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
Critical Estate Documents
Sound estate management includes creating financial and healthcare documents. Here's an inside look.
To Buy or Not to Buy
The decision whether to buy or rent a home may have long-term implications.
Put It in a Letter
A letter of instruction provides additional and more personal information regarding your estate.
Understanding the Alternate Valuation Date
Executors can value the estate on the date of death, or on its six-month anniversary —the “Alternate Valuation Date."
Saving on Fitness Center Membership Costs
There are ways to improve your physical fitness without denting your fiscal fitness.
Weighing the Benefits of Prepaid Debit Cards
It's important to understand the pros and cons when considering a prepaid debit card.
How to Make the Tax Code Work for You
When you take the time to learn more about how it works, you may be able to put the tax code to work for you.
Creative Ways to Motivate Your Employees
Five creative (and inexpensive) ideas for motivating your employees.
When Should You Take Social Security
Monthly Social Security payments differ substantially depending on when you start receiving benefits.
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What's My Potential Estate Tax?
This calculator helps estimate your federal estate tax liability.
Potential Income from an IRA
Estimate your monthly and annual income from various IRA types.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
Assess Your Life Insurance Needs
This calculator estimates how much life insurance you would need to meet your family's needs if you were to die prematurely.
Interested in a Fuel Efficient Car?
Estimate how many months it may take to recover the out-of-pocket costs when buying a more efficient vehicle.
What Is My Current Net Worth?
Use this calculator to estimate your net worth by adding up your assets and subtracting your liabilities.
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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.
Investment Strategies for Retirement
Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.
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.
Long-Term-Care Protection Strategies
The chances of needing long-term care, its cost, and strategies for covering that cost.
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The Rule of 72
Do you know how long it may take for your investments to double in value? The Rule of 72 is a quick way to figure it out.
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.
Forecast
The market is as unpredictable as the weather. We’d love to help you prepare.
Should You Tap Retirement Savings to Fund College?
There are three things to consider before dipping into retirement savings to pay for college.
What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.
To Buy or Not to Buy
The decision whether to buy or rent a home may have long-term implications.