Blog
What’s on our mind? You can read about it in our blog. Whether it’s ideas from the industry or emerging trends, you can read about it here. And once in a while, we may throw in a movie review or some other surprise. So keep checking in. We’re glad to have you reading along.
Separating Personal and Business Finances: An Essential Step for Entrepreneurs
Starting a business is an exciting journey filled with opportunities and challenges. From securing financing to employing the right team, entrepreneurs are on a non-stop growth path. One essential yet often overlooked aspect is the...
Read MorePlanning Your Golden Years: What’s the Ideal State for Retirement?
Regarding retirement planning, our team at IM Wealth Partners knows that choosing the right location can make all the difference. Whether you prioritize affordability, health care, or quality of life, finding the right state to spend...
Read MoreAvoid These 3 Pitfalls in Your Small-Business Exit Strategy
As a small-business owner, you’ve tirelessly managed projects, juggled various roles, and built a career to be proud of. But, have you thought about how to conclude your journey? An effective exit strategy doesn’t just...
Read MoreShifting Perspectives: Embracing a New Mindset for Retirement
Shifting Perspectives: Embracing a New Mindset for RetirementRetirement planning is a complex process that necessitates a shift in mindset from focusing on growth to prioritizing income. Many individuals struggle with this transition,...
Read MoreReasons Solopreneurs Need Life Insurance
Here are five compelling reasons why life insurance is crucial for self-employed individuals:Protecting Family Finances: If you have dependents, such as children, a spouse, partner, or aging parents who rely on your income, a life...
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The Benefits of Life Insurance for Small-Business Owners
Life insurance can hold significant advantages for small-business owners, going beyond the typical motivation of providing financial security for their families in the event of their passing.Owning a business doesn't automatically...
Read MoreIndependent Contractors vs. Employees: What’s the Difference and How it May Affect Your Taxes
A business owner must know the difference between independent contractors and employees. The classification of your workers can have a significant impact on your business, including taxes, benefits, and legal obligations. This...
Read More5 Times to Contact Your Financial Advisor
Managing your finances can be daunting, especially when you have multiple financial goals to meet. While some individuals may feel confident making their own financially related decisions, there are times when it's best to seek the...
Read MoreInflation and Your Retirement
Inflation is typically measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a basket of goods and services representative of the average consumer's spending habits. The CPI is calculated by comparing the cost of the basket of goods and services...
Read MoreDivorce After 50 and Your Retirement
As noted by Cooper Trachtenberg Law Group, LLC, a suburban Chicago divorce and family law and real estate law firm, in 2022, the divorce rate in America was 2.3 per 1000, which is a decline compared to previous decades, especially...
Read MoreThe Basics of Annuities
Annuities can be a helpful tool used in the retirement planning process. They can be an excellent way to protect assets against market fluctuations, inflation, or even outliving your money.With annuities, several customizable...
Read MoreLife Insurance Strategies for Family-Owned Businesses
If you own a family business, life insurance can be a significant part of a financial plan. It helps protect the family in the event of an unexpected death of a co-owner.Life insurance can not only replace lost income but also lower...
Read MoreReasons to Consider Switching Your IRA to a Roth
An excellent retirement option for many to consider is a Roth IRA. With this type of account, withdrawals are tax-free, but contributions are not tax-deductible. This offers the opportunity for significant investment profits that won't...
Read MoreContingencies For Selling Your Small Business
You’ve worked hard to get your business off the ground, but for some people, there comes a time when they decide to sell. Perhaps you’ve outgrown the small business that you decided to start a few years ago, or maybe you...
Read More2023 Financial Resolutions
Financial resolutions often top the list of positive changes many wish to make once the clock strikes midnight on a new year. According to one survey, 53% of people who made 2023 New Year's resolutions are prioritizing their finances...
Read MoreThe Importance of Cash Flow in Retirement
Picture this: You're 67 years old and are retired. You've been working hard for decades and finally have the chance to relax and enjoy your golden years. But there's just one problem: you're cash-strapped.Proper cash flow planning is...
Read MoreWhat You Might Not Know About Life Insurance
If you are a pre-retiree or thinking about your retirement, you probably have plenty of questions about your future and what you might need to save for. Many people need to realize how much life insurance can benefit them financially....
Read MoreSocial Security and Your Retirement
Many people hardly think about pre-retirement planning until they're a few years away from retirement. According to a recent survey, 49 percent of Americans between 55 and 66 have zero personal retirement savings.But pre-retirement...
Read More5 Common Life Insurance Myths
Americans face many retirement pitfalls, including failing to plan comprehensively for this critical life stage. As a result, some Americans overlook life insurance as part of their retirement planning, while others believe common life...
Read MoreCharitable Giving Strategies
As the year winds down, we want to ensure you take advantage of all the available charitable giving strategies. Donations to charitable organizations are deductible from your gross income, which means you can reduce the taxes you owe...
Read MoreIs It Possible To Save Too Much For Retirement?
Calculating how much you need for retirement can be difficult. Everyone's tastes are different, and your plans during retirement affect how much money you need. However, having a more realistic understanding of how you will spend your...
Read MoreEstate Planning Advice to Share with Your Adult Children
Talking to your grown children about estate planning is one of the best things you can do to help them prepare for the future and protect their financial assets. So get the conversation started with these tips.Proceed with...
Read More5 Retirement Pitfalls to Avoid
You’ve worked hard, and it’s time to plan for retirement. You just don’t want to continue doing the things you love. You want to do more. IM Wealth Partners has been helping clients maximize their wealth by avoiding...
Read MoreThe Basics of Estate Planning
Many people believe that estate planning only concerns older, wealthy individuals. However, we all need to plan for what happens to our assets in the event of our death or situations where we aren't in the position to make decisions...
Read MoreHas Inflation Impacted the Amount You Need to Save for Retirement?
Supply-chain issues, economic stimulus programs, and high oil prices have led to rampant inflation. The situation has caused price increases in the present day and concern for people approaching retirement.Inflation is a normal part of...
Read MoreTypes of Life Insurance
Accidents, natural disasters, and other unexpected tragedies can happen anytime. Unfortunately, these events often come with a financial burden that can be difficult, if not impossible, to bear.This is where life insurance comes in....
Read MoreAnnuities and Taxes
Taxes can be a considerable burden, especially if they're unexpected. If you have an annuity, you'll want to understand the potential tax implications. Annuities are long-term contracts from an insurance company where you invest your...
Read More2022 Tax Changes
The average taxpayer spends around 11 hours planning their taxes, submitting forms, and tax-related record-keeping. Businesses spend more than double that. Knowing the 2022 tax changes could considerably decrease the time you spend...
Read MoreTerm vs. Whole Life Insurance
Which one should you choose? Both term and whole life insurance have their pros and cons. Many people are unaware of the differences between term and whole life insurance and, therefore, are unsure which policy would be the best fit....
Read More5 Retirement Plan Options for the Self-Employed
Being self-employed provides you with freedom from a traditional work schedule, but it does not alter the necessity of financial planning. The last thing you want to do as a self-employed individual is put off paying into a retirement...
Read MoreHow to Protect Yourself Financially Against Divorce
When you decide to tie the knot, it's exciting. It's romantic. It’s also fraught with the potential for severe financial consequences if the marriage fails. Unfortunately, divorce happens — even though nobody walks down the...
Read MoreIM Wealth Partners Tax Tips Mastermind
This Tax Tips Mastermind features Katie Broskey of Keller Williams Platinum Realty, Ian Meierdiercks of IM Wealth Partners, and Marissa Sperazza of Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz. During this webinar, you will learn some important tax tips on...
Read MoreFour Tax Reduction Strategies That Will Trim Your Tax Bill
Proper tax planning is an important part of a sound financial plan. But you need to be proactive. Ignoring your tax bill will have you surrendering lots of cash to the tax authorities. Luckily, there are some tax reduction strategies...
Read MoreTips to Sidestep Inflation
When inflation began to rise across the U.S. following the COVID-19 pandemic, many people hoped it would only prove to be a temporary challenge. Unfortunately, the higher costs for food, utilities, and general living expenses have not...
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know About Buying a Second Home
While buying a vacation home can be an incredible reward for all the hard work you’ve done, it doesn’t come without its complexities. Here are the top questions you need to ask if you are thinking about buying a second or third home this...
Read MoreHow to Save More Toward Retirement in 2022
At the start of the new year, many of us sit back and reexamine our financial lives. 2022 is no different. However, this year, many claim they will spend more time on their finances than in years past, although few have a clear plan...
Read MoreThe 4% Rule is Outdated
If you have ever heard “the 4% rule,” you know that higher inflation and smaller returns mean that 4% could easily turn into 3.3% or lower. For retirees, the better approach could be to eliminate the 4% rule and take a more...
Read MoreHow to Protect Your Retirement Income from Record-Setting Inflation
Practically everyone has heard of inflation, but many people don’t fully understand what it is and how it can impact their lifestyles. With 30-year record high inflation rates happening right now, it’s more important than...
Read MoreTwo Tools to Eliminate Debt: Consolidation Vs. Personal Loans
No one plans to end up in debt, but it happens to millions of consumers every year. The credit card charges that seemed manageable just a few months ago have amassed into a pile of debt that just won’t seem to go away. Sudden...
Read MoreHave Women’s Retirement Plans Pivoted in the Pandemic?
One clear outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic is that women have endured a disproportionate amount of financial and career upheaval compared to men. As the results of the pandemic continue to unravel, women are hesitantly re-entering the...
Read MoreCould Inflation Ruin Your Retirement?
If you don’t prepare, you might be shocked by how much inflation can chip away at your retirement savings over time. With the American economy adjusting to its “new normal,” inflation rates are rising. If you’re...
Read MoreHow Family Businesses Can Adjust to Massive Tax Reform
Sweeping income, capital gains, and estate tax changes are creating confusion and uncertainty for family businesses, such as farms and restaurants. Fortunately, there are tools at your fingertips that can protect your financial-well...
Read MoreHow Retiring at 62 Could Impact the Economy
Today, more Americans are choosing to retire early than ever before. In July, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York conducted a survey of about 1,300 heads-of-household in the United States. In that survey, just 50.1% of adults believe...
Read MoreSummary: Income & Estate Planning Under Biden Administration
In May 2021, the Biden administration released its revenue-raising proposals in the Treasury Department’s “Green Book.” It contains sweeping changes to the US tax system and can affect not only the ultra-rich but many...
Read MoreHow to Financially Prepare for Divorce Over 50
The divorce rate is declining for all segments of the population, except for those 50 and older. If getting older wasn't hard enough, right? It's even been given a name: "gray divorce.” According to Dr. Susan Brown, co-author of...
Read MoreThe Great Wealth Transfer: Everything You Should Know
According to research findings by the Cerulli Associates, up to 45 million households in the United States will enjoy a transfer of over 68 million in the next 25 years. Will your household be amongst the statistics? This will be...
Read MoreKnowing When It’s Time to Retire
Many of us can’t wait until the day comes to retire. That day seems so far off until those around us give up the daily grind for retirement. You’ve probably seen or heard the excitement—a sign on your neighbor’s...
Read MoreHow to Save Money Like Warren Buffett
Just because you have the money doesn't mean you should spend it frivolously. Rich people like Warren Buffett get rich not just by good business sense; they are also common-sense spenders living simply, not extravagantly. According to...
Read MoreAre you Sabotaging Your Retirement Savings?
If you are over the age of 30, saving for retirement should be one of your top priorities. After all, we know that social security alone will not be enough to support you during your golden years. People are living longer and have more...
Read More7 Retirement Planning Tips for 2021
2020 was a challenging year for many Americans. The COVID-19 pandemic made many people reevaluate their retirement plans and consider saving even more than before. Whether or not the pandemic changed your saving habits and your...
Read More2021 Financial Planning To-Do List
For many people, tackling your finances in a new year can seem daunting. But, with a few quick tips and tricks, we are here to help you create a plan to get your finances for 2021. While the new year’s motivation is still high,...
Read MoreAre You Taking Advantage of Your Tax Deductions?
Have you ever wondered how you can lower your taxes? Are you familiar with all write-offs and deductions available to you? In most cases, the answer is no. Without a personal accountant or a ton of research, most people are not aware...
Read MoreYear-End Financial Checklist
It goes without saying that 2020 is unlike anything we have ever experienced. Over one year, we have managed to include some versions of the following: The income inequality of the Gilded Age The election of 1896 The pandemic of 1918...
Read MoreInvest Now or Wait For a Better Entry Point?
With the Presidential Election behind us, many clients may be wondering whether now is a good time to invest their excess cash. The stock market has rallied from that point with the uncertainty and anticipation removed, and many of the...
Read MorePost Election Update
To listen to the full recording, click here: RECORDED ZOOM VIDEO KEY POINTS: (00:36): Despite the election and a pandemic, we are in the midst of an economic recovery. We know the US economy has always been a bit resilient and dynamic...
Read MoreIM Wealth Partners Q4 2020 Market Update
The year 2020 will continue to surprise us and staying abreast of the latest important information is paramount. Below the Executive Summary, you will find greater detail. Executive Summary The beat went on in the 3rd quarter as Growth...
Read More2020 Election Update
With the Presidential election less than 2 weeks away, investors are talking more politics and potential election outcomes than possibly ever before. Its fair to say there is some concern associated with the election this year with no...
Read MoreMulti Generational Wealth Planning
Generational wealth planning is an essential part of long-term financial planning for your family now and after your transition. A comprehensive strategy doesn’t just focus on how to transition wealth to the next generation, but...
Read MoreIM Wealth Partners Q3 2020 Market Update
In light of the upcoming election, we thought it would be pertinent to provide you with an overview of the current economic situation. Below the executive summary, you will find greater detail. Executive Summary The S&P 500 achieved a...
Read MoreIM Wealth Partners Proudly Supports The Richard D. Stephens Memorial Shepherd’s Shelf Golf Outing
IM Wealth Partners, an independent financial service firm, has announced its continued support via sponsorship for The Richard D. Stephens Memorial Shepherd’s Shelf Golf Outing benefiting The Shepherd’s Shelf Food Pantry....
Read MorePaycheck Protection Program (PPP) Recap
We had a great turnout for our webinar, in which Kristin Gavin, CPA of Barz Gowie Amon Fultz Certified Public Accountants, and I recapped the ever-changing Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) hosted by the Cindy Dickerman Team at Keller...
Read MoreCARES Act Summary
During the month of March, President Trump signed into law the largest stimulus in American history called the “CARES” (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act. In the simplest terms, the CARES Act alters...
Read MoreEconomic and Market Outlooks: Coronavirus
We had a great turnout for our webinar, held on April 22, 2020 during which our Partner, Fidelity Investments provided an update on both the economic and market outlooks for the US and abroad due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Whether...
Read MoreThat First Distribution From Your IRA
What you need to know. Provided by Ian Meierdiercks When you are in your seventies, Internal Revenue Service rules say that you must start making withdrawals from your traditional IRA(s).In I.R.S. terminology, these withdrawals are...
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