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
The Ivory Tower Changes Wall Street
Thanks to the work of three economists, we have a better understanding of what determines an asset’s price.
The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.
“Dirty Dozen” Tax Scams to Watch For
Every year the IRS releases its list of tax scams, spotlighting some ways that people try to separate you from your money.
Your Emergency Fund: How Much Is Enough?
Having an emergency fund may help alleviate the stress and worry associated with a financial crisis.
Inflation - Back to the Future
Even low inflation rates over an extended period of time can impact your finances in retirement.
The Cost of Procrastination
Don't let procrastination keep you from pursuing your financial dreams and goals.
Put It in a Letter
A letter of instruction provides additional and more personal information regarding your estate.
Three Key Questions to Answer Before Taking Social Security
When to start? Should I continue to work? How can I maximize my benefit?
Buying vs. Leasing a Car
Whatever your relationship with your car, it may eventually come time for a new one. Familiarize yourself with your options.
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How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
Bi-Weekly Payments
This calculator estimates the savings from paying a mortgage bi-weekly instead of monthly.
Tax Freedom Day
Assess how many days you'll work to pay your federal tax liability.
Comparing Mortgage Terms
Estimate the total cost in today's dollars of various mortgage alternatives.
What Is My Life Expectancy?
Estimate how many years you may need retirement assets or how long to provide income to a surviving spouse or children.
Self-Employed Retirement Plans
Estimate the maximum contribution amount for a Self-Employed 401(k), SIMPLE IRA, or SEP.
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Protecting Those Who Matter Most
The importance of life insurance, how it works, and how much coverage you need.
Principles of Preserving Wealth
How federal estate taxes work, plus estate management documents and tactics.
Managing Your Lifestyle
Using smart management to get more of what you want and free up assets to invest.
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
Keys to Investing for Retirement
There are some key concepts to understand when investing for retirement
An Inside Look at Retirement Living
A number of questions and concerns need to be addressed to help you better prepare for retirement living.
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The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
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
Once Upon a Goal
Do you know how to set up your financial goals for success? This knight does.
18 Years Worth of Days
The average retirement lasts for 18 years. Are you prepared to fill that many days?
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are hundreds of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
Can Election Results Predict the Market?
How do the markets usually react to elections? Was the 2016 election any different?