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Record-Setting Charitable Giving in 2023 Speaks to American Generosity

Sarah Ruef-Lindquist, JD, CTFA

By Sarah Ruef-Lindquist 
For Pen Bay Pilot

GivingUSA 2024 reported a record high dollar amount of $557.16 billion given by individuals, corporations, foundations and decedents’ estates in 2023.

While the increase over the 2022 amount of almost $546 billion is notable, it does not mean an increase in inflation-adjusted dollars, but rather a 2.1% decrease from 2022.

For a longer historical perspective, total charitable giving in 2016 was just shy of $400 billion. That translates into 39% growth in giving over the last eight years.

Still, the 2023 numbers indicate a continued generosity in the United States in the face of the higher costs of living which many are facing.  While the increase in the amount of giving may not have exceeded the current rate of inflation, it shows that people are willing to still support charitable causes at least as much as they did in the prior year, even if many of their living expenses have increased.

The GivingUSA report details the sources of gifts as well as the sectors receiving those gifts. Individuals continue to represent the largest source of gifts, at 67%. The foundation share was 19%, while corporations and bequests combined make up the other 14%.

It is notable that the combined amounts from Individuals and bequests – almost 75% – speaks to the importance that individuals and families play in supporting charitable causes.

The education, health, human services, public society benefit, environment/animals, arts, culture and humanities all saw increases in gifts, while religion and international affairs saw decreases.

The trend toward giving to donor-advised funds at places such as Fidelity and community foundations continued with the highest growth level for the year, possibly signaling the desire for the kind of philanthropic flexibility donor-advised funds offer. Donor-advised funds allow a donor to make a charitable contribution and then serve as an advisor as to what charities should be supported from those contributions, either in the current year or in future years. Successor advisors may also be named.

This is all very good news for charitable organizations that rely upon philanthropy to continue their missions; during the pandemic and since many predictions about a recession caused the philanthropic sector to anticipate a significant downturn in giving which, fortunately, has not come to pass. Continued low unemployment, high stock market values and corporate profitability are likely helping to support donor generosity for individuals, families, foundations and corporate donors.

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How to Bounce Back Financially After Being Laid Off

“Expect the unexpected” sounds like a good mantra, but even if you follow that advice, life can still surprise you and knock you off balance. Undoubtedly, being laid off from your job is one of those shocking surprises. Regardless of whether you’ve been contributing to an emergency fund just in case, experiencing a sudden loss of income puts you in a difficult financial—and emotional—situation. But take comfort in knowing there are accessible ways to get back on your feet and regain control of your finances. Here are some strategies to get through this challenging time, no matter your age or career.

Figure Out Your Finances

Once you’ve taken a beat to process your emotions, your first step should be to assess your finances. This will help you determine how long you can sustain a job search before you need additional income.

  • Unemployment benefits. Applying for these benefits can take time, so starting that process should be at the top of your to-do list. In many cases, you should be able to file online, but you can contact your state’s unemployment office if you’re having trouble.
  • If your company offered you a severance package, be sure to review the terms with a human resources representative or your manager. How much will you receive, and are there any conditions attached to the payout?
  • Health insurance options. This is an important factor because many Americans get insurance through their jobs. Your employer’s coverage will often continue through the end of the month, but does your severance package include extended insurance? COBRA will allow you to continue your company’s coverage for a limited time, but it can be pricey. Explore all your options, including coverage through your spouse’s plan, your parent’s plan (if you’re under age 26), or marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to find the most affordable and appropriate health insurance.
  • Savings and emergency fund. Figure out how long your savings and emergency fund can sustain your current lifestyle. If you don’t have an emergency fund, this should be a wake-up call to start building one once you can afford it. Create a realistic budget to help get an overall picture of the money coming in and going out each month. Then, identify non-essential expenses you can cut back on to stretch your savings. Even temporarily eating out less or pausing subscriptions you don’t use regularly can be beneficial. Every little bit helps during this time.

Manage Debt and Credit

  • Prioritize payments. Pay essential expenses first, like rent or mortgage, utilities, and groceries. Of course, it’s not ideal to leave any charges unpaid, but if you’re short on cash, you may have to decide which are the most necessary.
  • Negotiate bills. Call your service providers (phone, cable, internet) and explain your situation. Many companies have programs to help customers facing tough times. Don’t wait until you miss a payment to reach out; it’s best to be proactive. Reaching out as soon as possible could save you from late fees and help avoid damage to your credit score.
  • Contact your lenders. Depending on your loan type (federal student loans, etc.), you may be eligible for deferment or forbearance, which can temporarily pause your payments or decrease the amount you owe. Ask your loan servicer about these possibilities.
  • Avoid additional debt. You may not have many options in this regard, but try not to depend on credit cards or loans that could land you in deeper debt.

Explore Income Options

  • Tap into your network. Don’t be shy about broadcasting the fact that you’re looking for work. Use your social media channels and reach out to former colleagues, mentors, industry contacts, friends, and family for leads.
  • Explore temporary work. Freelance or gig work can help generate income while you look for a full-time opportunity. Depending on your expertise and skill set, you can offer services like tutoring, consulting, or freelance writing, or reach out to a staffing agency for connections to open positions.
  • Update your job search tools. Add any new positions, skills, or certifications to your resume and LinkedIn profile since your last refresh. Practice interview skills by researching common questions and planning your answers, or role-playing with a friend or colleague.
  • Consider a pivot. Being laid off rarely feels positive in the moment, but this could be an unexpected opportunity to shift your focus, pursue a dream, or even relocate. Look into online courses or certification programs in a new or adjacent field or open your job search to include new locations. You may ultimately be grateful for this opportunity to do something unplanned or unexpected, even if that’s tough to imagine right now.

In addition to all of these tips, remember that you’re not alone in figuring this out. Feel free to reach out if you’re struggling with job loss and the financial implications—we’re here to help you create a plan for recovery and success.

© 2024 Commonwealth Financial Network®

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How to Prioritize Financial Goals as Your Life Becomes More Complex

Some people are savers, some are spenders, some live carefully within their means, and some live life to the fullest, even if that results in accumulated debt. You likely won’t remain solidly in one category throughout your life, as circumstances, income, and expenses change. So, even if you saved diligently during your youth, at some point, you may suddenly be faced with a combination of financial obligations that require decisions about what to prioritize. When juggling day-to-day expenses, debt (student, credit card, or other types), saving for retirement, and saving for your child’s college education, where should you focus? Here’s a guide to help you decide the priority order these obligations should take, and why.

Establishing Priorities

  1. Emergency fund. Before shifting your focus to long-term savings or debt repayment, your priority should be building an emergency fund to provide a safety net. These funds should be available to cover unexpected financial difficulties like job loss, car or home repairs, or medical emergencies. Do your best to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses in an account that you can easily access whenever necessary. Building this buffer before you put money toward other obligations will keep you from deeper debt and additional financial trouble caused by an emergency.

Helpful tip: Set up automated transfers to your emergency savings account, treating it like a monthly bill. This way, the funds will grow consistently, and you’ll be able to build a safety net without constant effort.

  1. High-interest debt. Since credit card debt and personal loans often come with high interest rates, paying those off should be your next priority. This will help free up money for other financial goals and eliminate the interest payments that are costing you more money than you actually owe. You can also call credit card companies and ask if they can lower your interest rate. They might not agree, but it’s worth trying.

Helpful tip: Choose a debt repayment strategy that works best for you. Consider the snowball method (paying off debts from smallest to largest) or the avalanche method (paying off debts with the highest interest rates first). Then, stick to the plan until all your high-interest debts are cleared.

  1. Retirement savings. Your retirement may seem too far in the future for you to think about now, but this should come next on your list of financial priorities. Why should it come ahead of saving for your child’s college tuition, which is likely to be a huge expense? Because, unlike retirement, there are various options for funding a college education, including scholarships, grants, and student loans. There are far fewer options for funding your living expenses after retirement. Also, since more Americans are living longer, maintaining your standard of living will require more money. You don’t want to outlive your financial resources.

Helpful tip: Take advantage of individual retirement accounts (IRAs) or employer-sponsored retirement plans like 401(k)s. Try to contribute at least enough to receive any company matching contributions because that’s essentially free money for you. Thanks to compound interest, even a small contribution now can result in significant savings as it grows over time.

  1. Children’s college education. The reason this financial obligation falls last on the list of priorities is certainly not because it’s less important. College costs are high, and it makes sense to start saving early. But, if you must sacrifice this goal to focus on others, you can fund your child’s education in other ways. Scholarships, grants, and part-time student employment opportunities may be available for supplementing education expenses if you haven’t saved enough to cover costs.

Helpful tip: Explore the option of a 529 savings plan or education savings account (ESA). These accounts offer tax benefits and can help you save money to use specifically toward educational expenses. If you can manage to automate contributions, you’ll maintain consistency and enable your fund to build steadily over time.

This priority order can serve as a good guide, but changing financial goals, income, or other circumstances might cause you to reassess and refocus from time to time. The key is to find a balance between the financial obligations you have now and making sure your financial future is secure, too. As always, your financial advisor can help you determine the best strategy to maintain stability, maximize your benefits, and minimize your costs and penalties based on your individual situation and goals.

This material is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation.

The fees, expenses, and features of 529 plans can vary from state to state. 529 plans involve investment risk, including the possible loss of funds. There is no guarantee that an education-funding goal will be met. In order to be federally tax free, earnings must be used to pay for qualified education expenses. The earnings portion of a nonqualified withdrawal will be subject to ordinary income tax at the recipient’s marginal rate and subject to a 10 percent penalty. By investing in a plan outside your state of residence, you may lose any state tax benefits. 529 plans are subject to enrollment, maintenance, and administration/management fees and expenses.

© 2024 Commonwealth Financial Network®

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Closing the Door Behind You…After You’re Gone, Do You Still Want Some Privacy?

Sarah Ruef-Lindquist, JD, CTFA

By Sarah Ruef-Lindquist for Pen Bay Pilot 

For the past 36 years, I have had countless conversations with people engaged in their planning trying to understand options for how to structure their estates. A primary question is always “Do you care if it’s public?”

This question is often met with some level of astonishment.  “Why would it be public?” And of course, the answer is that wills are public documents filed in the Probate Registry as the initial step in probate of an estate. In fact, the word ‘probate’ derives from the Latin word that means ‘to prove’ which is the intent of the probate process: To prove a will is the intent of the decedent and is presented to allow for its administration.

This means that to begin the process of proving the will and administration of the estate, the will is filed and made a public document. Nowadays, that means the will is not only physically available at the registry of probate but also electronically available through on-line records portals used by most states and open to the public.

Recently, there was an unusual case in Knox County, Maine: A request from the person seeking appointment as administrator of an estate to seal a will.  In other words, the person making this request wanted the will to be administered, but not publicly available. Over her 40+ years in office, the county’s Registrar could not remember a request for a will to be sealed in the county. Subsequently, a probate judge denied the request to seal the will.

It is possible that such a request to seal a will from public view indicates there are controversial, or perhaps embarrassing, dimensions of family dynamics articulated in the will itself. A disinheritance and perhaps an actual memorialization of the reason therefor might be best kept out of public records.

How could this be accomplished? For centuries, our legal system has recognized that people who use a trust to administer their estates may do so privately and with little or no involvement of probate. A trust can be created during lifetime and include a pour over provision such that if there is any property owned by the decedent but not already in the trust at the time of death it will pass into the trust and then be administered according to the terms of the trust, which remains private.

People utilize trusts for a variety of reasons: Tax efficiency, creditor issues, remarriage, spendthrift issues – and the list goes on. In my experience, this is the most-often cited reason for folks here in Maine: Privacy.  No one will be able to look up in one place what was owned and to whom it was given after their death. However, using a trust does require that one has absolute trust and confidence in their trustee – the person who will be responsible for carrying out unsupervised administration.  Sometimes this is a professional, such as a lawyer or accountant, instead of a friend or family member.

Each situation is unique. Consult your own legal and financial advisor to learn more about whether yours warrants consideration of trust planning for privacy or other reasons.

Allen Insurance and Financial does not provide legal or tax advice. You should consult a legal or tax professional regarding your individual situation.

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Inheritance Can Mean a Brighter Future: What to Do When it Happens to You

Sarah Ruef-Lindquist, JD, CTFA

Sarah Ruef-Lindquist, JD, CTFA

By Sarah Ruef-Lindquist for Pen Bay Pilot WAVE, Spring 2024

We are in the midst of the largest intergenerational transfer of wealth in the history of the United States. It is estimated that by the year 2045, more than $84 trillion will be left to the Gen X, Millennial and Gen Z generations by the Silent Generation and Baby Boomers. This is more than at any other time in US history.[i]

The long and the short of it is that those born between 1946 and 1964 – Boomers – have created an extraordinary level of wealth that combined with what the Silent Generation left to them will result in an unprecedented amount of assets transferring by the middle of this century. Over the next 20 years or so, many who have never had to manage or plan for any level of wealth could have more than they ever imagined.

And it’s already begun. Many of the clients I work with have been ‘surprised’ to become beneficiaries of parents and other relatives’ estates and are confronted with the need to manage and steward these assets in a way that fits into their lives or in some cases, is transformational. Having never planned to have more than they needed to live on modestly brings a whole new set of challenges and decisions to be made.

For instance, some have been helped in the past during financial difficulties and want to do something for those who helped them, even if they have already paid back anything they borrowed. It’s a natural emotional response in the face of generosity, but does it make sense?

Some want to give some or even all of the money to charity…but again, is this in their best interests when having a “nest egg” is the difference between living in retirement solely on social security or having the ability to even modestly increase their standard of living in their older years?

Others are so unaccustomed to having any excess income or assets than they need to live on that they assume that they will have a significant tax bill for accepting the funds or, if they have received appreciated securities or assets, that they cannot liquidate or reinvest those securities into something more appropriate for their life goals and risk tolerance because of the capital gains tax involved when in fact, most of the time this is not the case.

For most, they have never had a financial advisor because they didn’t think they needed one. What becomes immediately apparent is that they do and will do well to find someone who can help navigate the choices and complexities of managing wealth and build the right amount of discipline around spending to fit into their lives in a way that makes the most sense for them.

A careful analysis of risk tolerance, retirement and estate planning goals in light of new circumstances is required that also takes into consideration longevity, living expenses and other assets and income sources available.  Because stock, real estate or other assets held more than a year by the decedent often give heirs a tax basis that is the value as of date of death, not the basis or cost of the decedent, very tax efficient opportunities are available to allow heirs to make choices that are more aligned with their financial plans.

Anyone faced with inheriting assets should seek the services of a financial advisor with experience, knowledge and skills to help plan for and manage inherited assets. It can often mean a brighter future for you and your loved ones.

[i] https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2023/08/09/the-great-wealth-transfer-from-baby-boomers-to-millennials-will-impact-the-job-market-and-economy/?sh=58fbb0e03e4a

https://www.fastcompany.com/91016524/great-wealth-transfer-explained-how-some-gen-x-millennials-gen-z-are-getting-rich

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Ways to Reduce Your Tax Liability

Want to pay less taxes? If given a way to legally reduce tax liability, most Americans would welcome that opportunity with open arms. But methods for doing so aren’t always obvious—and may be tricky in certain circumstances. Two such situations include working in the gig economy and navigating required minimum distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts. Let’s explore strategic tax planning options for both cases.

Tax Planning for Gig Workers 

The gig economy refers to the rise in freelance work through apps such as Uber, TaskRabbit, DoorDash, and Etsy. As a gig worker, you have the flexibility to work on your own time and be your own boss, but you’re responsible for managing your income, expenses, and tax obligations. This could prove difficult and time-consuming, especially if you aren’t well-versed in tax law. There are ways, however, for freelancers to reduce their tax burden and comply with IRS rules and regulations.

  • Track business expenses and deductions. As a gig worker, you can deduct business expenses from your taxable income. These might include home office expenses, equipment, supplies, and travel expenses. Keeping track of your expenses throughout the year can help maximize deductions and lower taxable income.
  • Learn about tax deductions for freelancers. Gig economy jobs are viewed as independent contract roles by the IRS and are therefore eligible for various tax deductions aside from business expenses. These include deductions for health insurance, retirement contributions, and even a portion of self-employment taxes. Understanding these deductions will help reduce overall tax liabilities; your financial advisor can help clarify which expenses qualify.
  • Contribute to retirement accounts. When performing freelance work, you don’t have an employer-sponsored retirement plan but can still contribute to a traditional IRA or Roth IRA to save for the future. Contributions to traditional IRAs are tax deductible, whereas contributions to Roth IRAs are not tax deductible but grow tax free. Contributing to a retirement account may reduce your taxable income and provide long-term savings.
  • Consider estimated quarterly tax payments. Gig workers, who often receive income without taxes withheld, are responsible for paying estimated taxes throughout the year. You can use tax software or an accountant to calculate your estimated taxes and ensure that you are paying the right amount. Making quarterly estimated tax payments can help avoid penalties and ensure that taxes are paid throughout the year rather than in one lump sum during tax season.

Using RMDs for Tax Planning in Retirement

As baby boomers retire and life expectancy increases, tax planning for retirement is becoming increasingly important for American workers. One way to maximize tax savings in retirement is through RMDs. You’re required to take RMDs from certain retirement accounts the year you turn 73. Withdrawing them, however, could result in a large tax bill because these are considered taxable income. Here’s how to cut down on what you’ll owe.

  • Withdraw more early on. You can start withdrawing money from retirement accounts without a tax penalty at age 59½. If you expect to be in a lower tax bracket when you retire, it could help to take larger distributions at the beginning of your retirement to reduce your account balance and lower your RMDs later (reducing the taxes you owe on them).
  • Make charitable donations. Another way to reduce your tax liabilities is by donating your RMD to a qualified charity. This strategy, known as a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), satisfies RMD requirements and can reduce your taxable income while supporting a cause you care about. Just note the following requirements:
    • You must be 70½ or older.
    • You are limited to $105,000 in 2024.
    • The QCD must be made directly from the trustee of the IRA to the charity.
    • You won’t be able to claim a QCD as a charitable deduction on your taxes.
  • Consider a Roth IRA conversion. Although you will be taxed on retirement funds you convert to a Roth IRA at the time of conversion, future withdrawals from a Roth IRA are tax free. The onetime tax payment might be worth paying so you can avoid RMDs altogether and withdraw the money later without paying taxes on it. Strategic Roth conversions can help manage tax brackets in retirement, but they aren’t the right move for everyone, so discuss this possibility with your financial advisor and a tax professional before proceeding.
  • Coordinate with social security. If you’re able to withdraw funds from your tax-deferred retirement accounts before you claim social security benefits, you may minimize tax liabilities. Also, if taking distributions from your retirement funds allows you to delay collecting social security beyond your full retirement age, your benefit will increase.

Reducing your tax bill sounds great, but it requires careful planning and understanding of tax laws. Whether you’re a gig worker hoping to take advantage of deductions, a retiree trying to use RMDs to your advantage, or you’re looking at another possible way to legally reduce what you owe the IRS, please reach out to us. We’d love to help with your strategic tax planning. As always, we aim to help you make the most informed decision to optimize your financial well-being.

This material has been provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or investment advice. Although we go to great lengths to make sure our information is accurate and useful, we recommend you consult a qualified professional regarding your situation. Commonwealth Financial Network does not provide tax or legal advice.

© 2024 Commonwealth Financial Network®

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Retirement Planning: It’s More Than Just Having Your Financial House in Order

Sarah Ruef-Lindquist, JD, CTFA

Sarah Ruef-Lindquist, JD, CTFA

By Sarah Ruef-Lindquist for Pen Bay Pilot
A recent program presented by The Hartford entitled Helping Clients through 8,000 days of Retirement suggested an interesting approach to thinking about one’s retirement years, and the careful planning for it that should take place.  For many, the primary preoccupation is whether they will have enough financial resources; every day I hear people express the concern that they not “outlive their money”,  an understandable concern.

The presentation was based on work done at the MIT Age Lab, which works with financial services companies to help inform the work of retirement planning, in addition researching and finding ways to address other areas related to the physical, mental and emotional aspects of aging.

The presentation included a review of the first 8,000 days of one’s life, focused on education; the second 8,000 days focused on growing as a person; the third 8,000 days focused on maturing and the final 8,000 days focused on exploring, which coincides with what for many as retirement years. 8,000 days is about 22 years, so retirement comes in this model around age 66.

Initial retirement years tend to be dominated by several factors that change over time; relatively good health and increased unscheduled time.

Often there are psychological issues that come from having more free time, so thinking ahead about how one plans to spend time is important; for many, travel and spending more time with family and on hobbies is part of the plan. For some, this involves moving to another part of the country to be closer to the ocean, or the mountains, or to children or grandchildren. These choices involve financial considerations as well, of course, but also can lead to a different lifestyle than the one to which one may have been accustomed before retirement and therefore require adjustment.

Health issues play a role more and more as the years progress, so thinking about how one will adapt to these changes and possible challenges is appropriate, too.

The recent pandemic taught us that social isolation can be detrimental to one’s health. Planning for maintaining a healthy or even robust social life is important.

For the presentation, planning for later years of retirement, these issues boiled down to three questions:  How will you change a light bulb? How will you get an ice cream cone? With whom will you have lunch?

Each one is remarkably insightful. Maintaining a household is more than just being able to afford it the way you live in it now. When you can’t get on a ladder to change a lightbulb or clear a gutter, do you have access to (and perhaps can pay for) someone else to do it? This kind of question can lead to decisions about downsizing or moving to places where that kind of maintenance is provided.

The question about ice cream cones related to mobility; when you are not able to drive, how will you get an ice cream cone? If you remain ambulatory, how far would it be to walk? Driving ability plays a very large role in many retiree’s quality of life and choices.

Lastly, with whom will you have lunch? This points to the issue of social connections.  For many, initial retirement means having lunch with a spouse or life partner instead of having lunch with coworkers, clients or at one’s desk. People can also have a social network through work that they lose touch with in retirement. This may suggest to us that we need to build a new social network, or work on another one we already have to help us maintain social connections. However, given the longevity difference between men and women, there are many women who outlive male spouses or partners and have to learn to build a social network that they might not have had while their spouse or partner was still living. Of course, the same can be true for men. Building and constantly nurturing a social network can help to provide the kind of social connections that are beneficial to us as we age no matter what gender.

So yes, not outliving your financial resources is very important, but so are other aspects of our lives in retirement that require thoughtful, careful and intentional planning. A conversation with your financial advisor could be helpful to access some of the resources in your community to help you plan what could be the best 8,000 days of your life.

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Financial Tips for Female Breadwinners

An increasing number of women are becoming primary breadwinners in their households, so one might assume women are also taking on most of the financial decisions. On the contrary, most women in heterosexual relationships who are earning more of the household income aren’t making the major money-related decisions for the family1. So, why doesn’t earning power naturally lead to financial decision-making power?

  • Traditional gender roles. Women may feel less comfortable managing the family finances, and men may feel that responsibility comes more naturally to them simply because of stereotypical gender roles.
  • Work-life balance. Time constraints may also deter women from taking control of family finances. Between childcare, elder care, housework, and career demands, time to devote to money matters may be scarce. Having your spouse take finances off your full plate can seem helpful, but it may be detrimental in the long run.
  • Lack of financial education. Some women may face challenges related to financial literacy. A lack of knowledge about investment, savings, and retirement planning can make it difficult and less appealing to become involved in financial decision-making.

While these reasons might all play into women’s lack of involvement in family finances, it’s critical for women to be in the know about where their money is going. Why? Women are often paid less than their male counterparts, which makes it more challenging for them to save for the future and achieve financial stability. Women are also more likely to take career breaks or work part-time to care for children or elderly parents, which comes with its own financial responsibilities. This can result in lower income and less retirement savings. Finally, women tend to outlive men, which means they need to save more for retirement and plan for a longer lifespan. For all these reasons, female breadwinners should budget strategically, prioritize their retirement planning, and plan for unexpected expenses and emergencies, such as medical bills or home repairs. To manage your finances more effectively and help you achieve your long-term goals, follow these tips for female breadwinners.

Tips to Take Charge

Communicate openly. Establishing open communication with your partner about financial goals, responsibilities, and expectations is key. This might also include redistributing household responsibilities—either to your partner or to an outside person or service—to allow more time for you to help manage your family’s money. Consider planning a date night to discuss your finances to help diminish any relationship tension around the subject.

Compile important information. As part of your communication with your partner about finances, it will be helpful to gather all your account numbers, names of financial institutions, location of assets, passwords, and important contacts such as attorneys and CPAs in one place. You should have hard and digital copies and your trusted family members should know where they’re located. In the event one of you passes unexpectedly, having this will make a difficult situation slightly less complicated to navigate. Ask your financial advisor if they have a template for this type of document that requires you to just fill in the blanks.

Create a budget. This will help you track your income and expenses, identify areas where you can cut back, and plan for the future. Start by listing all your monthly income and expenses, including bills, groceries, and other necessities. Having a clear sense of where your money is going will help you identify areas for improvement and is the first step toward becoming more involved in managing your family’s finances.

Save for retirement. Women need to save a larger percentage of their income for retirement than men just to end up at the same level of wealth. This is because women often take time out of the workforce, make less money than men, and live longer on average. So, retirement planning is crucial, especially if you’re the primary breadwinner. Make sure you’re contributing enough to your retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s or IRAs, and consider working with a financial advisor to determine the best investments for your goals.

Start an emergency fund. There’s always a chance you may face unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or home repairs. Having a financial safety net can alleviate stress, avoid a financial challenge, and provide a sense of security.

Purchase insurance. Ensure that you and your family have adequate coverage, including health, life, and disability insurance. These protect against unexpected events that could jeopardize your family’s financial stability.

Get your estate documents in order. In addition to a fund for emergencies and setting up insurance coverage, you’ll want to plan for your family’s future in case something happens to you. It’s advisable to consult with a qualified attorney about your specific situation and unique goals. Core estate planning documents generally include:

  • Durable power of attorney (POA) for financial matters
  • Health care POA (and/or a living will)
  • Will
  • Trust agreement (depending on your specific situation)

You’ll also want to update your beneficiary designations. Outdated beneficiary designations can derail an estate plan. Review your designations periodically to ensure that the correct people are named and are still appropriate.

Learn about personal finance. If you feel a lack of confidence in making financial decisions, attend workshops, read books, or consult with financial advisors to enhance your understanding of investments, retirement planning, and other financial instruments. Better understanding will lead to a greater sense of comfort in managing your money.

Consult a financial advisor. A professional can help you in various ways, such as informing you about tax breaks or credits you might not have known about, choosing investments based on your risk comfort level, and setting up the most beneficial retirement plan for your needs.

As more women take on the role of breadwinners in their families, they face unique financial challenges. With careful planning and management and communication with your partner, you can achieve financial stability and help ensure a secure future for yourself and your loved ones.

1 UBS Own Your Worth Report 2023: Women primary breadwinners face challenges in embracing their financial power | UBS Global

This material has been provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or investment advice. Although we go to great lengths to make sure our information is accurate and useful, we recommend you consult a qualified professional regarding your situation. Commonwealth Financial Network does not provide tax or legal advice.

© 2024 Commonwealth Financial Network®

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Abraham Dugal Named Director of Investment Management

Abraham Dugal, CFP®

Abraham Dugal, CFP®

Abraham Dugal, CFP®, has been named Director of Investment Management at Allen Insurance and Financial.

Dugal has been a financial advisor at Allen since 2015. In his new role, Dugal will manage our investment portfolio oversight process, collaborate with our advisors for client investment decisions, and lead our retirement plan practice.

“Abe is well-suited to take on this leadership role in our financial division as we seek additional growth in this area of the services we provide to our clients,” said Michael Pierce, financial advisor and company president.

A native of Lincolnville, Dugal is a graduate of Camden Hills Regional High School and Babson College in Wellesley, Mass., where he majored in business management with a concentration in finance. He holds FINRA Series 66 and 7 securities licenses and maintains the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. He lives in Camden with his wife and son.

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What Can a Financial Advisor Do for You?

How can you get closer to achieving your financial goals? Depending on your income, assets, investments, and personal knowledge of finance, you may feel you can do a great job managing your money on your own. But according to a recent report from Boston research firm Cerulli Associates, the number of Americans willing to pay for financial advice has increased from 38 percent in 2009 to 63 percent in 2022. Why are more clients seeking help, how can a financial advisor make a difference, and is the advice worth the cost? Let’s explore answers to these questions.

There are many reasons why you might need a financial advisor:

Complex investment options. As the financial landscape changes, there are many more choices to make regarding investments, along with new regulations that may be difficult to navigate without professional guidance.

Aging baby boomers. A large percentage of the population is nearing retirement and seeking help to figure out how to maximize their savings to live comfortably after ending their careers. Longer life expectancies have also made retirement planning and guidance more important across age groups.

Economic factors. In times of market volatility, financial guidance becomes especially important. Inflation was a big concern for many people in 2022. Financial advisors can help answer questions like “will rising inflation affect my goal of retiring in the next 10 years, or do I need to adjust my portfolio to better keep up?”

The Benefits
There are many ways a financial advisor can offer value and assistance you may not be able to achieve on your own.

Saving time, reducing stress, and avoiding mistakes. Sure, you can do all the research, but having professional advice you trust and a knowledgeable person to ask when you’re unsure takes much less time and reduces the anxiety of trying to get it right on your own. In addition, working with an advisor can help you avoid making critical financial mistakes (e.g., taking on an inappropriate level of risk within your portfolio for your investment goal), which can be costly and detrimental to your financial plans.

Professional advice. Even if you devote time to doing your own financial research, an advisor likely has a more comprehensive financial education and more investing experience than you have. The experience an advisor brings can inform your strategies and get you closer to achieving your financial goals.

Staying on track. Regular check-ins with your advisor can help keep you on course toward your financial goals, keep track of your progress, and adjust your saving and investing strategies when necessary.

Comprehensive planning. Although you may have the resources to study new investment options or specific savings tools such as IRAs or 529 plans, it would be time-consuming to master the wide-ranging planning strategy that a financial advisor could help you create. In addition to asset accumulation, an advisor can provide insight into budgeting, saving, retirement planning, estate planning, tax planning, debt management, risk management, and business planning.

Possible access to connections. Advisors may collaborate with a network of attorneys, CPAs, insurance agents, and other professionals who can work together to help you achieve your goals.

How to Evaluate and Choose an Advisor
The best way to begin your search for a financial advisor is to ask family and friends for recommendations. If someone you know and trust vouches for the advisor, of course, there’s a better chance of finding a good match versus choosing one at random. So, what should you look for when choosing an advisor to help guide your financial decision-making?

Firm affiliation, experience, and certification. Just as you would evaluate the résumé of a potential hire, you should evaluate the education and background of a potential financial advisor. If your advisor has designations, research them and find out what the requirements were for obtaining them. Some designation requirements are more rigorous than others. You may want to look for continuing education, any examination requirements and adherence to a code of ethics.

Fee structure. Some financial professionals collect commissions based on the investments they pick or the products they sell you. Others charge a flat fee or a percentage fee based on assets under management regardless of their recommendations or your investments. Be sure to ask about your financial advisor’s fee structure and how they get paid.

Trust and personal attention. Your advisor should give you as much information as you need to make the best financial decisions for you and your family. So, it’s important to feel your advisor is listening to you, considering your circumstances and needs, and making recommendations you trust.

The Value
Whether working with a financial advisor is worth the cost depends on several factors. You may consider whether the potential investment growth you expect will be more than the advisor fee, but that’s not the only consideration. As the saying goes, time is money. So, the time you may save if you don’t have to educate yourself about various aspects of financial planning and investing should also factor into the benefit. You can also consider the benefits of working with a financial planning professional over time for things such as retirement planning, saving for education, and tax planning. Finally, the sense of financial security a trusted advisor can provide is priceless to some.

If you, a friend, or family member is considering working with a financial advisor, we’d love to hear from you. As always, we aim to provide support and help you reach your financial goals.

© 2024 Commonwealth Financial Network®

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