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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Setting a Retirement Savings Goal
Only 51% of workers or their spouses have tried to estimate the savings they would need to live comfortably in retirement. This article offers a simple worksheet to help calculate a savings target.
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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.
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Fixed Annuities: Retirement Income for Now or Later
Purchasing a fixed annuity shifts the risk for future investment returns to the insurance company and could help create a pension-like income stream for retirement.
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HOT TOPIC: Rising Oil Prices Could Pose the Latest Threat to the Economy
This article discusses the market dynamics that are impacting oil prices and adding to concerns about broader inflation and economic growth.
Calculators
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Tax-Deferred Savings
Compare the potential future value of tax-deferred investments to that of taxable investments.
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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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Savings Goals
How much do you need to save each year to meet your long-term financial goals?
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Cost of Retirement
Use this calculator to estimate how much income and savings you may need in retirement.