Financial Planning
HSA: A Healthy Way to Save
One of the most underappreciated tools in tax planning is the Health Savings Account (HSA). The HSA was created in 2003 as a way to provide tax benefits for Americans who want to set aside funds for future healthcare expenses. There are many benefits to having an HSA besides helping pay for medical services. They…
Clearing Up Tax Refund Confusion
As if tax refunds weren’t already a misunderstood area of personal finance, politicians and media outlets are adding unnecessary anger and confusion to them. Tax refunds are really quite simple. If you overpay funds to your state or the US Treasury, you are entitled to a refund upon filing your taxes. Refunds are not a…
Miracle on the Hudson
January 15th marked the tenth anniversary of the successful ditching of US Air flight 1549 in the Hudson River. Coordinated teamwork allowed the flying skills of Captain Sully Sullenberger and First Officer Jeff Skiles to bring the virtually powerless plane to rest on the flowing waters, just outside Manhattan. Skillful crew coordination with the flight…
Back to Basics
At JMA we teach Six Keys to Financial Success: Spend less than you make Be prudent about debt Build liquidity Set long‐term goals Act like a manager, not an owner Give Generously These timeless principles not only help you meet long‐term goals, but also prepare you for the hard times we all face at some…
Why I Hired a Financial Advisor, by a Financial Advisor
Friends and prospective clients often ask me why they should hire a financial advisor. It’s a logical question. Why should they? I thought it might be helpful to share why I hired an advisor before switching careers and becoming an advisor myself. I was once a pharmacist, having spent a 30-year career with Walgreens. I…