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Steve Coker, CFP
Feb 7, 20204 min read
The High Cost of Variable Annuities
I love the idea of annuities. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if retirees could simply get ‘minimum returns’ or ‘guaranteed withdrawals’ from...
Steve Coker, CFP
Jan 17, 20202 min read
The SECURE Act – Big changes for IRA’s
As of January 1, 2020 the “Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement” (“SECURE”) ACT became law, ushering in some of the most...
Steve Coker, CFP
Jan 3, 20202 min read
2019 A Year in Review
By almost every measure 2019 was an exceptional year. Not only did the stock market in the U.S. and globally have their best year since...
Steve Coker, CFP
Dec 2, 20192 min read
2019 Year-End Tax Planning Ideas
December doesn’t feel like tax season, but year-end is one of the best times to consider your tax situation since many tax-saving...
Steve Coker, CFP
Nov 25, 20192 min read
Valuation Check
It has been an exceptional year for stocks and the S&P 500 is hitting new highs. The rally continues to be broad, with all the S&P 500...
Steve Coker, CFP
Nov 11, 20193 min read
The Family Estate Planning Conversation
As we move into the holiday season families across the country will come together – and refuse to talk about money. Admittedly, talking...
Steve Coker, CFP
Oct 28, 20192 min read
Big Changes Coming to IRAs: The SECURE Act
New retirement legislation, known as the SECURE Act, has passed in the House of Representatives, has bipartisan support in the Senate,...
Steve Coker, CFP
Sep 30, 20193 min read
Social Security: Why you should wait
Filing for Social Security too early is one of the biggest mistakes that retirees make. While it is tempting to file early to receive a...
Steve Coker, CFP
Sep 23, 20193 min read
4 Tax Benefits for California Retirees
It is popular to criticize California for its high taxes, and rightfully so. Californian’s enjoy one of the highest income tax rates,...
Steve Coker, CFP
Aug 26, 20193 min read
Want to retire in 5 years? – Here are 5 things to do now!
If you are planning to retire within the next 5 years or less, then it is time to get serious about getting ready. Retirement can be a...
Steve Coker, CFP
Aug 19, 20192 min read
Protecting your Schwab account – beyond the password.
Protecting your financial information online begins with a good password but it doesn’t have to end there. By now, I am sure that you...
Steve Coker, CFP
Aug 12, 20192 min read
Do you need life insurance in retirement?
Many people are surprised to learn that they may not need life insurance in retirement. Life insurance is sold as something that...
Steve Coker, CFP
Jul 29, 20193 min read
Keeping Track of Your Spending
If you want to have confidence in your finances, tracking your spending is an important first step. Regardless of your income, out of...
Steve Coker, CFP
Jul 22, 20191 min read
Time to check your Social Security
If you are wondering why you haven’t received a Social Security statement in a while, it is because Social Security no longer sends...
Steve Coker, CFP
Jun 24, 20193 min read
Getting Your Docs In Order for Aging Parents
Aging can be difficult, and at some point, many of us will need some help taking care of our own affairs. When that time comes, it is...
Steve Coker, CFP
Jun 14, 20192 min read
Giving Back
On July 13th Cedarstone Advisors will hold its 5th Annual Give Back Day at Children’s Hunger Fund in Sylmar. This is one of my favorite...
Steve Coker, CFP
Jun 3, 20193 min read
Why Bonds?
Surprise! Interest rates are falling. The 10-Year Treasury rate has fallen from 2.6% at the beginning of the year to a 2.18% as of the...
Steve Coker, CFP
May 16, 20194 min read
Finding Contentment
I have written in the past about contentment and after several conversations with clients this week, I feel the need to once again share...
Steve Coker, CFP
Apr 26, 20193 min read
Reducing your taxes in retirement: How to keep more of what you have saved
Many things change dramatically when you retire, not the least of which is your tax situation. Retirees face a unique set of...
Steve Coker, CFP
Apr 19, 20192 min read
Staying Diversified
Diversification hasn’t mattered much over the past few years. U.S. stocks have consistently outpaced non-U.S. markets. Even within the...
