Understanding Today’s Financial Environment
Welcome, I’m Michael Hammen, a financial professional and owner of Advantage Financial & Tax Services in West Des Moines, IA. We understand that individuals and households face increasingly complex financial challenges as we navigate our way through life.
A few questions you may have. For example:
Are we saving enough for retirement? How does retirement savings impact my tax situation? How much can I save each year? What can I expect to receive at retirment in the form of income? How can I save on my income taxes each year? Can I save for my kids/grandkids college expenses? How much life insurance do I need? and other simular questions.
Our professionals have years of experience in financial services. We can help answer many of those questions, and assist you moving forward.
Helpful Content
“Dirty Dozen” Tax Scams to Watch For
Every year the IRS releases its list of tax scams, spotlighting some ways that people try to separate you from your money.
Retiring the 4% Rule
A portfolio created with your long-term objectives in mind is crucial as you pursue your dream retirement.
Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy
Emotional biases can adversely impact financial decision making. Here’s a few to be mindful of.
How to Make the Tax Code Work for You
When you take the time to learn more about how it works, you may be able to put the tax code to work for you.
Weighing the Benefits of Prepaid Debit Cards
It's important to understand the pros and cons when considering a prepaid debit card.
A Bucket Plan to Go with Your Bucket List
Longer, healthier living can put greater stress on retirement assets; the bucket approach may be one answer.
Lots of Variables with Fixed-Rate Mortgages
When selecting a fixed-rate mortgage, a borrower has to determine how many years to finance the loan.
Social Security: What’s Changing in 2016?
There have been a number of changes to Social Security that may affect you, especially if you are nearing retirement.
Pay Yourself First
It sounds simple, but paying yourself first can really pay off.
View all articles 
What Is My Current Cash Flow?
Assess whether you are running “in the black” or “in the red” each month.
Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
Tax Freedom Day
Assess how many days you'll work to pay your federal tax liability.
Long-Term-Care Needs
Determine your potential long-term care needs and how long your current assets might last.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
Bi-Weekly Payments
This calculator estimates the savings from paying a mortgage bi-weekly instead of monthly.
View all calculators
Keys to Investing for Retirement
There are some key concepts to understand when investing for retirement
An Inside Look at Retirement Living
A number of questions and concerns need to be addressed to help you better prepare for retirement living.
Protecting Those Who Matter Most
The importance of life insurance, how it works, and how much coverage you need.
Your Cash Flow Statement
A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.
5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
Retirement Plan Distributions
There are a number of ways to withdraw money from a qualified retirement plan.
View all presentations
Extended Care: A Patchwork of Possibilities
What is your plan for health care during retirement?
To Buy or Not to Buy
The decision whether to buy or rent a home may have long-term implications.
The Power of Compound Interest
Learn how to harness the power of compound interest for your investments.
Tuning Your Social Security Benefit
When should you take your Social Security benefit?
A Bucket Plan to Go with Your Bucket List
A bucket plan can help you be better prepared for a comfortable retirement.
Social Security: By the Numbers
Here are five facts about Social Security that might surprise you.