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
Succeeding at Business Succession
There are a number of reasons for business owners to consider a business succession plan sooner rather than later.
A Cheat Sheet for Sending Your Kid to College
Dropping off your son or daughter is loaded with emotions; here are a few tips for a smoother experience.
Spotting Credit Trouble
The wise use of credit is a critical skill. These 10 questions will help you assess your skill level.
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.
Do Your Kids Know The Value of a Silver Spoon?
You taught them how to read and how to ride a bike, but have you taught your children how to manage money?
What the New Tax Bill Means for You
What does the Tax Reform and Jobs Act mean for you?
The Economic Journey of Your Morning Coffee
Few contemplate the complex journey that brought their coffee from farm to kitchen table.
9 Facts About Social Security
There are things about Social Security that might surprise you.
Retirement Income and the Traditional Portfolio
Experiencing negative returns early in retirement can potentially undermine the sustainability of your assets.
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How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
Federal Income Tax
Use this calculator to estimate your income tax liability along with average and marginal tax rates.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
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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.
Managing Your Lifestyle
Using smart management to get more of what you want and free up assets to invest.
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
Principles of Preserving Wealth
How federal estate taxes work, plus estate management documents and tactics.
Investment Strategies for Retirement
Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.
Your Cash Flow Statement
A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.
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Ready for Retirement?
Are you ready for retirement? Here are five words you should consider.
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?
Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.
Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.
Saving for College 101
Here’s a crash course on saving for college.
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?