YOUR FINANCIAL PHYSICAL
Amanda R. Piper, MBA, CEP®
Financial Advisor Wagener-Lee, LLC
An Independent Registered Investment Advisor
5950 Symphony Woods Road,
Suite 412
Columbia, MD 21044
443-276-9595
www.wagener-lee.com
Four Important Topics for a Woman’s Financial Health Check-Up
Your financial health is like physical health. Both require knowledgeable advice, a long term view, and a proactive approach. And like your physical health, sometimes we neglect a needed financial check-up. There are enough demands on our time (kids, spouse, bosses, and friends) that take priority over ourselves. Join me on a quick fiscal exam to check your financial well being and start investing in you.
CHECK YOUR VITALS
Take a look at your portfolios. Are your investments performing as you had expected given the market conditions?
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Asset allocation decisions are among the most important factors affecting your portfolio volatility. Are you taking on the correct amount of risk based on your goals and time frame?
EMPLOYER SPONSORED RETIREMENT PLANS
Are you contributing to your retirement account? If not, you may be missing out on an opportunity.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: 2012 contributions for 401(k), 403(b), 457(b) and SAR-SEP plans are limited to $17,000. This is an increase from 2011. If cash flows allow, did you remember to increase your salary deferral to max out your contribution? Salary deferrals reduce your taxable income.
Does your employer provide a match? Many companies incentivize employees by matching a portion of your salary, but only if you contribute to your plan. If you can’t afford to max your contributions, an initial goal may be to capture the match.
TAX RETURNS
It’s almost tax time! Have you considered meeting with a tax professional to review your return and plan for the year to come?
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: A tax professional can often help identify deductions you are not taking. There may be advanced planning opportunities available to you.
BENEFICIARIES
Did you know beneficiary designations are considered a contract and bypass your will?
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Naming a beneficiary allows you the opportunity to designate proper distribution and avoid the probate with your estate. If your beneficiary designations conflict with your will and trust agreements, your actual wishes may not be carried out.
FINANCIAL PHYSICAL
These four important topics are just a few of many issues that women should be aware when focusing attention to our financial health. Start investing in you.
Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. The CEP® (CERTIFIED ESTATE PLANNER™) and MCEP® (MASTER CERTIFIED ESTATE PLANNER™) are trademarks registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and solely owned by the National Institute of Certified Estate Planners, Inc. These certification marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the NICEP certification requirements and who also comply with annual maintenance requirements.
