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
Rebalancing Your Portfolio
Over time, different investments' performances can shift a portfolio’s intent and risk profile. Rebalancing may be critical.
18 Years’ Worth of Days
The average retirement lasts for 18 years, with many lasting even longer. Will you fill your post-retirement days with purpose?
Why Everyone Needs an Estate Strategy
Do you have an estate strategy? You should.
Diversification, Patience, and Consistency
Three important factors when it comes to your financial life.
What If You Get Audited?
The chances of an IRS audit aren't that high. And being audited does not necessarily imply that the IRS suspects wrongdoing.
Insuring Your Second Home
There are unique risks of owning a second home and obtaining the proper coverage may protect you from financial risk.
Will Power
Preparing for the eventual distribution of your assets may not sound enticing. But a will puts the power in your hands.
How to Read Your Credit Report
Solve a mystery while learning how important your credit report is with this story-driven interactive.
Silver Sneakers 101
Medicare’s popular program, offering free gym membership and health education.
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Should I Buy or Lease an Auto?
This calculator compares the financial impact of leasing versus buying an automobile.
Bi-Weekly Payments
This calculator estimates the savings from paying a mortgage bi-weekly instead of monthly.
Capital Gains Tax Estimator
Use this calculator to estimate your capital gains tax.
Paying Off a Credit Card
Enter various payment options and determine how long it may take to pay off a credit card.
Lifetime of Earnings
Estimate how much you have the potential to earn during your working years.
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.
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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.
5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
Long-Term-Care Protection Strategies
The chances of needing long-term care, its cost, and strategies for covering that cost.
Managing Your Lifestyle
Using smart management to get more of what you want and free up assets to invest.
Principles of Preserving Wealth
How federal estate taxes work, plus estate management documents and tactics.
Protecting Those Who Matter Most
The importance of life insurance, how it works, and how much coverage you need.
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The Other Sure Thing
Though we don’t like to think about it, all of us will make an exit sometime. Are you prepared?
The Richest Man in Babylon
In good times and bad, consistently saving a percentage of your income is a sound financial practice.
A Fruitful Retirement: Social Security Benefit
Taking your Social Security benefits at the right time may help maximize your benefit.
Perception vs. Reality
There’s an alarming difference between perception and reality for current and future retirees.
Surprise! You’ve Got Money!
Here’s a quick guide to checking to see if you have unclaimed money.
It May Be Time for a Financial Checkup
It’s never a bad time to speak with your financial professional about changes in your situation.