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Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP® Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP®

The Golden Thread: Social Connections and Vibrant Retirement

When envisioning a vibrant retirement, what comes to mind? Perhaps it's leisurely days filled with hobbies, travel, and relaxation. While these elements are undoubtedly important, there's a hidden gem that can significantly impact your golden years' quality: social connections. In this article, we'll explore the profound role that social bonds play in longevity and the keys to cultivating a vibrant retirement through meaningful relationships.

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Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP® Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP®

Investing and Saving for the Future: Your Key to Financial Freedom

Investing in your future is the key to achieving lasting financial freedom. In a world where longevity is increasing, staying ahead of inflation, and planning for a long retirement are vital to your success. By investing wisely, you secure your future, enhance your lifestyle, and create opportunities for personal and financial growth. It's about taking control of your financial story and writing the next chapter with confidence and purpose. Start your journey toward financial security today.

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Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP® Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP®

Cultivating Financial Vigilance: Nurturing Independence Through Healthy Gifting and Preventing Entitlement

One of the delicate balancing acts in gifting money to a family member involves providing support without inadvertently fostering attitudes of entitlement and financial dependency. While it's natural to want to help our loved ones in times of need, it's essential to strike a balance that encourages their financial independence and self-sufficiency. In this article, we'll explore the concept of financial vigilance, why it's crucial, and how to navigate the fine line between assisting and enabling.

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Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP® Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP®

Social Security and Medicare Updates for 2024

As we approach 2024, millions of Americans are in for significant changes in their financial landscape. The article takes a closer look at the anticipated 3.2% increase in Social Security benefits, offering a glimmer of hope for those facing rising living costs. But it doesn't stop there. Medicare enrollees should prepare for an uptick in their Part B premiums, revealing the delicate balance of managing financial security in an ever-changing world. Discover how these adjustments may impact your financial picture and the importance of having a robust financial plan in place to navigate these shifts.

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Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP® Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP®

The Power of Family Meetings: Navigating Critical Conversations

In the realm of financial planning, few actions are as crucial and often overlooked as initiating family meetings. These gatherings serve as a cornerstone for aligning family members' values, expectations, and financial plans. In this article, we'll explore the why, when, and how of calling a family meeting, emphasizing the significance of open communication, transparency, and preparedness in achieving both financial harmony and stronger familial bonds.

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Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP® Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP®

Empower Your Legacy: The Woman's Guide to Estate Planning

Estate planning is a fundamental financial step that every woman should undertake, regardless of age or financial status. It's not just about managing wealth; it's about ensuring your wishes are honored, your loved ones are protected, and your legacy endures. Estate planning documents are especially important if you have any wealth to your name, own property, or have children. Here are ten compelling reasons why every woman should go through the estate planning process.

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Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP® Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP®

Securing Your Legacy: The Importance of Term Life Insurance

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, and there's no better time to delve into the significance of term life insurance. While it's a topic often pushed to the back burner, understanding and securing term life insurance is a vital financial step that can provide peace of mind and financial security for your loved ones. In this article, we'll explore the reasons why having term life insurance should be a priority in your financial plan.

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Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP® Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP®

The Power of Financial Self-Care: Investing in Your Well-being, Wealth, and Future

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we often forget to prioritize the most important asset we possess—ourselves. True well-being extends beyond just our physical and emotional health; it encompasses our financial health as well. Financial self-care isn't just about budgeting and saving; it's a holistic approach that intertwines emotional, physical, and financial well-being. In this article, we'll explore how these areas of self-care are interconnected to motivate you to take control of your financial future.

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Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP® Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP®

The Power of Embracing Discomfort: A Path to Financial Success

In the pursuit of financial success, one often encounters the notion that comfort zones are the enemy. It's a well-trodden path of advice: "Get comfortable with being uncomfortable." But what does it truly mean, and how does it relate to achieving financial prosperity? In this article, we'll explore the profound benefits of stepping outside your comfort zone, embracing change and uncertainty, and learning to grow personally, professionally, and financially.

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Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP® Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP®

Navigating Quarterly Taxes: Your September 15th Deadline Reminder

Quarterly taxes, also known as estimated taxes or quarterly estimated tax payments, are periodic payments made by individuals and small business owners to the IRS and state tax agencies throughout the year. They are typically due in four installments, with the deadlines falling on:

1. April 15th (for income earned in January, February, and March)

2. June 15th (for income earned in April and May)

3. September 15th (for income earned in June, July, and August)

4. January 15th of the following year (for income earned in September, October, November, and December)

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Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP® Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP®

Getting Wealthy vs. Staying Wealthy: Lessons from Celebrities

Becoming wealthy is a dream many of us share, but staying wealthy requires an entirely different set of skills and strategies. It's a journey filled with opportunities and pitfalls, and even celebrities, who seem to have it all, often find themselves in financial turmoil due to poor management or life's unexpected twists. In this article, we'll explore the stories of celebrities who soared to great financial heights only to tumble down, and we'll glean valuable lessons from their experiences. Moreover, we'll provide practical tips to not only increase your chances of success but also safeguard your wealth as it grows over time.

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Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP® Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP®

The Investor’s Playbook: The Four Pillars to Success You Can’t Ignore

When it comes to investment success, there are four pillars that stand as the cornerstones of a solid financial foundation: Asset Allocation, Rebalancing, Consistent Investing, and Diversification—collectively known as the AbCD. These principles are not just financial jargon; they are the keys to achieving your life goals and securing your financial future. In this article, we'll explore each of the AbCD pillars, along with real-world examples, to illustrate their importance in your investment strategy and the necessity of disciplined adherence.

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Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP® Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP®

The Lifestyle Expansion Dilemma: Fighting Back Against Societal Spending Expectations

With the speed of information, societal expectations often push us towards a relentless cycle of consumerism. We're bombarded with messages that encourage us to spend, upgrade, and acquire more. While there's nothing wrong with enjoying the fruits of your labor, it's essential to strike a balance that aligns with your financial goals and values. In this article, we'll explore the concept of lifestyle expansion and how you can use your willpower to resist societal spending pressures, ensuring a healthier financial future.

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Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP® Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP®

Unleash the Power of Tax-Free Growth: A Guide to Roth Conversions for Women

As women, we have a unique set of financial goals and challenges. Whether it's building a secure retirement nest egg, achieving financial independence, ensuring our resources last, or leaving a lasting legacy, we strive to make wise financial decisions. One powerful tool in our arsenal is the Roth conversion. In this article, we will explore what a Roth conversion is, why it can be beneficial for women, and what factors to consider when evaluating whether a Roth conversion is right for you.

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Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP® Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP®

The Clock is Ticking: Exploit Pre-Expiration Tax Benefits for Your Retirement Savings

Planning for retirement is a crucial aspect of securing your financial future. With the ever-changing tax landscape, it's essential to stay informed about potential opportunities that can impact your retirement savings. One strategy to consider is accelerating distributions from your tax-deferred retirement accounts before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) lower tax brackets are set to expire. In this article, we'll explore why this approach can be beneficial, how it works, and the potential advantages it offers for your tax planning future.

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Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP® Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP®

Navigating Age Milestones in Financial Planning: Your Path to a Secure Future

Navigating the age milestones in financial and retirement planning is akin to embarking on a journey with various signposts along the way. Each milestone represents a critical opportunity to make informed decisions and take action that will shape your financial future. Remember to continuously evaluate your goals, adjust your strategies, and seek guidance from financial professionals to ensure you're on track. By embracing these milestones and actively participating in your financial journey, you can create a solid foundation for a secure and fulfilling retirement.

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Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP® Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP®

How to Master Your Financial Symphony: 7 Bookkeeping Tips for Business Owners

Just as a symphony relies on each instrument playing in harmony, successful bookkeeping requires attention to detail, organization, and a balanced approach. By following these seven bookkeeping tips, you can orchestrate your financial records like a maestro, ensuring a melodious journey toward business success. Remember, maintaining accurate and up-to-date bookkeeping is not only essential for compliance but also a strategic tool that helps you make informed decisions and steer your business toward prosperity.

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Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP® Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP®

Unlocking the Right Business Structure: Safeguarding Your Assets with LLCs, C-Corps, S-Corps, and More

Choosing the right business structure is essential for protecting your assets and ensuring your business's long-term success. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each option empowers you to make an informed decision. Whether you opt for the simplicity of a sole proprietorship, the liability protection of an LLC, or the robustness of a C-Corp or S-Corp, remember to seek professional guidance to tailor your business structure to your unique needs. With the right structure in place, you can confidently embark on your entrepreneurial journey, knowing your assets are protected and your future is secure.

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Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP® Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP®

Exploring Retirement Plans for Business Owners: Choosing the Right Path to Secure Your Future

Planning for retirement is crucial for business owners, as it not only ensures their financial security but also offers benefits to employees. However, with a myriad of retirement plan options available, selecting the right one can be overwhelming. In this article, we will explore the various types of retirement plans for business owners, discussing their unique features, pros and cons, and helping you make an informed decision for your retirement goals.

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Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP® Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP®

Essential Estate Planning for Business Owners: Protecting Your Wealth and Securing Your Business Legacy

As a business owner, your estate planning needs are unique and require careful consideration. Whether you plan to sell your business to fund your retirement or pass it on as a multi-generational enterprise, it's essential to have a concrete plan for your business in your estate. We'll explore why business owners should prioritize estate planning and address specific considerations for preserving their wealth and securing the future of their business.

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