CPS Investment Advisors Blog

Announcing Our New President

info@cpsinvest.com (CPS Investment Advisors) — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 15:52:44 GMT

As CPS Investment Advisors marks its 50th anniversary, the firm is proud to announce the promotion of Michael A. Riskin, CPA/PFS, CFP®, MST, to President.

Tax Considerations for Effective Estate Planning

derek@cpsinvest.com (Derek M. Oxford) — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 05:00:00 GMT

In the financial planning community, there's a saying: “Don’t let the tax tail wag the dog.” This phrase humorously illustrates the idea of a dog’s tail wagging the dog, rather than the other way around. Similarly, when it comes to estate planning, you should prioritize your wishes for your estate over tax considerations. First, focus on your goals for your estate. Once you have a clear understanding of those goals, explore strategies to minimize your tax liability. In this article, we discuss estate planning strategies designed to reduce taxation.

Financial Year End Checklist

sterling@cpsinvest.com (Sterling J. Searcy, Jr.) — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 16:40:29 GMT

Welcome to the final months of 2024! Before we close this year, let’s make sure we optimize your finances with the following checklist. Please, contact your advisor for specific guidance.

Positioning Your Portfolio for Policy Changes

patrick@cpsinvest.com (Patrick E. Gauthier) — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Investors are no strangers to the ripple effects of policy changes. Whether it’s new tax laws, shifts in monetary policy, or regulatory adjustments, these changes can stir uncertainty in the markets. However, while headlines might tempt you to make swift changes, the best approach is often to remain grounded in your long-term financial plan.

Year-End Financial Planning: Focus on What You Can Control

patrick@cpsinvest.com (Patrick E. Gauthier) — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 05:00:00 GMT

As the year draws to a close, it’s easy to get distracted by news cycles, elections, and policy speculation. However, the most successful financial plans are built on consistent, disciplined actions, not reacting to external events.

Obtaining an Estimate of Your Social Security Benefits

rick@cpsinvest.com (Richard D. Bernard) — Sun, 24 Nov 2024 05:00:00 GMT

It’s important to know what your income will be when you retire, and for many of us, an important part of that income will be our Social Security retirement benefit. Your monthly benefit will be based on your highest 35 years of earnings history and will vary based on the age you begin receiving benefits.

The Social Security Crisis: How Did it Happen?

rick@cpsinvest.com (Richard D. Bernard) — Sat, 23 Nov 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Most of us have heard the news about the challenges facing Social Security. Since 2010, tax and other noninterest income have not fully covered program costs, and since 2021 benefits paid have exceeded income from all sources.

Understanding Probate: How to Avoid It and Protect Your Assets

derek@cpsinvest.com (Derek M. Oxford) — Sat, 09 Nov 2024 05:42:31 GMT

Whether or not you know it, you have a lifetime exemption that protects your estate from paying taxes on assets you owned in life below a certain threshold. Assets exceeding this exemption may be subject to probate and estate taxes. Since each state has its own probate laws, the information provided here is general. Be sure to consult with an expert that lives in your state for specific state and local laws.

The Social Security Crisis: The Shrinking Trust Fund

rick@cpsinvest.com (Richard D. Bernard) — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 05:00:00 GMT

There has been much talk lately about the projections that the Social Security system may have to slash benefits in 2034 when the current $2.7 trillion Social Security Trust Fund is exhausted. This is a big concern for the 68 million people who count on those retirement, survivor, and disability benefits. The looming 2034 bankruptcy is bad enough, but there are other lesser known aspects of the crisis that will affect us much sooner.

Estate Planning: 4 Essential Steps To Get Started

derek@cpsinvest.com (Derek M. Oxford) — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 18:09:14 GMT

If you've experienced a family member passing without a proper estate plan in place, you understand the challenges surviving relatives face when trying to unravel finances, final wishes, and more. Organizing and preparing your estate plan is a crucial and selfless task that is overlooked by 76% of Americans. This number continues to increase as younger Americans between the ages of 18 and 35 struggle to find time for estate planning or feel they lack sufficient assets to make it worthwhile. In this article, we outline four essential steps for you to begin creating your estate plan. Let's get started!