Sarah Mahaffa, CFP®

Recently, the "CARES" Act was signed into law. The almost 900 pages of legislation are jam-packed with programs designed to help taxpayers navigate the economic hardships. We've outlined the areas that are likely to impact people on a personal level.

Parents, don't leave free money for your students lying around! A 2018 NerdWallet study found that eligible high school seniors left $2.6 billion worth on the table. Regardless of income or wealth, filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be the first step for any student. Read on for details on the basics, the complexities and the results.

If you have a student heading off to college soon, now might be a good time to review your options for saving money on college expenses. A good place to start? Two tax credits – the AOTC and the Lifetime Learning Credit – that can reduce your tax liability by up to $2500 and $2000, respectively. We discuss the criteria for these credits and which might be better for your particular situation.

According to the Pew Research Center, 15% of middle-aged adults will end up financially supporting a parent and a child at the same time. If you find yourself in that 15%, you’re part of what has become known as the Sandwich Generation. We discuss what you should think about if you find yourself being sandwiched between the two generations.

Opportunity zone investing might not be a phrase you’re familiar with, but they can be a nice tax advantage for those with unrealized capital gains in their portfolio. We explain what opportunity zone investing is, and how you can determine if this type of investing works for your portfolio.

Medicare can create quite a bit of confusion: When should I enroll? What coverage do I need? What happens with my HSA? Unfortunately, if you’re contributing to a Health Savings Account, enrollment in Medicare can create an issue. Be sure you understand how Medicare will impact you and your family so you can make informed decisions about your health coverage and avoid any penalties.

The standard deduction has nearly doubled under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and as a result, many may no longer itemize their deductions. We’ve outlined three options that will allow you to support the organizations you’re passionate about while also reducing your tax liability at the same time!

This time of year it is common for companies to allow employees to select what benefits programs they want to participate in for the coming year. Unfortunately, people don’t spend near enough time reviewing the options available to them.

If you are 65 years old, you have a 70% chance of needing long-term care. Can you afford $90,000 per year? If not, you may want to include LTC insurance in your financial plan. Or, you can take the chance of being in the lucky 30%!

It has become increasingly popular to keep your “adult” children on your health insurance plan until age 26, but it’s not as simple as just letting them use your insurance coverage. Read on for the ins and outs of health insurance and HSAs and what that might mean for your adult children.

If you’re retired or planning to be soon, a Continuing Care Retirement Community might be a good option for you. Continued independence with the added bonus of on-site medical care, maintenance-free living and amenities galore can be a draw for many retirees. But it’s important to understand your options and the associated cost – all those amenities can come with a hefty price tag! Be sure you understand your options: Read on for all the details.

Would you like to retire early? Want to take funds from your retirement accounts early to help make ends meet until your Social Security or pension kicks in? You can – provided you meet the criteria and follow all the rules! We have you covered with all the details!