If you are like many Americans, you likely have an employer-sponsored retirement plan. This is the first article in a three-part series about understanding 401k, 403b, and Defined Benefit Plans. Retirement plans established under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, commonly referred to as “401(k) plans,” have become one of the most popular types […]
If you are like us, you have dreamed about a second/vacation home. And, with rates being historically low, not to mention the desire for a change of scenery while working from home, it is only a matter of time before we find ourselves looking at cabins, ranches, or beach houses. However, before you decide on […]
Right now, interest rates are near historical lows. As such, you might be thinking of purchasing a home or refinancing the one you have. But with so many different mortgage loan types, which do you chose? And, just like homes, mortgages come in many sizes and types. As Financial Advisors, below are some of the […]
In today’s corporate environment, cost cutting, restructuring, and downsizing are becoming the unfortunate norm, and some employers are able to offer their employees early retirement packages vs a potential reduction in force at a later date. But how do you know if the seemingly attractive offer you’ve received is a good one? By evaluating it […]
Approximately 68 million people today receive some form of Social Security benefits, including retirement, disability, survivor, and family benefits. (Source: Fast Facts & Figures About Social Security, 2019) Although most people receiving Social Security are retired, you and your family members may be eligible for benefits at any age, depending on your circumstances. With that […]
Since the onset of this pandemic, we have strived to be good community stewards and as such find ourselves at another inflection point as a business. The Austin metropolitan area continues to see large increases in hospitalizations due to COVID-19 and decreasing capacity for future patients. Earlier today, Austin Public Health announced a move to […]
Texans were thrown for a loop a few weeks ago when Winter Storm Uri blew through the state leaving many in dire situations. With power outages, frozen pipes, lack of clean water, it was a frightening time for many Texans. The storm may be over, but we still must pick up the pieces of the […]
The American Rescue Plan Act, a $1.9 trillion stimulus bill, was passed and signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021. Aimed at assisting with the economic shortcomings of the pandemic, this legislation covers a broad base of pandemic-related initiatives. At Austin Asset, we make it a priority to unpack recent legislation, and […]
When people think of Social Security, they often think of it as just a retirement benefit. They assume if they work and pay into Social Security long enough, they will qualify for a monthly retirement benefit that lasts the rest of their life. Social Security is that and much more. In addition to retirement benefits, […]
Most Americans will eventually receive Social Security and Medicare benefits. Each year, the Trustees of the Social Security and Medicare Trust Funds release lengthy reports to Congress that assess the health of these important programs. The newest reports, released on April 22, 2020, discuss the current financial condition and ongoing financial challenges that both programs […]