Do you have a lot of questions when it comes investing or financial planning? You can read about all of these topics on our blog. Whether it’s ideas from the industry or emerging trends or important news, you can read about it here. So keep checking in. We’re glad to have you reading along.
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
In a 2022 survey, 35% of all workers reported they were either “not too” or “not at all” confident that they would have enough money to pay for their medical expenses in retirement. Regardless of your confidence...
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Wednesday, November 30, 2022
American educational reformer Horace Mann called education “the great equalizer.” In football, it’s been said that turnovers are the great equalizer. In taxes, there’s also an equalizer of sorts; it’s...
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Wednesday, November 23, 2022
The Social Security Disability Insurance program paid out over $140 billion in benefits in 2021. And with new applicants each year, the system is expected to exhaust its reserves at the end of 2034 if changes aren’t made.1...
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Wednesday, November 16, 2022
A recent survey found that 28% of workers are very confident about having enough money to live comfortably through their retirement years. At the same time, 27% are not confident.1In 2001 congress passed a law that can help older...
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Tuesday, November 8, 2022
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released new limits for certain retirement accounts for the coming year. After months of high inflation and financial uncertainty, some of these cost-of-living-based adjustments have reached...
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Tuesday, November 1, 2022
The real rate of return is an important personal finance concept to understand.It’s the rate of return on your investments after inflation. The real rate of return indicates whether you are gaining or losing purchasing power with...
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Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA), which were created in 1974, are owned by roughly 36.6 million U.S. households. And Roth IRAs, created as part of the Taxpayer Relief Act in 1997, are owned by nearly 27.3 million...
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Wednesday, October 5, 2022
By May 20, 2022, over 145 million taxpayers had dutifully filed their federal income tax returns.1 And they all made decisions about deductions and credits – whether or not they realized it.When you take the time to learn...
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Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Who among us wants to pay the IRS more taxes than we have to?While few may raise their hands, Americans regularly overpay because they fail to take tax deductions for which they are eligible. Let's take a quick look at the five most...
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Wednesday, September 14, 2022
Chris Rock once remarked, "You don't pay taxes – they take taxes." That applies not only to income but also to capital gains.Capital gains result when an individual sells an investment for an amount greater than their purchase...
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Wednesday, September 7, 2022
Retirement can have many meanings. For some, it will be a time to travel and spend time with family members. For others, it will be a time to start a new business or begin a charitable endeavor. Regardless of what approach you intend...
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Wednesday, August 31, 2022
September/October 2022 Newsletter
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Thursday, August 4, 2022
Do you have a will?A will enables you to specify who you want to inherit your property and other assets. A will also enables you to name a guardian for your minor children.Do you have healthcare documents in place?Healthcare documents...
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Thursday, July 28, 2022
When looking for income-generating investments, some investors turn to dividend-yielding stocks.When a company makes a profit, that money can be put to two uses:It can be reinvested in the business.It can be paid out to the...
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Thursday, July 21, 2022
Whether through inertia or trepidation, investors who put off important investment decisions might consider the admonition offered by motivational speaker Brian Tracy, "Almost any decision is better than no decision at all."This...
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Wednesday, July 13, 2022
The "Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement" Act (SECURE Act) made significant changes to IRAs inherited after January 1, 2020.For those who inherit IRAs after this date, the SECURE Act requires you to withdraw the...
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Wednesday, April 6, 2022
Have you ever had one of those months? The water heater stops heating, the dishwasher stops washing, and your family ends up on a first-name basis with the nurse at urgent care. Then, as you're driving to work, you see smoke coming...
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Wednesday, March 30, 2022
When the market drops, some investors lose perspective that downtrends and uptrends are part of the investing cycle. When stock prices break lower, it's a good time to review common terms that are used to describe the market's downward...
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Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Some individuals believe that return on investment shouldn’t be the only criterion for how they invest their money. For them, the social impact of investing is just as important – perhaps more important. The history of...
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Wednesday, March 16, 2022
What kind of role can a financial professional play for an investor? The answer: an important one. While the value of such a relationship is hard to quantify, the intangible benefits may be long-lasting. There are certain investors who...
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Wednesday, March 2, 2022
Federal estate taxes have long since been a lucrative source of funding for the federal government.
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Wednesday, February 23, 2022
There are things about Social Security that might surprise you.
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Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Why have the markets been so volatile recently?
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Wednesday, February 9, 2022
Regardless of how you approach retirement, there are some things about it that might surprise you.
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Monday, January 31, 2022
What your life will look like after you leave work.
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Monday, January 24, 2022
If you’ve been re-married or divorced, these family structures may present some unique challenges. This article will help your clients with blended families think and prepare their estate strategy.
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Monday, December 20, 2021
From our family to yours, we wish you all the love of the Season, and a peaceful and prosperous New Year. Love, Anna, Victor, Sevanne, Samantha and Charlotte Luke
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Tuesday, December 14, 2021
Do you have a will? A will enables you to specify who you want to inherit your property and other assets. A will also enables you to name a guardian for your minor children. Do you have healthcare documents in place? Healthcare...
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Monday, November 29, 2021
The real rate of return is an important personal finance concept to understand. It’s the rate of return on your investments after inflation. The real rate of return indicates whether you are gaining or losing purchasing power...
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Monday, November 1, 2021
November/December 2021 Newsletter
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Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Inheriting wealth can be a burden and a blessing. Even if you have an inclination that a family member may remember you in their last will and testament, there are many facets to the process of inheritance that you may not have...
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Tuesday, October 19, 2021
Information vs. instinct. When it comes to investing, many people believe they have a “knack” for choosing good investments. But what exactly is that “knack” based on? The fact is, the choices we make with our...
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Tuesday, October 12, 2021
Regardless of how the markets may perform, consider making the following part of your investment philosophy: Diversification. The saying “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” has some application to investing. Over...
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Tuesday, October 5, 2021
When you read about money matters, you may see the phrase, “getting your financial house in order.” What exactly does that mean? To some, when your financial “house is in order,” it means it is built on a solid...
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Thursday, September 30, 2021
Whole life insurance is designed to remain in force for your whole life, as long as you remain current with your premiums. In exchange for fixed premiums, the insurance company promises to pay a set benefit when the policyholder dies....
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Tuesday, September 7, 2021
Why sell shares when you can gift them? If you have appreciated stocks in your portfolio, you might want to consider donating those shares to charity rather than selling them. Donating appreciated securities to a tax-qualified charity...
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Tuesday, August 31, 2021
Regardless of how the markets may perform, consider making the following part of your investment philosophy: Diversification. The saying “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” has some application to investing. Over...
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Tuesday, August 24, 2021
September/October 2021 Newsletter
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Wednesday, August 4, 2021
Investment firms have a client service feature that may be a benefit to certain investors. They will ask you whether you would like to provide the name and information of a trusted contact.1 You do not have to supply this information,...
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Wednesday, July 21, 2021
The 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court decision streamlined tax and estate strategizing for married LGBTQ+ couples. If you are filing a joint tax return for this year or are considering updating your estate strategy, here are some...
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Wednesday, July 7, 2021
When you marry or simply share a household with someone, your life changes—and your approach to managing your money may change as well. The good news is it’s usually not so difficult. At some point, you will have to ask...
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Monday, May 24, 2021
A living trust is a popular consideration in many estate strategy conversations, but its appropriateness will depend upon your individual needs and objectives. What is a Living Trust? A living trust is created while you are alive and...
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Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Recent years have witnessed the mainstreaming of alternative investments for certain accredited investors. In fact, alternative investments are expected to grow from $13.9 trillion in 2020 to $21.1 trillion in 2025.1,2 The impetus...
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Monday, April 26, 2021
Most portfolios are constructed based on an individual's investment objective, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Using these inputs and sophisticated portfolio-optimization calculations, most investors can feel confident that they own...
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Monday, April 19, 2021
Financial Documents Joint Ownership Durable Power of Attorney Living Trust What does it do? Enables you to own property jointly with another person Authorizes someone to handle legal and financial decisions if you become incapacitated...
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Monday, April 12, 2021
Chris Rock once remarked, “You don’t pay taxes – they take taxes.”1 That applies not only to income, but also to capital gains. Capital gains result when an individual sells an investment for an amount greater...
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Monday, April 5, 2021
Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.1Shannon L. Alder The desire to leave a legacy may be the height of altruism for it is a gift to the future,...
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Monday, March 29, 2021
Preparing for retirement can look a little different for women than it does for men. Although stereotypes are changing, women are still more likely to serve as caretakers than men are, meaning they accumulate less income and benefits...
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Wednesday, February 24, 2021
A living trust is a popular consideration in many estate strategy conversations, but its appropriateness will depend upon your individual needs and objectives. What is a living trust? A living trust is created while you are alive and...
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Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Ancient Chinese merchants were said to have developed a unique way to manage their risk. They would divide their shipments among several different vessels. That way, if one ship were to sink or be attacked by pirates, the rest stood a...
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Tuesday, February 9, 2021
John and Mary are nearing retirement and they have a lot of items on their bucket list. Longer life expectancies mean John and Mary may need to prepare for two or even three decades of retirement. How should they position their money?1...
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Monday, January 25, 2021
Retirement can have many meanings. For some, it will be a time to travel and spend time with family members. For others, it will be a time to start a new business or begin a charitable endeavor. Regardless of what approach you intend...
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Monday, January 25, 2021
Social Security’s 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 things that might surprise you. The Social Security trust...
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Friday, January 15, 2021
Until early 2018, stocks were enjoying their longest period without a five percent pullback in nearly 90 years.1,2 But in early February, that calm came to a sudden and decisive end, as the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell more...
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Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Every year the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) releases its list of tax scams, spotlighting the myriad ways that people try to separate you from your money.¹ The “Dirty Dozen” Identity Theft Using your personal...
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Monday, December 21, 2020
If you’re like 62% of Americans, you started your day with a cup of coffee. Few, if any, took a moment during this morning ritual to contemplate or marvel at the complex journey that brought their coffee from farm to their...
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Monday, December 14, 2020
The famous saying from Poor Richard’s Almanack is frequently misquoted. It was published by founder Benjamin Franklin in 1737: “A penny saved is two pence clear.” Finding ways to manage expenses is one of the...
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Thursday, December 10, 2020
If you are new to Medicare, there are several questions you should consider while approaching or within your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) or a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Use this guide to consider your options when preparing...
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Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Dear Valued Clients, Thank you so much for all of your kindness in donating toys and money to the Burbank Boys & Girls Club. The Club representatives came by this morning and picked up many dozens of toys plus nearly two-thousand...
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Monday, November 9, 2020
Until early 2018, stocks were enjoying their longest period without a five percent pullback in nearly 90 years.1,2 But in early February, that calm came to a sudden and decisive end, as the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell more...
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Wednesday, November 4, 2020
Breaking down the basics. Whether your 65th birthday is on the horizon or decades away, understanding the different parts of Medicare is critical, as this government-sponsored program may play a role in your future health care...
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Sunday, November 1, 2020
November/December 2020 Newsletter
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Wednesday, October 28, 2020
One survey found that 79% of small business owners expect at least some of their retirement income to come from tax-advantaged retirement savings accounts.1 If you have yet to develop a retirement plan for your business, or if you're...
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Monday, October 26, 2020
A recent survey found that 23% of people were very confident about having enough money to live comfortably through their retirement years. At the same time, 33% were not confident.1 Congress in 2001 passed a law that can help older...
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Thursday, October 22, 2020
Federal estate taxes have been a source of funding for the federal government almost since the U.S. was founded. In 1797, Congress instituted a system of federal stamps that were required on all wills offered for probate when property...
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Thursday, October 1, 2020
A living trust is a popular consideration in many estate strategy conversations, but its appropriateness will depend upon your individual needs and objectives. What is a living trust? A living trust is created while you are alive and...
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Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Expectations vs. Reality Predicting exactly what your retirement will be like is about as possible as a meteorologist predicting the weather correctly every single time. In fact, few retirees find their financial futures playing out...
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Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Dear valued client, Although filled to the rim with disruptions and challenges, this year has created an opportunity for some, and we are always on the lookout to turn lemons into lemonade. Some of you may have increased your savings...
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Tuesday, September 8, 2020
In the past, retirement has been portrayed as an ending, a grand exit from your years in the workplace. But the rules are shifting. Labor force participation among those aged 65-74 is predicted to reach 32 percent by 2022, up from...
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Friday, September 4, 2020
September/October 2020 Newsletter
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Wednesday, April 8, 2020
At CFS Burbank, we are committed to providing you the financial access, guidance and support you need so you can focus on your well-being and your loved ones. Our nation's small businesses are facing an unprecedented economic...
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Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Legislation to be Introduced to Suspend RMDs for 2020, Exempt Social Security Income from Taxation By ERISA NEWS Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) has proposed legislation (S. 3527) to suspend for 2020 the obligation to withdraw required minimum...
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Monday, March 23, 2020
As you may have heard, California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a “stay at home” order amid the coronavirus pandemic. A similar order has been issued by Los Angeles County. Under these stay-at-home orders, CFS is...
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Thursday, March 19, 2020
We know many of you are facing uncertainty about what health risks you face when leaving home. We want to assure you that we welcome any request to change an in-person review into a telephonic review. Moreover, for those of you who...
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Tuesday, February 18, 2020
January/February 2020 Newsletter
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Wednesday, November 13, 2019
November/December 2019 Newsletter
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Tuesday, October 8, 2019
We can help with a “backdoor Roth” strategy that is definitely legal and probably advantageous to you, especially if you already have reached or plan to reach your annual contribution limits on your 401k and traditional IRA...
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Wednesday, September 4, 2019
September/October 2019 Newsletter
Read MoreAnna Luke has been recognized in Financial Advisor Magazine, a national trade publication for financial advisers, by Independent Financial Group in a full page spread celebrating her and a handful of colleagues as Top-Ranked Elite...
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Wednesday, January 23, 2019
January/February 2019 Newsletter
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Saturday, December 1, 2018
November/December 2018 Newsletter
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Saturday, September 1, 2018
September/October 2018 Newsletter
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