Our Spring 2025 financial planning newsletter is now available. And there's a lot to cover! We share tips for how to handle 401(k) rollovers during volatile market conditions and a TurboTax double-check for social security recipients. On investing topics, we review current market conditions, whether … [Read more...]
Winter 2025 Financial Planning Newsletter
Our winter 2025 financial planning newsletter is now available. There's a lot going on in the world of personal finance! The newsletter includes details on action you may need to take as a result of the Social Security Fairness Act and an upcoming Vanguard litigation deadline. We also cover super … [Read more...]
Fall 2024 Financial Planning Newsletter
Our fall 2024 financial planning newsletter is now available. We cover our perspective on the election and market timing along with an investment market update. We also announce our upcoming Optimistic Aging virtual client event and share how to save money on taxes with your charitable giving. … [Read more...]
Summer 2024 Financial Planning Newsletter
The summer 2024 financial planning newsletter is now available. In addition to the investment market update, it includes updates on inherited IRA required minimum distributions, HSA contribution limits, and the new Fincen filing requirement for business entities. The newsletter also highlights … [Read more...]
Spring 2024 Financial Planning Newsletter
The Spring 2024 financial planning newsletter is now available. In addition to the investment market update, we include financial spring cleaning ideas and links to some of our team's favorite financial podcasts. We also provide a gentle nudge on keeping your estate planning up-to-date, along with … [Read more...]
Winter 2024 Financial Planning Newsletter
The Winter 2024 Financial Planning Newsletter is now available. It includes an investment market update and some observations about market responses to the Fed's actions. In addition, we provide some updates on the tax consequences of student loan forgiveness and how to fund a Roth IRA from a 529. … [Read more...]
Fall 2023 Financial Planning Newsletter
The fall 2023 financial planning newsletter is now available. We cover an update on the investment markets along with year-end planning reminders. Plus, we cover how to give to charities and your heirs most tax efficiently if you have charitable intent with your estate planning. In addition, we have … [Read more...]
Summer 2023 Financial Planning Newsletter
Our summer 2023 financial planning newsletter is now available. In addition to the investment market updates, it includes tips on retirement contributions including the new rules for 2024 401(k) catch-up contributions. We also cover last week's IRS guidance about Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) … [Read more...]
Spring 2023 Financial Planning Newsletter
The spring financial planning newsletter is now available. It includes an investment market update, as well as insight on FDIC and SIPC coverage. We also provide links to adjust your tax withholding if needed now that the 2022 tax filing deadline has passed. In addition, we highlight Rachel Songer's … [Read more...]
Financial Planning 2023 Q1 Newsletter
The 2023 Q1 financial planning newsletter is now available. It includes highlights of the Secure Act 2.0 and how it will affect you, as well as student loan and investment market updates. In addition, we cover 2023 retirement plan contribution limits and tax season reminders. Please click here to … [Read more...]
Q4 2022 Personal Financial Planning Newsletter
Our Q4 personal financial planning newsletter is now available. It's packed with information on the investment markets - actions you can take, how to manage your personal volatility, perspective on bonds, and updates on year-to-date results. As part of looking at the investment performance, we also … [Read more...]
Q3 2022 Financial Planning Newsletter
The third quarter financial planning newsletter is now available. In addition to highlighting posts from our blog on I Bonds and Cash for Retirees, we provide an investment market update. We share what's going on in the market and with inflation, how it affects your financial plan, and what you may … [Read more...]
Q2 2022 Financial Planning Newsletter
Our Q2 financial planning newsletter is now available. In addition to features from our recent blogs on home maintenance and your emergency fund, we cover our perspective on the investment markets. You may be wondering what you should do about your portfolio's performance since the beginning of … [Read more...]
Q1 2022 Financial Planning Newsletter
Our Q1 2022 financial planning newsletter is now available. In addition to an investment market update, we discuss the potential for a bear market and how that affects your actions now. We also dig into how inflation affects your financial plan and cover the upcoming student loan interest and … [Read more...]
Q4 Financial Planning Newsletter
This quarter's financial planning newsletter is now available. This edition is chock-full of actionable ideas including: Year-end tax legislation planning considerations Updates and reminders for maximizing retirement plan contributions and HSAs, Medicare open enrollment, required minimum … [Read more...]
Q3 Financial Planning Newsletter
Our third-quarter financial planning newsletter is now available. It includes an update on the investment markets, along with our perspective on inflation. We also cover how to decide if you should opt-out of the child tax credit payments. In addition, we share that we've just completed our … [Read more...]
Financial Planning April 2021 Newsletter
The second quarter financial planning newsletter is now available. It includes information on inherited IRA required minimum distributions, estate planning, spending plans, and an overview of the investment markets. We also share an update on meeting options and our team. Click here to read the … [Read more...]
Financial Planning January 2021 Newsletter
The first quarter financial planning newsletter is now available. We all have a heightened awareness of the uncertainty of life right now, so our goal for the newsletter is to provide some reassuring insight and perhaps some actionable ideas. The newsletter includes: Friendly financial … [Read more...]
December 2020 Financial Planning Newsletter
Our December 2020 financial planning newsletter is now available. It includes year-end financial planning tips from Lead Planner Patty Priddy. What a year 2020 has been! For most people, it is one for the books, or in the infamous words of Mr. Miyagi in Karate Kid, it is a year we want to “Wax … [Read more...]
Coronavirus Financial Planning Updates
The tax filing and payment deadline for your 2019 taxes has been extended to July 15. It may still make sense to file your 2019 taxes sooner if it enhances your ability to qualify for the direct payment or receive it via direct deposit. Estimated tax payments due on April 15 for 2020 are also … [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...]
October 2017 Newsletter
Our October newsletter is now available to help with your personal financial planning. It includes an overview of the third quarter investment market performance, along with a review of Nobel Prize winning economist Richard Thaler's work. In addition, we have suggestions on how to respond to the … [Read more...]
April 2017 Financial Planning Newsletter
Our April financial planning newsletter is now available. It covers an update on the investment markets for first quarter, along with our perspective on current market valuations. In addition, we give you the most important retirement plan and tax limits for 2017 -- if you haven't already reviewed … [Read more...]
October 2016 Financial Planning Newsletter
The October Financial Planning newsletter is now available. In addition to an investment market update, it includes an update on the social security cost-of-living adjustment, tips on inheriting an IRA, a third quarter investment summary, year-end tax tips and more. To read the newsletter, click … [Read more...]
July 2016 Personal Finance Newsletter
Our July newsletter is now available. On investing, it includes a second quarter investment market review and our commentary on why fears about Brexit may be overblown. In addition, it covers the highlights of the June 2016 Social Security and Medicare Trustees' Reports and a Q&A on how the … [Read more...]
April 2016 Personal Finance Newsletter
Our April 2016 newsletter was sent to email subscribers on April 19 and is now available online. For investing, the newsletter includes an investment market update and a review of the major factors affecting first quarter market performance. The newsletter also covers our perspective on the new … [Read more...]
January 2016 Financial Planning Newsletter
The January 2016 financial planning newsletter is now available. It includes an update on the investment markets with perspective on the volatility of the last two weeks, plus an overview of 2015 market returns. In addition, we cover what you need to know when filling out the FAFSA and the tax … [Read more...]
November 2015 Financial Planning Newsletter
Our November 2015 is now available online. It includes details about the social security law changes enacted last fall, as well as action that those ages 66 - 69 before April 29 this year will want to consider taking. In addition, it provides 2016 retirement plan limits, and the Medicare Part B … [Read more...]
August 2015 Personal Finance Newsletter
The August 10, 2015 personal financial planning newsletter is available online. It includes information on qualified longevity annuities, frame-of-reference risk for investing, and investing in China. If you'd like to receive the newsletter as soon as its published, please enter your contact … [Read more...]
June 2015 Personal Finance Newsletter
The June newsletter is now available. In addition to the regular investment update, it includes highlights and take-aways from a book I just read and highly recommend -- Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending by Professors Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton. The newsletter also has updates on … [Read more...]
May 2015 Personal Finance Newsletter
The May 2015 personal finance newsletter is now available. It covers several personal financial planning topics including why consuming too much financial journalism may be hazardous to your long-term financial health. There's also information on how divorce affects your social security and … [Read more...]
January 2015 Personal Finance Newsletter
Our personal finance newsletter for January is now available. It includes a review of the 2014 investment markets, an article highlighting the relationship between net worth and financial habits, and more. Please click here to read the newsletter. … [Read more...]
November Personal Finance Newsletter
Our November personal finance newsletter is now available. In addition to the investment market update, it includes several articles on personal financial planning. We have updates released by the IRS and social security administration for 2015: Retirement plan contribution limits for … [Read more...]
August 2014 Personal Finance Newsletter
The August 2014 Personal Finance Newsletter is now available. It includes a year-to-date investment market update, plus thoughts on why we shouldn't fear a correction. In addition, we highlight 10 tax breaks that haven't been extended yet for 2014 and why you may wish to consider a Roth IRA for … [Read more...]
Personal Finance Newsletter for December
The December financial planning newsletter is now available. It covers several tax items: Year-end tax planning tips for 2013 including new taxes to be aware of for higher income tax payers IRS regulations affecting legally married same-sex tax payers for 2013 In addition, we have … [Read more...]
August 2013 Personal Finance Newsletter
The August Personal Finance Newsletter is now available. It includes information on how this summer's Supreme Court rulings on same-sex marriage affects financial planning for couples in Texas and other states. It also covers an update on the bond market, how to fix an error on your credit report, … [Read more...]
May 2013 Personal Finance Newsletter
The May personal finance newsletter is now available. In addition to the introduction of our new staff members Jordan Nightingale and Rachel Songer, it includes financial planning information on understanding your expenses in your 401k as you plan your retirement, how to use payable on death … [Read more...]
January Personal Finance Newsletter
The January 2013 personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes lots of financial planning news and updates. Starting with a review of the 2012 investment year, we also review the details of the fiscal cliff compromise and how it may affect you. In addition, there are articles on … [Read more...]
November/December Personal Finance Newsletter
The November/December Personal Finance Newsletter is now available. It includes information on the 2013 retirement plan limits and an update on investment market performance. There are also two articles relevant to the fiscal cliff negotiations -- a review of the considerations in harvesting long … [Read more...]
October Personal Finance Newsletter
The October personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes the 2013 social security cost of living adjustment and maximum earnings level just announced this morning. A detailed review of the 3rd quarter investment market performance, plus 2012 year-to-date information is also covered. … [Read more...]
September Personal Finance Newsletter
The September personal finance newsletter is now available. In addition to an investment market update, it includes information on several financial planning topics. For retirees, we look at how remarriage affects social security. For those in the wealth accumulation phase, we look at the … [Read more...]
July/August Personal Finance Newsletter
The July/August personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes a review of the investment markets through second quarter, consideration of potential outcomes with the federal estate tax for 2013, and an announcement about the personal financial planning workshop schedule for this fall in … [Read more...]
June 2012 Personal Finance Newsletter
The June newsletter is now available. With the Supreme Court upholding the healthcare law last week, you will want to read the article and watch the video on how the new 3.8% Medicare tax works so you can begin incorporating this into your financial plans if it affects you. Also in this newsletter … [Read more...]
May 2012 Personal Finance Newsletter
The May 2012 personal financial planning newsletter is now available online. If you've been waiting for it's arrival, you may want to sign up to receive it through email on the same day it's sent to clients and friends. Sign up is available at https://keenerfinancial.com/about. The May … [Read more...]
April 2012 Personal Finance Newsletter
The April personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes the investment market update from January - March 2012, how to decide whether to pay down debt or save and invest, and planning for a career change. In addition, there's information on upcoming retirement income and social … [Read more...]
March 2012 Personal Finance Newsletter
The March 2012 personal finance newsletter is now available and covers several personal finance topics. For retirement planning, we look at your options when you inherit an IRA. For debt management, we cover how to pay down credit cards without hurting your credit. For investing, we look at … [Read more...]
February 2012 Personal Finance Newsletter
The February 2012 personal finance newsletter is now available. In the newsletter, we have financial planning inspiration from Keller High School seniors to refocus on paying yourself first. For investing, it includes an investment market update and information on the new cost basis rules. For … [Read more...]
January 2012 Personal Finance Newsletter
The January 2012 personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes a 2011 investment market recap from Dimensional Fund Advisors with data on all the major indices and a summary of the major investing themes of 2011. In addition, there's a comparison between the dividend rates of the … [Read more...]
December 2011 Personal Finance Newsletter
The December personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes information on a new student loan repayment program going into effect in January 2012, gift tax strategies, and tips on keeping your online accounts secure. Plus, for those that enjoy history, there's some perspective on stock … [Read more...]
November Personal Finance Newsletter
The November personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes all the updates on 2012 IRA and retirement plan contribution limits, plus the 2012 social security and medicare figures. In addition, we cover the importance of long term care planning for women and information on a free … [Read more...]
October Personal Finance Newsletter
The October personal finance newsletter is now available. We review the third quarter investment markets performance and provide perspective on the current economic situation. In addition, the newsletter includes information on medicare open enrollment, how markets have historically reacted to … [Read more...]
September Personal Finance Newsletter
The September personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes an update on market conditions and advice on the best response to the continued stock market volatility. In addition, we have perspective on the European debt crisis and information on spousal IRAs and healthcare flexible … [Read more...]
August Personal Finance Newsletter
The August personal finance newsletter is now available. It features a Q&A on the debt ceiling, downgrade, and market response. Plus there's a follow-up on the ABCs of Trusts article from last month's newsletter, suggestions on talking with your high school student about college costs, an … [Read more...]
July Personal Finance Newsletter
The July personal financial planning newsletter is now available. Because of the tumultuous investment markets and economic uncertainty, the newsletter includes two investing columns -- one a recap of the second quarter market performance with a look forward, and another by Jim Parker with … [Read more...]
June Personal Finance Newsletter
The June personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes an investment market update and articles on several personal financial planning topics. There's information on how long to keep financial records, perspective on the debt ceiling debate, an update on the new "net college cost" … [Read more...]
May Personal Finance Newsletter
The May 2011 Personal Finance Newsletter is now available. It includes articles on long-term care planning, mid-year tax considerations, and deciphering health savings vehicles. A link to a great article on the relationship between how we spend our money and happiness is also included, as well as … [Read more...]
April Personal Finance Newsletter
The April 2011 Personal Finance Newsletter is now available. This month's newsletter includes a reminder on Monday's 2010 IRA contribution deadline and information on social security statements being suspended. We also have articles on the estate tax exemption portability and the opportunity for … [Read more...]
March Personal Finance Newsletter
The March personal financial planning newsletter is now available. It includes an update on the investment market, tips on cutting discretionary spending to build your cash reserve, planned charitable giving, and social security survivors benefit. There's also a special guest column from attorney … [Read more...]
February Personal Finance Newsletter
The February personal finance newsletter is now available. In addition to the investing market update, the topics are: Extension of tax-free charitable contribution option from IRAs for those over 70 1/2 New cost basis reporting rules (important for those with taxable investment … [Read more...]
January 2011 Personal Finance Newsletter
The January newsletter is now available with a 2010 investment market recap, a humorous look at investing resolutions for the new year, and details on the estate tax changes enacted in December. It also includes an announcement of topics for the Keller Public Library personal finance workshop … [Read more...]
December Personal Finance Newsletter
The December 2010 personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes an important update on social security rules, 2011 IRS mileage rates, considerations in rolling your traditional 401(k) to a Roth IRA, and changes to the adoption assistance program. As always, there's also an investment … [Read more...]
November Personal Finance Newsletter
The November personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes information 2011 retirement plan contribution limits -- most are unchanged, but if you're right on the edge of having too much income to make Roth IRA contributions, you should check out the slightly increased income phase-out … [Read more...]
October Personal Finance Newsletter
The October 2010 personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes information on social security, medicare open enrollment season, year-end investment planning, and the new small business jobs act provisions. In addition, an investment market update and information on free financial … [Read more...]
September Personal Finance Newsletter
The September 2010 personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes information on opportunities unique to 2010 for year-end tax planning, tips on teaching your college-age child about money, how a stronger dollar affects your portfolio, information on FDIC insurance now that higher limits … [Read more...]
August 2010 Personal Finance Newsletter
The August 2010 personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes information on how college scholarships are taxed, how the new healthcare law affects Medicare drug plans, and, as always, an investment market update. Enjoy! Click here to view the newsletter. … [Read more...]
July 2010 Personal Finance Newsletter
The July 2010 financial planning newsletter is now available. Topics include today's investment market conditions, low mortgage interest rates, college scholarship strategies, required minimum distributions for 2010, and a reminder on staying vigilent against identity theft. An invitation to … [Read more...]
June Monthly Newsletter
The June newsletter is now available with an investment market update and some historical perspective on stock market returns over time to put recent volatility into perspective. It also include a how-to on deciding if you should pay off your mortgage and an invitation to the upcoming budgeting … [Read more...]
May 2010 Newsletter
The May 2010 newsletter is now available. It includes investing information with perspective on last week's market plunge and an update on the new reduced fees for trading Vanguard ETFs. For taxes, there's information on the new 3.8% medicare tax for high income individuals. For cash flow, we … [Read more...]
April 2010 Monthly Newsletter
The April 2010 monthly newsletter is now available. It includes information on how the new healthcare law may affect you as an individual and new student loan and financial aid provisions. Also covered are an investment market update and a discussion on the merits of dollar cost averaging to make … [Read more...]
March 2010 Newsletter
The March 2010 Newsletter is now available. It includes an investment market update, Part II in my series on how to tap into your home equity in retirement, considerations in evaluating an early retirement offer, information on 2009 tax deduction for 2010 Haitian relief contributions, 2011 tax rate … [Read more...]
February 2010 Newsletter
The February newsletter is now available. It includes an update on January stock and bond market performance, the first article in a two-part series on how to tap into your home equity for retirement income, a preview of a new financial planning service, and more. Click here to read the … [Read more...]
January 2010 Newsletter
The January 2010 newsletter is now available. Beginning in 2010, it will be published the second week of each month. This month's newsletter includes a brief 2009 market update, an update on the estate tax for 2010, how to conduct a home inventory, and more. Click here to read it. … [Read more...]
December 2009 Newsletter
The December 2009 newsletter is now available. It includes a market update, tips on tracking your expenses, year-end investing moves designed to save on taxes, and more. Click here to read the newsletter. … [Read more...]
November 2009 Newsletter
The November newsletter is now available. It includes a market update, 2010 retirement plan contribution limits, and more. Click here to view it. … [Read more...]
October 2009 Newsletter
The October newsletter is now available. It includes a reminder about the October 15 deadline to recharacterize 2008 Roth IRA conversions, a market update, how to calculate your net worth and why net worth is the financial number to watch, and more. To read the newsletter, click here. … [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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
May 2009 Newsletter
The May 2009 newsletter is now available. It has information on the tax benefits of charitable giving, investing in a low-interest-rate environment, the extension of the federal money market guarantee, and divorce financial planning. Click here to read the May 2009 newsletter. … [Read more...]
April 2009 Newsletter
The April 2009 newsletter is now available online. It includes an update on market conditions, plus information on the Cobra subsidy, writing off worthless securities on your taxes, an estate planning pitfall to avoid, a conversation for parents about saving for retirement vs. college, and a how-to … [Read more...]
March Monthly Newsletter
The March monthly newsletter is now out. It includes information on current economic conditions, how to create your own Equity Indexed Annuity, figuring out if your insurance company is secure, Roth IRA conversions, and the Making Work Pay tax credit. To view it, click here. … [Read more...]
February 2009 Newsletter
The February 2009 KFP newsletter is now available. The topics for this month are: What to do when your employer stops matching your 401(k), working during retirement, college costs update, and your credit score. There's also some information on the Your Money Bus tour stop in D-FW. … [Read more...]
January 2009 Newsletter
The January 2009 newsletter is now available. It contains information on investing, saving for retirement, FDIC insurance, social security, financial preparedness for natural disasters, and information on upcoming events. … [Read more...]
December 2008 Newsletter
The December Newsletter is now available. Click here to view the newsletter. … [Read more...]
November 2008 Newsletter
View the November 2008 Newsletter … [Read more...]
October 2008 Newsletter
View our October 2008 Newsletter. … [Read more...]