Tag Archives: retirement planning

Asset Defense Team and Vast Solutions Group Do Joint Venture

SEATTLE, Wash. /ScoopCloud/ -- Asset Defense Team and Vast Solutions Group, Inc. (VastSolutionsGroup.com) are pleased to announce their joint venture, AssetDefenseAdv.com. This partnership brings together two leading companies in the asset protection and tax strategy industry, combining their expertise and resources to provide top-quality services to clients around the globe. The advanced platform is called "Einstein" and is currently in Beta 1.0.

Asset Defense Team is a well-respected firm known for its innovative strategies and high success rate in safeguarding assets for individuals and businesses. VastSolutionsGroup.com is a renowned provider of tax and retirement strategies using artificial intelligence with a strong track record in sophisticated tax mitigation strategies.

Together, Asset Defense Team and VastSolutionsGroup.com will offer a full range of asset protection services, including risk assessment, security planning, and crisis management while using advanced proprietary strategies and platforms. Their team of experts will work closely with clients to understand their unique needs and develop customized solutions to help them secure their assets and minimize risk.

Some AI vendor partners will be OpenAi's Chatgpt, Microsoft's Bing, and Google.com's TensorFlow.

"We are excited to partner with VastSolutionsGroup.com and bring our combined expertise to the table," said Bob Bluhm, CEO of Asset Defense Team. "This joint venture will allow us to better serve our clients and provide them with the highest level of protection for their assets."

"Asset Defense Team is a natural fit for us, and we are thrilled to join forces with them," said R. Kenner French, of Vast Solutions Group. "We believe that this partnership will allow us to better serve our clients and help them achieve their asset protection goals."

About Asset Defense Team:

Asset Defense Team is a leading asset protection firm that helps individuals and businesses safeguard their assets through innovative strategies and top-quality services.

About Vast Solutions Group, Inc.:

The pioneer in tax and retirement strategies for entrepreneurs using artificial intelligence™. Vast Solutions Group, Inc. has been in existence since 1969 and has offices throughout the U.S. Learn more: https://vastsolutionsgroup.com/.

MORE INFORMATION:

For more information about AssetDefenseAdv.com, please visit the website at https://assetdefenseadv.com/ or e-mail Kenner@VastSolutionsGroup.com.

Instagram: AssetDefenseAdvisors

Twitter: @AssetDefenseAdv

Asset Defense Team and Vast Solutions Group, Inc. are pleased to announce their joint venture, AssetDefenseAdv.com. This partnership brings together two leading companies in the asset protection and tax strategy industry, combining their expertise and resources to provide top-quality services to clients around the globe. The advanced platform is called "Einstein" and is currently in Beta 1.0.

Related link: https://vastsolutionsgroup.com/

Strategic Benefits Advisors offers guidance for plan sponsors as they seek to comply with landmark SECURE 2.0 retirement legislation

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) issued a statement today outlining provisions of the newly enacted SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 (SECURE 2.0) that are likely to affect most medium to large retirement plan sponsors.

"Employers are still getting their arms around the scope of change represented by SECURE 2.0," said SBA Principal Andy Adams. "We've created an outline that trims the Senate Finance Committee summary down to those provisions most relevant to defined contribution plans without taking all the meat off the bones. Our goal is to give plan sponsors an approachable entry point for understanding where the rubber meets the road."

Hailed as landmark retirement reform, SECURE 2.0 builds on the SECURE Act of 2019 to enhance the long-term financial security of millions of Americans by providing wider access to retirement savings. President Biden signed SECURE 2.0 into law on December 29, 2022, as part of a $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill that also includes funds for national defense, medical research, safety, veteran health care and disaster recovery.

While most provisions within the 358-page SECURE 2.0 package apply to plan years beginning January 1, 2024, or later, certain provisions apply for the 2023 plan year. According to Adams and fellow SBA Principal Lynn Bullard, SECURE 2.0 provisions that will affect a majority of large and mid-sized defined contribution (DC) plan sponsors can be summarized as follows.

Mandatory changes to required minimum distribution (RMD) rules:

* Effective December 29, 2022, expands the amount that can be excluded from RMD rules if used to purchase qualified longevity annuity contracts.

* Effective January 1, 2023, raises the RMD age (the age at which participants must begin withdrawing from their retirement accounts) from 72 to 73, with a subsequent increase to 75 effective January 1, 2033.

* Effective January 1, 2023, reduces the individual tax penalty for failure to take the RMD.

* Effective January 1, 2023, provides more flexibility in the allowable timing, amounts and features of life annuities to satisfy RMD requirements by removing an existing actuarial test.

* Effective January 1, 2024, allows the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before commencing RMDs to elect to be treated as the employee for RMD purposes.

* Effective January 1, 2024, eliminates RMD requirements on Roth accounts prior to a participant's death.

Other changes to retirement plan distributions:

* Effective for federally declared disasters occurring on or after January 26, 2021, provides permanent rules related to the permitted use of retirement funds by affected individuals including penalty-free withdrawals of up to $22,000, taxation over three years, repayment provisions and special loan considerations.

* Effective December 29, 2022, eliminates the 10% early withdrawal penalty on distributions to terminally ill participants.

* Effective December 29, 2022, limits the repayment period for distributions taken for qualified birth or adoption expenses to three years.

* Effective January 1, 2023, permits employers to rely on employee self-certification of an event that constitutes a hardship.

* Effective January 1, 2024, eliminates the 10% early withdrawal penalty on amounts up to $1,000 in a year for personal or family emergencies. No other such emergency distribution may be made within three years unless the initial distribution is repaid.

* Effective January 1, 2024, creates a new, penalty-free withdrawal for victims of domestic abuse. Income taxes will be refunded to the participant for distributions repaid within three years.

* Effective January 1, 2024, increases the mandatory distribution cap to $7,000 (formerly $5,000).

* Effective December 29, 2025, permits distributions of up to $2,500 to pay for long-term care insurance premiums with no early withdrawal penalty.

Additional operational changes:

* Effective December 29, 2022, allows employers to give DC plan participants the option to receive employer matching contributions on a Roth (after-tax) basis.

* Effective January 1, 2023, allows employers to offer de minimis, immediate financial incentives (such as gift cards) to encourage employees to join retirement plans.

* Effective January 1, 2023, limits the types of plan disclosures required to those who have not elected to participate.

* Effective January 1, 2024, requires that all catch-up contributions to qualified retirement plans by highly paid participants be made on a Roth (after-tax) basis.

* Effective January 1, 2024, allows employers to offer individuals the option to pay down a student loan instead of contributing to a 401(k) plan and still receive an employer match in their retirement plan. Plan sponsors may conduct separate non-discrimination testing for these individuals.

* Effective January 1, 2024, allows plan sponsors to offer non-highly compensated employees an emergency savings account. Employers may auto-enroll employees at no more than 3% of compensation. Contributions are capped at $2,500, after which time contributions must be stopped or directed to an employee's Roth IRA until the balance falls below the cap.

* Effective January 1, 2024, modifies top-heavy testing so that a plan sponsor may test non-excludable and excludable employees separately.

* Effective December 29, 2023, allows plan providers to offer the ability to automatically deposit a participant's default IRA from a previous employer into a new employer's qualified plan.

* Instructs the Department of Labor to issue new guidance by December 29, 2024, on benchmarking target date funds against appropriate indices.

* Instructs the Department of Labor to create a central data repository (the 'Retirement Savings Lost and Found') by December 29, 2024, for participants to search for their plan administrator's contact information.

* Effective January 1, 2025, requires new 401(k) and 403(b) plans to automatically enroll employees unless they specifically opt out.

* Effective January 1, 2025, creates new, higher catch-up contribution limits for those ages 60 through 63 who participate in employer-sponsored retirement plans.

* Effective January 1, 2025, requires plan sponsors to allow part-time employees who work at least 500 hours a year for two consecutive years (not three years, as under current law) to participate in company 401(k) plans.

* Effective January 1, 2026, requires plan sponsors to provide participants with at least one paper account statement per year, unless the participant elects otherwise.

Updates to plan correction methods:

* Effective December 29, 2022, expands the IRS' Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System (EPCRS) by allowing more errors to be corrected through self-correction, extending applicability to inadvertent IRA errors and exempting certain RMD failures from excise taxes.

* Effective December 29, 2022, limits the degree to which plans may seek to recoup excess retirement plan payments from participants and gives plan sponsors the ability to choose not to recoup overpayments.

* Effective January 1, 2024, allows for correction of reasonable errors in administration of automatic enrollment and automatic escalation within 91/2 months after the end of the plan year in which the mistakes occurred (alleviating concern over the existing safe harbor correction method under EPCRS that expires December 31, 2023).

This list is not exhaustive. The full text of SECURE 2.0, including provisions that affect pension and cash-balance plans, may be found on pages 2046-2404 of the omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023.

The Senate Financial Committee's 19-page summary of SECURE 2.0 may be found here (PDF): https://www.finance.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Secure%202.0_Section%20by%20Section%20Summary%2012-19-22%20FINAL.pdf

"For retirement plan sponsors, the question is not whether SECURE 2.0 impacts them, it's which of the more than 90 provisions apply to them and when do they take effect," said Bullard. "Determining the portions of the law relevant to each plan's unique situation is the first step in building a comprehensive plan of action that will keep employers in compliance with minimal disruption to participants and administrative teams."

For help bringing your plan into compliance with SECURE 2.0, talk to your SBA consultant or email info@sba-inc.com to connect with SBA's experienced team of actuaries, consultants and systems specialists.

About Strategic Benefits Advisors:

Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) is an independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm focused on creatively and effectively solving complex benefits issues for clients ranging from 1,000 to over 300,000 employees. Founded in 2002 by veteran consultants Mindy Zatto and Andy Adams, SBA provides practical consulting recommendations and expert implementation of solutions for all types of employee benefits programs, including retirement, health and welfare, financial wellness and employee recognition. With an average of over 25 years in the field, SBA's team of actuaries, consultants and systems specialists is among the most experienced in the industry.

For more information, visit https://www.sba-inc.com/.

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.sba-inc.com/new-bill-targets-employer-sponsored-retirement-plans/

https://www.napa-net.org/sites/napa-net.org/files/SECURE%20Act%202.0%20Final%20Text_122022.PDF

Independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) issued a statement today outlining provisions of the newly enacted SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 (SECURE 2.0) that are likely to affect most medium to large retirement plan sponsors.

Related link: https://www.sba-inc.com/

Southwestern Investment Group Celebrates 20th Anniversary

FRANKLIN, Tenn. /ScoopCloud/ -- Southwestern Investment Group (SWIG), an independent wealth management company and one of the nation's fastest-growing Registered Investment Advisers, today announced the 20th anniversary of its founding.

The firm was founded on March 16, 2002, with the mission to become the wealth advisory firm of choice for clients and its own advisors. Today, the firm has approximately $5.8 billion in AUM and employs 44 advisor teams responsible for serving more than 13,000 clients nationwide from its offices in Tennessee, Alabama, Texas, Iowa, and Nebraska.

"We're excited to celebrate this important milestone for the firm, and I want to thank all our wonderful employees and clients for making this a reality," said Jeff Dobyns, founder and CEO of SWIG. "As a firm that is majority owned by our advisors, our business model is based on always doing the right thing for all the firm's stakeholders. Our firm believes in a strong culture of independence and entrepreneurial spirit. Our interests are fully aligned with the clients we serve."

"The 20th anniversary comes on the heels of some important developments for the firm which we believe will position us strongly for many years to come," continued Dobyns. "Next up will be a rebrand later this year which will serve to codify and enhance our positioning going forward."

SWIG sits in the top 25% in Raymond James branch firm peer rankings (1,871 firms) in terms of Total Assets (#2) and Annual Revenue (#2). Individual advisors have consistently been recognized by Raymond James as members of the Chairman's Council (every year since 2008), the Leaders Council, and the Executive Council. In addition, advisors have been designated top Best-In-State Wealth Advisors by Forbes. SWIG was also recognized as one of the Tennessean Top Workplaces (2020, 2021). The firm experienced strong growth in AUM of approximately 34% year over year from end of 2020 to end of 2021.

About Southwestern Investment Group

Southwestern Investment Group was established in 2002 and oversees approximately $5.8 billion in client assets as of the end of December 2021. Southwestern Investment Group uses sensible, sound, and conservative investment strategies and holistic service to help enhance and help protect your wealth. For more information, visit https://www.swinvestmentgroup.com/.

Investment advisory services offered through Southwestern Investment Advisory Services, Inc., an independent registered investment adviser. Southwestern Investment Group is not a registered broker dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Representatives may not be registered to offer securities and advisory services in all states. Any opinions are those of Southwestern Investment Group and not necessarily those of Raymond James.

Southwestern Investment Group's main offices are located at 801 Crescent Centre Drive, Suite 600, Franklin, TN, 37067, and can be reached at (615) 861-6100.

Raymond James' council membership is based on prior fiscal year production. Re-qualification is required annually.

:: Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors (2021)

The Forbes ranking of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, mostly gained through telephone and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. Those advisors that are considered have a minimum of seven years of experience, and the algorithm weights factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass best practices in their practices and approach to working with clients. Portfolio performance is not a criteria due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Out of approximately 32,725 nominations, more than 5,000 advisors received the award. Raymond James is not affiliated with Forbes or Shook Research, LLC. Please visit https://www.forbes.com/best-in-state-wealth-advisors for more info.

:: Tennessean Top Workplaces (2020, 2021)

More than 1,000 companies were invited to participate, 90 were recognized as one of the Tennessean Top Places to work. The Tennessean welcomed anyone to nominate an organization and partnered with Energage, who also reached out to companies. Any employer was eligible, as long as it had at least 5 employees in Middle Tennessee. Employees could be public, private, nonprofit or governmental. Once employers were nominated, employees were asked to fill out an online questionnaire that gave more information about the companies they worked for. Information gathered included issues relating to workplace culture, including Alignment, Connection, Effectiveness, Engagement, Leadership, and the Basics, including pay, benefits, flexibility, training, and expectations. Employers were then ranked among groups of similar size to most accurately compare results, with those that scored high being recognized. Neither Energage nor the Tennessean is affiliated with Raymond James.

These rankings may not be representative of any one client's experience, are not an endorsement, and are not indicative of an advisor's future performance. No fee is paid in exchange for these awards/rankings.

Southwestern Investment Group (SWIG), an independent wealth management company and one of the nation's fastest-growing Registered Investment Advisers, today announced the 20th anniversary of its founding.

Related link: https://www.swinvestmentgroup.com/

Financial Advisor Keith Eckhardt of Edward Jones Receives Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist® Designation

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. /ScoopCloud/ -- Financial Advisor Keith Eckhardt of the financial services firm Edward Jones in Colorado Springs has achieved the professional designation of Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist.

Eckhardt successfully completed the Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist, or CRPS®, Professional Education Program from the Denver−based College for Financial Planning.

Those who complete the program, pass a final exam, and sign a code of ethics and disclosure form earn the CRPS® designation.

Because of ever−increasing client demand for financial advisors who are knowledgeable in the administration of retirement plans for businesses and their employees, this advanced training is specifically designed to focus on design, installation, and maintenance of retirement plans.

Keith Eckhardt's office is located at 1763 South 8th St, Ste 1, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80905. The office phone is 719-578-5833.

Edward Jones, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in St. Louis, provides financial services in the U.S. and, through its affiliate, in Canada. Every aspect of the firm's business, from the investments its financial advisors offer to the location of branch offices, caters to individual investors and businesses. The firm's nearly 19,000 financial advisors serve more than 7 million clients with a total of $1.8 trillion in assets under care.

Visit https://www.edwardjones.com/us-en/ or the recruiting website at https://careers.edwardjones.com/. Member SIPC.

https://www.edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/keith-eckhardt

https://www.facebook.com/ejadvisorkeitheckhardt/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/keitheckhardt/

Financial Advisor Keith Eckhardt of the financial services firm Edward Jones in Colorado Springs has achieved the professional designation of Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist.

Related link: https://www.edwardjones.com/

Plan sponsors should prepare for smooth sailing for ‘SECURE Act 2.0’ retirement reform bill

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) issued a statement today notifying plan sponsors of pending bipartisan legislation that could significantly impact employer-sponsored retirement plans. The House Ways and Means Committee unanimously passed the Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2021 on Wednesday, May 5; now the bill moves on to the full House, where it enjoys considerable bipartisan support.

Designed to build on the SECURE Act - and, consequently, dubbed the 'SECURE Act 2.0' - the proposed retirement reform legislation seeks to enhance the long-term financial security of millions of Americans by providing wider access to retirement savings. While most provisions of the legislation would apply to plan years beginning after December 31, 2022, certain provisions would apply after December 31, 2021.

SBA Principal Andy Adams offered the following summary of SECURE Act 2.0 provisions that are likely to affect a majority of retirement plan sponsors. According to Adams, the bill:

* Requires plan sponsors to automatically enroll employees in 401(k) and 403(b) plans unless they specifically opt out

* Introduces several changes to required minimum distribution (RMD) rules:

- Raises the RMD age (the age at which participants must begin withdrawing from their retirement accounts) from 72 to 75 over 10 years

- Reduces the individual tax penalty for failure to take the RMD

- Provides more flexibility in the allowable timing, amounts and features of life annuities to satisfy RMD requirements

- Expands the amount that can be excluded from RMD rules if used to purchase qualified longevity annuity contracts

* Ties the IRA catch-up contribution limit, which allows those age 50 and older to make additional contributions beyond the standard limit, to inflation

* Creates new, higher catch-up contribution limits that apply at ages 62, 63 and 64 for those who participate in employer-sponsored retirement plans, including SIMPLE plans

* Allows individuals to pay down a student loan instead of contributing to a 401(k) plan and still receive an employer match in their retirement plan

* Allows employers to offer small, immediate financial incentives to employees to join retirement plans

* Requires plan sponsors to allow part-time employees who work at least 500 hours a year for 2 consecutive years (not 3 years, as under current law) to participate in company 401(k) plans

* Gives plan sponsors greater flexibility in correcting plan errors, for example:

- Allows more time to correct missed contributions to employees' retirement accounts without penalties

- Expands the scope of the Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System (EPCRS), which allows plan sponsors to self-report errors to the IRS and correct those errors without drastic penalties

* Limits the degree to which plans may seek to recoup excess retirement plans payments from participants

* Instructs the Department of Labor to issue new guidance for benchmarking of target date funds

* Limits the disclosures required to those not participating in plans

* Creates a central data repository for lost participants (the 'Retirement Savings Lost and Found')

* Requires plan sponsors to provide participants with at least one paper account statement per year

* Adjusts top-heavy rules for certain DC plans

* Gives employers latitude to rely on employee self-certification that hardship distribution requirements have been met

Certain additional provisions, Adams noted, apply only to public employer plans or to special classes of individuals such as military personnel, firefighters and first responders. Other provisions not summarized here are likely to affect only a small percentage of plans. Read the full text of H.R. 2954, the Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2021, here.

"With strong, bipartisan support for this legislation among both House and Senate membership, the odds are good that the so-called 'SECURE Act 2.0' will enjoy a relatively smooth path toward final passage," said Adams. "Retirement plan sponsors should take this opportunity to familiarize themselves with the bill's provisions and put a strategy in place for implementing necessary plan changes by the end of next year."

About Strategic Benefits Advisors

Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) is an independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm focused on creatively and effectively solving complex benefits challenges for clients ranging from 1,000 to over 300,000 employees. Founded in 2002 by veteran consultants Mindy Zatto and Andy Adams, SBA provides practical consulting recommendations and expert implementation of solutions for all types of employee benefits programs, including retirement, health and welfare, financial wellness and employee recognition. With an average of over 25 years in the field, SBA's team of actuaries, consultants and systems specialists is among the most experienced in the industry. For more information, visit https://www.sba-inc.com/.

#EmployeeBenefits #BenefitsConsulting #RetirementLegislation

Independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) issued a statement today notifying plan sponsors of pending bipartisan legislation that could significantly impact employer-sponsored retirement plans.

Related link: https://www.sba-inc.com/

Fairport Wealth Announces 2021 Community Beacon Recipient

CLEVELAND, Ohio /ScoopCloud/ -- Fairport Wealth is pleased to announce that the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, the largest hunger relief organization in Northeast Ohio, is its 2021 Community Beacon recipient. According to Managing Partner Kenneth J. Coleman, "The pandemic has made fighting hunger an even more pressing issue and we are happy to lend a hand to the Food Bank. Its mission closely aligns with our goal of helping families."

Supporting the Harvest for Hunger Campaign

This year, the Food Bank is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its Harvest for Hunger relief campaign to help combat food insecurity. Fairport Wealth Managing Partner Heather R. Ettinger says, "We are proud to be a part of this effort because, at Fairport Wealth, we emphasize community. We believe it's important to help support those around us, and we're eager to help our neighbors get back on their feet."

Helping Families

Fairport Wealth's team members wholeheartedly agree on the value of assisting the Food Bank and community and look forward to being part of its Hunger for Harvest campaign. In addition to providing financial support, the firm will volunteer at the Food Bank's weekly distribution center, assist with a virtual Harvest for Hunger food drive, and raise money for the organization through events such as a virtual cooking class.

About Fairport Wealth

Fairport Wealth inspires families by providing comprehensive wealth management solutions to high-net-worth individuals and guides them through life's transitions. Clients value our depth of talent and experience, along with our collaborative and approachable style.

For more information, visit https://www.fairportwealth.com/.

About Luma Wealth

Luma Wealth Advisors is a division of Fairport Wealth that provides women and their families with personalized wealth planning, experienced investment management, and a supportive, enriching community where they can learn, connect, and celebrate with other women. For more information, visit https://www.lumawealth.com/.

About Hightower

Hightower is a national wealth management firm that provides growth capital and front- to back-end support services to independent-minded financial advisory businesses and operates as a Registered Investment Advisor. For more information, visit https://www.hightoweradvisors.com/.

Securities offered through Hightower Securities, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC, Hightower Advisors, LLC is a SEC Registered Investment Adviser.

More information: https://www.fairportwealth.com/index

Fairport Wealth is pleased to announce that the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, the largest hunger relief organization in Northeast Ohio, is its 2021 Community Beacon recipient. According to Managing Partner Kenneth J. Coleman, "The pandemic has made fighting hunger an even more pressing issue and we are happy to lend a hand to the Food Bank. Its mission closely aligns with our goal of helping families."

Related link: https://www.fairportwealth.com/

Tubbergen reports Recently Passed COVID Relief Bill May Threaten Your Retirement

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. /ScoopCloud/ -- Does the Recently Passed COVID Relief Bill Threaten Your Retirement? According to Dennis Tubbergen, a partner with Retirement Lifestyle Advocates, that question is not as crazy as you may be thinking it is.

In this month's issue of the company's newsletter, the "You May Not Know Report," Dennis explores this question and offers some historical references to help answer the question and offer you some strategies for your consideration.

As you are now undoubtedly aware a $900 billion COVID relief bill was recently passed that was part of a $2.3 trillion spending package.

The reality of the situation is that there is only one way to fund this enormous spending bill; more money creation.

History teaches us that whenever a government reaches the point that the only way to fund its profligate spending is through additional money creation, that government is on a path that is irreversible.

As Tubbergen has often stated previously, we are not debating the 'what,' we are only debating the 'when.'

History teaches us that this cycle has existed for as long as governments have existed.

Governments have a balanced budget initially. Then, due to warfare or welfare or both, budgets develop deficits.

These deficits are initially funded through borrowing. Government's issue bonds in which investors invest, loaning the government money to make up the shortfall between tax revenues and spending in exchange for interest payments and a promise from the government to pay the investor's principle back at some future date.

At this point in the cycle, investors are confident of the government's ability to pay them their interest and return their principle to them.

If deficit spending continues, governments are forced to sell more bonds to still more investors. As debt levels rise, and the government becomes a poorer credit risk, the government might have to offer investors more interest to make up for the additional investment risk.

As deficits continue to widen, the government will eventually find itself in a position that investors don't want to loan the government money by purchasing bonds no matter what the interest rate is. When that happens the only remaining option is money creation.

Once money creation starts, it never stops. It only intensifies until such time as there is a reset.

A reset can occur in only two ways.

One, deficit spending stops. That creates a deflationary reset similar to the reset experienced in the 1930's. Markets crash, prices fall and unemployment soars as the economy collapses into a deflationary depression. Debt is purged from the system through defaults.

Two, deficit spending continues as does money creation. Inflation is the result. If money printing continues after inflation begins, even more inflation is created, and eventually, confidence in the currency is lost. When confidence in the currency is lost, a new currency needs to be established at which point the debt in the economy gets redenominated to the new currency. Then deflation takes over the economy and markets crash, prices fall, and unemployment skyrockets.

It seems obvious now that we are now on the latter path.

That is where we now find ourselves as Tubbergen discusses in detail in this month's "Special Report." He'll examine several historical examples of other governments that reached this point and you'll see that in EVERY circumstance the outcome was the same.

If you'd like to learn more, you may request a copy of Dennis Tubbergen's "Special Report" by visiting http://www.requestyourreport.com/.

You can also learn more about Retirement Lifestyle Advocates by visiting their website at https://retirementlifestyleadvocates.com/.

About Retirement Lifestyle Advocates

Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Retirement Lifestyle Advocates is a privately held financial planning firm specializing in helping clients position assets to secure a comfortable, stress-free retirement in an economy where government policy threatens to destroy the current financial system.

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0107s2p-rlassoc-logo-300dpi.jpg

Does the Recently Passed COVID Relief Bill Threaten Your Retirement? According to Dennis Tubbergen, a partner with Retirement Lifestyle Advocates, that question is not as crazy as you may be thinking it is.

Related link: https://retirementlifestyleadvocates.com/

PARAGON Wealth Strategies Acquires Jacksonville-based Mellen Money Management, Creating Multi-Generational Wealth Management Firm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- PARAGON Wealth Strategies, a Fee-Only Registered Investment Advisor and comprehensive wealth management firm, has acquired Mellen Money Management - a fee only financial planning firm specializing in investment management and life-stages planning for growing families. Mellen's founder and owners, Scott Snider and Ian Aguilar, will join PARAGON as partners of the firm. Approximately 60 client families will join PARAGON as new clients.

Commenting on the merger, PARAGON CEO and Managing Partner Jon Castle said, "This merger positions PARAGON as a multi-generational firm. Since opening our doors in 2005, PARAGON has grown from a small financial planning practice to a regional leader in the Fee-Only Wealth Management space. By acquiring the skilled entrepreneurial leadership of another firm, we can begin the process of properly structuring PARAGON to provide lifelong wealth management services to all present and future clients, even after the original founders retire. This merger also allows PARAGON to provide additional building financial planning and investment services with scale and competence, and to appeal to younger wealth-builder clients, not just clients primarily concerned with managing their retirement."

PARAGON is relatively unique in that the firm provides fee-only wealth management and asset management services to its clients using a team-based service model, as opposed to maintaining its relationships with clients through individual advisors or relationship managers.

Clients of the firm typically meet with different advisors through the course of their relationship, depending upon skills necessary to address important agenda items and impending life events. In this manner, a client is not dependent upon "his guy" or "her advisor" being in the office or available to answer questions at any given time, but instead, can comfortably work with the entire team. As a result of this approach, PARAGON's client retention rate has been very high, even being 100% in some years.

After the merger is complete, PARAGON will have approximately $390 Million under management. For more information about PARAGON, including PARAGON's philosophy, service options, partner bios, and disclosure documents, visit https://www.wealthguards.com/.

Investment advisory services provided by Paragon Wealth Strategies, LLC, a registered investment adviser.

MULTIMEDIA:

*VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/Ms61_nSJmew

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PARAGON Wealth Strategies, a Fee-Only Registered Investment Advisor and comprehensive wealth management firm, has acquired Mellen Money Management - a fee only financial planning firm specializing in investment management and life-stages planning for growing families.

Related link: https://www.wealthguards.com/

Gary W. Hansen Earns Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP) Designation

LOVELAND, Colo. /ScoopCloud/ -- Gary W. Hansen, President, Retirement Planning Center of the Rockies, LLC, has earned the Retirement Income Certified Professional(R) (RICP(R)) designation from The American College of Financial Services. Using the most current retirement portfolio management techniques, the RICP(R) advisor helps to identify retirement income needs and objectives relative to the client's lifestyle goals in retirement.

Individuals who earn an RICP(R) designation can provide knowledgeable advice on a broad range of retirement topics including the proper use of annuities, mitigation of risks to retirement income planning, estate issues, Social Security, health insurance, housing decisions, and income taxation.

Candidates for the RICP(R) designation must complete a minimum of three college-level courses and are required to pass a series of two-hour proctored exams. They must also have three years of professional experience, meet stringent ethics requirements, and participate in continuing education to maintain professional recertification.

The RICP(R) educational curricula is one of the most complete and comprehensive programs available to financial advisors whose goal is to help their clients create sustainable retirement income. The rigorous credential helps advisors master the retirement income planning focus area that is not fully covered in other professional designation programs.

Mr. Hansen has been involved in the financial services industry for more than 40 years and serves clients in many of the western states. His office is located on the south end of Lake Loveland in Loveland, Colorado. His practice focuses on creating and implementing both strategic and tactical income plans for retirees, helping them navigate the many pitfalls of retirement. His goal is to eliminate financial myths and misconceptions that exist by replacing them with facts and logic which helps his clients make sound decisions. He works together with other strategic partners to implement sound retirement income plans that address many of the concerns that retirees face. His motto is: "Tell the truth even when it hurts."

Mr. Hansen and his wife Jennis have 6 children and 20 grandchildren. They have resided in Berthoud since 1989 and are active in their local church and community. He enjoys playing tennis and racquetball several times per week.

About Retirement Planning Center of the Rockies, LLC:

Retirement Planning Center of the Rockies is an independent financial planning firm located in Loveland, Colorado. Its team of professionals understands that retirees face many important decisions that can affect their long-term financial success, including those related to income, insurance, inflation and healthcare costs. Their goal is to exceed their clients' expectations at all times, and most importantly, help them "Sleep Well At Night." Learn more: http://www.rpcenter.com/.

About The American College of Financial Services:

The American College of Financial Services was founded in 1927 and is the nation's largest nonprofit educational institution devoted to financial services. Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has educated one in five financial advisors across the United States and offers prestigious financial planning designations such as the Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP(R)), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU(R)), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC(R)), Wealth Management Certified Professional(R) (WMCP(R)), and education leading to the Certified Financial Planner (CFP(R)) certification. The College's faculty represents some of the foremost thought leaders of the financial services profession. For more information, visit https://www.theamericancollege.edu/.

Contact:
Gary W. Hansen, President
Retirement Planning Center of the Rockies, LLC
700 West Eisenhower Boulevard, Suite 130, Loveland, CO 80537
970-663-3211

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-0918s2p-Gary-W-Hansen-300dpi.jpg

Gary W. Hansen, President, Retirement Planning Center of the Rockies, LLC, has earned the Retirement Income Certified Professional(R) (RICP(R)) designation from The American College of Financial Services.

Related link: http://www.rpcenter.com/

Peter Grandich and Company Teams with Major CPA Firm

SPRING LAKE, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- Trinity Financial, Sports & Entertainment Management Company, a division of Peter Grandich and Company, announced today that it has teamed with the Sports & Entertainment Division of one of the largest CPA firms in the Tri-State Region, WithumSmith+Brown, PC ("Withum").

"Over the years, we have undergone numerous discussions with a variety of professionals who were seeking to work with us and our team of professional athlete clientele at Peter Grandich and Company," said Peter Grandich, Managing Member of Peter Grandich and Company. "We believe WithumSmith+Brown brings the most talent and experience by far, and we are very much looking forward to enhancing our services with them working side-by-side with us."

Established in 1974, Withum's three founders had a single idea to build a place where individuality and culture resonates equally alongside integrity and business acumen. The idea grew into a formidable team of professionals, and Withum is now a nationally ranked Top 25 Firm that provides innovative tools and solutions that help clients address their advisory, tax and accounting needs. Withum has 11 corporate offices in the United States, along with a presence in Grand Cayman Island.

"Peter Grandich has clearly shown to be among the most respected financial people working within the professional sports team and athlete community in the areas we serve," said Ken Hicks, Head of Withum's Sports & Entertainment Services Group. "I truly believe our services will greatly complement one another, and we eagerly look forward to a long and mutually rewarding relationship."

Find out more information about the Sports & Entertainment Division of Withum by visiting them online - https://www.withum.com/industry/sports-and-entertainment/.

To hear more about Peter Grandich and Company, visit us at PeterGrandich.com, or you can call (732) 642-3992 to schedule a consultation today.

ABOUT PETER GRANDICH AND COMPANY:

Peter Grandich and Company provides business, retirement and estate planning services to individuals, business owners and professional athletes. Through a strategic alliance with York-Jersey Underwriters, the company offers professional advice and risk management services to business and personal insurance clients. Additionally, the company boasts an impressive Advisory Board that includes the likes of New York Jets great Joe Klecko, former U.S. Women's National Team captain Christie Pearce Rampone, former New York Ranger Nick Fotiu, three-time Stanley Cup winner Ken Daneyko, Super Bowl champion David Tyree and former NFL quarterback Ray Lucas. Learn more: http://petergrandich.com/

ABOUT WITHUM:

Withum is a national top-ranking public accounting firm providing advisory, tax and audit services to businesses and individuals on a local-to-global scale. Headquartered in Princeton, N.J., the firm has locations in major financial centers including New York City; Boston, MA; Philadelphia, PA; Washington, DC.; and Orlando, FL. Withum also is an independent member of HLB, the global advisory and accounting network.

Media Contact:
John Archibald
(732) 579-6605
jarchibald@ressports.com

Trinity Financial, Sports & Entertainment Management Company, a division of Peter Grandich and Company, announced today that it has teamed with the Sports & Entertainment Division of one of the largest CPA firms in the Tri-State Region, WithumSmith+Brown, PC ("Withum").

Related link: http://petergrandich.com/

Conte Wealth Advisors Opens Office in Tampa, Florida

TAMPA, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Camp Hill, Pennsylvania based independent financial services firm, Conte Wealth Advisors, LLC (CWA), has welcomed its first Tampa, Florida advisor, Robert Seaman, to its advisory team.

Robert boasts over 12 years of financial advisory experience providing families and individual investors with planning, investment and insurance services. As a financial advisor he has carved out a niche working with employees of higher education institutions.

"I was drawn to CWA because of the breadth of investment offerings available to my clients and the autonomy to build a plan based on what I felt was appropriate for each client," said Robert Seaman.

As its first Tampa advisor, Robert joins a fast-growing team of advisors in Fort Myers and Marco Island each of who have affiliated with CWA within the past three years.

"Mr. Seaman is a perfect fit for the CWA team given his wealth of knowledge about higher education retirement plans and planning," says Anthony Conte, CWA's Managing Partner. "We expect his practice to continue to grow and evolve with our team as he brings his unique advisory approach and expertise to bear within CWA's network of advisors."

Of the network of advisors currently working under the CWA brand, other recent additions have been in Pittsburgh and Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, and CWA continues to aggressively target growth nationwide.

Conte Wealth Advisors is an affiliate of The Independent Grid, a Tampa based corporation that is in the top 6 percent of all producer groups at Cambridge Investment Research. The Independent Grid is dedicated to serving advisors with marketing support, business coaching, client event planning, and supervision services, among other amenities. Both CWA and The Independent Grid are aligned with Cambridge Investment Research, voted Broker/Dealer of the Year by Investment Advisor Magazine 11 out of the last 13 years.(*note 1)

For more information about Conte Wealth Advisors or The Independent Grid, contact Trent Gain at (888) 944-9725, or email tgain@theindgrid.com.

Web: https://www.contewealth.com/

(*Note 1) Investment Advisor magazine, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2010, 2008, 2007, Division IV; 2003, Division III. Cambridge received the highest marks from its rep-advisors in the Investment Advisor Broker-Dealer of the Year 2015 Division IV category. A broker-dealer becomes eligible for this honor only after a minimum of 10 percent of its producing rep-advisors cast valid ballots. These ballots also rate the broker-dealer in 15 different categories defined by Investment Advisor as relevant challenges and concerns by rep-advisors. The broker-dealers receiving the highest marks in each of four divisions are declared Broker-Dealer of the Year by Investment Advisor magazine. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of participating rep-advisors surveyed in June of the eight years listed.

Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker/dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Conte Wealth Advisors and Cambridge are not affiliated. 2009 Market Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011.

Media Contact:
Trent R. Gain, COO, The Independent Grid
Phone: (888) 944-9725
Email: tgain@theindgrid.com

Camp Hill, Pennsylvania based independent financial services firm, Conte Wealth Advisors, LLC (CWA), has welcomed its first Tampa, Florida advisor, Robert Seaman, to its advisory team.

Related link: https://www.contewealth.com/

Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor shares how to engage your grown kids about preparations for their own retirement

WASHINGTON, D.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- In his compact new book, "Parent's Guide to Your Child's Retirement: 21 Thought-Provoking Conversations to Have with Your Adult Children" (ISBN: 978-0999641415) Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor(SM) Rodger Alan Friedman, delivers an easy to follow structure that may serve to enable you and your children to have positive, engaging and thoughtful conversations regarding their future retirement.

"The book is designed for parents who have grown children who are in the workforce, children who should be salting away funds for their own future retirement. I did not write this for parents of toddlers, grade school kids or hormone raging teenagers," says Friedman. He writes that "My focus here is on kids that should be contributing to 401(k), 403(b) plans, IRA's and investing in real estate to build future wealth."

Friedman's new book is very deliberately interactive. After sharing with parents the three monsters potentially hiding under the beds of their one-day-to-be-retired kids that can hinder their retirement, he provides 21 conversation paths to engage parent and child in thoughtful, non-confrontational dialogue regarding the progress the adult child is making in preparing for their own future retirement.

Friedman clearly defends and weaves within the suggested conversations that parents are not inclined to fund their child's retirement. "Parents Guide to Your Child's Retirement" is a short 76-page guide designed as a parental tool to gauge if you should still be worried about your child.

Friedman can talk about:

* The 3 biggest risks - or monsters that can wreck your kid's retirement;
* The importance of understanding if your child has an entitlement mindset;
* Engaging in thoughtful conversations with grown kids to determine if they are a train-wreck waiting to happen or if they are on track for an independent future retirement;
* How the parents can help without funding their kids retirement.

To request a free copy of the book, please contact Rodger Alan Friedman using the information found below.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rodger Alan Friedman is a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor((SM) Wealth Manager and financial advisor with 35 years' experience in the industry. Friedman is a former senior vice president-wealth management and senior investment management consultant with Morgan Stanley and has authored 3 additional books on retirement planning and working with a financial advisor.

AVAILABILITY: Washington, D.C. metro area, nationwide by arrangement and via telephone.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Rodger Alan Friedman, Steward Partners Global Advisory, 7550 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 420 Bethesda, MD 20814; by phone (240) 800-3450 or Rodger.Friedman@StewardPartners.com

Steward Partners Global Advisory LLC and The Friedman, Wong, Kafetz Group maintains a separate professional business relationship with, and our registered professionals offer securities through, Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC.

In his compact new book, "Parent's Guide to Your Child's Retirement: 21 Thought-Provoking Conversations to Have with Your Adult Children" (ISBN: 978-0999641415) Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor(SM) Rodger Alan Friedman, delivers an easy to follow structure that may serve to enable you and your grown children to have positive, engaging and thoughtful conversations regarding their future retirement.

Related link: http://www.rodgeronretirement.com/

It’s Tax Time, and Millions Could Miss Sizeable Deductions for Long-Term Care Insurance, ACSIA Partners Says

KIRKLAND, Wash. /ScoopCloud/ -- If you're considering long-term care insurance, or already have a policy, "Tax time is a good time to look for help from Uncle Sam," says Denise Gott, CEO of ACSIA Partners, one of the nation's largest long-term care insurance agencies. "And the help you get could be more than negligible."

Possible deductions range from hundreds to thousands of dollars per year, Gott points out. "Millions may qualify, but will lose out if they fail to apply."

For the taxable year beginning in 2016, the limitations under Section 213(d)(10) of the IRS tax code, regarding eligible long-term care premiums includible in the term "medical care," are as follows:

Attained Age Before Close of 2016 Taxable Year / Limitation on Premiums:
* 40 or less: $390
* More than 40 but not more than 50: $730
* More than 50 but not more than 60 $1,460
* More than 60 but not more than 70: $3,900
* More than 70: $4,870

"If you're covered now," says Gott, "you should be sure to claim what's coming to you. And if you're considering a policy, why not get it while tax savings are on your mind?"

For 2017 the limitations are about 5% higher than in 2016:

Attained Age Before Close of 2017 Taxable Year / Limitation on Premiums:
* 40 or less: $410
* More than 40 but not more than 50: $770
* More than 50 but not more than 60 $1,530
* More than 60 but not more than 70: $4,090
* More than 70: $5,110

"The limits have been increasing every year," says Gott. "What's more, they apply to every covered individual in a household. For example, a qualifying husband and wife filing jointly could deduct up to $7,800 for 2016, and up to $10,220 for 2017; and so on for as long as the legislation remains in force."

The original idea was to encourage Americans to protect themselves, according to Gott, "and we believe the Trump administration will support this philosophy going forward."

ACSIA Partners has hundreds of long-term care specialists in all parts of the country. "During tax season," says Gott, "they're glad to talk with consumers and financial advisors about policy costs and tax adjustments. They do not give tax advice, but can help explain the tax incentives. For tax advice, people need to consult their tax professional."

ACSIA Partners LLC -- http://www.acsiapartners.com -- is one of America's largest and most experienced long-term care insurance agencies serving all states. The company is also a co-founder and sponsor of the "3in4 Need More" campaign, which encourages Americans to form a long-term care plan.

If you're considering long-term care insurance, or already have a policy, "Tax time is a good time to look for help from Uncle Sam," says Denise Gott, CEO of ACSIA Partners, one of the nation's largest long-term care insurance agencies. "And the help you get could be more than negligible."

Tax Tip from ACSIA Partners: 2016 Deductions Make Long-Term Care Insurance More Affordable for Many

KIRKLAND, Wash., March 17, 2016 (SEND2PRESSS NEWSWIRE) -- If you're in the market for long-term care insurance, you may be suffering from sticker shock. "The cost may seem out of reach," says Denise Gott. "Many people feel this way, so they put off protecting themselves. That's a shame, because in their case, Uncle Sam may pick up part of the tab." Gott is CEO of ACSIA Partners, one of the nation's largest long-term care insurance agencies.

Federal tax deductions for owning long-term care insurance range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, and they're higher than ever in 2016. "Not everyone qualifies," says Gott, "but everyone owes it to themselves to find out if they do and how big the deduction might be. For millions, the net policy cost will be at least a little less than the 'sticker price.'"

For the taxable year beginning in 2016, the limitations under Section 213(d)(10) of the IRS tax code, regarding eligible long-term care premiums includible in the term "medical care," are as follows:

Attained Age Before Close of Taxable Year / Limitation on Premiums:
* 40 or less: $390
* More than 40 but not more than 50: $730
* More than 50 but not more than 60 $1,460
* More than 60 but not more than 70: $3,900
* More than 70: $4,870.

The deductions recur every year that one pays long-term care premiums, and have been increasing annually.

"The idea is to encourage Americans to protect themselves," says Gott. "Unfortunately only about 10 percent of those who could benefit from a policy actually have one. The percentage should be much higher. We think it would be if the deductions were taken into account."

Greater public awareness is vitally needed, and Gott's company is doing what it can to spread the word. "We have over 150 long-term care specialists in all parts of the country. During tax season they're available to consult with anyone or their financial advisor by phone or in person."

About ACSIA Partners:

ACSIA Partners LLC -- http://www.acsiapartners.com -- is one of America's largest and most experienced long-term care insurance agencies serving all states. The company is also a co-founder and sponsor of the "3in4 Need More" campaign, which encourages Americans to form a long-term care plan.

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Twitter: @AcsiaPartners #LongTermCare

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NEWS SOURCE ACSIA Partners LLC :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2016 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.