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
Does Your Credit Score Affect Your Insurance Rates?
Your credit score may influence how much you pay for auto and home insurance.
Spotting Credit Trouble
The wise use of credit is a critical skill. These 10 questions will help you assess your skill level.
Changing Unhealthy Behaviors
Five phases to changing unhealthy behaviors.
Preparing for the Expected
You can plan ahead to protect yourself and your family against the financial consequences of deteriorating health.
Term vs. Permanent Life Insurance
When considering life insurance, it's important to understand your options.
Asset Allocation
Consider how your assets are allocated and if that allocation is consistent with your time frame and risk tolerance.
Test Your Estate Strategy Knowledge
Estate management can help ensure that your assets are transferred according to your wishes while managing tax issues.
3 Estate Challenges for Blended Families
If you’ve been re-married or divorced, these family structures may present some unique challenges. This article will help your clients with blended families think and prepare their estate strategy.
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.
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What Is My Current Net Worth?
Use this calculator to estimate your net worth by adding up your assets and subtracting your liabilities.
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.
My Retirement Savings
Estimate how long your retirement savings may last using various monthly cash flow rates.
Lifetime of Earnings
Estimate how much you have the potential to earn during your working years.
Paying Off a Credit Card
Enter various payment options and determine how long it may take to pay off a credit card.
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5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
An Inside Look at Retirement Living
A number of questions and concerns need to be addressed to help you better prepare for retirement living.
Principles of Preserving Wealth
How federal estate taxes work, plus estate management documents and tactics.
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.
Your Cash Flow Statement
A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.
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The Long Run: Women and Retirement
For women, retirement strategy is a long race. It’s helpful to know the route.
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.
When Special Care Is Needed: The Special Needs Trust
A special needs trust helps care for a special needs child when you’re gone.
Safeguard Your Digital Estate
If you died, what would happen to your email archives, social profiles and online accounts?
An Arm and a Leg
A visit to the hospital can be painful, for both your body and your wallet. Don’t let it be more painful than it has to be.
Keeping Up with the Joneses
Lifestyle inflation can be the enemy of wealth building. What could happen if you invested instead of buying more stuff?