When it comes to investment returns, some investors may only look at the impact of rising stock prices on their portfolios. However, consideration of dividends should also play an important role. Dividends have produced about 40% of the S&P 500’s total returns over the past 90 years. Including dividend income in a portfolio can give Read more
Bowen Reports
What is an RMD and When and How Do You Take It?
Time waits for no one. More of the Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) are either approaching or hitting that 73-year-old financial milestone. Why is 73 a significant financial milestone? Because that is the age when you are required to begin taking your required minimum distribution, or RMD, from your retirement plan. This Read more
From Venus to Mars: The Gender Gap in Retirement
The average retirement age in the United States is 62 for women and 65 for men. Deciding how much money one needs in retirement depends on many factors; one that may be overlooked is gender. Studies show that, for women, there is a real gender gap, with women more likely to need more money for Read more
Why Both Spouses Should Be Involved in Household Financial Planning
In many relationships, it’s common for one partner to take the lead in managing household financial planning. Usually that partner has a natural interest or a greater understanding or confidence in that area. But while this approach might seem efficient, it can also be risky and limiting. This imbalance can create a knowledge gap that Read more
What is a Financial Plan and Why Do You Need One?
You may be doing everything right with your finances: contributing to a 401(k), and building savings for a house, a new car, college tuition, or retirement. But have you pulled all those pieces together into a true financial plan? A financial plan provides a roadmap to help you understand your financial picture, achieve your financial Read more
Here’s the Bill: How New Legislation Will Affect Individual Taxpayers
On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed Public Law 119-21 (also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025”) a wide-ranging domestic policy bill approved on a mostly party-line vote, with all congressional Democrats voting no and Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Read more