Blog by Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA

A Financial Planner Can Help You Avoid These Costly Mistakes

By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA

Here are four common mistakes soon-to-be retirees make regarding their money, so you can prepare now to make your transition into retirement a bit smoother.
04/27/2025 09:32 PM - Comment(s)

Money and Inflation Explained

By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA

Money is a fundamental cornerstone of society, essential for facilitating trade, storing wealth, and serving as a measure of value. Understanding money, its evolution, and its characteristics is vital for grasping broader economic concepts, including inflation.

03/31/2025 09:45 AM - Comment(s)

Living to 100: Longevity Makes Financial Planning Critical

By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA

One of the biggest fears retirees have is running out of money during retirement. Longevity is a major factor in your retirement strategy.
03/23/2025 04:44 PM - Comment(s)

Weathering the Crypto Market Downturn

By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA

Homeowners can tap into their home equity through loans like home equity loans, HELOCs, cash-out refinances, and reverse mortgages—each with distinct features, benefits, and tax considerations depending on how the funds are used.
03/17/2025 10:26 AM - Comment(s)

Understanding and Responding to Market Volatility

By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA

Market volatility, driven by economic uncertainty, inflation concerns, trade tensions, and regulatory issues in crypto, highlights the importance of long-term investing, diversification, and disciplined decision-making during uncertain times.
03/06/2025 09:52 AM - Comment(s)

What Role Should Bitcoin and Crypto Play in Your Portfolio?

By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA

Bitcoin offers potential for high growth, diversification, and inflation protection, making it a compelling addition to a well-balanced investment portfolio for those who can manage its volatility.
02/19/2025 01:19 PM - Comment(s)

Where Should You Buy Bitcoin?

By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA

Different platforms, such as crypto exchanges, broker-dealer accounts, and retirement accounts, offer unique ways to buy Bitcoin, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Understanding trading fees, custody options, and security features is key to making an informed investment decision.
01/17/2025 12:21 PM - Comment(s)

Equity Compensation: Stock Appreciation Rights

By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA

Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) allow employees to benefit from a company’s stock price appreciation without purchasing shares, offering financial rewards but requiring careful financial and tax planning to manage risks and maximize value.
12/23/2024 09:00 AM - Comment(s)

Equity Compensation: Employee Stock Purchase Plans

By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA

Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs) allow employees to purchase company stock at a discount, offering potential financial benefits but requiring careful planning to manage risks and tax implications.
10/18/2024 09:28 AM - Comment(s)

Equity Compensation: Incentive Stock Options

By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA

Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) provide employees the opportunity to purchase company stock at a set price with potential tax advantages, but they require careful financial, investment, tax, and estate planning to manage risks and optimize benefits.
09/05/2024 05:48 PM - Comment(s)