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
A Brief Guide To Condo Insurance
Important items to consider when purchasing condo insurance.
What Is a Roth 401(k)?
Roth 401(k) plans combine features of traditional 401(k) plans with those of a Roth IRA.
Tips for Finding Care for Your Special-Needs Child
The care of special-needs children continues into their adult years, and may survive the passing of their parents.
How the Federal Reserve Works
Each day, the Fed is behind the scenes supporting the economy and providing services to the U.S. financial system.
The Half Million Dollar Baby
The true cost of raising a child may be far more than you expect.
Do You Owe The AMT?
If you want to avoid potential surprises at tax time, it may make sense to know where you stand when it comes to the AMT.
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?
Should You Choose a Fixed or Variable?
When selecting a mortgage, one of the most critical choices is between a fixed or variable interest-rate mortgage.
A Home Insurance Claim: To File Or Not To File
Learn when it may not make sense to file a claim on your home insurance.
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Self-Employed Retirement Plans
Estimate the maximum contribution amount for a Self-Employed 401(k), SIMPLE IRA, or SEP.
Comparing Mortgage Terms
Estimate the total cost in today's dollars of various mortgage alternatives.
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.
Social Security Taxes
Estimate how much of your Social Security benefit may be considered taxable.
What Is My Current Cash Flow?
Assess whether you are running “in the black” or “in the red” each month.
Bi-Weekly Payments
This calculator estimates the savings from paying a mortgage bi-weekly instead of monthly.
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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.
Keys to Investing for Retirement
There are some key concepts to understand when investing for retirement
Long-Term-Care Protection Strategies
The chances of needing long-term care, its cost, and strategies for covering that cost.
Retirement Plan Distributions
There are a number of ways to withdraw money from a qualified retirement plan.
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
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Retiring the 4% Rule
A portfolio created with your long-term objectives in mind is crucial as you pursue your dream retirement.
An Arm and a Leg
A visit to the hospital can be painful, for both your body and your wallet. Don’t let it be more painful than it has to be.
2017 Year in Review
Take a look at this 2017 Market Recap.
What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.
16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds
Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?