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
-
Why the EPA is Focusing on “Forever” Chemicals
In March 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed the first federal limits for six types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in public drinking water.
-
How Savers and Spenders Can Meet in the Middle
Couples who have opposite philosophies regarding saving and spending often have trouble finding common ground. This article offers some tips to learn to work with financial differences.
-
SECURE 2.0 Makes It Easier to Give and Receive
The SECURE 2.0 Act modified the rules for qualified charitable distributions to allow funding a charitable gift annuity or charitable remainder trust from an IRA.
-
You’ve Received an Inheritance, Now What?
Receiving an inheritance might promote spending without planning, but it’s not wise to make hasty decisions. This article provides suggestions that could help manage an inheritance.
Calculators
-
Roth IRA Conversion
This calculator can help you determine whether you should consider converting to a Roth IRA.
-
Home Affordability
Estimate of the maximum amount of financing you can expect to get when you begin house hunting.
-
Life Insurance
How much life insurance would you need to produce a sufficient income stream for your family?
-
Estate Taxes
Use this calculator to estimate the federal estate taxes that could be due on your estate after you die.