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
Putting a Price Tag On Your Health
Being healthy not only makes you feel good, it may also help you financially.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
Potential Income from an IRA
Estimate your monthly and annual income from various IRA types.
Variable Universal Life Insurance
Variable Universal Life is permanent insurance in which the policyholder directs how premiums are invested.
The ABC’s of Auto Insurance
What kind of auto insurance should you have? Do you know?
Creative Ways to Motivate Your Employees
Five creative (and inexpensive) ideas for motivating your employees.
Managing an Inheritance
A windfall from a loved one can be both rewarding and complicated.
The Half Million Dollar Baby
The true cost of raising a child may be far more than you expect.
Social Security: The Elephant in the Room
Some people wonder if Social Security will remain financially sound enough to pay the benefits they are owed.
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How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
Roth 401(k) vs. Traditional 401(k)
This calculator compares employee contributions to a Roth 401(k) and a traditional 401(k).
What Is My Current Net Worth?
Use this calculator to estimate your net worth by adding up your assets and subtracting your liabilities.
Home Mortgage Deduction
Use this calculator to assess the potential benefits of a home mortgage deduction.
Can I Refinance My Mortgage?
This calculator can help determine whether it makes sense to refinance your mortgage.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
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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 Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
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.
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Retiring the 4% Rule
A portfolio created with your long-term objectives in mind is crucial as you pursue your dream retirement.
Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
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.
Perception vs. Reality
There’s an alarming difference between perception and reality for current and future retirees.
When Special Care Is Needed: The Special Needs Trust
A special needs trust helps care for a special needs child when you’re gone.