Posts by Marcus F. Johnson, CFPⓇ

If you’re looking for a tax-savvy way to give to charity, consider donating appreciated securities instead of cash. Not only can this strategy benefit your favorite organizations, but it can also provide you with significant tax advantages. What are Appreciated Securities? Appreciated securities are assets that have increased in value since you acquired them. These…

A beneficiary is a person or entity designated to receive the benefits or assets of an account or asset after the death of the account holder or asset owner. A beneficiary can be named on a variety of financial accounts, including life insurance policies, retirement accounts (such as IRAs and 401(k)s), and investment accounts, as…

Serving as an executor of an estate can be a complex and overwhelming responsibility, but with the right guidance, it can also be a rewarding experience. The role of an executor is to manage and distribute the assets of a deceased person, known as the “decedent,” according to their will. In this article, we’ll outline…

The automotive industry has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the growing popularity of electric vehicles, and fluctuating metal prices. As a result, financial planners are frequently asked by clients whether they should purchase a car through a loan or…

The Advantages of Yields from Money Market Funds, Short-Term Bond Funds, and Treasury Securities We understand the importance of maximizing the yield on your cash holdings. While traditional savings accounts may provide a small amount of interest, they often fail to keep pace with inflation and do not provide the flexibility to invest in other…

As the economic landscape continues to evolve, more and more people in Phoenix are turning to financial advisors for help in managing their finances. If you are one of them, you may be wondering where to start your search for a financial advisor. Choosing the best financial advisor can be an overwhelming process. According to…

Tempe, Arizona is a city located in Maricopa County, Arizona. It is the seventh largest city in Arizona and is part of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Tempe is home to Arizona State University and is a bustling city with a rich history. The history of Tempe can be traced back to the Hohokam culture that…

When it comes to managing your finances, you have a range of options for seeking professional guidance. One option is to work with an independent financial advisor. Independent financial advisors are financial professionals who are not affiliated with any particular financial product or company. This independence allows them to offer objective advice that is not…

A living trust is a legal document that allows you to transfer ownership of your assets to a trust while you are still alive. It can be a useful estate planning tool, but it may not be necessary or appropriate for everyone. There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to create a living…