Valerie Schmitz, CEPA, CPFA President
Welcome to our Web site, where you’ll find a wealth of information in the form of newsletter articles, calculators, and research reports.
We hope your visit will help you understand the opportunities and potential rewards that are available when you take a proactive approach to your personal financial situation. We have created this Web site to help you gain a better understanding of the financial concepts behind insurance, investing, retirement, estate planning, and wealth preservation. Most importantly, we hope you see the value of working with skilled professionals to pursue your financial goals.
We’re here to help educate you about the basic concepts of financial management; to help you learn more about who we are; and to give you fast, easy access to market performance data. We hope you take advantage of this resource and visit us often. Be sure to add our site to your list of "favorites" in your Internet browser. We frequently update our information, and we wouldn’t want you to miss any developments in the area of personal finance.
Newsletters
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Leave a Lasting Gift with an Ethical Will
An ethical will, also called a legacy letter, can tell a personal story and communicate beliefs and life lessons to family, friends, or community.
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All Eyes on the Earnings Picture
Earnings season can be a volatile period for stocks. As investors digest and respond to new data, the marketplace rewards some companies and punishes others.
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New Medicare Rules Tackle Prescription Drug Prices
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 included provisions intended to lower prescription drug costs for Medicare enrollees and slow drug spending by the federal government.
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Individual Bonds vs. Bond Funds: What’s the Difference?
Individual bonds and bond funds can both provide an income stream, but there are important differences. This article provides an overview of these two types of investments.
Calculators
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Home Affordability
Estimate of the maximum amount of financing you can expect to get when you begin house hunting.
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LTCI Cost of Waiting
Estimate the potential cost of waiting to purchase a long-term care insurance policy.
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Retirement Portfolio Lifespan
How Long Will Your Funds Last?
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Required Minimum Distributions
Estimate the annual required distribution from your traditional IRA or former employer's retirement plan after you turn age 73.