In my experience, people seem to have a more serious attitude about their finances at certain times of year than others. The post-Labor Day period through Thanksgiving is when many people typically reassess their saving and investment...
Read MoreWe are now past the halfway point of 2018, and, as far as the financial markets go, the contrast between what we experienced last year and what’s happened so far this year could not be more extreme. What do the next six months...
Read MoreAs the 2018 tax season reaches a climax amid the flurry of late filings, tax scams have become increasingly more prevalent. It’s phishing season for scammers attempting to lure unwary taxpayers into handing over their personal...
Read MoreNo one likes to think about cognitive decline in themselves or their loved ones. But, for many families, this is an incredibly important topic to address. In fact, 5.5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, including 10% of...
Read MoreThe countdown to tax day has begun. December 31, 2017 closed the books on the old year and started the 15 week clock to the federal tax filing day on April 17, 2018. Officially set for April 15 of every year, the IRS moved this...
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As you may be aware, identity theft is a growing problem that’s affecting more and more people everyday. Identity theft occurs when a thief uses personal information like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number...
Read MoreThe holiday season is around the corner, and with the busy days ahead, 2018 will be here before you know it. Amidst all the action, we understand how easy it is to wait until the New Year to consider financial changes. But taking a few...
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The rules around Required Minimum Distributions can be confusing and the penalties for failing to take the correct distribution can be severe. For that reason, we’ve developed a brief primer on RMDs to help you understand your...
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No matter where you are in your life, saving for retirement is likely one of your most important financial goals. But, even if you have professional guidance and a clear strategy for your desired future, you could still be missing some...
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One of the most common questions that we get from clients nearing retirement is, “How much income am I going to need to be comfortable?” It’s an important question that gets right at the heart of the retirement puzzle...
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Social Security is a topic on many people’s minds these days and most retirees have questions about how and when they should begin taking Social Security benefits. This article aims to answer some common questions about Social...
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Have you thought about how living longer might affect your retirement savings? One of the biggest issues facing many Americans is the risk of outliving their money in retirement – we call this longevity risk. With average life...
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In October 2014, hackers accessed the personal information of over 83 million JP Morgan Chase customers. Fortunately, the hackers weren’t able to access financial information or gain access to client accounts. However, they were...
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Many retirees worry about where they will live when they get older and invest significant thought into considering different living arrangements. It’s a special circumstance with a lot of variables to consider: financial concerns...
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Home loans frequently make up significant amounts of household debt, and reducing as much debt as possible before entering retirement can seem like a good idea. A 2013 survey found that 40% of Americans age 55 and older believe that...
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By Scott McLean The 401(k) plan has become the single largest source of retirement savings for a majority of American workers. The dollars in your 401(k) savings plan may represent a substantial portion of your income during retirement...
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Are you faced with the dilemma of having to save for your own retirement while at the same time trying to put money aside to fund your child’s college education? How do you juggle the two goals? How do you determine which is more...
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According to the Center for Retirement Research, two-thirds of baby boomers can expect an inheritance.[i] If you’re lucky enough to inherit money, you might wonder: how will an inheritance change my financial picture? For some,...
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By Scott McLean For many Americans, rising healthcare costs are a major source of worry as they plan for retirement. According to a recent survey, two-thirds of affluent Americans have not calculated what their healthcare costs may be...
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By Scott McLean Few things strike fear into a taxpayer’s heart like a letter from the IRS. Fortunately, the odds of you ever being audited by the IRS are lower than ever. Recent budget cuts have reduced the number of IRS auditors...
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By Scott McLean As a financial professional, it’s part of my commitment to you to help you guide your financial affairs. One area that is particularly critical to get right is estate preparation and the protection of your loved...
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By Scott McLean Tax time is almost here and we’re getting close to the April 15th filing deadline. Tax laws changed significantly in 2016 and taxpayers are now responsible for several new taxes as well as changes to deduction...
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By Scott McLean Are the young people in your life financially literate? By helping them learn about money, you give them an important head start on important life skills like developing good savings behavior, living within their means,...
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As they get older, Americans face complicated decisions about long-term care, estate strategies, and their finances, while potentially struggling with diminished capacity to manage their affairs. At some point, your parents and other...
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Have You Checked Your Beneficiary Designations Lately? Beneficiary designations are a powerful tool for estate planning. Adding beneficiaries to your accounts gives you the opportunity to directly distribute assets after your death and...
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Many Americans are in their second and third marriages. In fact, statistics from a 2012 book, The Remarriage Blueprint, suggest that nearly 40 percent of new marriages include at least one previously married spouse.[i] Remarrying later...
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Discussing family financial matters doesn’t have to be like going to the dentist: you know you have to do it, but who really enjoys it? As you get together with your spouse, children and parents for the holidays this year,...
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Few words characterize today’s financial markets like uncertainty. When overseas economic issues can rob investors of months of gains and speeches by Federal Reserve officials cause markets to flip-flop unpredictably, investors...
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By Scott McLean Overview The year 2016 likely will be remembered for the election of Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States and the Brexit vote. This year also saw the Fed raise interest rates for the first time since...
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In 2017, Some Tax Benefits Increase Slightly Due to Inflation Adjustments, Others Are Unchanged The Internal Revenue Service in October announced the tax year 2017 annual inflation adjustments for more than 50 tax provisions, including...
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Your notice or letter will explain the reason for the contact and give you instructions on how to handle the issue. If you agree with the information, there is no need to contact them Why was I notified by the IRS? The IRS sends...
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Requests for Fake Tax Payments Using iTunes Gift Cards Source: IRS.gov - IR-2016-99 The Internal Revenue Service today warned taxpayers to stay vigilant against an increase of IRS impersonation scams in the form of automated calls and...
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Corrosive Drywall Settlement Payments: Questions and Answers on How to Report Them on Tax Returns Source: IRS.gov Many taxpayers recently received payments due to the settlement of class-action lawsuits regarding corrosive or defective...
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Source: IRS.gov The Internal Revenue Service issued a consumer alert providing taxpayers with additional tips to protect themselves from telephone scam artists calling and pretending to be with the IRS. These callers may demand money...
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Read MoreAs we prepare for the move in the next few months, McLean Advisory Group wants you to be informed of any updates or changes we may have. On this page you will be able to see any annoucements we will have, any instructions we may give,...
Read MoreScott recently appeared on Exit Coach Radio's show on 4/17/15. Listen in!
Read MoreEach year, the complexities of our tax code cause many taxpayers to leave money on the table when filing their returns. As they say, you must pay taxes but you don’t have to leave a tip.Failing to take tax deductions you are entitled...
Read MoreEstimated tax tip savings: If you drove 10,000 miles for business purposes over the past year and use the IRS mileage rate, you’re entitled to deduct $0.56 per mile, which would give you a $5,600 deduction. At a 28 percent tax...
Read MoreIf you don’t have all your documents, your tax accountant will be able to help you track down the missing information. If You Are Missing a W-2 Form You can ask your employer to send new a copy of your W-2. Some employers charge a...
Read MoreWith the potential for retroactive tax law changes in 2014, please prepare for the extension of the following tax laws that expired in 2013. That way, you will have the documentation necessary to take advantage of any law changes...
Read MorePlease support Toys for Tots deliver hope and happiness to children in our area! Happy Holidays! Drop off Location: 848 W Bay Ave, Suite E, Barnegat, NJ 08005 Deadline: December 16th
Read More5 things to know about the Social Security trust fundHere's what you need to know about the financial health of the Social Security trust funds: 1) Income An estimated 163 million people paid Social Security payroll taxes in 2013. Most...
Read MoreIn May, Scott took some time off to go on a California Cruise with the Kasica's.... ...Then hopped on a flight over to London to do some shopping with Mrs. Goebel!
Read MoreThis April, Scott joined the Buchans on a stroll down Port Royal in Suvannah, Georgia. Look at that view!
Read MoreMr. & Mrs. Skae took Scott on a caribbean cruise with Scott! Be careful Scott...don't get sea sick!
Read MoreSpend some time with Scott on your vacation! Take a picture with Scott & your group and we will post it on the "Our Trip" blog!Scott wants to be around the world!Pictures are soon to come!
Read MoreFactor Three: Long Term Care ExpensesWhen it comes to planning for you retirement income, it's easy to overlook some of the common factors that can affect how much you'll have available to spend. if you don't consider how your...
Read MoreFactor Two: Inflation RiskWhen it comes to planning for your retirement income, it's easy to overlook some of the common factors that can affect how much you'll have available to spend. If you don't consider how your retirement income...
Read MoreFactor One: Investment Risk When it comes to planning for your retirement income, it's easy to overlook some of the common factors that can affect how much you'll have available to spend. If you don't consider how your retirement...
Read MoreHere's a couple questions we often come across when it comes to women's financial planning. To here more detailed responses, check out our radio segments on women and investing where Scott went over these questions and more...Question:...
Read MoreMore women are working and taking charge of their own retirement planning than ever before. What does retirement mean to you? Do you dream of traveling? Pursuing a hobby? Volunteering your time, or starting a new career or business?...
Read MoreEnjoy a few fun facts about some leading ladies for Women's History MonthTo celebrate women's history month, We put together an awesome list of some aspiring women in history and some great statistics about women in America:DID YOU...
Read MoreTo celebrate, we compiled some fun articles just for women such as facts about our leading ladies and investing tips for women.We will also be doing a short radio series on women and investing. Stay tuned to 91.9 WBNJ on Saturdays at...
Read MoreCheck out this amazing tribute to a World War II Vet at a Marathon recently! McLean Veteran Benefit Advisory Group specializes in a particular pension benefit called the Aid & Attendance Benefit. The Aid and Attendance program is a...
Read MoreHere are some fun facts about George Washington and the national holiday. Presidents' Day falls on the third Monday in February in the United States. It is also known as Washington's Birthday, after George...
Read MoreBefore sending your tax documents to your certified public accountant, enrolled agent or other tax professional, you'll want to make sure that your documents will be delivered in the most secure and reliable method possible. Why? Tax...
Read MoreTax Preparation Prices and Fees What's a Reasonable Price to Pay for Preparing Tax Returns? McLean Advisory Group offers a $49.95 Special for those +55! Learn more here! Tax professionals use a variety of methods for setting prices for...
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