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
What Is My Current Cash Flow?
Assess whether you are running “in the black” or “in the red” each month.
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.
A Look at Systematic Withdrawals
This calculator may help you estimate how long funds may last given regular withdrawals.
Insurance Needs Assessment: Married With Children
When you’re married and have children, insurance needs will be different.
Estate Management Checklist
Is your estate in order? This short quiz may help you assess your overall strategy.
Variable Universal Life Insurance
Variable Universal Life is permanent insurance in which the policyholder directs how premiums are invested.
A Brief Guide To Condo Insurance
Important items to consider when purchasing condo insurance.
Medicare Advantage 101
Overview of Medicare Advantage, what’s in them, special rules, and more.
Diversification, Patience, and Consistency
Three important factors when it comes to your financial life.
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Lifetime of Earnings
Estimate how much you have the potential to earn during your working years.
Roth 401(k) vs. Traditional 401(k)
This calculator compares employee contributions to a Roth 401(k) and a traditional 401(k).
Comparing Investments
This calculator compares the net gain of a taxable investment versus a tax-favored one.
Estimate Your RMD
Help determine the required minimum distribution from an IRA or other qualified retirement plan.
Inflation & Retirement
Estimate how much income may be needed at retirement to maintain your standard of living.
Tax Freedom Day
Assess how many days you'll work to pay your federal tax liability.
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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.
An Inside Look at Retirement Living
A number of questions and concerns need to be addressed to help you better prepare for retirement living.
Protecting Those Who Matter Most
The importance of life insurance, how it works, and how much coverage you need.
Managing Your Lifestyle
Using smart management to get more of what you want and free up assets to invest.
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A Bucket Plan to Go with Your Bucket List
A bucket plan can help you be better prepared for a comfortable retirement.
The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.
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?
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.
Finding the Balance
The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.