Financial planning insights, tax strategy, and retirement guidance from Felton & Peel Wealth Management.
June 4, 2026
Most of us see the end of tax season as a big relief. The return-related commercials interrupting your favorite TV shows, the endless paper forms in your physical mailbox, and the repetition of your CPA’s name in your email inbox — hounding you for last-minute receipts — all come to a halt. But...
April 30, 2026
For years, reverse mortgages carried a reputation problem. They were often marketed as a last-ditch fix for retirees in trouble, which led many advisors and families to dismiss them outright. That broad-brush reaction misses the more useful truth: a reverse mortgage is not automatically good or...
April 2, 2026
When people picture retirement, they usually think in round numbers — Can we live on $8,000 a month? Will the portfolio last 30 years? — and familiar budget lines: housing, groceries, travel, a little fun, maybe some help for kids or grandkids. What often doesn’t show up at all? The cost of...
March 5, 2026
The word “audit” has a way of tightening shoulders. The tension-relieving truth? The vast majority of returns aren’t audited. And when the IRS (or “the Service”) does reach out, it’s usually because something didn’t match: a form the Service already has on file, a number that looks out of step,...
February 5, 2026
Most people haven’t heard of Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs). And that’s a shame, because these little-known vehicles might be the secret sauce to preserving (and perhaps even growing) family wealth. An ILIT can turn an ordinary life insurance policy into a multi-tasking estate...
December 12, 2025
The student loan system is undergoing its biggest overhaul in decades, and the changes will reshape how families pay for college. With the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s new student loan legislation going into effect next year, both parents and students will face stricter borrowing limits, fewer...
November 6, 2025
In most cases, keeping your retirement savings untouched until age 59½ is the right idea. For one thing, it’s the nest egg you and your family will live on during your golden years — and usually, an early withdrawal means a 10% penalty on top of ordinary income taxes. But sometimes, life happens...
October 7, 2025
With the signing of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) in mid-2025, the federal estate tax threshold is making a leap to $15 million per person in 2026. Even better (for wealthy estates), the higher exemption is slated to remain in place permanently — there’s no automatic “sunset” that would...
September 4, 2025
When financial emergency strikes, your emergency fund should always be your first line of defense. That stash of cash is specifically there for life’s surprises — and it’s ideally kept in a non-volatile, highly liquid account (like a high-yield savings account or money market fund) so you can...
July 31, 2025
When job security feels uncertain, the smart play is to shore up your finances now so you don’t have to scramble later. Every dollar you save or debt payment you defer is extra breathing room if income slows down. Below, you’ll find five strategic actions to shield your nest egg from a volatile...
June 30, 2025
Completing a long, fulfilling career is a feat that’s well worth celebrating. Retirement should offer financial clarity, not costly surprises or unexpected tax bills. Yet for many Americans, common—but often overlooked—tax codes can quietly reduce the income they worked so hard to build....
May 29, 2025
Bear markets are an inevitable part of the investing journey—uncomfortable, yes, but not uncommon. Whether you’re nearing retirement, growing your portfolio, or just trying to stay calm amidst a flurry of scary headlines, knowing how to navigate a down market is just as important as knowing how...
May 1, 2025
By now, almost everyone has heard of Bitcoin. Understanding Bitcoin? That’s a different story. It may be easy to nod along when crypto comes up in the conversation, but the basics still trip even the most savvy investors up. Whether you’re skeptical, curious, or somewhere in between, these five...
April 10, 2025
“Kids these days,” you might hear someone say—a clause usually accompanied by some less-than-charitable conclusion. But compared to past generations, kids these days are facing a unique amalgam of financial challenges—and not always in the ways you’d expect. In a world where budgeting apps,...
March 7, 2025
If you said words like “Bitcoin” or “Ethereum” to the average American ten years ago, they might have asked you to repeat yourself—or simply rolled their eyes. If they weren’t out of the loop entirely, they might have dismissed cryptocurrency as a fad. But in 2025, crypto has gained traction as...
February 7, 2025
If you’ve been following along here on the blog, the SECURE 2.0 Act probably sounds familiar. We’ve explored some of its provisions and the ways they stand to change retirement planning for the better. Though some of the Act’s provisions were enacted immediately upon its passing in 2022, others...
December 6, 2024
When it comes to something as important as retirement, you want to feel like you’re on top of your game. But as of 2024, more than half of Americans feel they’re behind when it comes to retirement savings—and over a third feel they’re significantly behind. For older savers, the problem is more...
November 8, 2024
Over the last few years, healthcare costs for Americans have been a hot topic—but FSAs and HSAs are often overlooked. Still, they’re quite common: 72% of private industry employees and 89% of governmental employees are offered some form of medical care benefits in the workplace, and many of...
October 3, 2024
Annuities have been a popular investment option for a long, long time. The first recorded fixed annuity in the U.S., offered to Pennsylvanian Presbyterian ministers and their families, dates back to 1759. Archeological evidence suggests annuities, of a type, were also present in ancient Egypt...
September 3, 2024
How many full-time jobs have you had in your lifetime? (Yes, including that time you were a barista right after undergrad?) Chances are, for each of them, you’ve contributed to a workplace retirement plan such as a 401(k), 403(b), or 457. And while the coffee-shop coffer might be miniscule, the...
August 8, 2024
You’ve probably heard of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) — one of the most disruptive tax code changes of our lifetimes. You might not know, though, that the change is scheduled to sunset on the last day of 2025. One easily overlooked part of that repeal? The reversion of the estate […]
July 10, 2024
Retirement can be a polarizing topic. Some savers feel a thrill when they think of it—they’re already imagining themselves enjoying a Mai Tai in Bora Bora. Others, though, are filled with dread and uncertainty. And some avoid the subject altogether. No matter where you fall on this spectrum,...
June 2, 2024
For novice investors, stock market volatility can be like riding a roller coaster for the first time. You don’t know exactly where it’s going, and some of the twists, turns, and unexpected drops can leave you kind of queasy. But more seasoned investors know the stock market isn’t really as...
April 30, 2024
When you hear the words private foundation, a few things may immediately come to mind—scholarships and grants for students, fundraising events, programs and initiatives, and galas. The common denominator? Philanthropic intent. (And, yes, tax benefits for donors.) While donating to public...
April 8, 2024
Divorce is emotionally challenging enough before you factor in its financial implications. But from legal fees and asset division to potential alimony and child support payments, the fiscal aftermath of divorce can extend far beyond the dissolution of the marriage. Fortunately, you don’t have to...
March 13, 2024
Historically, the end of the year has been the quintessential time for investors to look for tax-loss harvesting strategies. Not only does year’s end serve as an ideal time to review portfolios for winners and losers, but it can also help advisors target the exact amount of loss they need to...
February 7, 2024
Lately, there seems to be a little more than just coffee brewing in many American households. With inflation bringing spending decisions to the forefront, a budgeting war is also bubbling in kitchens across the States. The cause of the war? Determining whether inflation or lifestyle creep is...
January 9, 2024
Few words strike fear into the hearts of American earners as quickly as IRS audit or tax bill. In fact, even more favorable-sounding terms, like capital gain distributions and interest income, can cause a bit of hysteria among taxpayers. Given recent economic changes like rising interest rates...
December 6, 2023
One of the most powerful tax reforms of our lifetimes, 2017’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) has many key provisions scheduled to sunset on December 31st, 2025. Although the news has been quiet on this front, the shift would influence every tax-paying citizen in America—so it’s important to...
November 10, 2023
Just one visit to the grocery store—where the aisles are suddenly stocked with candy canes and the speakers serenade shoppers with carols—proves it’s true: the holiday season is already upon us! While Americans daydream about (and shop for) their holiday plans during this time, their financial...
September 29, 2023
Section 529 Plans have long been the archetypal college-savings investment vehicle for American families, and with great reason. Also known as qualified tuition programs (QTPs), 529s offer a triple tax advantage: contributions may be tax-deductible at the state level, you can enjoy tax-free...
August 29, 2023
In April 2022, Governor Kemp signed House Bill 1437 (HB1437) into law, replacing Georgia’s current progressive income tax with a flat-rate income tax. Effective January 1, 2024, the flat tax in Georgia will start at 5.49% and decrease by 0.1% over five years until it reaches 4.99% in 2029. The...
August 3, 2023
In July 2023, the Department of Education issued final regulations for the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan. SAVE is President Biden’s new income-driven repayment (IDR) plan, replacing the Revised Pay as You Earn (REPAYE) program. Alphabet soup aside, the Department of Education...
July 5, 2023
Risk is one of the most pervasive themes we encounter in our lives. Whether we’re looking to avoid the risk of legal action in business, reduce the exposure of loss from a transaction, or protect an asset, Vice Chairman of IBM Gary Cohn’s quote still rings true: “If you don’t invest in risk...
June 8, 2023
Since passing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2017, American lawmakers have been on a relentless tear creating new legislation that affects our finances. One of the most impactful new laws was The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act of 2019, which changed how the U.S....
May 4, 2023
In the late 1900s, saving for your child was fairly simple. Often, family members gave kids government savings bonds, and parents or guardians may have opened a traditional savings account in their child’s name. Today, parents have significantly more options; what was once a simple task can now...
April 14, 2023
Having grown up in the 80s and 90s, I have a lot of fond memories of our economy. I often tell my children how $1 could buy me 100 pieces of candy and how $5 could fill up my tank — and we could ride all week! I also remember how most Americans would love […]
March 3, 2023
The holiday high of good food, presents, and warm memories with loved ones has finally worn off, and we’re heading full-steam into springtime. That means longer days, fresh flowers, and warmer weather are ahead — but also Tax Day. If you’re not careful, tax season can easily creep up on you, and...
December 2, 2022
It is already that time of the year again and the holiday season is almost upon us. While this year might look a little different due to some normalcy since the pandemic, some things haven’t changed when it comes to proper planning. There may be many to-dos on your financial planning list in the...
November 4, 2022
As the year comes to a close, finding last-minute strategies to lower your overall tax burden should be top of mind. This is especially true in retirement, when tax write-offs are few and far between. An often underused strategy for retirees is implementing a qualified charitable distribution...
October 6, 2022
A comprehensive financial plan should include estate planning, but many people overlook it. By most estimates, 50% to 60% of Americans don’t have an estate plan. Many of those who have taken action on their estate planning may believe that it simply means obtaining a last will and testament. But...
September 7, 2022
As you think about your golden years, it’s important to consider your ideal retirement age — one that reflects your hopes for retirement but is also rooted in the reality of your financial status. And the truth is, we should be thinking about our preferred retirement age well before we’re close...
July 29, 2022
The halfway point of the year is the perfect time to check in on your finances. Use this time to see what progress you’ve made on the goals you set at the beginning of 2022 and what adjustments might be necessary. These midyear check-ins don’t have to be needlessly complicated or stressful....
June 2, 2022
Planning your summer vacation can be a daunting task. But who doesn’t need a break from reality now and then? While you might be tempted to go all out on an extravagant vacation, it’s essential to keep your budget in mind. In fact, the average cost of a one-week trip in the U.S. for one […]
May 4, 2022
The 2022 tax deadline is officially behind us — phew! And now that the hard part’s over, the fun part begins. Many Americans were fortunate enough to receive a tax refund from Uncle Sam. In fact, the average refund so far for 2022 is $3,103! While it might be tempting to spend your refund on […]
March 31, 2022
The IRS began accepting tax returns on January 24th, so it’s official: tax season is upon us! As you’re preparing your return, there are some important changes to keep in mind—along with the usual to-dos. Here are five things we feel you should know for this tax season. Key Documents You Need To...
February 3, 2022
Income taxes drive many personal finance decisions, including saving for retirement. For higher income earners, Roth IRA conversions may be a clever way to minimize the tax burden during your golden years, which means more funds free to support you in your hard-earned time of rest. But when it...
January 6, 2022
New Year, new you, they say—so what better time to revisit your retirement planning strategy? You can make a great New Year’s resolution to prioritize retirement planning, especially if you are within ten years of clocking out for the last time. And given the financial issues so many of us have...
December 1, 2021
Selecting the right Individual Retirement Account (IRA) can be a daunting task for some, especially when it feels like there are endless options to choose from. But an IRA is worth doing a bit of homework for. These investment vehicles can be a great way to build wealth for retirement while...
November 3, 2021
As more Americans receive their COVID-19 vaccinations, some feel they can see the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. While getting more vaccines to more people is great, we are still dealing with the fiscal fallout caused by record job loss, unemployment, and multiple stimulus packages....
September 28, 2021
Since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed in 2017, Americans have been tasked with navigating an already robust tax code. As a high-income earner, the stakes are even higher if you hope to avoid tax rates as high as 37% or even 40%. High as those rates may be, there are strategies and techniques […]
September 7, 2021
Back in time, when savings could be kept under a mattress or accessed through a simple savings or checking account, it was a lot easier to grasp the components of personal finance. But today it’s no longer sufficient to understand the difference between saving and investing, or even the...
July 27, 2021
Highly-skilled managers and workers are increasingly in demand, so offering attractive incentives to entice them to stay – as well as to attract new talent – is an approach many firms are using to keep people engaged and motivated. Providing employee stock options has worked well for fresh,...
June 30, 2021
Just because you can’t hold something in your hand, put it on a wall or locate it on a map, doesn’t mean you can’t invest in it. If that seems a little ‘out there’, then hold your hat as we dive into the digital assets called Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and how they work. While the […]
June 9, 2020
Diversity. A word that we have been hearing a lot as of late. Recently, we have even seen high profile organizations like the CFP Board, release much-needed research about how “diverse” the financial planning profession really is. Although those numbers weren’t the greatest, a lot of people are...
April 27, 2020
The lack of estate planning (or a desire to make one) among African-American households is one of the most serious and consistent issues I see as a CFP® professional, amongst both my clients and my prospects. So why are African Americans not finding value in estate planning? This is a question...
June 7, 2019
I know, the entire premise of investing is to someday be like the Sage of Omaha himself, Warren Buffett. But even though you may fall short of that goal, you can still do pretty well for yourself. I often have to explain to clients why it’s not actually the best idea to increase your risk […]
February 4, 2019
Homeowner’s insurance, car insurance, health insurance… if you’re like most of our clients, chances are the last thing you want to hear about is yet another “just-in-case” policy you might need to pay for. But here at Felton & Peel, there’s a certain kind of often-forgotten coverage we sometimes...
September 21, 2018
As a formally-trained financial professional, few statements irk me more than than the following—which I’ve had the misfortune of hearing quite a few times over the last year or so: “Buy a house? Not yet; they’re way too expensive. I’m going to wait for the next housing bubble!” This comment...
September 21, 2018
The art of creating the best asset allocation for your portfolio is one that is widely covered across the internet — you’ll find no shortage of articles on the topic. But it’s a subject you can never know too much about, so as such, I’m adding my voice to the masses. In doing so, I […]
September 20, 2018
Like many people we speak to, you may have heard the financial term “donor-advised fund”, but feel confused as to what these funds actually are. Are they solely reserved for the rich? How could they work for those with less savings? When do they constitute a viable financial strategy? Unless...