Financial Planning Feature: Back-to-school is a reminder for financial advisors to review clients' educational savings goals

Andrew Van Alstyne had the privilege to be featured in Financial Planning, where he shares insights on the importance of revisiting educational savings strategies during the back-to-school season.

Andrew emphasizes the need for financial advisors to help clients stay on track with their educational savings goals by regularly reviewing and adjusting their college savings plans.

Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Be sure to consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein.


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Creating an Impactful Transfer of Wealth: Leaving Blessings, Not Burdens with Simple Strategies

Creating an Impactful Transfer of Wealth: Leaving Blessings, Not Burdens with Simple Strategies

Passing on wealth to the next generation is more than just managing financial assets—it's about ensuring your values, wisdom, and legacy endure. This article explores simple strategies to transfer both financial and qualitative capital, helping you create a lasting legacy for your family.

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Couples Synergy Podcast: Money Matters for Couples

Andrew Van Alstyne had the privilege to be featured on the
Couples Synergy Podcast with Dr. Ray & Jean Kadkhodaian.


Andrew recently joined Dr. Ray and Jean Kadkhodaian on the Couples Synergy Podcast for episode 321, "Money Matters for Couples." In this conversation, they explore the complexities couples face when managing finances together, highlighting the significance of open communication and mutual understanding. The episode offers practical advice on aligning financial goals and emphasizes the importance of collaboration in building a secure financial future together. Discover how adopting these strategies can strengthen relationships and set the stage for long-term financial stability.

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Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Be sure to consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein.


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Fox Business Feature: Financial experts reveal how Americans can prepare for the possibility of a recession

Andrew Van Alstyne had the privilege to be featured in Fox Business to talk to readers about best practices in preparing for times of economic uncertainty.

Andrew discusses the importance of a fully funded emergency fund along with addressing liquidity concerns in volitile times.

 
 

Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Be sure to consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein.


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Beyond The Paycheck Podcast with Paula Christine: Transforming Life Through Financial Literacy

Andrew Van Alstyne had the privilege to be featured on the
Beyond The Paycheck Podcast with Paula Christine.


Andrew recently had the opportunity to join Paula Christine on the Beyond The Paycheck Podcast. In this episode, they discuss the everyday challenges many face when stepping into adulthood and the common hesitation parents experience in teaching financial principles to their children. Discover the importance of early financial education and how instilling good money habits in children can pave the way toward a financially secure and fulfilling future

Click the Links Below to Watch or Listen to the Full Episode:

Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Be sure to consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein.


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Financial Freedom Podcast with Dr. Christopher Loo: Mastering Generational Wealth

Andrew Van Alstyne had the privilege to be featured on the
Financial Freedom Podcast with Dr. Christopher Loo.


Andrew recently had the opportunity to join Dr. Christopher Loo on the Financial Freedom Podcast. In this episode, they explore the crucial topic of generational wealth and how to effectively manage and transfer wealth across generations.

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Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Be sure to consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein.


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Net Worth Tracking: The Underutilized Financial Tool


When it comes to tracking finances, budgeting is likely what you think of, and rightly so. Budgeting continues to be the best method for establishing your monthly income and expenses to ensure you are on track. What I am suggesting is not a replacement for budgeting but a complement to it. Tracking your net worth allows you to see progress across your financial picture over the long term. Let’s dive into this underutilized tracking method that can significantly impact your financial outlook.


How to Figure Out Your Net Worth

The first step in calculating your net worth is understanding the necessary information. You can think of net worth as a mathematical equation. The equation goes: Assets - Liabilities = Net Worth. To break it down even further, I will often explain net worth as the difference between what you own and what you owe. What you own (assets) would consist of your home, vehicles, investments, money in the bank, and other tangible goods. What you owe (liabilities) would be any home loan, auto loan, student loan, or other consumer debt.

There is no shortage of methods for tracking net worth, so the best method will ultimately be what works for you. There are plenty of Net Worth Calculators on the internet, but I like to use the Schwab Net Worth Calculator. Others may prefer to create their own spreadsheet. Both methods are great ways to calculate and track your net worth.


How Often to Track

Once you know what comprises the net worth statement, you need to figure out how often you will track it. This is a preferential component, but the most effective frequency is calculating and recording your net worth every year. Because of fluctuations in cash flow and investment performance, tracking on a monthly or quarterly basis would not have much benefit. Doing this yearly makes the most sense because enough time has passed to see legitimate progress. Many people do an end-of-year financial review, and adding this into that process can be simple.

The other reason I like the year mark for calculation is that net worth is intended to complement your budget. Your monthly budget ultimately leads to the progress you see in your net worth statement. It takes the monthly victory of following your budget and shows you a more substantial victory by compounding those smaller wins over the course of a year.


The Benefits of Tracking

All this information is excellent, but why do it? Where does the benefit actually come into play with tracking net worth? The main advantage lies in the bird' s-eye view of your financial well-being. It provides you with context on financial components that your monthly budget doesn’t take into account. Seeing overall liabilities go down and, in turn, watching your asset total rise over the years can be an excellent encouragement to stay the course. 

The final benefit of net worth tracking is its opportunity to measure success based on your progress instead of basing it on others. No two people have the same financial picture, so why compare to someone in an entirely different circumstance? Often, we can't help ourselves from it. But by tracking your net worth year after year, success is measured by your improvement from the last year and not by how your number stacks up to those around you.


The “Secret” to Growing Your Net Worth

The final question that often accompanies conversations about net worth is how to improve your number. Honestly, it’s pretty simple, and the answer isn’t anything groundbreaking—consistent effort. By being consistent over time, you allow compounding growth to occur. Not just when it comes to your money compounding but also the good habits associated with money management. Much of this comes back to the foundational principles I discuss in my article, “Mastering Your Money: Budgeting Essentials and When You Need Them.” The “secret” to improving your net worth is consistent effort over a long enough period.


Final Thoughts

Net Worth tracking doesn’t have to be very time-consuming, especially if it is done only once a year. Taking an extra 30 minutes at the end of each year to calculate your net worth may quickly become your favorite way of tracking financial progress. Remember, this is not intended to replace your monthly budget. If done properly, your net worth statement will be an amplified version of your monthly efforts and diligence.


References

https://www.schwabmoneywise.com/net-worth-calculator

Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser and does not give legal or tax advice. The information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. The information contained herein has been obtained from a third-party source which is believed to be reliable but is subject to correction for error. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Past performance is not a guarantee or representation of future results.

The Power of a Family Bank

The Power of a Family Bank

Discover the power of a family bank: transform your wealth management. Many American families face the challenge of preserving and growing their wealth across generations. The concept of a family bank offers a robust solution, providing a structured system to manage and utilize family wealth effectively.

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Legacy Planning(c), A Resource Library: The 5 Pillars of Capital For Your Legacy

Andrew Van Alstyne had the privilege to be featured on the
Legacy Planning(c), A Resource Library’s Podcast with Angelina Carleton.


Andrew and Angelina discuss that while most families seek out management of their financial capital, it is important to remember financial capital is merely a tool that should be used to grow the qualitative forms of capital within the family.

Click the Links Below to Watch or Listen to the Full Episode:

Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Be sure to consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein.


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Wealthtender Ask an Advisor Feature: Is $5.5 Million the Magic Number to Retire Comfortably and Pass Wealth to Your Children?

Andrew Van Alstyne had the privilege to be featured in Wealthtender’s “Ask an Advisor” for how much money is needed for retirement.


Andrew discusses that it is important to focus what you want retirement to look like when calculating the amount you’ll need. He also discusses a different way of thinking as to how to leave a legacy to your loved ones while still alive.

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Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Be sure to consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein.


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The Power of Backdoor Roth for Sales Professionals


Sales Professionals are constantly trying to figure out how to gain an extra edge over their competitors and better position themselves for customers. This should extend to navigating their financial picture and creating a solid retirement plan. Here’s where the backdoor Roth IRA enters the picture. While this financial planning strategy is open to many high-income professionals, it is uniquely advantageous for professionals with a variable income. While this approach doesn’t make sense for all high-income earners, it is worth keeping in your back pocket for when the time is right. In this post, we dive into this strategy, how it is utilized, and who should and shouldn't consider using it.


What is a backdoor Roth?

You may have heard of this strategy, but what exactly is it? A backdoor Roth IRA is not a type of account but rather a method to contribute to a Roth IRA even if your income exceeds the IRS income phase-out limits. You contribute to a traditional IRA with a contribution that is not tax deductible and then transfer those funds to a Roth IRA. Once completed, you can invest those funds within your Roth IRA, giving you access to the long-term tax advantage of a Roth IRA.


Why is it useful?

To understand why this is a beneficial strategy, we must first differentiate between a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA. Both are Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) used to invest money for retirement purposes. A traditional IRA has contributions that are tax-deductible in the year you contribute. When that money is pulled out in retirement, it is taxed at your regular income rate. Conversely, Roth IRA contributions aren’t tax deductible but grow tax-free. Withdrawals in retirement aren’t taxed, assuming you are 59 ½ or older and the account has been open for five years. The other perk of having Roth assets is the lack of required minimum distributions (RMDs), unlike traditional assets, which necessitate distributions starting at age 72, whether you desire them or not.

This strategy is useful for two groups of people. This isn’t a blanket recommendation for these groups, but if you fall into one of these groups, it may be worth considering. If you are a relatively young, high-income individual or household, a backdoor Roth might make sense since you have plenty of time for your investments to grow tax-free. The other category of people that should investigate this strategy would be someone who exceeds the income limits to contribute to a Roth and is anticipating their retirement income and tax bracket to be higher than their current income and tax bracket. However, it’s crucial to consult with an advisor for personalized analysis.


Should you utilize it?

The first criterion for this strategy is an income that exceeds the IRS phase-out limit to contribute to a Roth IRA directly. In 2024, the phase-out is from $146,000 to $161,000 for singles and heads of households. The phase-out for married couples filing jointly is between $230,000 to $240,000. These limits can change annually, making it important to check the IRS website for the current year's standards. If your income exceeds these limits, working with a financial advisor to ensure it is the most prudent strategy in that given year is critical. It is essential to proceed correctly; you should work with an advisor and CPA as you make this decision.


Who Shouldn’t Do This?

While there are numerous advantages to doing a backdoor Roth conversion, it is important to weigh the downsides. There can often be tax implications that come alongside a backdoor Roth that could ultimately make the strategy less attractive, especially if you cannot afford the taxes. The other consideration is your investment timeline. The shorter the investment horizon, the less likely a backdoor Roth is a wise strategy. This often comes into play for those late in their careers. While other circumstances make a backdoor Roth a less attractive option, these are the two primary considerations that a financial advisor and CPA should be able to help you work through.


Final Thoughts

It's important to remember that the decision to use this strategy is not a one-time event. It's a discussion you should have with your financial advisor and CPA to ensure it's still the best approach for you. This strategy is not a one-size-fits-all solution and should be carefully analyzed before considering it. When used correctly, it can be one of the most powerful tools in your financial planning arsenal. Feel free to reach out if you need clarification on whether this approach is right for you.


References

https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/backdoor-roth-ira#:~:text=A%20backdoor%20Roth%20IRA%20strategy,to%20income%20limits%20on%20contributing.

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/401k-limit-increases-to-23000-for-2024-ira-limit-rises-to-7000

Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser and does not give legal or tax advice. The information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. The information contained herein has been obtained from a third-party source which is believed to be reliable but is subject to correction for error. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Past performance is not a guarantee or representation of future results.

Wealthtender Ask an Advisor Feature: How Can a 24-Year-Old Married Couple Strike a Balance Between Short-Term Saving and Long-Term Financial Security?

Andrew Van Alstyne had the privilege to be featured in Wealthtender’s “Ask an Advisor” for what to focus on financially as a young couple.


Andrew discusses the importance of planning ahead for major life events, communicating with your spouse, and optimizing your savings strategy to be tax efficient.

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Financial Tips from Andrew
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KAJ Masterclass Live: Managing Multi-Generational Wealth

Andrew Van Alstyne had the privilege to be featured on the
KAJ Masterclass Live Podcast.


Andrew discusses the importance of early discussions amongst family members to instill financial literacy. Andrew also shares his insights on how these open discussions can prevent financial under-preparedness. He also talks about the role of including all family members in wealth management, the benefits of starting inter-generational wealth transfers before death, and how to overcome the tension of talking about money in families with difficult financial histories.

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MSN Ask an Advisor Feature: What steps can a couple in their early forties with tweens take to balance saving for retirement and funding their children’s education?

Andrew Van Alstyne had the privilege to be featured in MSN to talk to readers about saving for both your children’s education and for retirement.

Andrew discusses the importance of setting goals and priorities while remaining adaptable to the variabilities that life may bring you.

Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Be sure to consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein.


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How Healthcare Professionals should use the Synergy of Health and Wealth to be Successful

Is it easier to be healthy when you are wealthy? Is it easier to be wealthy when you are healthy? I would say yes to both questions since health and wealth have synergy. Let’s explore a few habits that can assist healthcare professionals to be successful with both.

Downward Spiral versus Upward Spiral

Struggling to maintain both physical health and financial stability can be a common issue for many healthcare professionals. Health challenges can include poor diet, lack of exercise, insufficient sleep, or poor stress management. Wealth challenges can include overspending, low savings rates, poor investment decisions, or the absence of a financial plan.

Instead of focusing on health OR wealth, it is crucial to focus on BOTH since they are interconnected. Poor health can limit work capacity and increase medical expenses, reducing financial security. Conversely — limited finances can cause increased stress and decrease the time available for exercise/relaxation, which is detrimental to health. By focusing on both, you can create a positive feedback loop where improvements in one area support improvements in the other.

Habits to Adopt

The hardest part is usually just getting started. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to move from out of shape to in shape. Once in shape, it is much easier to maintain and stay in shape. The same is true regarding finances. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to pay off debt, balance the budget, and start setting money aside for the future. Once a financial plan is in place and followed, it is much easier to maintain and stay on track. Fortunately, the same habits can help enhance health and wealth.

Goal Setting: Setting clear and achievable goals

  • Example: Set a savings target for your retirement account for the year

  • Example: Set an activity goal for the number of times you plan to exercise every month

Discipline and Routine: Establishing and sticking to a routine

  • Example: Set up automatic monthly payments into your retirement account

  • Example: Carve out specific times each week for consistent exercise

  • Small actions every day can lead to significant results over a long period of time

Monitoring Progress: Regular check-ins and adjustments to stay on track:

  • Example: Review your budget and expenses regularly

  • Example: Calculate your net worth and update it every 6 months or every year

  • Example: Track your weight, strength, and cardiovascular health

Accountability: Seeking professional help when needed:

  • If you struggle with eating or exercise habits, consider working with a dietician or personal trainer to achieve your health goals

  • If you struggle with finances, budgeting, or expenses, consider working with a fee-only fiduciary financial advisor to achieve your financial goals

  • Having another person to assist with accountability and goal tracking can be immensely helpful

Encouragement Moving Forward

No one is perfect, but striving for continual improvement can lead to a healthier and more financially secure tomorrow. Here are a few key thoughts to remember.

  • Consistency is Key: Small, incremental changes can lead to significant improvements over time

  • Start Today: Don’t put things off until tomorrow. Make the harder first steps now so your future self will thank you

If you would like help improving your financial situation, please Schedule a Time to Meet. I would be happy to connect and assist.



Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser and does not give legal or tax advice. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. The information contained herein has been obtained from a third-party source which is believed to be reliable but is subject to correction for error. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Past performance is not a guarantee or representation of future results.

The Importance of Filing Estimated Quarterly Taxes

The Importance of Filing Estimated Quarterly Taxes

Learn why filing estimated quarterly taxes is crucial for avoiding IRS penalties, managing cash flow, and ensuring financial predictability. Our comprehensive guide provides key dates, steps to estimate what you owe, and expert tips for entrepreneurs, investors, and high-net-worth individuals.

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Money Talk with Skyler Fleming: How Family Conversations Shield You from Financial Under-Preparedness

Andrew Van Alstyne had the privilege to be featured on the
Money Talk with Skyler Fleming Podcast.


Andrew discusses the importance of family conversations in financial planning. Andrew also shares his insights on how open discussions can prevent financial under-preparedness. He also talks about the role of including all family members in wealth management, the benefits of inter-generational wealth transfers, and how to overcome the tension of talking about money in families with difficult financial histories.

Click the Links Below to Watch or Listen to the Full Episode:

Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Be sure to consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein.


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Sales Gravy Podcast Feature: Personal Finance Strategies for Sales Professionals

Ben Lex had the privilege to be featured on the Sales Gravy Podcast.


Ben discusses the importance of personal financial well-being for sales professionals and how to improve their current circumstances with their variable income.

Click Below to Watch or Listen to the Full Episode:

Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Be sure to consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein.


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Route 664 Podcast Feature: Wealth Planning

Andrew Van Alstyne had the privilege to be featured on the Route 664 Podcast.


Andrew discusses the significance that proper financial planning can have on multi-generational wealth and the importance of doing thorough, comprehensive financial reviews.

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Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Be sure to consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein.


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