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
U.S. Personal Savings Rate
What can be learned from the savings rate?
Global vs. International: What’s The Difference?
International funds invest in non-U.S. markets, while global funds may invest in U.S. stocks alongside non-U.S. stocks.
When Heirs are Imperfect
The money problems or bad lifestyle habits of adult children could lead to the squandering of any inheritance they receive.
Protecting Your Business from the Loss of a Key Person
Business owners may be able to protect themselves from the financial consequences of losing a key employee.
How to Read Your Credit Report
Solve a mystery while learning how important your credit report is with this story-driven interactive.
How to Appeal Your Property Taxes
For homeowners who think their property taxes are too high, there are ways to appeal.
Systematic Withdrawals in Retirement
Taking regular, periodic withdrawals during retirement can be quite problematic.
Retiree Health Care Coverage Overseas
Retirees traveling abroad need to know that their health insurance travels with them.
Traditional vs. Roth IRA
One or the other? Perhaps both traditional and Roth IRAs can play a part in your retirement plans.
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Disability Income
This calculator estimates your chances of becoming disabled and your potential need for disability insurance.
Should I Pay Off Debt or Invest?
This calculator will help determine whether you should invest funds or pay down debt.
What Is My Current Cash Flow?
Assess whether you are running “in the black” or “in the red” each month.
Home Mortgage Deduction
Use this calculator to assess the potential benefits of a home mortgage deduction.
Estimate Your RMD
Help determine the required minimum distribution from an IRA or other qualified retirement plan.
Lifetime of Earnings
Estimate how much you have the potential to earn during your working years.
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An Inside Look at Retirement Living
A number of questions and concerns need to be addressed to help you better prepare for retirement living.
Tax Management Strategies
Learn more about taxes, tax-favored investing, and tax strategies.
Investment Strategies for Retirement
Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.
Protecting Those Who Matter Most
The importance of life insurance, how it works, and how much coverage you need.
Principles of Preserving Wealth
How federal estate taxes work, plus estate management documents and tactics.
5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
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Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.
Suddenly Single: 3 Steps to Take Now
Have you found yourself suddenly single? Here are 3 steps to take right now.
A Bucket Plan to Go with Your Bucket List
A bucket plan can help you be better prepared for a comfortable retirement.
The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.
An Arm and a Leg
A visit to the hospital can be painful, for both your body and your wallet. Don’t let it be more painful than it has to be.
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are hundreds of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?