Good morning. You’ve undoubtedly heard about the tariff announcement last night and the market’s swift reaction this morning. The S&P 500* is now back into correction territory which it briefly touched a few weeks ago. It’s off about 11% from its high on February 19. For those of us with … [Read more...]
Should I change my investment strategy?
If you saw this headline in the Wall Street Journal: The Days of Set-And-Forget Investing Just Ended for Many Americans, you may be wondering: Should I change my investment strategy? We have a lot of respect for the Wall Street Journal, but this headline is frustrating. The article (fully unlocked … [Read more...]
Top Wealth Managers and Best Financial Planners 2024
We're excited to share that Keener Financial Planning is again included in the D Magazine lists for Top Wealth Managers and Best Financial Planners. Votes are cast by peers in the DFW area, and we are grateful to be among such great company. Top Wealth Managers D Magazine describes the process for … [Read more...]
Tax benefits from charitable giving in 2024
Yes! You can still get tax benefits from charitable giving in 2024. With the higher standard deduction, you may have seen your charitable efforts have a reduced or no benefit on your taxes in recent years. However, it's still possible for your generosity to save money on taxes. It just may require a … [Read more...]
Using a 529 Plan to Fund a Roth IRA
You may have heard that you can use 529 Plan money to fund a Roth IRA. But how does it work? And why would you want to do this? College savings (529) plans are popular tools for saving for college. But the big concern is always: what if my child doesn't go to college? Will I end up paying … [Read more...]
Best Financial Planners and Top Wealth Managers 2023 – D Magazine
The D Magazine lists for Best Financial Planners and Top Wealth Managers for 2023 have recently been released. We're delighted to once again be included in both of them. Patty Priddy and Jean Keener have again been named to the Best Financial Planners list. According to D Magazine, they compile … [Read more...]
Cash vs. Bonds in 2023
Now that interest rates are higher, you may be wondering whether it makes sense to invest in a bond fund when you can earn a relatively high rate of return on cash through money market, CDs, treasuries, or a savings account. These feelings are especially understandable after 2022, a rare year in … [Read more...]
Buying a car in the 2020s
Buying a car? I’d always heard that your vehicle was a depreciating asset. Outside of classic cars, the joke was always “you lose 50% of the value the minute you drive it off the lot.” Then COVID came along and it seemed that the reverse might be true. Used cars were suddenly appreciating … [Read more...]
Recessions and Investments
Whether we have a recession coming and how the investment markets will react is on many people's minds right now. While we can't predict either of those things, we can gain insight from how the investment markets behaved during the global financial crisis from January 2007 - December 2010. … [Read more...]
Investment Volatility is Personal
Investment professionals like to talk about volatility in the investment markets. They talk about it like it’s a uniform feature that affects all investors equally. But it’s not. Volatility is personal. You have more control over your personal investment volatility than you might expect. There … [Read more...]
Great Place to Work
Dallas-Fort Worth-based Keener Financial Planning has been certified as a Great Place to Work! We couldn't be prouder of our team. The recognition is based on what our employees say about their experience working at our firm in Keller, TX. One hundred percent of our employees say Keener is a great … [Read more...]
Emergency Fund Check-In
In the last two years, we have seen wide ranges in our monthly spending. Two years ago, many people saw their savings increase as they stopped commuting and going out due to COVID-19. When interest rates dropped, individuals lowered their monthly housing costs by refinancing their mortgage. A year … [Read more...]
Home maintenance planning
Most of us spent more time at home during the pandemic. We saw an increase in home maintenance projects that had been deferred but suddenly were elevated on the priority list. Personally, 2021 gifted me the purchase of a pellet stove and a water softener, the repair of a broken sprinkler line, and … [Read more...]
Best Financial Planners 2021 D Magazine
Patty Priddy and Jean Keener have again been named to the D Magazine list of Best Financial Planners in Dallas. Each spring, D Magazine asks Certified Financial Planners in the Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of the Financial Planning Association to nominate their peers who deserve the title of Best … [Read more...]
FAQs on RMDs from Inherited IRAs
When the SECURE Act was passed by Congress at the end of 2019, the rules changed for most future Inherited IRA holders. But wait… wasn’t there also the CARES Act in 2020 that allowed ALL IRA owners to forego taking their required minimum distribution (RMD) for 2020? Yep. Between the SECURE Act … [Read more...]
Can You Benefit from Qualified Charitable Distributions?
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) are a great way to reduce tax liability for those who are charitably inclined. Qualified Charitable Distributions are distributions from an IRA that are donated directly to a qualified charity. The account holder must be over age 70 ½ and the distribution … [Read more...]
Virtual Tour of Our New Office
Welcome to our happy space. We are delighted to share this 4 minute virtual tour of our new office in Keller at 1692 Keller Parkway. We look forward to many years of hearing about our clients' goals from these rooms -- whether you're here in person or connecting with us online. And then working … [Read more...]
How Stocks Perform in Election Months
As we wait for votes to be counted this morning, it may be helpful to put stock market returns in historical context. The attached graphic from Dimensional Fund Advisors shows performance of stocks in the months of presidential elections going back to 1926. You'll notice there's not a consistent … [Read more...]
Investing in Turbulent Times
We sent this letter out to clients and friends of Keener Financial Planning this afternoon. As you may have heard, trading on the stock market was temporarily suspended this morning. This suspension was based on automatic thresholds established initially after "Black Monday" in 1987 and since … [Read more...]
2020 SECURE Act Changes to IRAs and Required Minimum Distributions
The SECURE Act stands for Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement. It was signed into law on December 20, 2019 and most provisions went into effect on January 1, 2020. Lawmakers mostly focused on enhancing options and eligibility for retirement plans. However, one significant change … [Read more...]
D Magazine 2019 Top Wealth Managers and Best Financial Planners
We are delighted to share that Keener Financial Planning once again was included in the Top Wealth Managers in DFW list for 2019. We were one of 24 firms named out of 42 applicants. According to D Magazine, a panel of esteemed local wealth managers reviewed the final list and the selection was … [Read more...]
Kids and Money with Financial Planner Patty Priddy
Keener Financial Planning is proud to be participating in the Dream Big Sammy Rabbit program on Kids and Money. To help with the program, Patty Priddy, CFP®, recently shared her some of her early experiences with money and her perspective on how to raise money-smart kids. She focuses on the … [Read more...]
Successful investing during turbulent times
As market volatility has continued over the past couple of months, it's been a rather harsh reminder of the ups and downs we must tolerate to be stock market investors. If you have 2 minutes, this short video from Dimensional Fund Advisors is worth a watch. It's a good reminder of the importance … [Read more...]
D Magazine Best Financial Planner and Top Wealth Managers 2017
We are honored to have made two of D Magazine's 2017 lists. Our firm was included on the Top Wealth Managers list, and I was honored as one of the Best Financial Planners. The Top Wealth Managers in Dallas list is compiled based on a series of criteria shared on D Magazine's website. We were … [Read more...]
Why Corrections Are a Good Thing
It doesn’t seem like a positive when your portfolio drops in value. And it’s certainly not something that most of us would say we enjoy. However, there can be several benefits to stock market corrections. Remembering them can make enduring the drop less painful. Why #1: Corrections create an … [Read more...]
Third Quarter Investment Market Review
The third quarter provided positive performance across all major stock and bond indices. Full details are in this 2017 Q3 Keener Financial Planning Quarterly Market Review. The report also includes the major financial headlines for the year and quarter, along with some principles to follow when … [Read more...]
2016 Year End Tax Planning Tips
You won't start hearing tax preparation commercials on TV until next January. However, it will be too late for many of your best tax planning opportunities by then. Other than making some retirement contributions, most of your tax-affecting moves for 2016 need to be completed before December 31. … [Read more...]
Tax Provisions Extended for 2015 and Beyond
In one of its final actions for calendar year 2015, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016. It addressed a host of popular but temporary tax provisions that had expired at the end of 2014. The Act extended some and made other provisions permanent. The major provisions are … [Read more...]
Why I became a financial planner
A brief video sharing why I became a fee only financial planner and how our firm is different. … [Read more...]
Investing Consistency Pays Off
If you’ve ever found yourself tempted to stop investing when the market was declining, you now have one more piece of evidence that it’s best to stick with your game plan through good and bad market conditions. A recent study analyzed 7.5 million 401(k) plan participants who participated in their … [Read more...]
Best Financial Planner Keller TX 2009 – 2013
We are thankful once again to the readers of the Keller Citizen for voting Keener Financial Planning Keller’s 2013 Best of the Best Financial Planner. Receiving this public support and recognition from our local community for the fifth year in a row affirms our continuing commitment to providing … [Read more...]
Why Hold Bonds
If you hold bonds in your investment portfolio, you've likely noticed that they experienced negative returns in second quarter this year. Bond prices go up when rates go down, and rates have been doing just that since the Reagan Administration. Back in 1982, 10-year Treasuries were paying 15%, … [Read more...]
Keller Best Financial Planer 2009 – 2012
Thank you to the readers of the Keller Citizen for voting Keener Financial Planning Keller’s 2012 Best of the Best Financial Planner again this year! We greatly appreciate your support. Keener Financial Planning’s mission is to provide objective, expert financial advice tailored to your unique … [Read more...]
Gold in your Portfolio
I encounter many questions and discussions with clients on whether gold belongs in a portfolio. The following article from Dimensional Fund Advisors takes an in-depth look at gold's long-term performance and is worth reading as you consider this issue. Is Gold Worth It's Weight in a … [Read more...]
Social Security Updates
You should be aware of two recent developments for social security – one affecting workers and one retirees. For retirees On March 1, 2013, the U.S. Treasury Department will stop mailing paper benefit checks. After that date, all Social Security beneficiaries (as well as anyone receiving … [Read more...]
What’s Your Money Story?
Following is a very special guest post from Dr. Tim Kincaid. Tim generously shares part of his journey with money and offers a process to further develop each of our money stories. Financial planning is about so much more than the money, and Tim highlights some key insights on how we can each more … [Read more...]
Best Financial Planner Award 2009 – 2011
Thank you to the readers of the Keller Citizen for voting Keener Financial Planning Keller's Best Financial Planner again for 2011! We greatly appreciate your support, and enjoy providing financial planning and investment advice for our clients in Keller and greater North Texas. Keener … [Read more...]
Coordinating Spousal Benefits for Social Security
Coordinating spousal benefits in filing for social security can make a big difference in your retirement income. Contrary to popular practice, it’s not automatic that each spouse should just file for social security benefits as soon as he or she retires. As a couple, you have the potential to … [Read more...]
Remodels and Renovations that Pay Off Financially
Special Guest Post by North Texas Home Designer Lisa Baer Move or remodel? Given the current condition of the housing market in North Texas and elsewhere in the country, many homeowners are finding remodeling a better option than moving. A strong housing market may be some months away, and many … [Read more...]
Should you pay off the mortgage?
One of the best financially freeing moments in life is the day you compare your savings and mortgage principal balances and realize that you could pay off your mortgage if you wanted to. If you’re at that point, congratulations! If you’re not there yet, keep saving; it can come sooner than you … [Read more...]
Roth IRA Conversion Overview
Through 2009, converting an IRA from a traditional IRA to Roth is only available for those with household incomes under $100,000. Beginning next year, that changes. However, a lot of people aren't aware of the upcoming changes -- according to Financial Planning magazine, only 42% of advisor … [Read more...]
Free Financial Advice in Keller
Free financial advice will be available to residents of Keller, TX for Financial Planning Week October 5-12, 2009. Many individuals and families are facing financial challenges or uncertainty right now. Retirement plans are shifting. Investments are volatile. Jobs are less secure. And debt is a … [Read more...]
New Texas Teacher Long-Term Care Insurance Option
Beginning on September 1 this year, the new long-term care insurance provider for the Texas Teacher Retirement System (TRS) switched from Aetna to Genworth. During open enrollment from September 15 - November 15 this year, teachers will have the option to sign up for this insurance. If you're … [Read more...]
September 2009 Newsletter
The September 2009 newsletter is now available. It includes information on 2010 retirement plan contribution limits, health insurance protection for college students, KFP's new Dallas office, and more. To read it, click here. … [Read more...]
How to Choose a Financial Planner
You may be considering seeking some professional financial advice. Or, if you already have a financial advisor, you may be wondering if they're doing a good job for you. You're likely juggling 2 sets of questions as you consider this decision: The first set is personal: Do I like the … [Read more...]
30-Second Financial Gut Check
If you're like many Americans right now, you're worried about your finances. Even if nothing has particularly changed for you in the past year - perhaps you still have the same job, same mortgage payment, same retirement accounts - you likely now have a gnawing sense of insecurity about what the … [Read more...]
Be skeptical: 5 claims to watch out for in long-term care insurance
Long-term care planning is an important aspect of a financial plan, especially for those 50+. And insurance is often a component of that plan. But it's important to know exactly what you're buying, to compare pricing and features with comparable companies, and to buy the insurance for the right … [Read more...]
Long Term Care is a Woman’s Issue
I just read a great article in the Journal of Financial Planning about the "Double Jeopardy" women face with long-term care. Written by Mary Quist-Newins with American College, she succinctly describes the increased risks women face as both caregivers and receivers in planning for … [Read more...]
Paying the Bills: Potential Sources of Retirement Income
Planning your retirement income is like putting together a puzzle with many different pieces. One of the first steps in the process is to identify all potential income sources and estimate how much you can expect each one to provide. Social Security According to the Social Security Administration … [Read more...]
Education Funding Recap
The world of higher education has received some attention in Washington this year. I've done several posts on the topic, but wanted to offer this summary of both what's passed and what's proposed in the budget for FY 2010. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) was signed into … [Read more...]
August 2009 newsletter
The August newsletter is now available. It includes information on 2010 social security and medicare numbers for planning purposes, whether creditors can go after your 401(k) and more. To view it, click here. … [Read more...]
2nd income analysis
If you're like many folks right now, you may be trying to determine if having a stay-at-home spouse go back to work would be beneficial to your financial situation. The answer is not always clear-cut, so you want to make sure you do the math. A second-income analysis involves an evaluation of … [Read more...]
Couples, Investing, and Risk
It's pretty common for spouses to be at different points on the risk tolerance spectrum. If you're one of these couples, you know that these differences can have varying effects on the relationship and your investing behavior. Sometimes, the more conservative spouse just completely delegates … [Read more...]
Early Retirees & Health Insurance
Thinking about retiring early? As part of the decision, you've got to calculate whether you'll have enough retirement income to meet your needs. While adding up the costs of customary living expenses, utilities, and an occasional vacation, don't forget to include another important retirement … [Read more...]
Do you need disability insurance?
Lack of long-term disability insurance is one of the most common issues I see in my practice. First, please note that I don't sell disability insurance. I'm a fee only financial planner, so I don't receive any commissions on insurance or other products I recommend. My interest is in helping my … [Read more...]
Free Financial Webinars
The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors is starting a new series of free webinars on various financial topics including Money 101, Kids & Money, Investing Basics, Protecting What you Have, and more. These sessions are designed to provide a convenient, accessible way to get … [Read more...]
Should You Consolidate Student Loans Now?
If you have a federal Stafford Loan or PLUS Loan issued on or after July 1, 1998 and before July 1, 2006, consider yourself lucky. Beginning July 1, 2009, the interest rates on these variable-rate loans are set to drop to the lowest rates in the history of the federal student loan program. These new … [Read more...]
401(k) options when you change jobs
If you've lost your job, or are changing jobs, you may be wondering what to do with your 401(k) plan account. It's important to understand your options. What will I be entitled to? If you leave your job (voluntarily or involuntarily), you'll be entitled to a distribution of your vested balance. … [Read more...]
July 2009 Newsletter
The July 2009 newsletter is now available online. It reviews some blog information on FDIC insurance limits, establishing an emergency fund, and down market estate planning opportunities. It also covers new information on whether or not you should refinance your mortgage and considerations in … [Read more...]
Estate Planning Opportunities in a Down Market
Most Americans are not subject to the federal estate tax at its current exemption levels. For 2009, each person can pass $3.5 million to heirs estate-tax free at their death. However, if your estate has the potential to be affected by the estate tax, you have some planning opportunities right … [Read more...]
Keep an eye on your credit
The Credit Card legislation passed last month should ultimately help consumers. However, in the short term, many people are being squeezed. We have a combination of factors: banks attempting to shore up their financial statements by reducing the available credit on credit cards, home equity … [Read more...]
Roth 401(k) and 403(b)
One of my fellow Garrett Planning Network members, Jim Blankenship in New Berlin, Illinois, did a great summary article on Roth 401(k)s and 403(b)s yesterday. More and more companies are making the Roth 401(k) or 403(b) an option. Legislation was also recently signed allowing the Roth … [Read more...]
10 Tools to Build an Emergency Fund
So, you know you need an emergency fund. You've been trying to build one, but just can't seem to get there. The percentage of people living paycheck to paycheck ranges depending on who’s surveying from 47% (Careerbuilder 2008 survey) to 71% (American Payroll Association 2008 survey). This issue … [Read more...]
Do Build America Bonds Make Sense for You?
Investors have a new mechanism for investing in municipal bonds, courtesy of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. As part of the Obama administration's economic stimulus program, the bill authorized a subsidy for local and state governments that issue what are known as Build America … [Read more...]
Forgiveness and Money
I invited Kristin Robertson, president of Brio Leadership, to do a guest post on the Keener Financial Planning blog this morning about forgiveness. As we seek to manage our money in smarter ways, many times our experiences with money in our past play a key role in the decisions we're making … [Read more...]
Forgiveness: 5 Reasons It’s Good for You
By Guest Blogger Kristin Robertson, President, Brio Leadership Remember how a nice warm bowl of chicken soup helps you feel better when you have the flu? Well forgiveness and have the same effect when what ails you is a grievance from the past. Did you know that you really forgive others to … [Read more...]
Ways to Pay for Grad School
Are you thinking about going to graduate school? Whether you want to advance in your current field or move your career in a new direction, graduate school might open doors for you. But it isn't cheap. Here are some suggestions on where to look for financial help. Loans Students attending graduate … [Read more...]
June 2009 Newsletter
The June 2009 newsletter is now available. It includes articles on the new credit card law provisions, energy-efficient tax credits, estate planning for second marriages, and social security planning. Click here to read it. … [Read more...]
Investing in Low Interest Rate Environment
Low interest rates create a dilemma. Do you accept a low return because you feel you must protect your principal? Or do you take on greater investment risk in order to try for a higher return? In balancing those two concerns, here are some factors to think about. Consider laddering your … [Read more...]
In Defense of Buy and Hold
Buy and hold has come under a lot of fire lately as investors and advisors question whether there's a better way. It's good to question and re-analyze over time. But it's not good to have a knee-jerk reaction to the last year's stock market roller coaster that can do permanent damage to your … [Read more...]
New credit card law provisions
The key provisions of the credit card law that Obama signed last Friday, May 22 are below. But first, my two cents ... I've heard a lot of talk about how these changes might make it more difficult to get credit and could result in higher fees in general and annual fees in particular for people … [Read more...]
Social Security Myth Debunked
Question: Help! I'm 62 and my income is declining. Should I take social security now to lock in my benefits? Quick answer: this is not a good reason to take social security early. Social security uses your highest 35 years in calculating your benefit. They index the years before age 60 for … [Read more...]
Retirement V. College
So many parents struggle with the dilemma of whether they should prioritize saving for kids' college or their own retirement. Some parents believe that children benefit the most from being responsible for their own college funding through personal work, savings, scholarships, and borrowing to get … [Read more...]
Detail on COBRA subsidy
If you've lost your job since September 1 of last year, you'll want to read this post. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (the Act) provides COBRA premium assistance, which offers a temporary 65% reduction in COBRA premiums for eligible beneficiaries. This new provision will affect former … [Read more...]
The Stimulus Act and You
On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the 2009 "Stimulus Act"). The legislation carries a projected cost of $787 billion, and contains hundreds of provisions. Key provisions that may be relevant to you include: New Making Work … [Read more...]
Working During Retirement
Planning on working during retirement? If so, you're not alone. An increasing number of employees nearing retirement plan to work at least some period of time during their retirement years. Why work during retirement? Clearly, if you work during retirement, you'll be earning money and relying less … [Read more...]
Higher Education Act
One of the big pieces of legislation that passed in 2008 was the Higher Education Opportunity Act (the Act). Aside from reauthorizing the Higher Education Act of 1965 for another six years, the Act includes many other provisions intended to improve college affordability, access, and accountability. … [Read more...]
Women & Money Seminar August 26
I'll be speaking to the Southlake Chamber of Commerce WIN (Women in Networking) meeting at noon on Wednesday, August 26. Women have unique opportunities and challenges with money! Women tend to live longer and earn less than men, but according to some recent studies may actually be better … [Read more...]
Effects of Divorce
I just read a really interesting article in the Journal of Financial Planning. After divorce, the income of each spouse falls. On average, the income of the woman declines by 27%. The average income of the man declines by about 10%. The stats for both parties are positively affected by the … [Read more...]
2009 Key Numbers
This document is a really handy reference. If you look at your finances on any sort of ongoing basis, you may want to print it out and keep it on your desk. It has everything from tax brackets to retirement plan limits, mileage deduction amounts, adoption credits, phase-outs, education tax … [Read more...]
New help for college funding
Student loans staged a disappearing act in 2008, as the credit crisis drove some lenders out of the student loan market and forced others to become more selective. But the Higher Education Opportunity Act, which became law in August, contains several provisions that will help families and students … [Read more...]
Dummies Excerpt Now Available
Investing in an Uncertain Economy for Dummies came out in October this year. The book is by Sheryl Garrett and the Garrett Planning Network, and I am proud to be a contributor. I wrote Chapter 37, Sort Through an Investment's Return. Wiley (the publisher) has now provided the electronic version … [Read more...]
Investment News quotes Jean
In an article on the performance of big mutual funds in the recent market downtown, Sue Asci writes about how 60% of the big mutual funds are under-performing the S&P 500 Index. I was quoted on how the under-performance is making investors more willing to consider an index strategy. See the … [Read more...]
Silver Lining in the Market Downturn
When you look at your retirement plan statement and it's down 30% or more from a couple months ago, it's hard to believe there might be a silver lining there somewhere. While the market downturn has created a tremendous amount of anxiety and it's caused a significant change in plans for some who … [Read more...]
2009 contribution limits announced
On October 16, 2008, the IRS issued news release IR-2008-118 announcing cost-of-living adjustments to dollar limitations for pension plans. Items addressed for 2009 include: Elective deferrals * The annual elective deferral limit for 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, 457(b) plans, SAR-SEPs, and the … [Read more...]
Free Seminar — Are You Saving Enough for Retirement?
Where: Keller Public Library (640 Johnson Rd., Keller, TX) When: Monday, December 1, 2008, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Limited Space. Reservations Recommended. Call (817) 743-4840 to reserve your seat. Take a realistic look at your progress toward a secure retirement. Get the tools to build a solid … [Read more...]
Ask the Planner at The Dallas Morning News
October 6 - 12 was National Financial Planning Week. In recognition of this week, Pamela Yip at The Dallas Morning News hosted an "Ask the Financial Planner" session through call-in and chat on Sunday, October 6. I participated in the chat session, and we answered questions on annuities, … [Read more...]
Jean contributes to new Dummies book
The New Dummies book by Sheryl Garrett and the Garrett Planning Network is out! Jean contributed Chaper 37: Sort Through an Investment's Return. Check back soon to read the chapter online and see scheduled book talks. … [Read more...]