Should I invest conservatively?

By Travis Sickle, CFP®, EA® | January 23, 2014

The amount of risk that you are willing to take in your portfolio can have a significant impact on your ability to reach your goals.  Risk tolerance is a hot topic when it comes to portfolio design when working with a financial advisor.  It’s important to understand risk and what the consequences of choosing a…

What’s the formula for great financial advice?

By Travis Sickle, CFP®, EA® | January 8, 2014

Financial advice is easy to come by. Great advice? Not so much. So, how do you know if you are getting great advice from your financial advisor?  There are a couple of points that I believe need to be reviewed in order to determine if you are getting great financial advice. Great Financial Advice Checklist…

72(t) Rules – Substantially Equal Period Payments

By Travis Sickle, CFP®, EA® | December 15, 2013

If you’re looking to retire early, have sufficient wealth and have a significant portion of your retirement money actually in your retirement accounts listen up. The 72(t) rule that requires a Substantially Equal Period Payment may provide you the ability to tap your retirement early and avoid tax penalties. That’s right! You can retire early…

Retirement Plan Basics

By Travis Sickle, CFP®, EA® | January 31, 2012

Making the decision to invest into your company’s retirement plan can be very important to the success of your retirement.  Your employer may offer a 401(k), 403(b) or other types of plans to help you succeed and reach retirement.  They may offer a match, which is very often only achieved if you contribute a certain…

10 ways to saving for retirement and reduce your taxes

10 Ways to Save More for Retirement and Reduce Your Taxes

By Travis Sickle, CFP®, EA® | January 12, 2012

Save more for retirement and reduce your taxes!  I often see people make contributions to retirement plans without paying attention to missed tax opportunities.  It’s possible to save more for retirement and reduce your taxes today and tomorrow.  It’s a delicate balance but could help boost your retirement and put more money back in your…

How to get a Financial Boost

By Travis Sickle, CFP®, EA® | December 25, 2011

Times are tough right now and it may be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Volatility in the markets may seem never ending. Don’t give up and run for the hills just yet! Reevaluate your financial plan and what you have set for your short term and long term goals.…