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
How to Appeal Your Property Taxes
For homeowners who think their property taxes are too high, there are ways to appeal.
The Facts About Income Tax
Millions faithfully file their 1040 forms each April. But some things about federal income taxes may surprise you.
Top New Digital Tools for Small Businesses
Apps that help small business owners better manage and grow their business.
Buying Auto Insurance For Teen Drivers
Tips on insuring your teen driver.
Insurance Needs Assessment: Married With Children
When you’re married and have children, insurance needs will be different.
The Anatomy of Medicare
Here’s a guide to explain all the parts of Medicare.
How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.
Putting a Price Tag On Your Health
Being healthy not only makes you feel good, it may also help you financially.
Test Your Estate Strategy Knowledge
Estate management can help ensure that your assets are transferred according to your wishes while managing tax issues.
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Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
Should I Pay Off Debt or Invest?
This calculator will help determine whether you should invest funds or pay down debt.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
Home Mortgage Deduction
Use this calculator to assess the potential benefits of a home mortgage deduction.
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
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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.
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 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
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No Cash, No Checks, No Problem
Peer-to-peer payment apps are one of the newest ways to send money.
Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.
Exit Strategies of the Rich and Famous
Estate conservation is too important to put off. Do you have a smart exit strategy?
When Special Care Is Needed: The Special Needs Trust
A special needs trust helps care for a special needs child when you’re gone.
Your DNA Test
If your family relies on your income, it’s critical to know what their needs would be in the event of your death.
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?