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
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
What Is a 1031 Exchange?
A look at 1031 Exchanges, a real estate investment strategy that may allow you to defer your capital gains taxes.
Investments
You’ve made investments your whole life. Work with us to help make the most of them.
Smart Wedding Registry Ideas
The start of marriage should be all love–not debt.
Home Ownership by the Numbers
Tips on home-buying for Millennials.
Replacing Your Medicare Card
Learn how to replace your lost, stolen, or damaged Medicare card in this helpful article.
5 Smart Ways to Mindfully Manage Your Money
Applying the principle of self-care, of mindfulness, to your financial life can make a significant difference for the better—not just in how you handle your personal finances on a daily basis...
Aware of Employment Rights for Workers with Disabilities?
Approximately 20% of U.S. adults have a disability, according to the CDC.
How to Cut Your Expenses
Living with confidence means living within your means. managers.
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Roth 401(k) vs. Traditional 401(k)
This calculator compares employee contributions to a Roth 401(k) and a traditional 401(k).
Estimate Your RMD
Help determine the required minimum distribution from an IRA or other qualified retirement plan.
Should I Pay Off Debt or Invest?
This calculator will help determine whether you should invest funds or pay down debt.
Self-Employed Retirement Plans
Estimate the maximum contribution amount for a Self-Employed 401(k), SIMPLE IRA, or SEP.
Historical Inflation
This calculator shows how inflation over the years has impacted purchasing power.
Saving for Retirement
This calculator can help you estimate how much you may need to save for retirement.
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Investment Strategies for Retirement
Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.
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.
Protecting Those Who Matter Most
The importance of life insurance, how it works, and how much coverage you need.
Long-Term-Care Protection Strategies
The chances of needing long-term care, its cost, and strategies for covering that cost.
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What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.
Dreaming Up an Active Retirement
When you retire, how will you treat your next chapter?
From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall Street, the stock market has a long and storied history.
Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
Surprise! You’ve Got Money!
Here’s a quick guide to checking to see if you have unclaimed money.
Retirement Plan Detectives
A couple become Retirement Plan Detectives, searching records from old employers.