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
The Utility of Sector Investing
Successful sector investing is dependent upon an accurate analysis about when to rotate in and out.
What Our Kids Can Teach us About Saving Money
Would you guess that Millennials are effectively saving for retirement? Well, they are.
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are hundreds of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
Rebalancing Your Portfolio
Over time, different investments' performances can shift a portfolio’s intent and risk profile. Rebalancing may be critical.
Test Your Estate Strategy Knowledge
Estate management can help ensure that your assets are transferred according to your wishes while managing tax issues.
Password Protection Strategies
Simple steps may help you foil hackers and protect your privacy.
Investing with Your Heart
For some, the social impact of investing is just as important as the return, perhaps more important.
Investment Challenges of the Affluent Investor
Affluent investors face unique challenges when putting together an investment strategy. Make sure you keep these in mind.
How Women Can Prepare For Retirement
Are women prepared for a 20-year retirement?
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How Much Home Can I Afford?
With a few simple inputs you can estimate how much of a mortgage you may be able to obtain.
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
Doubling Your Money
This calculator demonstrates the power of compound interest.
Comparing Investments
This calculator compares the net gain of a taxable investment versus a tax-favored one.
Should I Pay Off Debt or Invest?
This calculator will help determine whether you should invest funds or pay down debt.
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
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Your Cash Flow Statement
A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
Long-Term-Care Protection Strategies
The chances of needing long-term care, its cost, and strategies for covering that cost.
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.
An Inside Look at Retirement Living
A number of questions and concerns need to be addressed to help you better prepare for retirement living.
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The Facts About Income Tax
Millions faithfully file their 1040 forms each April. But some things about federal income taxes may surprise you.
What Smart Investors Know
Smart investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.
Investments
You’ve made investments your whole life. Work with us to help make the most of them.
Your DNA Test
If your family relies on your income, it’s critical to know what their needs would be in the event of your death.
Charitable Giving: Smart from the Heart
Do you have causes that you want to support with donations? Here are three tips.
The Richest Man in Babylon
In good times and bad, consistently saving a percentage of your income is a sound financial practice.