Advantages of Independence
Retirement
Investment Philosophy
Videos
Your Independent Advocate and Guide
Social Security as we know it has changed dramatically. Many loopholes were phased out, and for those who would not reach 62 years of age by December 31, 2015, the loopholes were eliminated forever. Here are ten facts regarding the current laws.
Learn More about the full retirement age, delayed credits, collection of benefits before and after FRA, file and suspension, spousal benefits and more..
Learn More
Sign Up for Our Weekly Commentary
Each week we will email you our commentary of the previous week's happenings in the markets.
Helpful Content
Four Really Good Reasons to Invest
There are four very good reasons to start investing. Do you know what they are?
Inflation - Back to the Future
Even low inflation rates over an extended period of time can impact your finances in retirement.
Consider These 3 Things Before Driving Off the Lot
There are a few things to consider when buying or leasing your next vehicle.
“Dirty Dozen” Tax Scams to Watch For
Every year the IRS releases its list of tax scams, spotlighting some ways that people try to separate you from your money.
Understanding the Alternate Valuation Date
Executors can value the estate on the date of death, or on its six-month anniversary —the “Alternate Valuation Date."
Buying vs. Leasing a Car
Whatever your relationship with your car, it may eventually come time for a new one. Familiarize yourself with your options.
Healthy Body, Healthy Pocketbook
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help you reduce health-related expenses—and avoid time in the recovery room.
Social Security: The Elephant in the Room
Some people wonder if Social Security will remain financially sound enough to pay the benefits they are owed.
Assess Life Insurance Needs
How to help determine life insurance needs to provide for your family after you pass away.
View all articles 
Annuity Comparison
This calculator compares a hypothetical fixed annuity with an account where the interest is taxed each year.
Interested in a Fuel Efficient Car?
Estimate how many months it may take to recover the out-of-pocket costs when buying a more efficient vehicle.
Capital Gains Tax Estimator
Use this calculator to estimate your capital gains tax.
Comparing Mortgage Terms
Estimate the total cost in today's dollars of various mortgage alternatives.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
What Is My Life Expectancy?
Estimate how many years you may need retirement assets or how long to provide income to a surviving spouse or children.
View all calculators
Principles of Preserving Wealth
How federal estate taxes work, plus estate management documents and tactics.
Retirement Plan Distributions
There are a number of ways to withdraw money from a qualified retirement plan.
Tax Management Strategies
Learn more about taxes, tax-favored investing, and tax strategies.
Your Cash Flow Statement
A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.
Managing Your Lifestyle
Using smart management to get more of what you want and free up assets to invest.
Long-Term-Care Protection Strategies
The chances of needing long-term care, its cost, and strategies for covering that cost.
View all presentations
Tuning Your Social Security Benefit
When should you take your Social Security benefit?
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are hundreds of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
Social Security: By the Numbers
Here are five facts about Social Security that might surprise you.
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?
Saving for College 101
Here’s a crash course on saving for college.
The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.