Every workday I spend 30 minutes reading. This habit developed about 5 years ago after I was introduced to the world of personal development by my good friend Kevin. He’s been a big influence on my life, usually leading me to be a better person by example. I try to read books about topics that […]
The COVID-19 vaccine is rolling out and being administered across the country. Triplett-Westendorf Financial Group CEO Mark Triplett spoke with Des Moines Iowa’s KCCI news about what impact this has on your money.
When is a good time to convert from an IRA to a Roth? An attendee at one of our recent workshops asked us a question about Roth Conversions. Specifically, she asked “when is a good time to convert to a Roth IRA?” In short, the final two months of the year are typically when we […]
Our firm holds regular educational classes at the community college campus near our Ankeny, IA office. We invite folks in surrounding communities to these classes through direct-mail postcard invitations and digital invitations through Facebook. The invitations highlight several specific topics that we commonly cover during our classes. For example, strategies to optimize entitlement programs such […]
In last month’s publication we explored the complications that can arise when a retirement plan is designed for a married couple (filing taxes jointly) suddenly gets turned on its head at the passing of one of the spouses. This month we will examine the real-life challenges from the view point of fictional couple, William and […]
Monthly News and Information for Current and Future Retirees Presented by Mark Triplett – AUGUST 2020 QUOTE OF THE MONTH “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” JAMES BALDWIN FIGURING OUT WHEN TO START YOUR SECOND ACT Many Gen Xers and baby boomers look forward […]
In this month’s recap: stocks rose as better-than-expected corporate earnings and progress on a COVID-19 vaccine encouraged investors. Monthly Economic Update Presented by Mark Triplett, August 2020 U.S. Markets Stock prices rallied in July as further development of a COVID-19 vaccine and better-than-expected corporate financial reports encouraged investors. The S&P 500 gained 5.5 […]
Death is never fun to talk about. However, it is an inevitable part of life. In 1789 Benjamin Franklin wrote in a letter to Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, “Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” […]
Wow! A quarter to remember! After the market had its fastest selloff ever from a market high to a bear market, the reversal took hold in the 2nd quarter. A bear market is defined as a 20% pullback from a previous high. Interesting to note, this bear market replaced 1929 as the swiftest on record. […]
Imagine you’re planning a once in a lifetime Hawaiian vacation. You’ve established a set budget of $8,000 for arranged accommodations, meals, excursions, and a rental car when you arrive. You’re feeling confident that you have planned well, and have wisely allocated nearly your entire budget for this vacation. You even splurged on a new wardrobe […]