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Welcome to JMB Financial Managers' blog! We provide customized financial planning solutions for commercial real estate brokers, independent contractors, sales representatives, and small business owners. 

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

The federal estate tax exemption remains at an all-time high. For some families, that is genuinely good news. But it may also be creating a false sense of security, especially if you live in one of the states that sets its own rules or...

Friday, January 23, 2026

Artificial intelligence (AI) may be the most revolutionary technology of our time, with industries scrambling to embrace its possibilities. AI’s early influence seems similar to the positive disruptions brought about by past...

Monday, January 12, 2026

As we begin a new year and consider the opportunities ahead, reflecting on the past year helps put today’s financial landscape into perspective and informs the strategies that can move us closer to our goals.2025 was a year...

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Key Takeaways and Suggestions for Successful Goal SettingUse SMART Goals for Clarity and Focus:Set goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This proven method helps break big ambitions into manageable...

Thursday, March 27, 2025

One of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones is a thoughtful estate strategy that outlines your wishes after you are gone. Discussing estate details with your team of professionals is another way to help manage your legacy...

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Tuesday, March 11, 2025

You've worked hard throughout your life to build assets to support your retirement. As financial professionals, one of the most critical functions we provide is helping clients determine their retirement income needs and structuring a...

Friday, January 17, 2025

Social Security is often misunderstood or underestimated in retirement strategy. However, as financial professionals, we've seen how it can play a crucial role in our clients' overall financial strategy, regardless of their income...

Thursday, August 15, 2024

A four-year college degree is expensive. How expensive? While the numbers vary depending on whether you attend a public or private university, or in-state or out-of-state institution, the data is sobering.The average cost of college is...

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

If you are a small business owner — or plan to be one — you should be aware of a new reporting requirement.The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), passed in 2021, changed beneficial ownership rules, which is expected to...

Friday, June 28, 2024

Sir John Templeton once said, “The four most expensive words in investing are: ‘This time it’s different.'” Normally, we would agree. But the phrase “This time it’s different” may apply to...

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for everyone age 65 and older in the United States. Generally, the different parts of Medicare exist to cover specific healthcare services. Most beneficiaries choose to receive their...

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

For an 18-year-old, going to college is exciting, a little scary, and an important step towards becoming an independent adult. For a parent, sending their child to college is also exciting and a little bit scary, as well as bittersweet...

Friday, July 16, 2021

As in your personal life, having a good handle on your business finances can make a world of difference. Good financial standing is beneficial to you professionally and personally as it reduces stress and puts you on the right path...

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

If you had to retire tomorrow, would you be prepared? Retirement is something you anticipate happening in the distant future; so, most people wouldn’t be prepared if they were forced into retirement out of the blue. If...

Thursday, May 27, 2021

Most parents want to fund their children’s college education as much as they can. In fact, 49% of parents want to pay 75% of their child’s school costs. Yet many parents find that they make too much money to qualify for any...

Friday, February 26, 2021

You may have heard several, or all, of the below terms and phrases at some point in your life but never truly understood what they meant. These 8 financial terms are the most important for you to understand as a young adult starting on...

Friday, January 22, 2021

When your business is in its early stages, there are many things that you have to learn as you go. But building your business’ credit should not be one of them. We’ve put together a few simple tips that will help you build...

Thursday, August 13, 2020

For much of our history, retirement in America was defined in terms of its relationship to full-time participation in the work force. An individual would work until a certain age and then leave employment to spend time on personal...

Thursday, February 13, 2020

Everyone who makes time to ponder and plan for the end of this life on earth does some form of estate planning in an effort to spare their family from facing major legal issues, inheritance taxes, and (potentially) bitter disputes....

Friday, January 10, 2020

It’s really difficult to achieve consistent investment results. Or is it? It turns out you can dramatically improve your investment results by using three proven ingredients in your investment process. In this post, I’m...

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

In spite of what you may have heard, employee-funded 401(k) plans will continue to be the main source of retirement savings for many Americans for years to come, despite falling victim to scandal and stock market volatility in the past...

Friday, August 23, 2019

Both parents and students alike can become stressed out over the cost of paying for college, even if they are somewhat well off. It turns out you can dramatically reduce your stress and fund a college education by adding a few simple...

Friday, May 24, 2019

Self-motivated people are often the driving force in the success of a business, and nowhere more than in a small business. Frequently, just one or two talented individuals that possess education, knowledge and/or skills that other...

Saturday, September 8, 2018

Authored by: Andy Gale, Guest AuthorAre you planning to start a business in California? If yes, then there are several decisions and actions that you need to go through with careful attention. There may be many resources available, but...

Monday, July 16, 2018

Have you ever received a notice stating you’ve got unclaimed money sitting around? Although your first instinct might be that you’re being scammed, and although you could be, you very well might not be.Throughout the United...

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

We ended 2017 with big news from Congress, a tax reform unlike any seen since the 80’s passed. As the new year gets underway, so does the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. As a taxpayer, I want to know how this will affect me, and you...

Thursday, December 14, 2017

With Christmas approaching in just a matter of weeks, you might find yourself wondering what to get your loved ones this holiday season. Luckily, I’ve got a few ideas for you. As a financial planner, I’m a fan of the...

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

In a society that has grown to value experiences above all else, the last thing on a Millennial’s mind is saving for retirement. But it should be in the forefront. The younger you are when you begin contributing, the more you...

Monday, October 23, 2017

3 Insurance Gaps That Could Be Leaving You Vulnerable Although most individuals have insurance coverage of some kind many don’t realize they are leaving themselves vulnerable to catastrophe by not having the correct type of...

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Many couples enter the retirement stage of life, and find, not surprisingly, that their aspirations for retirement differ; sometimes only slightly but other times colossally. Thus, it is important to discuss your expectations with each...

Thursday, September 21, 2017

Cybersecurity is always a hot topic, especially in the financial industry, but the recent Equifax data breach has brought it into the limelight once more. The recent breach of 143 million individual's sensitive information is just one...

Monday, September 18, 2017

Most people, wealthy or not, make an effort to support a philanthropic cause, be it big or small. Whether that be through donations, volunteering time, or joining a charity’s board, it is important that the charities individuals...

Monday, September 4, 2017

Women make up over half of the recipients of Social Security benefits. Therefore, it is important that their retirement plan includes Social Security and ways to maximize those benefits.

Monday, August 28, 2017

There is no "magic wand" or one-size-fits-all plan to save for college. Some parents choose to start saving for college the day their children are born while other’s don’t start saving or have the luxury to do so until much...

Monday, August 21, 2017

If you’ve been watching the headlines you’re probably aware of the October 1st deadline to approve the federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year. As you probably would guess, little has been done so far in the approval...

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

When it comes to saving for retirement it is best to start sooner rather than later. Developing good savings habits early on will only benefit you in the long run. We’ve got some tips for you to develop better saving habits today...

Monday, July 31, 2017

When you think of retirement planning, your mind usually jumps to how much you will need during retirement years and how you will manage to reach those goals. What isn’t always in the forefront of the planning picture is the...

Monday, July 17, 2017

Although very late in the game, this is your last opportunity to seriously evaluate your retirement plan and see where you’re at and where you’re headed. In the past, your sixties were the time in which the reality of...

Monday, July 3, 2017

When you reach your 50’s, retirement is no longer so far off. It’s right around the corner and there’s no time to waste. Just as there are at every stage of life, your 50’s bring certain steps you should take in...

Monday, June 19, 2017

Avoid making these common mistakes when investing in a 401(k) for better results and a larger retirement savings. 

Monday, June 5, 2017

Comprehenisve financial planning is a highly personalized process that takes into considersation what matters most to you in life to assist you in reaching your goals. 

Monday, May 22, 2017

Is it more difficult for women to save for retirement? Here are some ideas to help women save for retirement.

Monday, May 8, 2017

Government attempts to pay of student loans are eating into the Social Security benefits individuals are receiving if they fail to pay off their student loans in time. 

Monday, April 24, 2017

Preparing for your parents' retirement is almost as important as preparing for your own. We have a few ways to help you get ready. 

Monday, April 10, 2017

Have you thought about Power of Attorney? Various situations arise in life when Power of Attorney is necessary, you should be prepared when it does. 

Monday, March 27, 2017

Did you know 80% of 40 year-olds are behind on their retiremetn savings? Good news is, it is never too late to save for retirement and your 40's are a great time to save.

Monday, March 13, 2017

During estate planning you should work to reduce and avoid probate. Probate is expensive and takes an extensive amount of time to completely. Reduce this burden from your heirs. 

Monday, March 6, 2017

With 60% of retirees providing regular financial support to at least one other person, it is important to include more than just yourself in your retirement plan.

Monday, February 27, 2017

The average student loan debt continues to grow each year, avoid borrowing a fortune for college with these ideas. 

Monday, February 20, 2017

Is a gradual transition from full-time work to retirement going to be the new normal? Surveys show it just might be with American retiring later than ever before. 

Monday, February 6, 2017

Retirement planning doesn't end with saving, it also requires creating a spending plan so you don't deplete your retirement fund.

Monday, January 23, 2017

When you retire you have to live on a fixed income, a way to utilize your income well is to create a retirement budget. 

Monday, January 16, 2017

A few quick tips for improving your personal finances including budgeting and avoiding debt.

Monday, January 9, 2017

Deciding when to take Social Security benefits may be the most important retirement decision you make. Holding off on filing for your benefits may be your best option. 

Monday, December 26, 2016

Don't outlive your retirement fund; setting up a pension-like income could help you create a retirement fund that could last you 35-40 years. 

Monday, December 19, 2016

With the year drawing to a close, it is important to run through a last minute check list of your finances and evaluate your options. 

Monday, December 12, 2016

With the Fed thinking of raising interest rates, it is important to understand the impact the Federal Reserve has on you and the economy as well as interest rates. 

Monday, December 5, 2016

The holidays bring on a spending frenzy that can quickly get out of hand. Here are some tips for controlling your holiday spending this season.

Monday, November 28, 2016

One of the greatest challenges presented in living such a long life is paying for it; will you outlive your retirement savings? Investing in equities migh help you avoid this growing concern. 

Monday, November 14, 2016

With unemployment at its lowest in almost eight years, competition for qualified candidates has increased dramatically. By being an employer that offers a retirement plan as part of your benefits package, you will be more attractive to pote

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

One of the most rewarding aspects of setting up a retirement plan for your small business is the tax benefits you can receive now while planning for the retirement years ahead of you. 

Monday, October 17, 2016

Starting a retirement plan for your small business can help you reach retirement goals quicker than a typical IRA. 

Monday, October 3, 2016

Here are 5 reasons your small business should have a retirement plan. As a small business owner learn why a retirement plan is beneficial to you and employees.

Monday, September 19, 2016

Retirement plans should include more than just daily living expenses and include other goals you hope to achieve. 

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

It is important to separate investment from your other sources of income when planning for retirement.

Monday, August 22, 2016

Our emotional state plays a large role in the investing decisions we make. 

Monday, August 8, 2016

Failing to understand risk capactiy is an asset allocation misstep that many retirees make during retirement planning. 

Friday, July 22, 2016

A very real factor to consider is that you could outlive your retirement savings if you’re too conservative while planning for retirement years.

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

When it comes to your retirement investing no other factor will have a greater impact upon your portfolio's success or failure than your asset allocation decisions.

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Are you aware of just how much you are going to spend in retirement? Most people aren’t. Traditionally, retirement planning rules suggest that you retire on 80% of the income you earned in your last year of work—the real questio

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

While your children have the ability to apply for scholarships, grants, federal work study, and student loans, there is financial aid for your own retirement.

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

It is hard to preserve retirement assets when you are giving chunks of it to creditors each month. When it comes to retirement, debt is one of the things that can hold you back the most – not only financially, but mentally as well.

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

The decision as to when to take social security retirement benefits is an important one. A wrong decision can cost a retiree literally thousands of dollars.

Monday, January 25, 2016

Depending on the needs of the individual, long-term care may include services such as nursing home care, assisted living, home health care, or adult day care.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

In a recent survey of adult Americans, 72% said that health problems were their biggest retirement worry, and well, they should be. 

Monday, November 16, 2015

Traditionally, many Americans have viewed retirement as a time of leisure. Today, more and more people expect to work during their retirement years. 

Monday, October 26, 2015

Today society is beginning to recognize that the traditional view of retirement is no longer applicable.