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
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In investments, one great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is Better?”
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The Best Apps in Travel
Technology tips to make your next trip even better.
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The chances of an IRS audit aren't that high. And being audited does not necessarily imply that the IRS suspects wrongdoing.
What's So Great About a Rollover?
Making a career move requires tough decisions, not the least of which is what to do with the funds in your retirement plan.
Protecting Your Business from the Loss of a Key Person
Business owners may be able to protect themselves from the financial consequences of losing a key employee.
Immediate vs. Deferred Annuities
Looking forward to retirement? It's critical to understand the difference between immediate and deferred annuities.
What You Should Do About Insurance Following a Divorce
In the face of divorce, making changes to insurance coverage may be overlooked.
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Disability Income
This calculator estimates your chances of becoming disabled and your potential need for disability insurance.
Comparing Mortgage Terms
Estimate the total cost in today's dollars of various mortgage alternatives.
How Much Home Can I Afford?
With a few simple inputs you can estimate how much of a mortgage you may be able to obtain.
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.
Capital Gains Tax Estimator
Use this calculator to estimate your capital gains tax.
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5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
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.
An Inside Look at Retirement Living
A number of questions and concerns need to be addressed to help you better prepare for retirement living.
Protecting Those Who Matter Most
The importance of life insurance, how it works, and how much coverage you need.
Managing Your Lifestyle
Using smart management to get more of what you want and free up assets to invest.
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Saving for College 101
Here’s a crash course on saving for college.
Questions to Consider When Buying a Vacation Home
Doing your research is key before buying a vacation home.
Suddenly Single: 3 Steps to Take Now
Have you found yourself suddenly single? Here are 3 steps to take right now.
4 Elements of an Estate Strategy
Learn about the importance of having an estate strategy in this helpful and informative video.
It May Be Time for a Financial Checkup
It’s never a bad time to speak with your financial professional about changes in your situation.
Consider These 3 Things Before Driving Off the Lot
There are a few things to consider when buying or leasing your next vehicle.