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
Donating Art: Taxation Abstraction
The tax rules that govern donating art are complex and confusing. Take a closer look.
The Most Overlooked Item of Any Home Improvement
The item most homeowners forget on their home improvement project checklist is insurance.
Capital Gains Tax Estimator
Use this calculator to estimate your capital gains tax.
A Look at Whole Life Insurance
Whole life insurance remains in force as long as you remain current with premiums. Here's how it works.
Stop Wasting Money
One way to find money is to examine your current spending habits and eliminate money wasters.
How to Appeal Your Property Taxes
For homeowners who think their property taxes are too high, there are ways to appeal.
Inventorying Your Possessions
Creating an inventory of your possessions can save you time, money and aggravation in the event you someday suffer losses.
Investing for Impact
Learn how to build a socially conscious investment portfolio and invest in your beliefs.
The Average American Budget
Learn about the average American budget in this fun and interactive piece.
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Capital Gains Tax Estimator
Use this calculator to estimate your capital gains tax.
Bi-Weekly Payments
This calculator estimates the savings from paying a mortgage bi-weekly instead of monthly.
Social Security Taxes
Estimate how much of your Social Security benefit may be considered taxable.
Interested in a Fuel Efficient Car?
Estimate how many months it may take to recover the out-of-pocket costs when buying a more efficient vehicle.
My Retirement Savings
Estimate how long your retirement savings may last using various monthly cash flow rates.
Estimate Your RMD
Help determine the required minimum distribution from an IRA or other qualified retirement plan.
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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.
Your Cash Flow Statement
A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.
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.
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The Power of Compound Interest
Learn how to harness the power of compound interest for your investments.
Understanding the SECURE Act
Explaining the SECURE Act and how the changes affect your retirement strategy.
Should You Tap Retirement Savings to Fund College?
There are three things to consider before dipping into retirement savings to pay for college.
What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.
Estate Management 101
A will may be only one of the documents you need—and one factor to consider—when it comes to managing your estate.
From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall Street, the stock market has a long and storied history.