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
Planning for the Expected
You can plan ahead to protect yourself and your family against the financial consequences of deteriorating health.
The Latte Lie and Other Myths
Do you know these three personal finance sayings?
The Pre-Retirement Checklist
This checklist can give you a quick snapshot of how prepared you are.
The Business Cycle
Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.
Critical Estate Documents
Sound estate management includes creating financial and healthcare documents. Here's an inside look.
A Look at Diversification
Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.
How Does Your Credit Score Compare?
Have you ever wondered how your credit score compares to the rest of the country? Take a look and see.
What Is an Annuity?
Annuities are versatile tools that can help you save for retirement and generate income in retirement.
Spotting Credit Trouble
The wise use of credit is a critical skill. These 10 questions will help you assess your skill level.
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What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
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.
Lifetime of Earnings
Estimate how much you have the potential to earn during your working years.
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
Disability Income
This calculator estimates your chances of becoming disabled and your potential need for disability insurance.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
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5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
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.
Protecting Those Who Matter Most
The importance of life insurance, how it works, and how much coverage you need.
Investment Strategies for Retirement
Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.
Principles of Preserving Wealth
How federal estate taxes work, plus estate management documents and tactics.
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The Other Sure Thing
Though we don’t like to think about it, all of us will make an exit sometime. Are you prepared?
Perception vs. Reality
There’s an alarming difference between perception and reality for current and future retirees.
The Power of Tax-Deferred Growth
Why are 401(k) plans, annuities, and IRAs so popular?
The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
Choosing a Mortgage
Selecting a mortgage isn't an easy process. Get a better understanding of how professionals make the right decisions.
Events on Wall Street
Can successful investors predict changes in the markets? Some can but others miss the market’s signals.