Blog

Elm3’s Economic Outlook for August 2024

2024-08-05T13:04:53-04:00August 5th, 2024|Blog, Investments|

As we round out the summer and head into election season, we have begun to see market volatility. On Friday, August 2nd, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq declined 2.4% and 1.8%, respectively, and the markets opened in the negative on Monday, August 5th. With investors seeing red on their screens, many have begun to [...]

Understanding Stock Compensation: Incentive Stock Options, Non-Qualified Stock Options, and Restricted Stock Units

2024-05-22T11:57:56-04:00May 22nd, 2024|Blog, Financial Planning, Taxes|

In the world of employee compensation, stock options and stock units are powerful tools used by companies to attract and retain talent. Understanding the nuances between Incentive Stock Options (ISOs), Non-Qualified Stock Options (NSOs), and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) is essential for employees and employers alike. Each type of stock compensation has its own [...]

Navigating Tax Woes: A Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a Payment Plan with the IRS

2024-04-25T16:22:01-04:00April 25th, 2024|Blog, Financial Planning, Taxes|

Taxes are inevitable, but sometimes, paying them all at once isn't. Whether you're facing unexpected financial hurdles or simply need more time to settle your tax debt, the IRS offers payment plans to help ease the burden. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of setting up a payment plan with the [...]

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) for Inherited IRAs

2024-03-21T16:51:26-04:00March 21st, 2024|Blog, Financial Planning, Investments|

If you inherited a traditional or Roth IRA, you may be confused about the requirements for distributing funds from these accounts. Rules around inherited IRAs have shifted in the past few years, complicating the process. Additionally, there are different rules for several different classes of beneficiaries. However, following the rules of inherited IRAs can [...]

5 Ways to Manage Economic Uncertainty

2023-11-30T11:57:02-05:00November 20th, 2023|Blog, Investments|

As we race towards 2024, more and more clients are asking me: where is the economy headed, and what can we expect to see in the stock market? Of course, I think everyone knows that even those who watch and study the economy can't predict the future. However, I think my clients are seeking [...]

5 Strategies for Managing Your Student Loans

2023-09-21T18:50:51-04:00September 21st, 2023|Blog, Financial Planning|

No matter how you slice it, the cost of college can be quite high. Tuition rates rose by 69% between 2000 and 2021, and they continue to skyrocket. As a result, more and more Americans are taking out student loans to afford a degree. In fact, as of 2021, 13% of Americans had a [...]

4 Social Security Myths That Could Impact Your Benefit

2023-08-24T15:06:36-04:00August 24th, 2023|Blog, Financial Planning, Retirement|

Social Security is one of the most widely-used and misunderstood retirement programs in the country. Many misunderstandings arise from the fact that Social Security is a complex system with diverse rules around how benefits are calculated, received, and taxed. However, it's important to have all of the correct information when planning your Social Security [...]

Elm3’s Guide to Investing in a 401(k)

2023-07-17T19:06:10-04:00July 17th, 2023|401k, Blog, Financial Planning, Investments, Retirement|

While earlier generations may have relied on pension plans to fund their retirement, most workplaces have moved towards defined contribution rather than defined benefit plans. Many pension plans were defined benefit plans, which promised a certain benefit at retirement. These plans required employers to assume the risk that the invested funds would underperform the [...]

5 Summertime Activities That Can Impact Your Taxes

2023-06-02T14:07:23-04:00June 2nd, 2023|Blog, Financial Planning, Taxes|

Summer is here, and you may be ready to hit the pool, enjoy a BBQ, or just relax in the sunshine. As you enjoy the warmer and longer days, keep in mind that some of your undertakings may impact your 2023 taxes. If you participate in any of the below summertime activities, make sure [...]

5 Steps for Building Better Spending Habits

2023-05-19T14:07:51-04:00May 19th, 2023|Blog, Financial Planning|

Reducing spending can be one of the hardest financial planning tasks. You may create and try to stick to a budget and find that you are still spending more than you desire. One way to reduce spending involves categorizing your top spending categories and identifying one financially-beneficial microhabit to build over the course of a month. [...]