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
Money Draining Food Myths
These food myths will really put a drain on your wallet.
What to Look for in Personal Finance Apps
An increasing number have been developed to help individuals with their personal finances.
TIPS for Inflation
If you are concerned about inflation and expect short-term interest rates may increase, TIPS could be worth considering.
Estimating the Cost of College
This worksheet can help you estimate the costs of a four-year college program.
Social Security: The $64,000 Question
One of the most common questions people ask about Social Security is when they should start taking benefits.
The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds
Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.
Catch-Up Contributions
Workers 50+ may make contributions to their qualified retirement plans above the limits imposed on younger workers.
The Investment Risk No One’s Ever Heard Of
You face a risk for which the market does not compensate you, that can not be easily reduced through diversification.
The Utility of Sector Investing
Successful sector investing is dependent upon an accurate analysis about when to rotate in and out.
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Saving for Retirement
This calculator can help you estimate how much you may need to save for retirement.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
What Is My Risk Tolerance?
This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
Long-Term-Care Needs
Determine your potential long-term care needs and how long your current assets might last.
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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.
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.
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 Richest Man in Babylon
In good times and bad, consistently saving a percentage of your income is a sound financial practice.
Should I Invest in Gold?
Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.
Rightsizing for Retirement
What does your home really cost?
What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
Emerging Market Opportunities
What are your options for investing in emerging markets?