Posts by Catherine Buck

  Written by: Harmony Wagner, CFP®, CPWA®    Executives who receive non-qualified stock options (NSOs) as part of their equity compensation package may not understand how to optimize this powerful compensation type. When designing a stock option exercise strategy, several different metrics can be useful to determine the value of each option and establish trigger points.…

How Does the Social Security Fairness Act Impact Me?      Written by:  Samantha Masey, CFP®    The Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law on January 5, 2025, as an effort to increase social security benefits for certain types of workers that were affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension…

  Written by: Catherine Buck, CFP®    New changes for the SIMPLE IRA are set to take effect in 2025, thanks to SECURE Act 2.0. They include additional catch-up contributions and increased employer contributions (dependent upon the size of the employer). We’ll review the basics behind SIMPLE IRAs, who are eligible employees, and the new…

  Written by: Paolo LaPietra, CFP®    With tariffs playing a central role in President Trump’s economic strategy, they have been a major topic in the news and a key aspect of trade discussions. President Trump’s policies focus on reshaping international trade agreements, imposing new tariffs, and using them as leverage in foreign policy negotiations.…

  Written by: Harmony Wagner, CFP®, CPWA®  In the depths of Northeast midwinter, many of us dream of sunnier climates. For retirees no longer tied to the daily grind of work, the temptation to fly south for the winter can become irresistible. The benefits of warmer weather are clear, but there are also costs and…

  Written by: John Millet, CPA The U.S. national debt has been an important topic in economic and financial discussions. As of early 2025, the national debt now exceeds $36 trillion. As individual investors, we are advised to effectively manage our debt levels.  Should we be concerned about the level of the US National debt…

  Written by: Samantha Masey, CFP®    With the new year in full swing, now is the perfect time to make sure you are maximizing your retirement savings and tracking your progress towards your financial goals. When it comes to planning, employer retirement plans remain one of the best ways to save for the long…