Blog
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.
Does the New Tax Law Impact Your Estate Strategy?
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...
Read MoreAI and the New Face of Fraud: How to Protect Your Identity and Finances in 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...
Read More2025 in Review and What You Should Know Heading Into 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...
Read MoreGoal Setting That Sticks: Simple Ways to Turn January Motivation into Lasting Wins
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...
Read More10 Things You Can Do Now to Help Simplify Your Estate for Your Heirs
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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Don’t Leave Money Behind: Finding Your Missing 401(k)s
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...
Read More10 Facts You May Not Know About Social Security
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...
Read MoreGet Creative as You Gear Up for College
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...
Read MoreDo You Know About the New Filing Requirements for Small Business Owners?
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...
Read MoreThe Evolving Correlation Between Stocks and Bonds Explained
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...
Read MoreBreaking Down the Parts of Medicare
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...
Read MoreA Guide for Sending Your Child Off to College
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...
Read More3 Easy Ways to Improve Your Business Finances
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...
Read More3 Ways to Cope with Sudden Retirement
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...
Read MoreAffording the College Education Your Child Desires
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...
Read More8 Financial Terms You Need to Know
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...
Read More3 Ways for New Business Owners to Build Good Credit
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...
Read MoreHow Life Expectancy is Changing the Need for Retirement Planning
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...
Read More3 Ways to Avoid the Biggest Estate Planning Mistake Everyone Makes
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....
Read More3 Proven Ingredients for Improving Investment Results
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...
Read More8 Tips to Help You Make the Most of Your 401(k)
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...
Read More5 of the Easiest Ways to Pay for College and Reduce Your Stress
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...
Read MoreBusiness Reasons for Disability Insurance
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...
Read MoreGetting Legal Assistance in Choosing the Best Business Entity
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...
Read MoreEverything You Need to Know About Unclaimed Money
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...
Read MoreThe passing of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act and what comes next
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...
Read More5 Practical Money Gifts to Give this Holiday Season
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...
Read MoreMillennials Should be Preparing Early for Retirement
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...
Read MoreDo You Have a Comprehensive Insurance Plan?
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...
Read More3 Topics to Discuss if You Plan to Retire as a Couple
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...
Read MoreShould You Freeze Your Credit Following the Data Breach?
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...
Read MoreWhat Can a Financial Advisor do for a Non-Profit?
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...
Read More3 Ways for Women to Boost Social Security Benefits
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.
Read MoreA Guide to College Saving
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...
Read MoreEverything You Need to Know About Fiscal Responsibility and the Debt Ceiling
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...
Read MoreGood Retirement Saving Habits to Get into Now
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...
Read MoreDoes Insurance Matter More When You’re Retired?
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...
Read MorePreparing for Retirement in your 60’s
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...
Read MorePlanning for retirement in your 50’s
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...
Read MoreCommon Mistakes You Should Avoid When Investing in a 401(k)
Avoid making these common mistakes when investing in a 401(k) for better results and a larger retirement savings.
Read MoreComprehensive Financial Planning: What is it Anyway?
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.
Read MoreIs saving for retirement actually harder for women?
Is it more difficult for women to save for retirement? Here are some ideas to help women save for retirement.
Read MoreDon't Let Education Debt Shrink Your Social Security Income
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.
Read MoreAre You Prepared for Your Parents’ Retirement?
Preparing for your parents' retirement is almost as important as preparing for your own. We have a few ways to help you get ready.
Read More3 Essential Questions to Ask When Preparing a Power of Attorney
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.
Read MoreSaving for Retirement in Your 40’s – Its Not Too Late
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.
Read MoreTips to Reduce and Avoid Probate on Your Estate
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.
Read MoreDid You Plan to Support More Than Yourself in Retirement?
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.
Read MoreAvoid Borrowing a Fortune for College
The average student loan debt continues to grow each year, avoid borrowing a fortune for college with these ideas.
Read MoreIs Gradual Retirement the New Normal?
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.
Read MoreRetirement Planning Doesn’t Stop with Saving
Retirement planning doesn't end with saving, it also requires creating a spending plan so you don't deplete your retirement fund.
Read MoreWhy You Actually Need a Budget in Retirement
When you retire you have to live on a fixed income, a way to utilize your income well is to create a retirement budget.
Read MoreQuick Tips for Improving Your Personal Finance
A few quick tips for improving your personal finances including budgeting and avoiding debt.
Read MoreWhy You Should Hold Off on Filing for Social Security
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.
Read MoreOne Idea So You Don’t Outlive Your Retirement Fund
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.
Read MoreYour Year-End Financial Checklist and Considerations
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.
Read MoreUnderstanding the Federal Reserve’s impact on you, the economy, and interest rates
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.
Read MoreHow to Control Your Holiday Spending & Some Online Shopping Safety Tips
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.
Read MoreIf you live to 100, can you avoid outliving your money?
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.
Read MoreRetirement Plans Equal Higher Quality Employees
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
Read MoreTax Benefits of Small Business Retirement Plans
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.
Read MoreSmall Business Retirement Plans
Starting a retirement plan for your small business can help you reach retirement goals quicker than a typical IRA.
Read More5 Reasons Your Small Business Should Have a Retirement Plan
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.
Read MoreOverlooking Non-Retirement Goals
Retirement plans should include more than just daily living expenses and include other goals you hope to achieve.
Read MoreSeparating your Investments from your Income Sources
It is important to separate investment from your other sources of income when planning for retirement.
Read MoreIgnoring your Emotional Track Record
Our emotional state plays a large role in the investing decisions we make.
Read MoreFailing to Understand Risk Capacity
Failing to understand risk capactiy is an asset allocation misstep that many retirees make during retirement planning.
Read MoreBeing Too Conservative in Retirement
A very real factor to consider is that you could outlive your retirement savings if you’re too conservative while planning for retirement years.
Read More6 Asset Allocation Mistakes to Avoid
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.
Read MoreRoadblocks to Retirement: Underestimating Your Expenses
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
Read MoreRoadblocks to Retirement: College Expenses
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.
Read MoreRoadblocks to Retirement: Debt
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.
Read MoreRetirement Roadblocks: Social Security Missteps
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.
Read MoreRetirement Roadblocks: Long-Term Care
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.
Read MoreRetirement Roadblocks: Health Care Expenses
In a recent survey of adult Americans, 72% said that health problems were their biggest retirement worry, and well, they should be.
Read MoreRetirement Peace of Mind
Traditionally, many Americans have viewed retirement as a time of leisure. Today, more and more people expect to work during their retirement years.
Read MoreThe Need for Retirement Planning
Today society is beginning to recognize that the traditional view of retirement is no longer applicable.
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