Advisor Blog
Financial Check-Up for Nurses: 3 Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
5/2022
Nurses face a few unique obstacles and common challenges that can significantly impact their salary and finances. Here's what to do about them.
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5 College Planning Mistakes to Avoid
5/2022
It’s never too early (or too late) to start planning for your child's higher education. Not sure where to start? Here are some of the most common financial mistakes parents make when it comes to college planning.
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Managing Investment Stress During Market Volatility
5/2022
When the markets are volatile, feeling hopeless about the unpredictability isn’t any help. If you’re worrying about your investments, here are some dependable ways to reduce stress and make a plan for moving forward.
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Funding Retirement Vs. Your Children’s College Education
5/2022
As many parents start ramping up their retirement planning efforts, their kids are also preparing for an important next step in life: higher education. It may seem overwhelming to manage both at once. Here's how to make some hard decisions sooner rather than later so you can plan well for both goals.
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What to Know About Investing in Small Businesses
5/2022
If you’re considering investing in a small business, here’s what you should know when making your decision.
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Save the Planet While Saving for Retirement? Options for Eco-Conscious Investing
4/2022
If you prefer to put your money where your values are, use these frameworks for investing in companies that are eco-friendly or adhere to other types of socially conscious values.
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Counteract Inflation With a Spring Cleaning of Your Finances
4/2022
If you're feeling the financial pinch of inflation (and who isn't) here's some good advice on how you might be able to free up some cash.
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How to Calculate Your Net Worth – And Why It Matters
4/2022
Net worth plays an important role in your finances, investment strategy, and ability to reach your goals – do you know yours?
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How to Build Up Your Credit Score So You Can Build Out Your Life
4/2022
Whether your credit is pretty good or not so great, taking steps to improve it can help you reach your goals much more quickly. Here’s what to know.
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Executives & Business Owners: How to Be an Effective Leader During Turbulent Times
4/2022
Business success depends on effective leadership. Here are 5 tips to remain a strong leader during challenging times:
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An Important Perspective on Women, Finances and Success
3/2022
Leisl L. Cording, CFP® is among the relatively few women in an advisory and leadership role in the financial industry. Just 25 percent of all financial advisors are women, and even fewer hold a leadership position. At just 36 years old, Cording is both. Here, she shares some of the lessons she’s learned as a woman in finance, and the advice she gives to other girls and women about finances and finding success...
Preparing for a Single Retirement? 4 Tips for Women
3/2022
Whether you’re single now or not, it pays to create a strong financial strategy so you’ll be prepared for whatever may come in the future. Here are five tips that all women can use to plan and prepare for a peaceful, financially sound retirement.
Lessons Learned from Women Business Leaders
3/2022
The picture for women in business is very interesting, and holds lessons that all business leaders (and investors) can learn from. While the world has seen an increase in women assuming leadership positions across the board, senior positions in large corporations are still primarily dominated by men. In fact, for every one company run by a woman, 13 are run by men. 1 Yet, companies run with women at the helm tend to follow a similar trend - improved performance and rising prices in stocks. Here's why...
5 Ways Women Can Financially Empower Themselves
3/2022
According to a recent study, there’s a gender gap in financial literacy between men and women. However, while women reported not knowing the answers to more financial questions than men, this wasn’t solely due to a lack of financial knowledge. Rather, it came from a lack of confidence in financial decision-making. Follow these five tips to boost your confidence and financially empower yourself or the women in your life.
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Leisl Cording Promoted to Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor at Weiss, Hale & Zahansky Strategic Wealth Advisors
2/2022
Leisl L. Cording, CFP® has been named Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor at Weiss, Hale & Zahansky Strategic Wealth Advisors (WHZ). Cording has nearly 15 years of experience working with high-net-worth individuals in multiple areas of retirement, financial, and estate planning. She has been a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Practitioner (CFP®) since 2016 and was named a Five Star Wealth Manager in 2021, the first year she was eligible for the recognition.
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Should You Add Bitcoin to Your Retirement Savings Strategy?
2/2022
With Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies becoming more mainstream, should you consider this investment choice? Here are some pros and cons to consider.
Tax Strategies for High Earners
2/2022
The more you earn, the more complicated your finances and taxes tend to become. Here's how to make sure you protect your finances and avoid overpaying in taxes now and in years to come.
Love and Money: Real Life Advice for Every Relationship Status
2/2022
Few things can stress a relationship like the issue of money. Here are some helpful financial tips to consider for various stages of a relationship.
5 Ways to Support the Black Community Through Your Spending
2/2022
How and where you choose to spend your money is a surprisingly powerful thing. As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s a great time to consider how you can be mindful and make a difference to the Black community through your spending all year long.
Need to Reduce Your Small Business Tax Bill? Try This
2/2022
If you’ve gotten an unpleasant surprise while preparing your business taxes, don’t panic. Here are five things you can still do now to try and reduce what you owe before you file.
2021 Taxes: Key Dates and Numbers
2/2022
The 2022 tax season is upon us! Time to gather your documents, note the deadlines and prepare to file your 2021 taxes. To help guide you through the process, we've put together a listing of the key dates and numbers you need to know.
Weiss, Hale & Zahansky Strategic Wealth Advisors Earn Three 2021 Five Star Wealth Manager Awards
1/2022
All three financial advisors at Weiss, Hale & Zahansky Strategic Wealth Advisors (WHZ) have been awarded the 2021 Five Star Wealth Manager Award, the largest and most widely published wealth manager award program in the financial services industry.
Nearly 3,200 Connecticut-area wealth managers were considered for the award. Less than 10 percent of those wealth managers – 272 – were selected.
Do Record High Stock Prices Predict A Crash in 2022?
1/2022
With record-high growth in stocks, many are wondering how long the trend can continue and are anxious about a subsequent crash in 2022. Here's what the data says, and how to prepare.
Nix The “Behavior Gap” Now for A Happier, Financially Healthier 2022
1/2022
Have you ever decided to do one thing, but then actually did something else entirely? That behavior gap can cost you a lot when it comes to your finances. Here's how to bridge the divide.
Retirement Savings & Budget Alert: 2022 Changes to IRAs, Social Security and Medicare
1/2022
You'll want to plan for these changes to retirement savings, Social Security and Medicare. Here's the good, the bad and the bottom line action you should take right now.
Why and How to Implement an Employee Financial Wellness Program
1/2022
Supporting your employees' financial health is beneficial for them and for your business. Here's why, and how to implement an employee financial wellness program at your business.
How to Help Your Business Do Well By Doing Good
12/2021
As a business owner, you can make a real difference for your community while also building your brand and taming your taxes. How? Through smart and strategic charitable giving strategies. Here are four important steps to enable your business to do well while also doing good for others.
6 Ways to Give to The Causes You Care About
12/2021
For many, the holidays are a time for giving back. But before you give to the causes you care about – during the holidays or at any other time – it’s important to choose the right strategy, paying close attention to potential tax and legal implications. Here are some charitable giving options, along with some important points to consider.
Gifts That Help Loved Ones Live Well
12/2021
It’s the time of year when many of us are frantically shopping online or at the mall, looking for the perfect gifts for the ones we love. But the things they might need and appreciate most aren’t always necessarily able to be boxed up and tied with a bow. In fact, there are a couple of ways to give someone you love a gift that could be life-changing for them while also providing some tax benefits for you...
8 Ways to Improve Your Finances By The New Year
12/2021
From the hope that came with reopening to the disappointment of another COVID-19 resurgence, 2021 has panned out to be another roller-coaster year. But at least in terms of your finances, there are things you can do during this last month to help position yourself to go out on an upswing – and set yourself up for a better start to 2022 as well.
Had a major life event in 2021? How it could affect your taxes.
11/2021
As 2021 comes to a close, you’re likely thinking about all that happened this year in your life. Did you get married, have a baby or buy a home – maybe even all three? As you reflect back on these happy accomplishments, don’t forget to also consider how they’ll impact your finances going forward. In particular, right now you’ll want to be aware of how they may affect your 2021 taxes so you can make any necessary adjustments before year’s end and make sure to take advantage of any new tax benefits you may be entitled to claim...
How to Lighten Your Business Tax Liability by Year’s End
11/2021
If your small business had a better year than expected, congratulations! But also beware – if your business income significantly exceeds the amount projected when figuring your quarterly estimated tax payments for this year, you could be looking at a big tax bill next April. But don’t panic. Even with only several weeks left in the year, there are still some things you can do to reduce this year’s tax burden to your business.
50 or over? How to turn your tax bill into retirement savings.
11/2021
Tax day is months away, and while most of us would rather think about holiday festivities than taxes or retirement planning, taking some time now to do just that could really pay off, especially if you’re over 50. Here’s how…
Top Year-End Investment Tips
11/2021
Do these six things now to ensure your investments (and tax liabiliy) are in the best possible position heading into the new year...
Financial Planning Tips for Military Service Members
10/2021
If you’re a member of the military, you know what it’s like to be tasked with the burdens of protecting our country. But you also need to be aware of how your military service impacts your personal finances. Here’s a look at some key financial planning processes that you should put in place now, with special insights and tips just for military service members.
There's a Boom in Small Business Startups: 10 Things to Know Before Starting Your Own
10/2021
If you’re among those looking to start a new business, or to purchase an existing one or a franchise, there are critical steps to take in order to plan well for your investment. Here’s a look at some of the major considerations to think about.
What Households With a Stay-at-Home Spouse Need to Know About Retirement
10/2021
Couples often decide together that one spouse should be the primary breadwinner while the other stays home to take care of family members. Although this often works out well for childrearing or eldercare responsibilities in the short term, it can present long-term retirement-planning risks for the stay-at-home spouse. Here's how to ensure you'll both have the means to Live Well in retirement.
Investment Planning Doesn't End After Retirement: 3 Things to Know Now
10/2021
Many people think of investment planning as something you only do leading up to retirement. But it’s just as important to plan well after retirement too, although the focus is very different. Investment planning in retirement is more about spending – specifically how you spend – than it is about saving. Your goal now is to maximize your savings and assets so they can provide for the lifestyle you want for as long as you need. Here are three major things to consider during this time...
Retirement Planning Tips for Every Stage of Life
10/2021
For most people, retirement planning is one of the most important components of their overall financial plan. Whether you’ve just graduated and taken your first job or are preparing to retire, your employer-sponsored retirement plan can play a key role in your financial strategies. Here are some tips on how to plan well and invest well at each stage of life so that you can live well in retirement.
Estate Planning Is for Everyone: What You Should Have in Place at Each Stage of Life
9/2021
People often mistakenly think of estate planning as something that only older or wealthier people have to do, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Here’s a look at some common estate planning needs throughout various stages of life and degrees of wealth.
Find the Right Retirement Plan for Your Small Business
9/2021
As a business owner, establishing an employer-sponsored retirement plan can provide you with a tax-advantaged method to save funds for your own retirement, while providing your employees with a powerful and appreciated benefit. Here’s an overview of some of the most popular plans to help get you started on deciding which might be the best option for you and your business...
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Preparing for Retirement Emotionally: A Timeline and Tips
8/2021
Retirement paves the way to a new and exciting chapter of our lives. But it can also be daunting. For many, retirement isn't a wind-down phase but a whole new beginning. And just as new beginnings in the earlier phases of life required preparation, so too does this one. Here are some tips and insights to help ease the transition.
Estimate Your Retirement Needs in 6 Steps
9/2021
You know how important it is to plan for your retirement, but where do you begin? Here’s a six-step process to help you answer this very important question so that you can plan well now, and live well in retirement.
Quick Reference Chart: 529 Plan Qualified & Non-Qualified Expenses
8/2021
You've put in the hard work of saving for college, and now it's time to start using those 529 plan assets to help with a family member's education-related costs. But before you begin withdrawing those funds, it's important to understand the difference between qualified and nonqualified expenses.
Business Owners, Take Note of These Tax & Policy Changes for 2021
8/2021
As we emerge from the pandemic and congress resumes its next legislative session, there are many changes to tax codes and policy – both already enacted and looming on the horizon – for business owners to consider. Here are some of the major changes and proposals to bear in mind for your business in the months ahead.
In or Approaching Retirement? Watch for These 2021 Tax and Policy Changes
8/2021
There are a lot of shifts happening with regard to taxes for the wealthy and retirement plan policies. If you’re nearing or already in retirement, it’s essential to stay up to date with what’s happening now and what could be happening next in order to preserve the wealth you’ve likely worked a lifetime to build. Here are some of the major tax and policy changes to look out for in the coming months.
How SECURE and SECURE 2.0 Could Affect Inheritance
8/2021
In 2020 the SECURE Act changed some key rules regarding inheritance. Now the proposed SECURE 2.0 legislation could bring even more changes. Whether you're leaving funds for loved ones or you've just inherited yourself, here's what you need to know in order to Plan Well for how to best put those funds to work for you and your loved ones.
Early to Mid-Career? Watch for These 2021 Tax and Policy Changes
8/2021
The last couple of years have been difficult for everyone, but perhaps particularly for those in their early to mid-career years. The good news? congress has enacted a good deal of legislation intended to help you recover from those effects, and more proposed legislation is on the way. Here’s what you should know.
Make 2021 More Profitable With This 5-Step Mid-Year Business Review
7/2021
This year is already halfway over – now is the time to take stock of how your business has performed thus far this year, so you can build on your strengths and strengthen your weaknesses. Do this 5-step mid-year business review to maximize your chances of ending the year with the kind of business growth and bottom line you were hoping for.
How to Do a Mid-Year Wellness Check on Your Investments: Review, Renew, Rebalance
7/2021
The middle of the year is an ideal time to do a “wellness check” on your investments. With half the year behind you to evaluate the performance of your investments and the other half still ahead to see gains from any adjustments you might make, it’s a great opportunity to review your investments, renew your strategy and rebalance your investments as necessary to keep on track toward your goals. Here's a 3-step process to do a mid-year check of your own investments right now.
Do These Things Now to Avoid A Steep Tax Bill Next Year
7/9/2021
There are some important steps to take at the mid-year point to ensure you can end 2021 in the strongest financial position possible. The item on that list that probably strikes one of the biggest pangs of financial fear into the hearts of many people is, you guessed it – taxes. Here are some strategies to consider to help lower your tax bill come next April – and keep you from having to write a big check to the IRS or getting a big refund...
5 Critical Steps: Check In On Your Finances Before Checking Out for Summer
7/2/2021
Here are five key strategies to review and reassess right now to ensure your plan for 2021 is still on track to have you investing well and living well through the end of this year and beyond.
Mortgage Interest Rates Are Plunging – Should You Refinance?
6/25/2021
With mortgage rates dropping in recent weeks, you may be wondering if the time is right to refinance. Whether your goal is to better your long-term financial health or to pay for important shorter-term goals, it’s important to understand all the costs and benefits before you move ahead.
Protect Your Business with Key Employee Insurance
6/18/2021
You've got a great group working for you and you know that much of that success is due to one or two key people with both skills and personalities that are hard to match. Suppose they were injured and out of work for a while, or suppose they died? Would your business survive? Key employee life and disability insurance coverage can help make sure that it does.
Do You Have The Right Amount of Life Insurance for Your Stage of Life?
6/11/2021
Your need for life insurance changes as your life changes. Having the right amount at the right time can save you money as well as provide peace of mind.
How to Close a Retirement Income Gap
6/4/2021
Mastering the FAFSA to Maximize Financial Aid
5/28/2021
Saving for Retirement and a Child’s Education at the Same Time
5/21/2021
529 Plans and Financial Aid Eligibility
5/14/2021
Don’t Depend on Student Loan Forgiveness —Here's How to Plan Well for College
5/7/2021
6 Things To Do Before Passing Along The Family Business
4/30/2021
Learn These 3 Basics of Investing to Get Started on Building Wealth
4/23/2021
Four Steps to A Winning Short-Term Savings Strategy
4/15/2021
Credit Card Dos and Don'ts
4/9/2021
Credit cards can be a powerful tool to build a healthy credit score, which is essential for a healthy financial future. But used incorrectly, they can also present some of the biggest financial dangers. Here's how to use credit wisely while avoiding its pitfalls.
Follow These Budgeting Basics to Create a Strong Foundation for Your Finances
4/2/2021
If you’re feeling like your financial literacy isn’t up to par, you’re not alone. But investing a bit of time to educate yourself about the basics now will pay off for years to come. Here are six tips for how to create and stick to a budget that will allow you to plan well, invest well and live well.
Financial Advice for Women At Every Age
3/26/2021
Women face particular challenges when it comes to financial planning, investments and saving for the future. Here are some tips and insights from WHZ Vice President and Associate Financial Advisor Leisl Cording, CFP® to help women Plan Well, Invest Well, Live Well™ at every stage of life.
If You Turned 65 Last Year, Make Note of the Medicare General Enrollment Period
3/19/2021
The Medicare general enrollment period closes at the end of March. If you're 65 or older - and particularly if you turned 65 last year - you'll want to read this.
Tax Season Scam Alert
3/12/2021
Each year during tax season, scammers get more savvy with strategies they use to gain access to other people’s personal information and money. To help you steer clear of this year’s top scams, here are some red flags to watch out for — along with some timely tax-filing reminders.
Why Addressing Financial Gender Gaps Is Important For Everyone
3/5/2021
Gender inequities in finance exist and must be addressed. Here are some key insights to consider from our Vice President and Associate Financial Advisor Leisl Cording, CFP® on why and how we should all help to make change happen so everyone has equal access to be able to live well.
Maximizing Your Health Savings and Retirement Account Contributions in 2021
2/19/2021
The federal government offers tax breaks to those who save for their future health needs and post-retirement income. There are limits to those tax breaks, of course – but by making the most of them, you can reduce your tax bill today while making real progress in supporting your health and happiness for the future. Here’s what you need to know to maximize your health, retirement, and tax savings this year.
7 Key 2020 Tax Breaks for Business Owners and The Self Employed
2/19/2021
2020 was a difficult year in so many ways, including for business owners and the self-employed. Thankfully, there are a number of key changes to 2020 tax laws that could help to cushion the blow as we head into 2021. Here's what business owners should know...
Tax Law Changes That Could Help You Make the Most of Your Retirement Savings At Any Age
2/12/2021
Whether you’re just starting to save for retirement or you’re already in retirement, there are some important changes to retirement savings tax laws to be aware of as you prepare to file your 2020 taxes.
Living Out Our “Live Well” Philosophy: Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
2/12/2021
At Weiss, Hale & Zahansky we pride ourselves on our commitment to living out our strategic Plan Well, Invest Well, Live Well process not only for our clients, but for the greater community as well. We also recognize that access to the resources required to live well is not equally available to all. As a morally responsible organization, engaged community members, and empathetic individuals, here's what we're doing to help change that.
Has Reddit Revealed Major Cracks in the Market?
2/5/2021
With concerns growing over a potential stock market bubble and a recent market pullback, it seems another crisis has hit the headlines: a group of retail traders has come after the market itself. Specifically, these retail investors tried to beat Wall Street by trading up several stocks well beyond what the professionals think they are worth. In doing so, the headlines claim, they have broken the market. Could that possibly be true? Let’s take a look at the details.
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How to Do a Fitness Test For Your Finances
2/5/2021
Just as falling out of the habit of regular workouts can wreak havoc on your health, forgetting to periodically review your finances can potentially have serious consequences for your future. Here are six steps to take to ensure your finances are fit, right now.
Creating A Safety Net to Bridge Times of Financial Crisis
1/22/2021
In times of crisis, we're sometimes forced to shake pennies out of a piggy bank. Here's how to build a financial safety net to ensure that you're protected when a financial emergency arises.
Does the COVID-19 Economic Relief Bill Impact You?
1/22/21
On December 21, 2020, Congress passed a $900 billion COVID Economic Relief Bill that will extend and modify several provisions first enacted in the CARES Act. The bill itself is over 5000 pages, so we have gathered information from the bill that we felt will have the most pertinent information for you to have as it could relate to your personal financial structures. Here's what you should know...
Take Control to Begin Recovery or Acceleration of Your Financial Goals
1/15/2021
Do you ever wonder where your money goes each month? Does it seem like you're never able to get ahead? If so, you may want to establish or revisit a budget to help you keep track of how you spend your money and help you reach your financial goals. Here's how to get started...
Prioritizing Your Financial Health in the New Year
1/8/2021
As we welcome the new year, it's a great time to consider adding a few new financial goals to your resolution list. Here are eight great goals to focus on in order to begin living better in 2021 and beyond.
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