Kathryn J. Hower, CFP®

Having a sizable amount of taxable income sounds and feels great until tax time. Make a point to talk with your tax preparer or financial advisor to do an estimated tax projection mid-year and develop a plan for minimizing taxes that makes sense for you.

It doesn’t make sense to purchase life insurance with the intent to borrow against it. However, suppose you have a permanent policy with a sizable cash value.

Gathering and organizing the suggested information for trusted individuals should allow you to sleep better at night. Before it’s too late, talk with those who will have a role in your estate settlement, care, and legacy so they can sleep better at night, too.

While leasing has benefits, it's important to understand the disadvantages before making your decision.

Over the past 18 months, rising interest rates have put considerable pressure on markets. However, remember that despite the borrowing cost has increased, we are finally earning some interest on our cash.

Our pets are family. It's best to be prepared to get them the best care should they become ill or seriously injured. Pet insurance is a great way to do so without breaking the bank.

When looking to "make a move," it's best to do your financial assessment, research your options, and consider the time you expect to live in the property. Generally, if planning to stay in the home long-term, buying makes better financial sense than renting under most circumstances.

Having high taxable income sounds and feels great until tax time. Know that short and long-term capital losses can offset long-term capital gains.

Caring and helping with financial support for individuals with special needs can be complex. The 529A plan is a good savings vehicle to enhance the financial wellbeing of those with disabilities.

Looking for a living option for yourself or a loved one that will help reduce the burden of household duties and ultimately aid in personal wellbeing as aging occurs can be a little daunting.

If you typically get a large refund or end up owing a significant amount at tax-filing time, or your tax filing status or earned income changes, you may want to adjust form W-4.

Anyone with a pet knows that veterinary care can be costly, especially when faced with a more serious illness. Enter pet insurance – providing pet owners with the means to provide care for their furry friends in the event of illness. We’ve outlined the basics of pet insurance, along with things to consider when deciding if it’s a good purchase for you and your pet.