Keener Financial Planning

Keener Financial Planning is a Fee only Certified Financial Planner in Dallas, Ft. Worth, and Keller, TX. Call us to schedule today at (817) 993-0401.

817-993-0401 | [email protected]

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Spring 2025 Financial Planning Newsletter

April 28, 2025

Spring 2025 Financial Planning Newsletter

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...]

Filed Under: Estate Planning, Investing, News, Newsletters, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: estate planning, Investing, tax planning

Fall 2024 Financial Planning Newsletter

October 16, 2024

Financial Planners in DFW

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...]

Filed Under: Investing, News, Newsletters, Taxes, Your Finances

Tax benefits from charitable giving in 2024

October 15, 2024

Jean Keener and Samuel Pond - Charitable giving tax benefits

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...]

Filed Under: Featured Posts, News, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: charitable giving, Taxes

Spring 2024 Financial Planning Newsletter

April 16, 2024

Rachel Songer, CFP® and Trista Jacobs, CFP® financial planning

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...]

Filed Under: Budgeting and Saving, Estate Planning, Investing, Legislative Changes, News, Newsletters, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: estate planning, Investing, personal finance, Taxes

Winter 2024 Financial Planning Newsletter

January 8, 2024

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...]

Filed Under: Budgeting and Saving, College Funding, Investing, News, Newsletters, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: Investing, newsletter, Roth from 529, student loans

2024 Key Financial Planning Numbers

December 2, 2023

2024 Key Financial Planning Numbers

Here's a quick-reference sheet for some of the 2024 key financial planning numbers. It includes tax brackets, retirement plan contribution maximums, education credits, estate tax exemptions, HSA and FSA maximums, and social security maximum taxable earnings. As a highlight, the 401(k) limit … [Read more...]

Filed Under: News, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances

Fall 2023 Financial Planning Newsletter

October 16, 2023

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...]

Filed Under: Investing, News, Newsletters, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: AA Pilots, charitable giving, Investing, year-end planning

Summer 2023 Financial Planning Newsletter

July 21, 2023

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...]

Filed Under: Investing, Legislative Changes, News, Newsletters, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: newsletter

Financial Planning 2023 Q1 Newsletter

January 18, 2023

Financial Planners in DFW

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...]

Filed Under: Investing, Legislative Changes, News, Newsletters, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: Investing, newsletter, Retirement, Secure 2.0, student loans, Taxes

Q3 2022 Financial Planning Newsletter

July 18, 2022

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...]

Filed Under: Investing, News, Newsletters, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances

Accessing Cash in Retirement

July 18, 2022

inflation and your financial plan

There is a lot of information available on how to save and invest for retirement. Investors select an asset allocation and learn what accounts to contribute to. But what about in retirement? We are still invested, but instead of saving, we need to spend some of our savings. How much should we have … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Investing, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: Retirement, retirement income, retirement planning, tax planning

Q2 2022 Financial Planning Newsletter

April 25, 2022

Financial Planning Associate

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...]

Filed Under: Investing, News, Newsletters, Taxes, Your Finances

Q1 2022 Financial Planning Newsletter

January 24, 2022

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...]

Filed Under: Debt Management, Investing, Legislative Changes, News, Newsletters, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: inflation, Investing, Roth conversion

Q4 Financial Planning Newsletter

October 25, 2021

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...]

Filed Under: Investing, Legislative Changes, News, Newsletters, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: financial planning newsletter

Build Back Better 2021 Year-End Planning Considerations

October 23, 2021

2021 Year-End Financial Planning Considerations

We want to share a few items for 2021 year-end planning consideration as a result of the Build Back Better reconciliation bill introduced in Congress on September 13. One of the biggest changes is the elimination of Roth conversions of after-tax dollars beginning in 2022.  Please see our full … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Estate Planning, Legislative Changes, News, Taxes Tagged With: 2021 Year-End Planning Consideration

After-tax retirement contributions: how to know if you have any

October 23, 2021

Budgeting for home improvement

With all the talk about converting after-tax retirement contributions to Roth, you may be wondering if this applies to you.  Here's how to tell if you have any after-tax money in an IRA or 401k. First, let's cover the difference between after-tax money and Roth. Both after-tax and Roth … [Read more...]

Filed Under: News, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: after-tax retirement contributions

Roth conversion of after-tax contributions – limited time only?

October 22, 2021

Certified Financial Planner professionals visiting with client

We don’t normally invest much energy in discussing pending legislation until it becomes law.  However, the Build Back Better reconciliation bill introduced in Congress on September 13 creates a time-sensitive opportunity for Roth conversions of after-tax dollars. Beginning in 2022, after-tax … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Legislative Changes, News, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: Roth conversion

2021 Child Tax Credit Advance Payments

June 16, 2021

Child tax credit 2021

If your family is eligible for the 2021 child tax credit, you have the option to decide if you want to receive advance payments or not.  The default is to receive the advance payments.  You also have the option to opt out.  If you opt out, you will still receive the full tax credit.  It will just be … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Budgeting and Saving, News, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: child tax credit, Taxes

Financial Planning April 2021 Newsletter

April 15, 2021

2nd quarter financial planning 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...]

Filed Under: Budgeting and Saving, Estate Planning, Investing, News, Newsletters, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: financial planning newsletter

FAQs on RMDs from Inherited IRAs

April 8, 2021

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...]

Filed Under: Featured Posts, Investing, Legislative Changes, News, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: beneficiary, inherited IRA, non-spouse, RMDs, spouse

Financial Planning January 2021 Newsletter

January 12, 2021

Keener Financial Planning team

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...]

Filed Under: Budgeting and Saving, Investing, News, Newsletters, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: budgeting, charitable contributions, investments, Retirement

Can You Benefit from Qualified Charitable Distributions?

December 22, 2020

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...]

Filed Under: Featured Posts, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: charitable giving, IRA, IRA distributions, Qualified Charitable Distributions, RMDs, tax planning, tax-free charitable contributions

Is a Donor Advised Fund Right for You?

December 18, 2020

Donor Advised Fund

Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) are a great tax planning tool for those who are charitably inclined. They are especially compelling when you have highly appreciated stock in a brokerage account or if your income is significantly higher than usual in any given year. Understanding the Tax … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Investing, Taxes Tagged With: Appreciated stock, charitable contributions, charitable giving, Donor Advised Funds, tax planning

December 2020 Financial Planning Newsletter

December 7, 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...]

Filed Under: Investing, News, Newsletters, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: Investing, Retirement, Taxes

Coronavirus Financial Planning Updates

April 1, 2020

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...]

Filed Under: Legislative Changes, News, Newsletters, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: COVID-19

2020 SECURE Act Changes to IRAs and Required Minimum Distributions

January 23, 2020

inflation and your financial plan

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...]

Filed Under: Featured Posts, Legislative Changes, News, Retirement, Taxes Tagged With: inherited IRA, IRA, Retirement, RMDs, SECURE Act

Planning with Medicare Premiums in Mind

January 3, 2020

Medicare IRMAA planning

Depending on your income, premiums for Medicare Part B could cost more than the standard rate ($144.60 per month in 2020). This is referred to as IRMAA – the income related monthly adjustment amount. In 2020, Part B premiums will cost more if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is higher than … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Insurance, Legislative Changes, News, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: IRMAA, medicare, retirement income

2019 Year-End Tax Planning

December 13, 2019

Rachel Songer CFP

With 2019 coming to a close, many of us are preparing for the holidays, and are trying to wind things down. Before you enter that holiday hibernation, we want to remind you of a few tax planning ideas that you may want to add to your holiday “to-do” list. Required Minimum Distributions Be sure … [Read more...]

Filed Under: News, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: investment moves to save taxes, tax

April 2017 Financial Planning Newsletter

April 24, 2017

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...]

Filed Under: Investing, News, Newsletters, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: Investing, Retirement, Taxes

October 2016 Financial Planning Newsletter

October 24, 2016

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...]

Filed Under: Investing, News, Newsletters, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: inherited IRA, Investing, Retirement, social security, tax planning

2016 Year End Tax Planning Tips

October 24, 2016

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...]

Filed Under: Featured Posts, News, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: retirement distribution, tax planning

April 2016 Personal Finance Newsletter

May 5, 2016

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...]

Filed Under: Investing, News, Newsletters, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: 401(k), Investing, IRA, newsletter, scams

January 2016 Financial Planning Newsletter

January 19, 2016

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...]

Filed Under: College Funding, Investing, Legislative Changes, News, Newsletters, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: college financial planning, FAFSA, Investing, Taxes

Tax Provisions Extended for 2015 and Beyond

January 18, 2016

Q4 Financial Planning Newsletter

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...]

Filed Under: Featured Posts, Legislative Changes, News, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: tax planning

May 2015 Personal Finance Newsletter

May 8, 2015

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...]

Filed Under: News, Newsletters, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: Investing, IRA rollover, Retirement, social security

January 2015 Personal Finance Newsletter

January 27, 2015

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...]

Filed Under: Budgeting and Saving, Investing, News, Newsletters, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: Investing, newsletter

Converting After-Tax 401k contributions to Roth

January 27, 2015

It's time to reconsider whether making after-tax contributions to a 401k is a good financial planning strategy. Prior to the IRS' ruling last fall, it was unclear whether you could convert after-tax 401k  contributions to Roth.  And if you did convert them, there was disagreement in the financial … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Legislative Changes, News, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: retirement planning, Roth conversion, tax planning

Tax provisions extended for 2014

January 26, 2015

While Congress took the extension of many popular tax provisions down to the wire, the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 passed before the end of December.  All of the following provisions were among those retroactively extended, and are now effective through the end of 2014.    So for those of us … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Legislative Changes, News, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: tax planning

November Personal Finance Newsletter

November 3, 2014

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...]

Filed Under: Estate Planning, Investing, News, Newsletters, Retirement, Taxes Tagged With: estate planning, Investing, retirement plan contribution limits, social security, Taxes

August 2014 Personal Finance Newsletter

August 30, 2014

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...]

Filed Under: Investing, News, Newsletters, Retirement, Same Sex Couple Issues, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: Investing, Retirement, Taxes

Personal Finance Newsletter for December

December 6, 2013

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...]

Filed Under: News, Newsletters, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: Investing, mortgage pay-off, Retirement, same-sex couples financial planning, tax planning

August 2013 Personal Finance Newsletter

August 22, 2013

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...]

Filed Under: Debt Management, Investing, News, Newsletters, Retirement, Seminars & Events, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: credit scores, Investing, Keller retirement workshop, retirement planning, same-sex couples financial planning, Taxes

January Personal Finance Newsletter

January 9, 2013

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...]

Filed Under: Investing, Legislative Changes, News, Newsletters, Retirement, Seminars & Events, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: 401(k), Investing, Retirement, retirement planning, Taxes

November/December Personal Finance Newsletter

December 26, 2012

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...]

Filed Under: Investing, Legislative Changes, Living Well, News, Newsletters, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: charitable giving, Investing, Retirement, Taxes

October Personal Finance Newsletter

October 16, 2012

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...]

Filed Under: Budgeting and Saving, Estate Planning, Investing, News, Newsletters, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: 2013 tax changes, estate planning, ethical will, FSA, Investing, social security

Q&A on 2013 tax changes

October 15, 2012

As you might imagine, whether I'm sitting at my financial planning office in Dallas or Keller, I'm having a lot of conversations right now about the tax changes scheduled for the end of the year.   Following are some of the most common questions, as well as my perspective on them.   Q: Do … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Legislative Changes, News, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: 2013 estate tax, Taxes

September Personal Finance Newsletter

September 7, 2012

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...]

Filed Under: Budgeting and Saving, Debt Management, News, Newsletters, Retirement, Seminars & Events, Taxes, Women's Issues, Your Finances Tagged With: Investing, IRA distributions, mortgage rates, social security, women & money

June 2012 Personal Finance Newsletter

July 3, 2012

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...]

Filed Under: Investing, Legislative Changes, News, Newsletters, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: 3.8% Medicare tax, 401(k), healthcare law, Investing, retirement plans

May 2012 Personal Finance Newsletter

June 7, 2012

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...]

Filed Under: Investing, Legislative Changes, News, Newsletters, Retirement, Seminars & Events, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: Investing, newsletter, Retirement, Roth converson, Taxes

March 2012 Personal Finance Newsletter

March 12, 2012

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...]

Filed Under: Debt Management, News, Newsletters, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: credit, inherited IRA, Investing, market valuation, Retirement, tax planning

February 2012 Personal Finance Newsletter

February 23, 2012

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...]

Filed Under: Budgeting and Saving, Investing, Legislative Changes, Living Well, News, Newsletters, Retirement, Taxes, Women's Issues, Your Finances Tagged With: investing; cost basis rules, retirement planning, social security and divorce, tax planning

December 2011 Personal Finance Newsletter

December 20, 2011

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...]

Filed Under: College Funding, Estate Planning, Investing, News, Newsletters, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: 2012 gift tax exclusion, Investing, online account security, student loans

Plan now for a successful 2012

November 29, 2011

Taking a few moments now to assess your financial situation can go a long way toward positioning you for success next year.  Some items to consider: If Retired Have you taken any required minimum distributions from your IRAs for this year? Even if no IRA distributions are required, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Budgeting and Saving, Investing, News, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: 2012 planning, year-end planning

Harvesting Investment Losses for Tax Purposes

October 25, 2011

You frequently hear investment professionals suggest “harvesting losses” before the end of the calendar year to save money on taxes.  Loss harvesting can be a highly productive strategy, and it pays to understand how it works and when you might not want to take advantage of it. The opportunity to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Investing, News, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: Investing, Taxes

July Personal Finance Newsletter

July 14, 2011

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...]

Filed Under: Estate Planning, Insurance, Investing, News, Newsletters, Seminars & Events, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: estate planning, Investing, life insurance, mileage rates, social security

May Personal Finance Newsletter

May 16, 2011

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...]

Filed Under: Budgeting and Saving, Insurance, Investing, Living Well, News, Newsletters, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: health savings, Investing, long-term care, newsletter, spending, tax planning

February Personal Finance Newsletter

February 14, 2011

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...]

Filed Under: Insurance, Investing, Legislative Changes, News, Newsletters, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: cost basis, health care law, Investing, IRA, market update, retirement planning, RMDs, tax-free charitable contributions

December Personal Finance Newsletter

December 16, 2010

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...]

Filed Under: Investing, Legislative Changes, News, Newsletters, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: Investing, social security, Taxes

September Personal Finance Newsletter

September 17, 2010

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...]

Filed Under: Budgeting and Saving, Investing, Legislative Changes, News, Newsletters, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: college kids and money, FDIC, FDIC insurance, Investing, newsletter, tax planning

Social Security Workshop at Keller Public Library

August 11, 2010

I am conducting a free workshop on social security planning strategies at the Keller Public Library on Tuesday, August 17 at 6:30 pm.  The session will cover what baby boomers need to know to maximize their retirement income.   Attendees will learn: 5 factors to consider when deciding when to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: News, Retirement, Seminars & Events, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: Keller retirement planning, retirement planning, social security

Should you pay off the mortgage?

May 18, 2010

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...]

Filed Under: Budgeting and Saving, Debt Management, Featured Posts, Investing, Living Well, News, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: mortgage, mortgage pay-off, pay off the house, retirement decisions, retirement planning

May 2010 Newsletter

May 10, 2010

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...]

Filed Under: Budgeting and Saving, Insurance, Investing, News, Newsletters, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: ETFs, exchange traded funds, high income issues, Investing, market performance, medicare tax, Vanguard

New Health Care Law Highlights

April 2, 2010

If you're like me, you found it challenging to keep up with the provisions of the health care bills as they worked through the legislative process.  But now that the bill is law, it's helpful to understand how it may affect your individual situation and any changes that need to be made to your … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Insurance, Investing, Legislative Changes, News, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: health care law, health insurance, insurance, Taxes

March 2010 Newsletter

March 9, 2010

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...]

Filed Under: Investing, Legislative Changes, News, Newsletters, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: credit card act, early retirement, home buyers credit, Investing, Retirement, retirement income, Taxes

Pension Max: Is it right for you?

December 15, 2009

If you’re near retirement and have a pension, you may be considering a pension max strategy.  With all the variables involved, it can be challenging to determine if it’s really in your best interest.   First – what is pension max?    Pension max is used by married couples to increase their net … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Insurance, News, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: pension benefit, pension election, pension max, pension max strategy, Retirement, retirement income, retirement planning

December 2009 Newsletter

December 3, 2009

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...]

Filed Under: Budgeting and Saving, Investing, News, Newsletters, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: 2009 year-end tax planning, expense tracking, investment moves to save taxes

2010 Key Numbers

December 2, 2009

 The key numbers guide from Forefield has been updated for 2010.  Not a lot of changes from last year, but still a convenient reference.  It includes limits on retirement plan contributions, tax brackets, tax credit and deduction phase-outs, social security benefits, medicare, and much more.  2010 … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Estate Planning, Insurance, News, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: 2010 key financial numbers, 2010 medicare premiums, 2010 retirement plan contribution limits, 2010 social security COLA, 2010 tax brackets

Buying a home to cash in on home buyers tax credit?

November 12, 2009

You may have heard that the first-time home buying tax credit was extended through April 30 next year, and that it now includes a credit for some non-first-time home buyers also.  For details on the extension and who is eligible, visit the IRS website. This is great news if you fall into the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Budgeting and Saving, Legislative Changes, News, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: Credit for First Time Home Buyers, first-time home buyers credit, home buyers credit

November 2009 Newsletter

November 5, 2009

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...]

Filed Under: Investing, News, Newsletters, Retirement, Taxes Tagged With: 2010 retirement plan limits

2009 Year-End Tax Planning Checklist

November 4, 2009

Reviewing your tax situation for the year when you still have time to do something about it is always a good idea.  You have many more options to affect your tax liability by acting before the year ends.  This year, it's still important to review all the regular opportunities available every … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Legislative Changes, News, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: 2009 tax, 2009 tax checklist, 2009 taxes, 2009 year-end tax planning, tax planning

Partial Roth Conversion Strategy

October 13, 2009

When people find out how much tax they would have to pay to convert their IRA from traditional to Roth, it’s often times a conversion show stopper.  Even if all the analysis shows that conversion would be clearly beneficial to their after-tax retirement income levels or provide estate planning … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: 2010 Roth Conversion, Investing, IRA, Partial Roth Conversion, retirement planning, roth conversion strategies, Roth IRA, Roth IRA conversion, roth segregation strategy

October 2009 Newsletter

October 2, 2009

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...]

Filed Under: Budgeting and Saving, Insurance, News, Newsletters, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: 2008 Roth recharacterization, calculating net worth, D-FW free financial seminars, financial planning week, free financial seminars, important financial number, net worth, recharacterization deadline, Roth IRA, tracking financial progress

Roth conversion as estate planning technique

September 28, 2009

Medicare IRMAA planning

The 2010 lifting of income limits for Roth IRA conversions creates a sizable opportunity to reduce estate taxes.  We’ve already discussed Roth IRA conversion basics, and who might want to convert.  But if your estate is potentially subject to the estate tax at your death, you have an additional … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Estate Planning, News, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: 2010 Roth Conversion, estate planning, estate planning techniques, Roth IRA conversion

Who should consider Roth conversion

September 18, 2009

Given the historic opportunity of 2010 to spread the tax payment over 2 years in 2011 and 2012, everyone with a traditional IRA should take at least one look at Roth IRA conversion for next year. It is most beneficial to you when all of these apply: You'll pay the resulting "conversion" tax … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Investing, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: 2010 Roth Conversion, estate planning, IRA, Retirement, retirement income, retirement planning, Roth IRA, Roth IRA conversion

Paying the Bills: Potential Sources of Retirement Income

August 18, 2009

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...]

Filed Under: Featured Posts, Investing, News, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: 401(k), annuity, business equity, home equity, IRA, pension, Retirement, retirement income, social security, working in retirement

401(k) options when you change jobs

July 6, 2009

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...]

Filed Under: Featured Posts, News, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: 401(k), 401(k) vesting, changing jobs, job loss, retirement plan, roll-over

July 2009 Newsletter

July 1, 2009

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...]

Filed Under: Budgeting and Saving, Estate Planning, Featured Posts, Investing, Legislative Changes, News, Newsletters, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: diversifying your investments, emergency fund, estate planning, FDIC insurance, Investing, mortgage refinance, should I refinance?

Roth 401(k) and 403(b)

June 24, 2009

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...]

Filed Under: Featured Posts, Retirement, Taxes Tagged With: Garrett Planning Network, retirement planning, Roth 401(k), Roth 403(b), Roth Option, tax savings, Thrift Savings Plan, TSP

June 2009 Newsletter

June 2, 2009

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...]

Filed Under: Estate Planning, Featured Posts, Investing, Legislative Changes, News, Newsletters, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: credit card law provisions, energy tax credits, estate planning, market update, second marriage, social security, Taxes

May 2009 Newsletter

May 12, 2009

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...]

Filed Under: Investing, Newsletters, Taxes Tagged With: charitable giving, divorce financial planning, Investing, low interest rates, money market guarantee, tax

April 2009 Newsletter

April 6, 2009

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...]

Filed Under: Budgeting and Saving, College Funding, Debt Management, Estate Planning, Investing, Legislative Changes, Newsletters, Retirement, Taxes Tagged With: budgeting and saving, college, estate planning, Investing, market update, Retirement, worthless securities

To Will or Not to Will

April 6, 2009

Catchy title, isn't it?  To Will or Not to Will. I would love to take credit for it, but it all goes to the Texas Young Lawyers Association and the State Bar of Texas. When you do as a resident of Texas, if you don't have a will, the state of Texas has one for you.  It's possible that the state's … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Estate Planning, Taxes Tagged With: community property, estate planning, wills

March Monthly Newsletter

March 9, 2009

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...]

Filed Under: Investing, Legislative Changes, Newsletters, Retirement, Taxes Tagged With: economy, equity indexed annuity, insurance company stability, Making Work Pay tax credit, Roth IRA conversion

The Stimulus Act and You

February 18, 2009

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...]

Filed Under: Budgeting and Saving, College Funding, Featured Posts, Legislative Changes, News, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, AMT, COBRA, Credit for First Time Home Buyers, Hope Credit, legislation, small business, Stimulus bill, tax on unemployment benefits, Taxes

January 2009 Newsletter

January 9, 2009

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...]

Filed Under: Budgeting and Saving, Investing, Legislative Changes, Newsletters, Retirement, Taxes Tagged With: Investing, natural disasters, newsletter, retirement planning, social security

Year End Tax Planning Techniques

December 3, 2008

Many tax provisions that had already expired or were scheduled to expire at the end of the year were extended as part of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, signed into law on October 3, 2008. Included in the list of extended provisions is an additional one year alternative minimum tax … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Legislative Changes, Retirement, Taxes Tagged With: AMT, energy efficiency, IRA, Retirement, Taxes

2009 Key Numbers

December 3, 2008

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...]

Filed Under: College Funding, Featured Posts, Legislative Changes, News, Retirement, Taxes Tagged With: adoption, education, medicare, Retirement, social security, tax brackets

Bailout Bill Tax Changes Affecting Business

November 18, 2008

The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, referred to by some as the "bailout bill," or, as others prefer to call it, the "rescue plan," was recently enacted in an attempt to help stabilize the turmoil in the U.S. economy. While a great deal of the attention has been focused on the bailout … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Legislative Changes, News, Taxes Tagged With: bailout, business, tax

Ten Gifting Traps to Avoid

November 6, 2008

Lifetime gifting can be a powerful estate planning tool. Transferring property during your life, instead of at your death, has many advantages. Making lifetime gifts can be desirable for personal reasons (e.g., to help your children or other family members) or for financial reasons (e.g., saving … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: estate planning, gifting, kiddie tax, life insurance, tax

Silver Lining in the Market Downturn

November 6, 2008

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...]

Filed Under: Budgeting and Saving, Debt Management, Featured Posts, Investing, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: capital gains, harvest losses, life choices, market downturn, Roth, stocks, Warren Buffet

Bail-Out Bill Tax Changes Affecting Individuals

November 6, 2008

The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, referred to by some as the "bailout bill," or, as others prefer to call it, the "rescue plan," was recently enacted in an attempt to stabilize the turmoil in the U.S. economy. While a great deal of attention has been focused on the true bailout … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Legislative Changes, News, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: AMT, bailout, bicyclists, debt, electric vehicles, emergency economic stabilization act, energy tax credits, mortgage, rescue plan, tax

2009 contribution limits announced

November 2, 2008

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...]

Filed Under: Featured Posts, Investing, Legislative Changes, News, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: 401(k), 403(b), catch-up, Retirement, Section 457(b), SEP, SIMPLE, TSP

Tax Credits and Deductions for Higher Education

November 2, 2008

What are the tax credits and deductions relating to higher education? There are two education tax credits--the Hope credit and the Lifetime Learning credit--that provide some relief to families in the midst of financing their children's college education. There is also a federal income tax … [Read more...]

Filed Under: College Funding, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: education, Taxes

October 2008 Newsletter

November 2, 2008

View our October 2008 Newsletter. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Investing, Legislative Changes, News, Newsletters, Our Advice in the News, Retirement, Taxes, Your Finances Tagged With: Newsletters

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Keener Financial Planning
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Keener Financial Planning

Our Spring Financial Planning Newsletter with updated investment market perspective, advice on how to handle 401(k) rollovers during times of market volatility, estate planning for your pets, and more! ... See MoreSee Less

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Spring 2025 Financial Planning Newsletter - Keener Financial Planning

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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-c...
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Keener Financial Planning
4 weeks ago
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Our office will close early at 3:00 PM today and remain closed through Friday in observance of Good Friday. We will reopen with regular hours on Monday.

Wishing you a safe and wonderful weekend!
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Our office will close early at 3:00 PM today and remain closed through Friday in observance of Good Friday.  We will reopen with regular hours on Monday.

Wishing you a safe and wonderful weekend!
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1 month ago
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In the midst of a tumultuous period in the investment markets, Christine Benz with Morningstar, Inc. provides a great to-do list for investors. ... See MoreSee Less

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What Now? An Investor’s To-Do List for Chaotic Markets

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A down market offers opportunities to check progress toward your long-term investing goals—and even save on taxes.
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