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 Child Need to File an Income Tax Return?
When your child has income, there’s a good chance that he or she will need to report it and pay taxes.
Revising Estate Strategy Assumptions
Estate tax exemptions rules appear to be stabilizing, prompting many to reconsider conventional estate strategies.
Tax Deductions You Won't Believe
Here are some examples of deductions from the IRS that were permitted and some that were, uh, too creative.
The Business Cycle
Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.
Lots of Variables with Fixed-Rate Mortgages
When selecting a fixed-rate mortgage, a borrower has to determine how many years to finance the loan.
Four Really Good Reasons to Invest
There are four very good reasons to start investing. Do you know what they are?
What Do Your Taxes Pay For?
Here's a breakdown of how the federal government spends your tax money.
An Overview of Renter’s Insurance
Don’t overlook the need for renter’s insurance if you rent your home.
Keeping Good Records is Good Business
Maintaining good records for your business not only helps to meet your tax and legal obligations, but it can save you money.
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Inflation & Retirement
Estimate how much income may be needed at retirement to maintain your standard of living.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
Should I Buy or Lease an Auto?
This calculator compares the financial impact of leasing versus buying an automobile.
Annuity Comparison
This calculator compares a hypothetical fixed annuity with an account where the interest is taxed each year.
Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
Doubling Your Money
This calculator demonstrates the power of compound interest.
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5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
Principles of Preserving Wealth
How federal estate taxes work, plus estate management documents and tactics.
Retirement Plan Distributions
There are a number of ways to withdraw money from a qualified retirement plan.
Your Cash Flow Statement
A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.
Investment Strategies for Retirement
Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.
5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
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The Cost of Procrastination
Procrastination can be costly. When you get a late start, it may be difficult to make up for lost time.
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are hundreds of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
How to Retire Early
Retiring early sounds like a dream come true, but it’s important to take a look at the cold, hard facts.
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
Choosing a Mortgage
Selecting a mortgage isn't an easy process. Get a better understanding of how professionals make the right decisions.
Consider These 3 Things Before Driving Off the Lot
There are a few things to consider when buying or leasing your next vehicle.