Forum Advisory Services

Forum Advisory Services Providing comprehensive financial planning services to individuals and families in Missouri and beyond, for more than 35 years.

Choosing a financial advisor in Columbia isn’t just about picking a name, it’s about finding someone you can genuinely t...
07/24/2026

Choosing a financial advisor in Columbia isn’t just about picking a name, it’s about finding someone you can genuinely trust with your savings, your goals, and your family’s future.

Starting with your own situation, understanding how different advisors are paid, and recognizing what a truly qualified advisor looks like in practice can make your search much clearer. Asking direct questions about services, fees, and how they work with clients in situations like yours can quickly reveal whether someone is a good fit.

If you’ve been wondering, “How do I find the right advisor for us?” this framework can help you evaluate local options more confidently.

Read more about finding an advisor in Columbia, Missouri here: https://www.forumadvisoryservices.com/blogs/how-to-find-a-trusted-financial-advisor-in-columbia--missouri

One of the biggest retirement questions isn’t just how much you’ve saved, it’s how much you’ll actually keep after taxes...
07/21/2026

One of the biggest retirement questions isn’t just how much you’ve saved, it’s how much you’ll actually keep after taxes.

Roth IRA conversions can shift money from tax‑deferred accounts into a tax‑free bucket, potentially reducing future tax burden and giving you more flexibility with retirement income. Timing matters: lower‑income years, the years before RMDs begin, or market downturns can all create opportunities, especially when conversions are spread out over multiple years.

If you’ve been wondering whether a Roth conversion could help you pay less in taxes later and gain more control over your income, this framework can help you think through the trade‑offs.

Learn more about Roth conversions here: https://www.forumadvisoryservices.com/blogs/roth-conversions--a-smart-strategy-to-reduce-future-taxes-in-retirement

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are one of the most important, and most confusing, retirement rules many people fa...
07/17/2026

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are one of the most important, and most confusing, retirement rules many people face.

When RMDs begin, how they’re calculated, and how they affect your taxes and income can all have a meaningful impact on your retirement plan. Strategies like starting withdrawals earlier, using Roth conversions, or directing RMDs to charity through Qualified Charitable Distributions can help make those required withdrawals more intentional.

If you’re approaching your RMD age or already taking distributions, understanding these rules can help you avoid surprises and plan with more confidence.

Read more about RMDs here: https://www.forumadvisoryservices.com/blogs/understanding-required-minimum-distributions

Inheriting a retirement account can be a meaningful opportunity, but today’s rules have become much more complex.Current...
07/14/2026

Inheriting a retirement account can be a meaningful opportunity, but today’s rules have become much more complex.

Current inherited IRA rules include the 10‑year clean‑out requirement for many non‑spouse beneficiaries, different options for spouses and “eligible designated beneficiaries,” and distinct tax treatment for traditional versus Roth accounts. What you choose to do—and when—can affect both taxes and how long the money lasts.

If you’ve inherited an IRA or expect to be named as a beneficiary, understanding the rules can help you protect what’s been left to you and avoid costly mistakes.

Read more about inherited IRA rules here: https://www.forumadvisoryservices.com/blogs/a-comprehensive-guide-to-today-s-inherited-ira-rules

If you’re already giving to your church or favorite causes and you’re taking the standard deduction, you may be able to ...
07/10/2026

If you’re already giving to your church or favorite causes and you’re taking the standard deduction, you may be able to give charitably in a more tax‑efficient way, especially if you’re in or near retirement.

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) allow you to give directly from your IRA to charity, which can reduce your taxable income while still supporting the organizations you care about. They can also be used to satisfy Required Minimum Distributions, with important rules around eligibility and contribution limits.

If you’re passionate about generosity and want your retirement dollars to stretch further, this strategy might be worth a closer look.

Learn more and see if QCDs could fit into your plan: https://www.forumadvisoryservices.com/blogs/giving-back--how-qualified-charitable-distributions-can-maximize-your-retirement-funds

7 Signs It Might Be Time to Get Help With Your Investments.Managing your own investments can work well, until your finan...
07/07/2026

7 Signs It Might Be Time to Get Help With Your Investments.

Managing your own investments can work well, until your financial life becomes more complex and decisions start to feel heavier instead of clear.

You might start wondering whether your strategy still fits your goals, reacting more to market headlines, or feeling less certain about taxes, retirement income, and how everything connects.

It’s not about giving up control. It’s about gaining more clarity, structure, and confidence in the decisions you’re already making.

If you’ve been asking yourself, “Does this still make sense?” you may find these seven signs helpful as you think through your next step.

Read more here: https://www.forumadvisoryservices.com/blogs/7-signs-it-might-be-time-to-get-help-with-your-investments

Blended families do a remarkable job juggling careers, kids, history, and shared goals, but that same complexity can mak...
07/03/2026

Blended families do a remarkable job juggling careers, kids, history, and shared goals, but that same complexity can make retirement and legacy planning feel heavy.

Mark and Lisa’s story follows a second‑marriage couple with strong savings, four adult children, and one big concern: how to take care of each other and their kids in a way that feels fair and clear.

Their journey shows how putting everything on one page, cleaning up old paperwork, and building a shared plan can replace quiet worries with real confidence.

If you’re in a blended family and some of this feels familiar, this story may help you see what’s possible.

Read the full story here: https://www.forumadvisoryservices.com/blogs/-we-want-to-take-care-of-each-other--and-our-kids-

Cue the fireworks, fire up the grill, and get ready for what might be the most ambitious birthday cake of all time. 🎂Ame...
07/02/2026

Cue the fireworks, fire up the grill, and get ready for what might be the most ambitious birthday cake of all time. 🎂

America turns 250 this year, which means 250 candles on the cake … so someone should probably alert the fire department.

However you’re celebrating the Fourth of July, we hope it’s filled with great food, good company, and a sky full of fireworks.

Our office will be closed on Friday, July 3rd, in observance of the holiday. We’ll be back and ready to help on Monday. Wishing you a safe and happy Fourth!

Many people reach a point where this question starts to keep them up at night:“Do I have enough saved to retire, and whe...
06/30/2026

Many people reach a point where this question starts to keep them up at night:

“Do I have enough saved to retire, and when can I retire?”

On the surface, it sounds like a simple math problem. In practice, it is one of the most complex financial decisions most households ever face. It involves not just what you have saved, but what you spend, how long retirement may last, how markets behave, how taxes affect withdrawals, and what happens if life does not go according to plan.

Continue Reading...
https://www.forumadvisoryservices.com/blogs/do-i-have-enough-saved-to-retire--when-can-i-retire-

We wanted to share a great local resource!Tiger Credit Union is hosting a FREE Community Shred Day! 📅 Saturday, June 6,...
06/04/2026

We wanted to share a great local resource!
Tiger Credit Union is hosting a FREE Community Shred Day!

📅 Saturday, June 6, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Bluff Creek Branch
3310 Bluff Creek Drive, Columbia, MO

Take advantage of this convenient, secure opportunity to safely dispose of old personal or financial documents — completely free.

Please note:
• Maximum of 5 boxes per person
• No cardboard boxes
• No X-rays accepted

Learn more: https://www.tigerscu.org/about/community.htm

Address

2310 Forum Boulevard, Ste C
Columbia, MO
65203

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+15738750950

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