Personal Stories & Updates

STEPHEN SMALENBERGER, EA Think of a special gift you’ve gotten for Christmas?  One that we like to give is shared experiences.  Think of a Disney on Ice, going on a ski trip with your family, dinner, movie, or concert tickets.  All of these are really special because it shows that you’ve thought of someone else…

STEPHEN SMALENBERGER, EA Maybe you’re considering a way to support a not-for-profit organization that you believe in.  Here’s a way to do just that with something that you already own… appreciated stock. What is appreciated stock?  It is an investment that has grown since you bought it. Let’s use an example and use some number…

 Maybe you’re thinking of a way to support a not-for-profit or charity that you believe in.  Here’s another way to do that with something you already have; your traditional IRA.  These are known as Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD).  We’ve talked about IRAs before and how when you take money out it’s taxable.  At age 72…

STEPHEN SMALENBERGER, EA & MICHELLE SMALENBERGER, CFP® What reminds you of Thanksgiving?  Is it gathering around the table with family?  Is it going to grandma’s house?  Is it football or pumpkin pie? Think back to the very first Thanksgiving, when the pilgrims left England with everything they had in the boat.  They still celebrated, because…