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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Don’t Take the Bait: Top Tax Scams in 2025
As tax filing season approaches, the IRS warns taxpayers to watch for scams that can cause identity theft, financial loss, or criminal penalties.
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Grocery Games: Strategies to Help Stretch Your Food Budget
Food prices have risen more than 22% since the beginning of 2020, but shopping strategically might help households spend less on groceries.
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HOT TOPIC: The Fed Lowers Rates in an Economic Balancing Act
This article looks at the Fed’s dilemma in setting monetary policy to address slowing employment with rising inflation, and the potential effects of lower rates on businesses and consumers.
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Could an HSA Strengthen Your Retirement Strategy?
After age 65, retirees can use HSA funds for any purpose without incurring a penalty.
Calculators
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Roth IRA Conversion
This calculator can help you determine whether you should consider converting to a Roth IRA.
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Net Worth
A balance sheet summarizes your assets and liabilities and reveals your net worth.
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Credit Card Debt
How Long Will It Take to Pay my Balance?
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Lifetime Earnings
This calculator is designed to help you attach a dollar figure to your life’s work.