Blog
What’s on our mind? You can read about it in our blog. Whether it’s ideas from the industry or emerging trends, you can read about it here. And once in a while, we may throw in a movie review or some other surprise. So keep checking in. We’re glad to have you reading along.
Tax Prep vs. Tax Strategy: The Difference Matters More Than You Think
Tax Prep vs. Tax Strategy: The Difference Matters More Than You ThinkWe all know that April 15 is the end of tax preparation season and the annual deadline for completing and filing your return. As important as proper tax prep is, some...
Read MoreYou Can Do an Encore Career!
As you think toward your retirement days, you might envision travel, relaxation, and family time. But is there room in your dream retirement for a new career as well? It’s not uncommon for those who retire to eventually return to work...
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5 Reasons Why Women Need to Invest
Despite progress toward financial planning and saving, women often face challenges regarding their financial security. These challenges can include more time away from the workforce (often caring for children or for parents), the...
Read MoreLast Minute Tips Before Tax Day
Fewer things are more reliable than Tax Day, even if the deadline has shifted around a bit in recent years. This year, it’s April 15th for most taxpayers, and recent legislation changes include substantial increases to standard...
Read MoreWhen Is the Best Time to Take Social Security? It Really Depends.
Thinking about when to start Social Security? Here’s what to consider before you claim—whether at 62, full retirement age, or 70.
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What Every Pre-Retiree Needs to Know
If you’re within 5–10 years of retirement, this is your window to make the smartest financial decisions you’ve ever made. Here’s what I walk through with my own clients as they approach retirement: 1. Know Your Retirement Number Figure...
Read MoreThe Widow’s Penalty
The Widow’s Penalty By: Kelley Tom, CFP®, MBA, CDFA® After grieving a loss of a partner, what could be worse than being hit with a “widow’s penalty?” As horrible as that sounds, it’s a common...
Read MoreNavigating the Financial Jungle: Why Tax Planning Should Be Part of Your Financial Strategy
In the intricate world of financial planning, there's a crucial aspect that many individuals and families tend to overlook: tax planning. This often-neglected treasure is, in fact, the key to maximizing your wealth and ensuring your...
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The Importance of Choosing a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Choosing the right financial planner is crucial for aligning and pursuing your financial goals. There are many individuals who call themselves financial planners or financial advisors, but not all of them possess the necessary...
Read MoreSafeguarding Your Retirement: Addressing the Fear of Outliving Your Money
Retirement is a time of great anticipation and excitement, representing a well-deserved reward for years of hard work and dedication. However, as the golden years unfold, a retiree's most significant concern often emerges: the...
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Age My Way In May
May is a month to celebrate the older Americans in our country and honor their lives and the accomplishments they still have ahead of them.Older Americans Month was established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy to bring awareness to...
Read MoreSecure 2.0 Overview
In the final days of 2022, Congress passed a new set of retirement rules designed to make it easier to contribute to retirement plans and access those funds earmarked for retirement. The law is called SECURE 2.0, and it's a follow-up...
Read MoreWhy you should set up your online social security account?
For many of us, social security plays an important part in our financial plans for retirement or later stage of life. Even if you are years away from applying for benefits, there are good reasons to set up your online social...
Read MoreKupuka Wiki Radio Show on 12/17/2022
Kelley M. Tom talks about a safe withdrawal rate for retirees, ways to make your money go farther, and long term care planning.Kupuna Wiki Radio Show on 12/17/2022
Read MoreWhat You Should Know About Student and Young Adult Health Insurance Plans
As a college student or young adult, you have options for health insurance. You might get coverage through your parents, school, employer, the Health Insurance Marketplace, or other options. The best health insurance provides affordable stu
Read MoreElections & Markets: Will higher taxes sink stocks?
Elections & Markets: Will higher taxes sink stocks? Key Takeaways Despite the assumption many have that increasing tax rates would sink stocks, historically, markets have produced better-than-average returns in the wake of tax...
Read MoreKupunaWiki Radio Show
KupunaWiki Radio Show | Episode 177 Kelley M. Tom and Jordan Glennel, Summit Financial Advisors Financial Planners, Kelley M. Tom and Jordan Glennel of Summit Financial Advisors shares the importance of updating your beneficiaries,...
Read MoreWeekly Market and Coronavirus Update with Phil Blancato
We strive to keep you regularly updated with important market changes and news. Please listen to the most recent market update from Phil Blancato, President and CEO of Ladenburg Thalmann Asset Management, a well-known name in the...
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Last Days of Summer...
Hopefully you’ve been able to enjoy the summer finding new ways of relaxation and fun even with the ongoing pandemic. The weather is still warm, but pumpkins have already made their way into the stores, which means Fall and the...
Read MoreWhat you need to know after a divorce
For so many reasons, going through a divorce is not easy. The challenges associated with ending a marriage are many, ranging from the legal to the practical to the emotional. As with any complex situation, understanding the steps that...
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Simple Strategies to Reduce the Stress of Retirement
We are excited to do the first of our webinar series to address concerns regarding retirement. Like many others pre-retirees are wondering how the current pandemic will affect retirement. The retirement landscape is continuously...
Read MoreSummer Vacations in the Time of COVID-19
July usually goes hand in hand with warm weather, fun in the sun and most of all…summer vacations. With the pandemic still a regular part of our lives, many of our favorite summertime traditions are on hold. While the majority...
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Know your 401(k) options between jobs
Few life events are more stressful than a job loss. If you or someone you know is in this situation due to COVID-19, you’ll likely have several questions about job hunting, unemployment insurance, and health care. You may also...
Read MoreMarket update and other ways we can help
A new milestone was reached as COVID-19 candidate vaccines began being tested in human clinical trials at record speed. Meanwhile, economic data over the last week continues to indicate a recession but is also showing signs of life...
Read MoreRoth conversions in 2020 could help your retirement plan
2020 may be a year that none of us ever forgets, for many reasons. But here’s one positive: Roth IRAs can be particularly beneficial for financial planning in the current tax and economic environment. A major incentive for...
Read MoreAccess to Benefit Discounts Available for Hawaii State Bar Association Members
Written by: Glennel W. Jordan, MBA, CFP®Financial Planner Kelley M. Tom (Baba), MBA, CFP®Financial PlannerInvestment Advisor Representative Injuries can set people back in more ways than one. Besides the strain that injuries...
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