How to Find the Right Financial Adviser for You and Your Money

July 20, 2016 Kiplinger’s Personal Finance by Lisa Gerstner & Kimberly Lankford Financial advisers come in a confusing array of professional designations, with different fee structures and areas of expertise. Americans aren’t making the grade when it comes to managing their finances—or at least they don’t think they are. On average, U.S. households give themselves a C+ on their ability …

The Best Way to Save and Invest for a Home

April 15, 2016 Money Magazine by Sarah Max Q: I want to save to buy a home in the next five to 10 years but don’t want to use a savings account since they pay so little. Where should I save? — Maria, New York City A: This is a dilemma, to be sure. With interest rates still so low, …

The Triple Tax Benefit of Health Savings Accounts

U.S. News & World Report By Kate Stalter   The tax advantages are appealing, but don’t overlook HSAs as a way to save for health care in retirement. Americans are generally aware of tax-advantaged investment vehicles such as 401(k) plans, individual retirement accounts and 529 college savings plans. But one instrument, the health savings account, isn’t as well known, although it …

Going Beyond Referrals to Win Clients

May 11, 2015 Wall Street Journal Ann Reilley (Gugle) of Alpha Financial Advisors was featured in an article that dealt with financial advisors finding new clients and the unique ways that advisors build their practices.  Ann has worked to build up clients among Americans working and living internationally.  Ann is a principal and owner at Alpha Financial Advisors in Charlotte, …

Create a Financial Roadmap for 2015

December 29, 2014 Hilton Head Monthly by Dean Rowland The holidays are over, 2014 is in our life’s memory bank, our eyes are open wide to the opportunities that lay ahead this year, and we can sleep easily at night knowing that all is good. Right? Probably, maybe, not sure? Sure, you have your New Year’s resolutions firmly in place and …

When Should I See a Financial Planner

October 23, 2014 Equifax Finance Blog By Michelle Stoffel Huffman How do you know if you’re ready for a financial planner? After all, it’s sort of a strange proposition: You’re spending money on someone who will tell you how to spend your money. But that’s exactly why millions of people see financial planners in the first place. “Typically, people who …

Bought a New Vacation Home? I’m So Sorry

August 13, 2014 Bloomberg By Ben Steverman Summer is a time to relax, kick back and make dumb financial decisions. That’s how financial advisers see it, when their clients get a hankering for a summer house after returning from an idyllic trip. Sales of vacation homes in the U.S. rose 30 percent last year to 717,000, the National Association of …

Using Health Savings Accounts to Invest for Retirement

August 19, 2014 New York Times by Ann Carrns Health savings accounts are often promoted as a way to help cover continuing out-of-pocket medical costs. But the accounts, which have tax advantages, can also be used to save money for health expenses in retirement — and the savings can be substantial, a new analysis finds. A report this month from …

Health Savings Accounts Can Double as Shadow IRAs

June 2, 2014 Wall Street Journal Ann Reilley (Gugle) of Alpha Financial Advisors was a contributor to an article that explained the rising popularity of Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and how to best use a Health Savings Account for maximum growth. Ann is a principal and owner at Alpha Financial Advisors in Charlotte, N.C. *** You can read more of …

Ways to Avoid Making Mistakes With Donor-Advised Funds

December 23, 2013 Wall Street Journal John Gugle of Alpha Financial Advisors was featured in an article explaining how donor-advised funds are used to promote greater philanthropy and to maximize tax savings.  John is a principal and owner at Alpha Financial Advisors in Charlotte, N.C. *** You can read more of this article at: http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304020704579276163221844326