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 H.D. Vest Investment ServicesSM and H.D. Vest Advisory ServicesSM.
Helpful Content
A Primer on Dividends
A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."
Red Flags for Tax Auditors
Here are six flags that may make your tax return prime for an IRS audit.
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.
Understanding the Basics of Medigap Policies
Important as it is, Medicare does not cover the full range of health-care expenses you may experience in your golden years.
Value vs. Growth Investing
Among stock-market investors there’s long been a debate between those who favor value and those who favor growth.
A Look at Diversification
Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.
A Brief Guide To Condo Insurance
Important items to consider when purchasing condo insurance.
All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal
Gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever.
A Look at Whole Life Insurance
Whole life insurance remains in force as long as you remain current with premiums. Here's how it works.
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Tax Freedom Day
Assess how many days you'll work to pay your federal tax liability.
Comparing Mortgage Terms
Estimate the total cost in today's dollars of various mortgage alternatives.
Historical Inflation
This calculator shows how inflation over the years has impacted purchasing power.
Paying Off a Credit Card
Enter various payment options and determine how long it may take to pay off a credit card.
Long-Term-Care Needs
Determine your potential long-term care needs and how long your current assets might last.
Disability Income
This calculator estimates your chances of becoming disabled and your potential need for disability insurance.
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Managing Your Lifestyle
Using smart management to get more of what you want and free up assets to invest.
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
Principles of Preserving Wealth
How federal estate taxes work, plus estate management documents and tactics.
5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
Protecting Those Who Matter Most
The importance of life insurance, how it works, and how much coverage you need.
An Inside Look at Retirement Living
A number of questions and concerns need to be addressed to help you better prepare for retirement living.
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16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds
Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.
Forecast
The market is as unpredictable as the weather. We’d love to help you prepare.
Rightsizing for Retirement
What does your home really cost?
The Power of Tax-Deferred Growth
Why are 401(k) plans, annuities, and IRAs so popular?
To Buy or Not to Buy
The decision whether to buy or rent a home may have long-term implications.
The Facts About Income Tax
Millions faithfully file their 1040 forms each April. But some things about federal income taxes may surprise you.