Financial Insights

Retirement Couple

Avoid These Mistakes as You Plan for Retirement

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Signs to Hire a Financial Planner

How to Know When to Hire a Financial Planner: Recognizing the Signs

Managing your finances can be daunting, and as your financial portfolio grows, it becomes increasingly complex. While some individuals may [...]
Chess Board

10 Essential Strategies for Building and Protecting Your Wealth

In this blog post, we will explore ten key strategies to empower you to build and protect your wealth effectively.
Alternative Investments

Do Alternative Investments Have a Place in Your Investment Portfolio?

Alternative investments — essentially anything that is not a stock or bond — offer portfolio diversification, as well as the [...]
social security benefit

Social Security Rules for Divorce and Spousal Benefits

Learn what Social Security benefits you're entitled to when you've been married (and divorced) more than once.
Retirement Couple

Avoid These Mistakes as You Plan for Retirement

It's the million dollar question: Are you prepared to retire comfortably?
Family holding piggy bank

The Income Trap

What does it take to become wealthy? A lot of assets? A high six-figure salary? Or something else?
retirement plan contribution deadline

Retirement Plan Contribution Deadlines

Retirement plan contribution deadlines can vary. Here's what you need to know as the deadlines approach.

What Does a Bank Failure Mean for You?

Bank failures are scary. But there are steps you can take to protect your cash assets.
income in retirement

Guide to Money Management and Income in Retirement

Heading into retirement? Here are some ways to maximize your finances.
qualified charitable distributions

Did You Make a Qualified Charitable Distribution in 2022?

How you report your charitable distributions matters. If you made a QCD from your IRA in 2021, keep reading.
market prediction

2023 Market Predictions

2022 was a volatile year for the bond and stock markets. Here is our market prediction for 2023.
five star manager award

Congratulations to our Five Star Wealth Manager Award Winners

We are proud of our senior wealth advisors for receiving the 2023 Five Star Wealth Manager Award.
retirement account changes

Changes are Coming to Your Retirement Accounts

Changes are coming to retirement accounts. But it's not all bad. Here's what you need to know about Secure 2.0.
Traditional 401k vs Roth 401k

Traditional 401(k) vs. Roth 401(k) Plans: Which is Right for You?

Traditional and Roth 401(k) plans can yield different results at retirement. Let's explore the pros and cons.
Giving Tuesday

#GivingTuesday

#GivingTuesday is about giving back. Here are some ideas to help you make a difference.

Will Rising Interest Rates Impact When You Take Your Pension?

Retirement brings newfound freedoms, as well as important financial decisions that need to be made.
saving money

8 Tips for National Savings Day

Strong saving habits improve your ability to be financially independent. Here are 8 great tips to get you started.
medicare open enrollment

Medicare Open Enrollment Tips

Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15-December 7. This is the time to make changes to your plan for 2023.
NJ property tax update

NJ Property Tax Update

Learn how some taxpayers can offset local property taxes using NJ's new ANCHOR program.
FAFSA Federal Student Aid

Hoping to Get Federal Student Aid? FAFSA Opens on October 1.

October is the kickoff season for financial aid. Learn more about submitting the FAFSA form.
Inflation markets and interest rates

Inflation, Interest Rates, and Markets

The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) reported that we have yet to tame inflation. Here's what it means and what's [...]
medicare IRMAA

Who is IRMAA, and Why Does She Hate Me?

For most Medicare subscribers, IRMAA is inevitable. Learn how it's calculated and how you may be able to reduce it.
traditional vs roth ira

Why Now May be a Good Time for Roth IRA Conversions

A down market may present retirement planning opportunities, such as a Roth IRA conversion. Here's why.
financial mistakes of celebrities

Learning from the Financial Mistakes of Celebrities

Ignoring key financial decisions can be disastrous to an estate. Here are examples of financial mistakes to avoid.
world password day

Celebrate the Importance of World Password Day

World Password Day reminds us how important it is to maintain secure passwords. Here's why and how to track them.
rising interest rates

What do Rising Interest Rates Mean for Your Money?

Rising interest rates are meant to combat inflation and influence economic growth. Learn how the increase impacts you.
tax scam

Watch Out For These Common Tax Scams

There's no shortage of financial scams throughout the year, and tax season always brings new ones. Watch out for these.
529 plan distribution

How to Tap Into Your 529 Plan Savings

Saving for college is the first step. Next comes the daunting task of understanding exactly how to handle the distributions.
home health care in medicare

Home Health Care Services under Medicare

Home health care services may become essential as you age. Learn which home health care services are covered by Medicare.
tax season 2022

Federal Tax Filing Season Has Started

The IRS is now accepting and processing 2021 tax-year returns. Here are some tips for making your tax filing easier.
year end tax planning

2021 Year-End Tax Planning Tips

Year-end tax planning may look different this year, pending new tax laws. Here are some strategies to consider.
mututal fund capital gain distributions

Year-End Capital Gain Distributions

Mutual funds must make regular capital gain distributions to shareholders. Here's what to expect for tax planning.
2021 tax figures

Key Tax Numbers for 2022

Here are key tax numbers for 2022 to help you with your tax planning for next year.
inflation

Is Inflation Peaking?

You see the impact in your monthly budget. So why don’t the financial markets seem too concerned about inflation?
affordable care marketplace exchange open enrollment

What You Need to Know About Open Enrollment for the Affordable Care Act

There's a short window to obtain coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Ensure you have the right health insurance.
moderate portfolio mike chomiak

Mike Chomiak Discusses a Moderate Portfolio with CityWire

The Moderate Portfolio is a great place to start when discussing investing. We spoke with CityWire to explain why.
Social Security COLA

COLA Increase Announced for Social Security

The Social Security Administration announced a substantial COLA increase for Social Security recipients. Will it make a difference?
estate planning

Estate Planning Today Helps You Plan for Tomorrow

A surprising number of people leave no estate plan in place. It's important to plan so your heirs are protected.
College Savings Planning NJ

We Are Proud to Share the Accomplishments of Our Advisors

It is with great pleasure we announce that two of our advisors have earned new credentials.
help children financially

7 Best Actions to Help Your Children Financially

We all want our children to be successful. Here are seven things you can do to help your children financially.
handling instant wealth

Tips for Handling Sudden Wealth

The idea of sudden wealth sounds exciting, but it can have some negative outcomes if not handled properly.
student loan repayment

Student Loan Payment Pause Extended

There have been 4 student loan payment pauses since the start of the pandemic. This one is likely the last.
rental income tax rules

Tax Rules for Rental Income

Real estate can be a great investment. But there are tax rules for rental income to be aware of.
HSA Health Savings Accounts

Are Health Savings Accounts Right for You and Your Financial Plan?

Are Health Savings Accounts Right for You? A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged personal medical savings account that [...]

Is It the Right Time to Reallocate Your Insurance $$$?

As Baby Boomers approach retirement they often ask the questions: Should I continue to keep my life insurance policies? Should [...]
cost cutting in retirement

How to Cut Costs in Retirement

As you plan for retirement, it's advisable to identify where you can cut costs. Here are some pointers.
NJBEST 529 Plan

NJ College Affordability Act: What You Need to Know

College may become more affordable with the passage of the NJ College Affordability Act. Here's what you need to know.
rules for investing in stock market

Rules for Investing in the Stock Market

Speculating is on the rise. But it should not be confused with strategic investing. Here's the difference.
combine finances after marriage

Should Couples Combine Finances After Marriage?

Are you wondering if you should combine your finances after marriage? Here are some tips to help you decide.
long term care

Long-Term Care May be Part of the Circle of Life

Long-term care may become necessary late in life. Reduce the burden on loved ones with some planning.
eldercare

A Free Tool to Connect the Elderly with Special Services

Many older citizens need special services to assist them in their daily lives, including things such as transportation, meals, and [...]
529 Plan basics

The ABCs of 529 Plans

529 plans are excellent tax-advantaged savings vehicles to help pay for college. Learn about their features and also potential drawbacks.
woman thinking about tax planning

Year-Round Tax Planning Suggestions

With more tax law changes on the way, consider these questions to get ahead in your tax planning.
capital gains tax debate

Debate Starts Over Capital Gains Tax

Capital gains tax proposals typically face long, uphill battles before becoming law. Don't be rattled by the current debate.
record retention rules

Record Retention Rules for Individuals

Record retention rules can be confusing. Here is some guidance on what you need to keep and for how long.
Federal tax due date extension

The 2021 Tax Filing Deadline Has Been Extended

The 2021 tax filing deadline has been extended. But not for everybody. Here's what you need to know.
American Rescue Act

American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

Find out what the third stimulus bill is providing (stimulus checks, expanded unemployment benefits, and more).
what changes to financial planning are coming

5 Changes to Financial Planning We May See in 2021

Every new President initiates change. This article discusses five possible changes that can impact financial planning.
financial aid

Financial Aid Changes on the Horizon

The last relief package included several provisions related to education and financial aid. Here are some key highlights.
medicare and employer health

Medicare and Employer Health Coverage

You're eligible for Medicare! But what if you're still working and have health insurance? Here are your choices.
Financial goals

Supercharge Your Resolutions by Making Them SMART!

The new year is a popular time to set resolutions. Here are tips to help you achieve your financial goals.
stimulus package stimulus checks

Second Stimulus Package Update

The second stimulus package includes a spending bill for 2021 and stimulus checks for individuals. Here's what you should know.
retirement planning milestones

Retirement Planning By the Numbers

There are certain ages that are significant when planning for retirement. Here are some milestone ages to be aware of.
required minimum distribution (RMD) changes

Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Rules Have Changed for 2020

The rules for 2020 Required Minimum Distributions has (temporarily) changed. Don't take your RMD until you read this.
property tax rebate

NJ Property Tax Relief Program Updates

You may be eligible to receive property tax relief from the State of NJ. Here's what you need to know.
social security increase

Social Security Benefits Will Increase 1.3% in 2021

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for approximately 70 million Americans will increase 1.3% in 2021.
GDP growth increase

Record GDP Growth Rate Announced

The GDP is experiencing record growth. But GDP growth can be complicated.
senior property tax freeze

Important Updates to the Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement Program)

There's some positive tax news for seniors this year! The 2019 Senior Freeze Program will be fully funded. Learn more.
budgeting in retirement

Budgeting for Retirement

When retirement is near, budgeting is critical. It could mean the difference between enjoying your retirement, and outliving your money.
RMD Deadline CARES Act

August 31 is the Deadline to Roll Back RMDs

Did you take an RMD before the CARES Act passed? There's still time to roll back your withdrawal.
NJ pension exclusion

What You Need to Know About the NJ Pension Exclusion

Where you will live is one of the most significant retirement decisions you will make. Is NJ right for you?
retirement planning mistakes to avoid

Avoid These Pandemic-Prone Mistakes When Planning for Retirement

Planning for retirement, especially during a pandemic, can be stressful. Avoid these retirement planning mistakes to ensure you achieve your [...]
intrafamily loan

Deciding if an Intrafamily Loan Makes Sense

On June 10, the Federal Reserve announced that it is unlikely they will raise interest rates until 2022. This is [...]
Estimated tax deadline 2020

Tax Alert: NJ/NY Estimated Tax Payments Due Monday

On March 21, the Treasury Department directed the IRS to postpone the tax filing deadline from April 15 to July [...]
529 Plan

May 29 is 529 Plan Day

May 29 highlights the benefits of investing in a 529 College Savings Plan. Learn how a 529 Plan can help [...]
401(k) after job loss

What to do with Your 401(k) Plan After Unemployment

Few life events are more stressful than a job loss. If you or someone you know is in this situation [...]
COVID-19 Stimulus Checks

A Word About Stimulus Checks

A Word About Stimulus Checks Are you eligible for a stimulus check from the Treasury Department? As of Friday, April [...]
understanding the markets

Clarity is the Key

Investors and advisors around the world are always striving to understand the markets, hoping to use educated logic to anticipate [...]
RMDs CARES Act

How the CARES Act Impacts Required Minimum Distributions

What is The CARES Act? The CARES Act, signed into law on Friday, March 27, is a relief bill for [...]
new jersey extends tax filing deadline 2020

New Jersey Extends Tax Filing and Payment Deadlines

New Jersey has extended the State income tax filing deadline and the corporate business tax filing deadline from April 15 [...]
How the CARES Act helps

The CARES Act and You

On Friday, March 28, President Trump signed the CARES Act into law. The CARES Act is an economic stimulus package [...]
New York State filing deadline 2020

New York State Extends Tax Filing and Payment Deadlines

New York State has extended the April 15, 2020 due date for filing personal income tax and corporate tax returns. [...]
COVID Fraud

Beware of COVID-19 Scams

COVID-19 scams are running rampant, targeting the elderly, individuals with pre-existing conditions, and low-income Medicaid recipients. The fraudulent sales pitches [...]
investment options during volatility

Getting Close to Retirement? Here’s How to Prepare Your Portfolio in a Volatile Market.

The stock market, after eleven years of unprecedented growth, has officially transitioned into a bear market. A bear market is [...]
federal filing date extended

Federal Filing Date Extended (Tax Alert Update)

On Saturday March 21, the Treasury Department and IRS extended the due date for filing Federal income tax returns for [...]
tax payment deadline extended

IRS Provides Some Tax Relief

On March 18, the Internal Revenue Service issued Notice 2020-17, Relief for Taxpayers Affected by Ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic, [...]
facts about income tax

The Facts About Income Tax

Millions faithfully file their 1040 forms each April. But some things about federal income taxes may surprise you. The tax [...]
stock market volatility

What to do During Times of Extreme Market Volatility

As I was sitting down to write this article, I received an email from a younger client of mine with [...]
coronavirus and stock market crash

Our View on the Coronavirus and How it is Impacting Markets

The Coronavirus has dominated the news cycle of late, and markets are clearly reacting to the news because the outcome [...]
secure act webinar

SECURE Act Webinar Recording Available Now

There is a high likelihood the SECURE Act will affect your retirement and estate planning. Passed into law in December [...]
SECURE Act webinar

Webinar: How the SECURE Act Changes Your Retirement and Estate Planning

There is a high likelihood the SECURE Act will affect your retirement planning. The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement [...]
Access Insights Blog and News

A New Decade Brings New Insights and a New Communication Schedule

Once a month, we send out Access Insights, an electronic newsletter that summarizes all of the blog posts that have [...]
five star wealth manager

Three Advisors Named 2020 Five Star Wealth Managers

Join us in congratulating Howard Milove, Howard Hook, and Darren Zagarola for winning the 2020 Five Star Wealth Manager award!  [...]
check fraud

An Important Tip to Help Avoid Check Fraud

As if it’s not hard enough to remember to write the new year on your checks, now authorities are warning [...]
Future 50 RIA Award

Access Wealth Recognized as a Future 50 RIA by Citywire USA

We are proud to share that Access Wealth has been selected as a Future 50 RIA by Citywire USA. The [...]
secure act financial retirement planning

What You Need to Know About the Recently Passed SECURE Act

On December 20, 2019, Congress passed, and the President signed the “Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act,” better [...]
tax planning year end tax planning

Year-End Tax Planning Tips for 2019

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) made significant changes to practically everyone’s Federal income taxes beginning in [...]
Food Drive

Thank You for Supporting our 2019 Food Drive

As a way of celebrating the Thanksgiving and Holiday season, we hosted a food drive to benefit the Community FoodBank [...]
Medicare Advantage Plan

Should You Consider a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Now is the time (October 15-December 7) that the 64 million Americans on Medicare must decide whether to stay on [...]
food drive

Access Wealth Hosts Food Drive

If you would like to contribute to this year’s food drive to support the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, please [...]
happy family at sunset celebrating financial planning success dreaming about future

Why it’s Important to Have a Financial Plan and Update it Annually

Research by Charles Schwab shows that three in five Americans live paycheck to paycheck, and only one in four have [...]
The FED - Federal Reserve System

Here’s What the Fed Rate Cut Means

This past Wednesday, the Federal Reserve lowered the target for the Federal Funds rate by a quarter of a percentage [...]
Howard Hook, CFP, CPA

Howard Hook Joins Forbes Finance Council

Howard Hook has been invited to join the Forbes NY Finance Council and be a regular contributor to Forbes.com Community [...]
Larry Zagarola and Darren Zagarola Jaycees

Access Wealth Proudly Supports Cranford Jaycees

Access Wealth is proud to support the Cranford Jaycees. We sponsored a hole at their Annual Golf Outing, which set [...]
Darren Zagarola, a Certified Financial Planner, Certified Public Accountant, and Personal Financial Specialist

Darren Zagarola Elected President of the Board of Directors of Princeton Adult School

Congratulations to Darren Zagarola on being elected President of the Board of Directors of the Princeton Adult School. Darren is [...]
WPU Financial Planning Day

Access Wealth Welcomes William Paterson University Students

On Friday, May 3, 2019, Access Wealth proudly hosted its second Financial Planning Day for 12 William Paterson University Cotsakos [...]
avoid retirement mistakes

9 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Retirement

You’re heading to the finish line – retirement is approaching, or maybe you’ve already retired. You’ll want to steer clear [...]

Tax Bill Update (The SECURE Act)

In December 2018, there was a new tax bill working its way through Congress. Called the “Retirement Savings and Other [...]
strategies to save money when young

Teach Your Children Well

Does your teenage or college age child work part-time? If so, one of the best things you can do as [...]
charitable planning strategies

How to Donate and Still Benefit

For most people, charitable giving involves writing checks to the charities of their choice. However, changes in the tax law, [...]
Staying active in retirement

What Does Retirement Mean to You?

As you progress through youth and middle age, retirement moves from being a vague abstraction to an impending reality. How [...]

Inside Access Wealth’s Investment Philosophy (A Citywire RIA Interview)

We were flattered to be interviewed by Citywire Registered Investment Advisor magazine. They asked Portfolio Manager, Mike Chomiak, to describe [...]
asset allocation

Why Asset Allocation Still Makes Sense

Have you ever heard the saying “Slow and steady wins the race?” When it comes to investing and building your [...]
Access Wealth Best Financial Advisors

New Year – New Look – Same Us!

But better looking! We are marking our 30th year in business with a branding refresh that better reflects who we [...]

Three Changes to Retirement Accounts You Should be Aware Of

Lost in all the tax law changes that went into effect this year were several changes made to IRA and [...]

Tax Bill Alert

Don’t look now but another tax bill is working its way through the House Ways and Means Committee. If passed [...]

Howard Milove is a 2019 Five Star Wealth Manager Award Winner

We are pleased to announce that Howard Milove, CPA, PFS, has won the 2019 Five Star Wealth Manager award! By [...]
retirement savings

Don’t Forget your RMD

When it comes to retirement accounts such as Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), 401(k)s and 403(b)s, there are two magic ages [...]

The IRS Tax Withholding Tables May be Inaccurate. Here’s What You Need to Know.

Typically, when a tax law is passed that changes the marginal tax rates, the IRS issues new tax withholding tables [...]

Access Wealth Raises Money for Local School

Six employees of Access Wealth and their family members ran in the OAS/BS 5K Run on November 4. The money [...]
Leo Chubinishvili, CFP

Leo Chubinishvili Joins the Access Wealth Advisory Team

It is with great pleasure we announce that Levan “Leo” Chubinishvili, CFP® has joined the Access Wealth advisory team as [...]

Health Insurance – Know your Options and Get Covered

According to a study published in the American Journal of Medical Health, people who lack health insurance have a 40% [...]

Single Parent Finances: Six Tips to Find Financial Success When It’s All on You

When it comes to single parent finances, being a single head of household can wreak havoc on your finances, your [...]
deciding to retire or keep working

“To Retire or Not to Retire” is the Question

The baby boomer generation consists of 78 million people, all born between 1946 and 1964. Every day 10,000 more in [...]
charitable giving

Charitable Giving Under the New Tax Laws

I’ve been having more conversations lately with clients about charitable giving. While I have found many to be very generous [...]

Best Defense from Scams? Common Sense.

Over the past year, we have received many calls from clients about different types of scams. Fortunately, most have been [...]

Showing Employee Appreciation!

Here at Access Wealth, we value our employees and the effort they make every day. Throughout the year, we find [...]

Single Parents – Five Choices for Success

In 1960, among all households in the U.S. with children under 18, 1 in 8 were not headed by a [...]

Access Wealth Sponsors Golf Outings

Access Wealth sponsored a hole at the Cranford Jaycees Annual Golf Outing in May, as well as the Veterans Day [...]

Where Do You Plan to Live in Retirement?

Whether you are approaching retirement or have already retired, you have probably thought about your options regarding residential living in [...]
Howard Hook, CFP, CPA

Howard Hook Elected to HomeCare Options Board of Directors

Howard Hook, CFP®, CPA, a senior wealth advisor with Access Wealth (as well as its sister company EKS Associates), was [...]
do-you-suffer-from-chrometophobia

Do You Suffer from Chrometophobia?

Surveys have reported that two-thirds of Americans admit to being subject to financial fears, and as many as one-third say [...]

It’s All About Creating the Right Balance

Doctors tell us in order to stay healthy we need to eat a “balanced” diet. Families struggle to find the [...]
Darren Zagarola, a Certified Financial Planner, Certified Public Accountant, and Personal Financial Specialist

Darren Zagarola Elected to Princeton Adult School Board of Directors

Darren Zagarola, CFP®, CPA, PFS, a senior wealth advisor with Access Wealth (as well as its sister company EKS Associates), [...]

Estate Planning: Important for Families at Any Age

Estate planning has always been considered an integral part of one’s financial plan. However, there’s been a misconception that it [...]

Roth Conversions and the New Tax Law

Roth IRAs have been around since the Tax Payer Relief Act of 1997.  During that time, the use of the [...]

IRAs and 401(k)s: To Roth or Not to Roth

The Roth IRA was created in 1997 and quickly became popular. One of the main differences between it and the [...]

Access Wealth Supports Local Basketball Team

Access Wealth is proud to support the NJ Blast and AAU Basketball.
Financial Planning

Make Sure You Get All the Facts

Has anyone ever told you that you are paying too much for your car? The conversation goes something like this: [...]
insurance planning

Don’t Neglect Your Risk Management Portfolio

While most people may be concentrating on saving for retirement, putting their kids through college, or buying that second home, [...]
social security benefits

Social Security System is Not Going Away

Retirement security and protection against the risks of disability and premature death are among the most important challenges families face [...]

Making the Most of Your Social Security Benefits: A Strategy for Widows

Elizabeth (name changed) contacted her financial advisor after her husband passed away earlier this year. One of the important issues [...]
family wealth planning

Webinar Looks at Impact of New Tax Law

The biggest tax overhaul in more than 30 years will have a long-lasting impact on American families, changing the way [...]

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