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.
What Is a 1035 Exchange?
1035 exchanges provide a way to trade-in an annuity contract or life insurance policy without triggering a tax liability.
The Latte Lie and Other Myths
Do you know these three personal finance sayings?
Estimating the Cost of College
This worksheet can help you estimate the costs of a four-year college program.
Please Leave Home Without It
Concerns over identity theft continue to grow, especially with data breaches at major companies and financial institutions.
Tax Deductions You Won't Believe
Here are some examples of deductions from the IRS that were permitted and some that were, uh, too creative.
Healthy Body, Healthy Pocketbook
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help you reduce health-related expenses—and avoid time in the recovery room.
Is a Variable Annuity Right for Me?
Pundits go on and on about how “terrible” or “wonderful” annuities are, but they never talk about whether annuities are right
Trends in Charitable Giving
Some people may want a more advanced gifting strategy that can maximize their gift and generate potential tax benefits.
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Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
Roth 401(k) vs. Traditional 401(k)
This calculator compares employee contributions to a Roth 401(k) and a traditional 401(k).
Can I Refinance My Mortgage?
This calculator can help determine whether it makes sense to refinance your mortgage.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
Lifetime of Earnings
Estimate how much you have the potential to earn during your working years.
What Is My Current Cash Flow?
Assess whether you are running “in the black” or “in the red” each month.
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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.
Tax Management Strategies
Learn more about taxes, tax-favored investing, and tax strategies.
An Inside Look at Retirement Living
A number of questions and concerns need to be addressed to help you better prepare for retirement living.
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
Investment Strategies for Retirement
Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.
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Coaches
Coaches have helped you your whole life, in ways big and small. We’d like to be one of them.
Women and Retirement
Women must be ready to spend, on average, more years in retirement than men.
Rightsizing for Retirement
What does your home really cost?
Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.
Choosing a Mortgage
Selecting a mortgage isn't an easy process. Get a better understanding of how professionals make the right decisions.
Saving for College 101
Here’s a crash course on saving for college.