Dennis McNamara
Published content
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Taking a non-traditional path may mean thinking outside of traditional savings options. One of the best parts of gig work or other self-employed work is being your own boss. Not only do you get to set your own schedule, but you also get to set your own rules for how and when your work gets done. However, being your own boss means you have to take care of all the administrative work as well. Where an employer would normally provide a retirement account option for you — and maybe even contribute a match — when you’re self-employed, you have to take care of that all on your own. But this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s impossible to save for retirement, or even difficult. However, there are tips you’ll want to know if you plan to take this route. Here, nine financial experts from Kiplinger Advisor Collective each share one important thing self-employed small-business owners and gig economy workers should know about saving and planning for retirement.
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The stock market can be a confusing place for beginners, but it doesn't have to be. Often accompanied by words like “volatile” and “risky,” the stock market is an intimidating and confusing place for many. While beginner investors may know investing in the stock market is a key part of building wealth, they may also tend to avoid it because they feel it’s too complicated for them to get involved in or that they don’t have the knowledge necessary to make smart investment choices. Here, the financial experts of Kiplinger Advisor Collective seek to demystify the stock market and break down some of the fears people may have around investing. Below, they discuss some of the key steps you’ll want to take when jumping into the stock market for the first time and why a little education and a plan can go a long way toward investing successfully.
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In the financial world, it’s not just about knowing your numbers. Many think of finances as purely a numbers business, but in reality, it’s a people business too. Financial advisers work closely with their clients, often getting to know them on a deeper level than others might due to the sensitive nature of the work they do together. Discussing and receiving advice about one’s financial goals and personal money habits can be very vulnerable, and so working with a financial adviser who puts focus on their “soft skills” can be a much more comfortable and rewarding experience. Below, the financial experts of Kiplinger Advisor Collective touch on nine other reasons why financial advisers and other financial professionals should sharpen their soft skills, and address why doing so can make for much better client-adviser relationships.
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Adding these books to your reading list is the first step to changing your financial future. When trying to get a handle on your finances, it can be difficult to know where to start. Should you work on paying off all your debt? Start investing? Find ways of generating more income? The options can feel endless — and the information, sometimes confusing — which can leave people feeling scattered or like they might as well not even try. Finding financial freedom, however, can be done, and there are many experts who have outlined road maps for how to do so in their books. But rather than have you spend your time sifting through the vast amount of financial books available today, the experts of Kiplinger Advisor Collective have narrowed down the list to seven of their favorites. Below, they share their top picks for life-changing financial books and why they recommend those struggling with their money and money decisions study them.
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The right professional will help you more than just once a year. As April 15 draws closer and closer, the need to file your taxes on time grows even more urgent. While there are self-filing services and software available, many people still look for the personalized guidance and care a tax professional can provide. But are all tax professionals the same? With so many to choose from, narrowing down the perfect planner or adviser for you can be a complex challenge. To help make the search a little easier, the financial experts of Kiplinger Advisor Collective offer their guidance. Below, they outline some of the most important factors you should consider when looking for a tax pro and discuss why making the effort to find the best help now can save you both time and money well into the future.
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Proper preparation throughout the year will keep you from getting caught off guard when payments are due. It’s the one time of year that causes particular financial anxiety for any income-earning individual: tax time. Whether it’s the often confusing, tedious chore of gathering information for your tax preparer or the dread of not knowing whether you will earn a return or have to pay in that year, preparing for tax time can be stressful for many — even business owners. Unlike for individual taxpayers, tax time for business owners doesn’t necessarily occur just once a year. This means business owners need to be organized and meticulous with their finances throughout the year if they want to ensure they’re ready when taxes come due. But what exactly does that entail? What steps do they need to take to prepare? The financial and tax experts of Kiplinger Advisor Collective weigh in with their answers below. Here, they discuss the six steps you’ll need to take if you want to be properly prepared for tax time, reduce your anxiety around taxes and ensure your business thrives throughout the year.
