020: What Will You Do Differently This Year?

Annual Market Review for 2019

8 Ways to Quickly Whittle Down College Debt

Do Millennials Need Life Insurance?

Balancing 401(k) and HSA Contributions

Five Times in Your Life When You Might Need Help with Your Finances

Eleven Ways to Help Yourself Stay Sane in a Crazy Market

How Much Money Should a Family Borrow for College?

Is It Time to Declare Your Financial Independence?

Have You Checked Your Tax Withholding Lately?

9 Things a Business Owner Should Know After Tax Reform

Women: Are You Planning for Retirement with One Hand Tied Behind Your Back?

Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2019

What Are the Costs of the Government Shutdown?

Don't Let Market Headlines Get the Best of Your Emotions

Our Thoughts on Recent Market Volatility

Why You Need a Retirement Plan in Writing

New Reports Highlight Ongoing Challenges for Social Security and Medicare

Economic Outlook: This Bull is Old, But Not Sick

Beware of Lifestyle Creep

It's Time to Spring Clean Your Finances

Checking In With the Markets

Is Now the Time to Convert your IRA into a Roth?

Tips for Paying Off Credit Card Debt

How to Protect Against Identity Theft

What Will You Pay for Medicare in 2018?

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Impact on Individuals

A Brief Year in Review for 2017

Investment Basics: Setting Your Goals

Honoring Eldon Laidig, 1932 - 2017

How Millennials and Baby Boomers Invest

Medicare Open Enrollment Begins October 15

The Election is Over, Now What?

Trumped Up Market

Ahead of the Curve on DOL Fiduciary Rule

Inflation and the Market

PBS Wealth Management Celebrates 40 Years

The Equifax Data Breach

The Power of Compound Interest