Blog

Catch-Up Contributions

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...

SECURE Act 2.0: An Overview

In the final days of 2022, Congress passed a new set of retirement rules designed to facilitate contribution to retirement plans and access to those funds earmarked for retirement.The law is called SECURE 2.0, and it is a follow-up to...

Counteracting Capital Gains With Tax-Loss Harvesting

Tax-loss harvesting means taking capital losses (selling securities for less than what you initially paid for them) to offset any capital gains you may have.While this doesn't get rid of your losses, it can help you manage your tax...

Personal Finance Calendar

MONEYWrite down the major financial events you anticipate in the next few years. That will help guide a discussion about whether your portfolio reflects your short- and long-term goals.Update your personal net worth to account for any...

Mutual Funds Vs. ETFs

The growth of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has been explosive. In 2005, there were less than 500; by the latter half of 2021, there were over 8,000 investing in a wide range of stocks, bonds, and other securities and instruments.1At...

How Income Taxes Work

The Internal Revenue Service estimates that taxpayers and businesses spend about 8 billion hours a year complying with tax-filing requirements. To put this into perspective, if all this work were done by a single company, it would need...

Healthcare Costs In Retirement

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...

November/December 2022

November/December 2022

Do You Owe The AMT?

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...

Disability And Your Finances

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...

Catch-Up Contributions

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...

New Retirement Contribution Limits For 2023

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...

Inflation And The Real Rate Of Return

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...

Traditional vs. Roth IRA

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...

How to Make the Tax Code Work for You

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...

Five Most Overlooked Tax Deductions

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...

A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses

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...

9 Facts About Retirement

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...

September/October 2022 Newsletter

September/October 2022 Newsletter

Estate Management Checklist

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...

A Primer on Dividends

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...

A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision

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...

The SECURE Act Starts the Clock on Inherited IRAs

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...

July/August 2022 Newsletter

July/August 2022 Newsletter

May/June 2022 Newsletter

Bull & Bear Markets: A Timeline

Your Emergency Fund: How Much Is Enough?

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...

Pullbacks, Corrections, And Bear Markets

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...

Investing With Your Heart

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...

Separating The Signal From The Noise

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...

March/April 2022 Newsletter

A Brief History Of Estate Taxes

Federal estate taxes have long since been a lucrative source of funding for the federal government.

9 Facts About Social Security

There are things about Social Security that might surprise you.

4 Reasons For The Return Of Market Volatility

Why have the markets been so volatile recently?

9 Facts About Retirement

Regardless of how you approach retirement, there are some things about it that might surprise you.

Retirement Seen Through Your Eyes

What your life will look like after you leave work.

3 Estate Challenges For Blended Families

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.

January/February 2022 Newsletter

Happy New Year from CFS!

CFS Donates Toys & Cash Contributions to the Boys & Girls Club

Happy Holidays!

From our family to yours, we wish you all the love of the Season, and a peaceful and prosperous New Year. Love, The Luke Family

Estate Management Checklist

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...

CFS in the Community -

Buying a Vacation Home? 5 Questions to Consider First

Inflation And The Real Rate Of Return

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...

November/December 2021 Newsletter

November/December 2021 Newsletter

Managing An Inheritance

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...

Emotional Vs. Strategic Decisions

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...

Diversification, Patience, And Consistency

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...

Building A Solid Financial Foundation

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...

A Look At Whole Life Insurance

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....

Making A Charitable Contribution

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...

Diversification, Patience, And Consistency

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...

September/October 2021 Newsletter

September/October 2021 Newsletter

Who Is Your Trusted Contact?

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,...

Tax & Estate Strategies For Married LGBTQ+ Couples

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...

Managing Money As A Couple

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...

July/August 2021 Newsletter

July/August 2021 Newsletter

A Living Trust Primer

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...

Alternative Investments - Going Mainstream

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...

May/June 2021 Newsletter

May/June 2021 Newsletter

How to Conquer the World - 5 Financial Strategies for Savvy Women

Does Your Portfolio Fit Your Retirement Lifestyle?

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...

Critical Estate Documents

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...

A Taxing Story: Capital Gains And Losses

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...

Building Your Legacy

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,...

Helpful Retirement Strategies For Women

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...

A Living Trust Primer

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...

A Look At Diversification

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...

A Bucket Plan To Go With Your Bucket List

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...

January/February 2021

January/February 2021 Newsletter

9 Facts About Retirement

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...

9 Facts About Social Security

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...

4 Reasons For The Return Of Market Volatility

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...

“Dirty Dozen” Tax Scams To Watch For

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...

The Economic Journey Of Your Morning Coffee

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...

A Penny Saved Is Two Pennies Earned

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...

Questions To Ask About Medicare

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...

Giving Back to Burbank Boys & Girls Club

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...

4 Reasons For The Return Of Market Volatility

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...

The A, B, C, & D of Medicare

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...

November/December 2020 Newsletter

November/December 2020 Newsletter

Choosing A Retirement Plan That Fits Your Business

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...

Catch Up Contributions

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...

A Brief History Of Estate Taxes

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...

A Living Trust Primer

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...

Retirement Realities

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...

Roth Conversions

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...

The Half Million Dollar Baby

5 Benefits of Working in Retirement

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...

September/October 2020 Newsletter

September/October 2020 Newsletter

July/August 2020 Newsletter

July/August 2020 Newsletter

Small Business Resources

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...

Legislation to be Introduced to Suspend RMDs for 2020, Exempt Social Security Income from Taxation

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...

CFS Updates and Covid19

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...

Client Appointments and Covid19

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...

March/April 2020 Newsletter

March/April 2020 Newsletter

January/February 2020 Newsletter

January/February 2020 Newsletter

November/December 2019 Newsletter

November/December 2019 Newsletter

Backdoor Roth Strategy

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...

September/October 2019 Newsletter

September/October 2019 Newsletter

July/August 2019 Newsletter

July/August 2019 Newsletter

Representing Her Community with Grace and Acclaim on the National Stage.

Anna 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...

March/April 2019 Newsletter

March/April 2019 Newsletter

January/February 2019 Newsletter

January/February 2019 Newsletter

November/December 2018 Newsletter

November/December 2018 Newsletter

September/October 2018 Newsletter

September/October 2018 Newsletter

July/August 2018 Newsletter

July/August 2018 Newsletter

May/June 2018 Newsletter

May/June 2018 Newsletter