Welcome to our Web site, where you’ll find a wealth of information in the form of newsletter articles, calculators, and research reports.
We hope your visit will help you understand the opportunities and potential rewards that are available when you take a proactive approach to your personal financial situation. We have created this Web site to help you gain a better understanding of the financial concepts behind insurance, investing*, retirement, estate planning, and wealth preservation. Most important, we hope you see the value of working with skilled professionals to pursue your financial goals.
We’re here to help educate you about the basic concepts of financial management*; to help you learn more about who we are; and to give you fast, easy access to market performance data. We hope you take advantage of this resource and visit us often. Please check out the RESOURCES tab for articles, newsletters, E-seminars and much more valuable information.
*These services are offered by Richard Cepak through his affiliation with Avantax Investment ServicesSM and Avantax Advisory ServicesSM.
Helpful Content
How Income Taxes Work
A quick look at how federal income taxes work.
Eight Mistakes That Can Upend Your Retirement
There are common mistakes you can avoid when saving for retirement.
Red Flags for Tax Auditors
Here are six flags that may make your tax return prime for an IRS audit.
Donating Art: Taxation Abstraction
The tax rules that govern donating art are complex and confusing. Take a closer look.
9 Facts About Social Security
There are things about Social Security that might surprise you.
Caring for Aging Parents
As our nation ages, many Americans are turning their attention to caring for aging parents.
Insurance Needs Assessment: When You're Young and Single
Even if you’re young and single, you should still consider protecting yourself.
Understanding Long-Term Care
Understanding the types of long-term-care services—and what those services could cost—may be critical.
A Reminder of Why It's Important to Take a Long-Term View
The recent market drop is an important reminder of why it's important to take a long-term view.
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Can I Refinance My Mortgage?
This calculator can help determine whether it makes sense to refinance your mortgage.
Comparing Mortgage Terms
Estimate the total cost in today's dollars of various mortgage alternatives.
Paying Off a Credit Card
Enter various payment options and determine how long it may take to pay off a credit card.
Assess Your Life Insurance Needs
This calculator estimates how much life insurance you would need to meet your family's needs if you were to die prematurely.
What's My Potential Estate Tax?
This calculator helps estimate your federal estate tax liability.
What Is My Current Net Worth?
Use this calculator to estimate your net worth by adding up your assets and subtracting your liabilities.
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5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
Investment Strategies for Retirement
Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.
An Inside Look at Retirement Living
A number of questions and concerns need to be addressed to help you better prepare for retirement living.
Your Cash Flow Statement
A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.
5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
Managing Your Lifestyle
Using smart management to get more of what you want and free up assets to invest.
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Exit Strategies of the Rich and Famous
Estate conservation is too important to put off. Do you have a smart exit strategy?
The Latte Lie and Other Myths
Do you know these three personal finance sayings?
16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds
Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.
The Long Run: Women and Retirement
For women, retirement strategy is a long race. It’s helpful to know the route.
Once Upon a Goal
Do you know how to set up your financial goals for success? This knight does.
When Special Care Is Needed: The Special Needs Trust
A special needs trust helps care for a special needs child when you’re gone.