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
Five Most Overlooked Tax Deductions
Five overlooked tax deductions to help manage your tax bill.
Your Emergency Fund: How Much Is Enough?
Having an emergency fund may help alleviate the stress and worry associated with a financial crisis.
The History of Currency
Currency has been around for a long time. Here’s a quick history lesson.
A Primer on Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts
Irrevocable life insurance trusts can be important tools that may accomplish a number of estate objectives.
Keeping Summer Safe: Pool and Spa Safety Tips
Each year hundreds of children die or are injured in pool accidents. By taking seven steps, you can keep your pool safe.
Should You Borrow from Your 401(k)?
Does it make sense to borrow from my 401(k) to pay off debt or to make a major purchase?
Asset Allocation
Consider how your assets are allocated and if that allocation is consistent with your time frame and risk tolerance.
A Penny Saved is Two Pennies Earned
Here are some simple and inexpensive energy-saving tips that may help you save money.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
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Potential Income from an IRA
Estimate your monthly and annual income from various IRA types.
Home Mortgage Deduction
Use this calculator to assess the potential benefits of a home mortgage deduction.
Roth 401(k) vs. Traditional 401(k)
This calculator compares employee contributions to a Roth 401(k) and a traditional 401(k).
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
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.
A Look at Systematic Withdrawals
This calculator may help you estimate how long funds may last given regular withdrawals.
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5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
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.
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
Managing Your Lifestyle
Using smart management to get more of what you want and free up assets to invest.
Long-Term-Care Protection Strategies
The chances of needing long-term care, its cost, and strategies for covering that cost.
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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.
Suddenly Single: 3 Steps to Take Now
Have you found yourself suddenly single? Here are 3 steps to take right now.
Keeping Up with the Joneses
Lifestyle inflation can be the enemy of wealth building. What could happen if you invested instead of buying more stuff?
When Special Care Is Needed: The Special Needs Trust
A special needs trust helps care for a special needs child when you’re gone.
Stay Safe with a B.O.P. At Your Back
Learn about the advantages of Business Owner Policies with this highly educational and fun animated video.
A Fruitful Retirement: Social Security Benefit
Taking your Social Security benefits at the right time may help maximize your benefit.