Camille Koppenberg - Wealth Advisor

04/19/2023

Here are some steps you can take to make your cash flow more manageable during the year:

1. Change your monthly mortgage payment to a biweekly payment. This is especially helpful for those who are also paid biweekly. That way you won't feel the pinch earlier in the month. A bonus? When you pay biweekly, you get an extra mortgage payment in for the year. This will help shave off years of your mortgage & also reduce your interest payments.

2. Yesterday was tax filing day. If you had to pay extra for taxes, now is a good time to evaluate what 2023 is going to look like. Sure you can pay estimated taxes. But it may be easier to have payroll add an additional withholding from your paycheck.

3. If you haven't checked in with your service providers - like internet & cable, now is a good time to ask for a lower rate. More often than not, they'll have a special for you. (Especially if you tell them you're shopping for other providers.)

4. Ask for a raise. Plain and simple. If you've been performing well at work, now is a great time to ask. If anything, your employer will let you know what expectations they have for you to get a raise. Make sure to document what you've done. This is by far the best way to increase your incoming cash flow.

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04/11/2023

Did you know that a majority of large employers offer a Roth 401(k)?

Participation has been low in these plans, but hopefully with a bit more knowledge, you can make a decision that is right for you.

The major difference between a regular 401(k) & Roth 401(k) is the taxation.

When you select the Roth 401(k) option, you are deciding to pay income tax now vs. later in retirement.

High earners tend to stick with a traditional 401(k) to get the deduction in income now. (AKA pay less taxes now.) However, it can be difficult to tell what your future may look like.

If you are unsure, it's helpful to ask a professional like your accountant and financial advisor.

03/24/2023

I’m so excited for this next gardening season! We ripped out our strawberries last year. Looking forward to grabbing new starts!

We have some exciting news for you…we are open Sundays starting March 12 (this weekend).
Sunday 9am-5pm
Monday-Saturday 8am-5pm
We’ve added lots of new veggie starts to the stand this week along with fresh loads of colorful annuals and perennials - starting to look like spring! 🍭

02/17/2023

What is happening?

Women have surpassed men in earning college degrees and doctorates.

Women are earning more.

Women are earning more than their husbands at an increasing rate.

Women are starting businesses at twice the rate of men.

Women are more likely to be single than a generation ago.

The world is changing and will continue to change more quickly.

While the wage gap is still a reality, women are catching up in earning the money and making decisions about it.

Steps to take to make your money work for you:
✔Get organized
✔Review your cash flow
✔Review your budget
✔Set financial goals
✔Stick to a process
✔Ask questions

02/15/2023

When you line up your money decisions with the things that you value, your focus shifts. Your money becomes purposeful.

Ask yourself: "What types of purchases bring me the most joy? What types of purchases do I often regret? Is it possible to reduce or eliminate the purchases I often regret?"

Small action: eliminate a subscription you don't find value in anymore. (TV, monthly makeup box, etc...)

Big action: Review your January purchases. Rank them from what brought you the most joy to the least joy.

02/13/2023

Did you know that married couples are able to choose their filing status for federal income tax purposes? Most of the time filing jointly is the appropriate filing status. However, there are some instances when it makes more economical sense to file separately. Economical sense meaning more tax dollars back in your pocket!

I've listed the reasons why you might choose one over the other. However, the best way to *really* know is to prepare your tax return both ways. It's a bit more work, but definitely worth it. If you are working with a professional tax preparer, ask them about it.

02/03/2023

Having a vision creates a path for the future. On our morning call this morning advisors talked about what they are changing for 2023. Many talked about changing their mindset. It's incredible how we can control a lot by our thoughts.

As you are reading this ask yourself "How do I feel about my money right now?" Then ask "How do I want to feel?"

What would your first step in achieving that feeling?

As advisors, we focus a lot on save, save, save. But as you think about this first step, be open to thinking about how you can spend your money in a way that aligns with your values.

recently tweeted about a client of his who is facing health issues 9 years into retirement. Justin says "it's situations like his that confirm my belief it is just as important to experience today as it is to prepare tomorrow".

02/01/2023

2022 wasn’t a pretty year for investors. As you might be asking, where do we go from here? Our Carson Research team believes there are many potential reasons to be optimistic about the year ahead. Read their insight here: https://www.carsonwealth.com/insights/blog/carson-investment-researchs-outlook-23-the-edge-of-normal/

01/12/2023

Financial planning is never a one and done deal. Life happens. When working with my clients, I am continuously monitoring their situation, recommending appropriate changes and we meet as frequently as needed.

Questions? Email me at [email protected]

P2 Artwork by .artist

01/10/2023

If you've got a teen that is turning 18 next year or may be off to college, it's time to assess what legal documents you may need. While many teens are excited to fly the coop, these documents make it possible for you to help them. For example, many parents find it shocking that they no longer have access to their child's medical records or can make decisions in regard to their health.
It's important to have this conversation earlier than later as it can take time to put the documents in place.
Questions? Email me at [email protected]