Blog

Social Security's been a fact of retirement life ever since it was established in 1935. We all think we know how it works, but how much do you really know? Here are nine things that might surprise you. The Social Security trust fund is...

American actor Lee Marvin once said, “As soon as people see my face on a movie screen, they knew two things: first, I'm not going to get the girl, and second, I'll get a cheap funeral before the picture is over.” Most...

Only one-third of adults have an estate strategy document such as a will in place, which may not be entirely surprising. No one wants to be reminded of their own mortality or spend too much time thinking about what might happen once...

What Happens With Student Loan Forgiveness?

Douglas Dañosos

Friday, July 14, 2023

Witness the future of student loans post the Supreme Court's ruling, presented by Doug Dañosos.

The Wisdom of Ignorance

Howard Pressman, CFP®

Friday, June 30, 2023

Whelp, we survived another one. It feels like we made it by the skin of our teeth, but we made it. Now, on to the next thing – whatever it is. Am I alone in the feeling society is just careening from one crisis to the next? Could...

In the second quarter, the S&P 500 index broke out of a bear market and entered a bull market, rising 20% off its low point in October. Much of the strength in markets was driven by megacap growth stocks...

Countdown to College

Logan Reed, CFP®

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

When I was in elementary school, I had it set in my head that would go to Virginia Tech.  I wasn’t even sure what I was going to do, I just knew that is where I wanted to go.  By the time I was graduating high school, I...

Understanding 529 Guidelines

Douglas Dañosos

Thursday, June 15, 2023

Hello, I'm Doug Dañosos, a financial advisor at EBW. I'd like to talk about 529 plans and how you can utilize your remaining funds.

Another Market Risk Potentially AvoidedAn in-principal agreement to raise the debt ceiling has been reached.Though there is optimism, the deal faces a tortuous process before Wednesday’s vote.One market headwind has been...

On Ireland’s Atlantic seaboard, ten miles west of the town of Lisdoonvarna, stand the majestic Cliffs of Moher. They are a popular tourist attraction but also a dangerous one – in the 25 years ended in 2017, 66 people...

April 27th is National Teach Children to save day. It is observed as a part of April's financial literacy month which focuses on the importance of educating individuals on finances from taxes to credit to saving.  It is believed...

U.S. Dollar Discussions• Currency fluctuations are normal and influenced by relative economic strength and differences in interest rates.• Russian sanctions and a debt ceiling debate have increased discussions around the...

As you start out in life, your finances can seem overwhelming. How can you start saving money? Taking out loans? Financing a house? Before you can set attainable goals for yourself, you have to have a solid understanding of some basic...

The Financial planners at Egan Berger & Weiner along with Adam Gorlyn of City National Rochdale give insight into the current state of the Market.

Tuition Costs create College Madness

Douglas Dañosos

Friday, March 24, 2023

Tuition Costs create College Madness Welcome to the season of March Madness basketball. If your house is like mine, we have a screen streaming Women’s and Men’s games throughout the day. Some of you may even be so...

Last week, two California banks collapsed, causing stock markets to retreat. One of the bank closures was the second largest in U.S. history with over $200 billion in assets. The news came as somewhat of a surprise and raised investor worri

Your financial tip for today: Cut your debt If you have credit cards, student loans, or medical bills, create a plan to get out of debt. If your interest rates are high, consider using a home equity loan to pay off your high interest debt.

SECURE ACT 2.0, Continued

Logan Reed, CFP®

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

SECURE ACT 2.0, Continued As the landscape around American retirement continues to change, we want to do our part by offering guidance and clarity to how these changes will affect you.  Back in December, Bryan Beatty wrote in...

Financial Strategies for Surviving and Thriving in Today’s Changing Job Market

"Is the bear market over?"That's a question I've been asked a number of times in recent weeks. And my answer is the same, "Let's give it a little time."But people are quick to remind me that stocks are off to a good start in 2023,...

I Think We’re All Just Fed Up!2022 Year in ReviewHoward Pressman, CFP® Hi, and welcome to 2023! I don’t know about you, but I feel like 2022 went by pretty quickly. In so many ways 2022 was a great year, but it...

We have all heard bad financial advice at some point in our lives. These misconceptions seem small but end up doing more harm than good. Here are a few of the most common misconceptions we’ve heard repeated by clients...

Nice and cozy can turn to cabin fever in a hurry. We’ve been there and recommend these activities when it’s time to break up that winter monotony.Visit a MuseumMuseums are at their busiest during the spring and summer, so...

From Your Advisors at EBW: A Look Ahead Into 2023

Bryan D. Beatty, CFP®, AIF®

Thursday, January 19, 2023

Recession On The HorizonManufacturing activity is showing the slow down being created by financial tightening that the Fed has been engaged in for the last 9 months. It is likely we will go into a recession in 2023. It is important for...

Secure Act 2.0

Bryan D. Beatty, CFP®, AIF®

Friday, December 16, 2022

There is a growing lack of confidence about being prepared for retirement. Congress feels that something must be done to improve America's savings problem. Though expanding access and increase default participation are a great start,...

What is the Form 709The Form 709: United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return allows you to report the transfer of assets that may be subject to federal gift tax and other specific generation-skipping transfer...

2022 & 2023 Year-End Reminders and Limits

Howard Pressman, CFP®

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

YearTraditional& RothContribution LimitsTraditional & Roth With Age 50+ Catch-Up*SIMPLEContribution LimitsSIMPLE With Age 50+ Catch- Up*401(k) 403(b)Contribution Limits401(k) 403(b) With Age 50+ Catch- Up*2022$6,000$7,000$14,000$17...

Purchasing a home can often feel like a rite of passage, but you must put the proper amount of consideration into whether you should buy or rent property.Assess Your Financial SituationBefore you make a large financial decision (like...

Is There a Formula for Happiness?

Howard Pressman, CFP®

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Many years ago, several of my clients retired at the same time. As the stock market recovered from the Great Recession, there was a wave of folks who felt the time was right for retirement. As I met with them over the next few years, I...

HOWARD PRESSMAN, CFP®, FEATURED IN CNBC ARTICLE DISCUSSING AMERICANS WANTING TO "AGE IN PLACE"

Howard Pressman, CFP®

Friday, November 11, 2022

Most Americans want to ‘age in place’ at home. Here’s how to plan your support systemsNovember 9, 2022 (CNBC) - We adamantly want to age in place, say experts. A recent AARP report shows that 85% of...

Solving the Long-Term Care Puzzle

David F. Beck

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

As I sat down thinking about what topic to cover this post the answer came to me by way of a marketing piece from Mutual of Omaha. Though not as popular as some of the other Hallmark induced holidays nor did my iPhone show it in my...

One of the most basic principles of pursuing the growth of long-term wealth is diversification. A diversified approach to building wealth helps to mitigate risk while capturing the benefits of rising markets. Why is it so important to...

Higher Yields and Lower Consumer Confidence May Lead to Green Shoots

Bryan D. Beatty, CFP®, AIF®

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Did you know the average return in the 12 months following a plunge in the Consumer Confidence Index, which bottomed in June 2022 at an all-time low, is positive 24.9%?The bond market is having one of its worst years ever as the...

To choose the right debt payoff strategy, start with some questions about your budget and preferences. What do you value most? Do you prefer to save money on interest or pay off your entire balance? How motivated are you to repay your...

To determine whether a living will would be beneficial for you and your loved ones, it’s first important to discuss what a living will is.What is a living will?As a standard will can help your loved ones carry out your wishes, a...

Plan for Your FutureYou may have considered all the fun things you will do in retirement – travel, take up a new hobby or spend more time with your family – but well before your official retirement, it’s a good idea...

If you have little experience with investing in stocks, bonds, or even real estate, it can be nerve-racking. You might feel like the slightest change in the stock market could have a negative impact on your investments and portfolio....

Why to Check Your Withholdinghe IRS doesn't require you to file a return unless you owe money. However, it does allow you to deduct certain taxes from your income, such as state and local sales taxes, property taxes, mortgage interest,...

Watch a special presentation from Northern Virginia-based wealth management firm Egan, Berger & Weiner (EBW), where we were joined by Julie Rison on October 6, 2022 for our Back to School Night event. Click here to watch the...

Join Hartford Funds Bill McManus for his Retiring the Old Age Story presentation at Egan, Berger, & Weiner's 2022 Back to School Night on October 6, 2022. Click here to watch the presentation on our YouTube Channel...

Join Andy Blocker of Invesco as he provides an update on what's happening in Washington D.C. and the financial markets. Click here to watch theThis presentation is from October 6, 2022 at EBW's Back to School Night. Blocker is...

Meera Pandit, Executive Director/ Global Market Strategist with J.P. Morgan, presented on the global market outlook at Egan, Berger, & Weiner's 2022 Back to School Night on October 6.You can watch the presentation on our YouTube...

Now that you are on your way into retirement and your days of working full time are gone, you may have more time on your hands. To make the most of your time in retirement, we’ve come up with a few ideas to help you get started....

As a new parent, you have so much to think about in addition to having experiences you haven’t had before. It can be very overwhelming. You may have considered the cost of having a child and the increase in your regular expenses...

We are excited to announce that our upcoming 2022 Back to School Night on October 6th will be live streamed! Register to watch our event by clicking here!We want to bring this content to as many of our clients as we can, those who...

Investors have navigated a difficult market all year and the third quarter was no exception. All major indices ended the quarter in bear market territory with the S&P 500, Dow and Nasdaq declining 5.3%, 6.7%, and 4.1%,...

Join EBW on September 29th at 11 a.m. EST for our special "Markets in a Rising Rate Environment" Webinar with Cetera's Gene Goldman. ClickJoin EBW and our special guest, Gene Goldman, for a conversation about the current state of the...

Since Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s speech at Jackson Hole in late August, there has been a full slate of other Fed policymakers telling the same hawkish story: The Fed will do what it takes to get inflation down even if...

• Inflation disappoints investors, rising more than expected in August.• There are signs inflation will moderate soon and data may be lagging.• Volatility will remain as we continue forward in this rate hike cycle.The...

Update on Student Loan Repayments from Egan, Berger, & Weiner

Logan Reed, CFP®

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Way back in March 2020, at the start of the pandemic, one of the first pieces of Covid-related legislation to be passed was the Cares Act.  The $2.2 Trillion Bill contained many things, one of which was the forbearance of all...

Have you heard? The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law on Tuesday, August 16. While the $430 billion package includes many provisions, I thought I’d highlight three key areas where you may benefit the most.Tax credits...

Do you need to know how much your car would sell for in the open market? Or what about knowing if your property is gaining or losing money in the current market? The answer to these questions stems from a concept known as fair market...

New State-Mandated Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans for Virginia and Maryland

Douglas Dañosos

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

 State-Mandated Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans- Virginia & MarylandMany of us in the private sector do not have access to traditional pensions during retirement. Our main source of retirement savings is the ability to put...

Watch a special webinar from Northern Virginia-based wealth management firm Egan, Berger & Weiner (EBW), where we were joined by Julie Rison on July 28, 2022 for our presentation: "Personal Insurance with a Personal Touch."Click here...

Find The Solution That Works For YouYou may have college debt, a mortgage and possibly a few credit cards dragging you down. If you're in need of a way to manage this debt, consider debt consolidation. Consolidating your debt can help...

Use a DAF to Maximize Your Charitable ContributionsIf you make regular financial contributions to charitable organizations and want to maximize the funds you already give, donating through a donor-advised fund (DAF) could be an option...

Budgeting in Retirement: How to Make Sure Your Savings Last

Howard Pressman, CFP®

Monday, July 18, 2022

Hi, my name is Howard Pressman and I am one of the partners at Egan, Berger and Weiner. We are a Northern Virginia fee based financial planning firm.If you're living in or heading into retirement and have built up a comfortable nest...

• Second quarter earnings season is picking up.• Two red hot inflation reports have investors focused on the Federal Reserve (FED).• Factors driving market volatility are not going away soon.Investors have had a lot...

ESG: The Law of Unintended Consequences

Bryan D. Beatty, CFP®, AIF®

Friday, July 8, 2022

The sudden movement in 2021 within the investing community to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) metrics may be bringing about some very unfortunate side effects. Regardless of your stance on climate change and the urgency with...

How to Estimate Retirement ExpensesRetirement can be a time of rest and relaxation, but for some people it can be a time of financial stress. It's important to start estimating retirement expenses early, so you can enjoy your...

When it comes to estate planning, one of the most important decisions you'll make is who will receive your assets and take over your estate. To help ensure your loved ones receive the assets you want them to have, you can name...

Save the Date!2022 Back To School Night!Please Join Us On October 6, 2022 to Celebrate Egan, Berger & Weiner's Back to School Night!Back To School NightCocktails, Food, Education & FunTHURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 20224:00 PM - 9:00 PMCIT...

How Compound Interest Can Help You SaveCompound interest is a powerful tool that can help you save money through savings and investment accounts. It works by adding together small amounts of interest and compounding it to help your...

As you are building your wealth and saving for retirement, a Roth IRA could be a tax-advantaged solution for you to invest your money and boost your retirement savings.Money that goes into a Roth IRA is after-tax dollars. Because...

Watch EBW's "The Informed Investor: Rising Interest Rates and Market Volatility" Webinar

Bryan D. Beatty, CFP®, AIF®

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Watch the replay of a special webinar from Northern Virginia-based wealth management firm Egan, Berger & Weiner (EBW) on the state of the economy, market volatility and inflation. Hosted by Bryan D. Beatty...

Throughout your life, you’ve likely dreamt about what your retirement will look like. There are many possibilities about what you can do with your time, where you can live and what your income and finances will look like.As you...

Weekly Market CommentaryJune 27, 2022 The Markets Last week, bad news was good news. Consumers were feeling blue in June, according to the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Survey. The survey scored sentiment at...

Join EBW on June 29th for our "Rising Interest Rates and Market Volatility" Webinar

Bryan D. Beatty, CFP®, AIF®

Friday, June 17, 2022

Topic: "The Informed Investor: Rising Interest Rates and Market Volatility" WebinarJoin EBW for a special webinar on the state of the economy on June 29th at 12 p.m. EST. We will be joined Johnathan Mackay, the Head of Sales, Wealth...

From Your Advisors at EBW: June 2022 Market Commentary

Howard Pressman, CFP®

Thursday, June 16, 2022

“Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful”Warren BuffettI start with these immutable words from the legendary investor because they ring so true. Everyone is fearful right now and for good...

Fed Note:The Federal Reserve Open Market Committee continued its aggressive tightening pace in the June meeting, by raising the key fed funds interest rate today by 0.75%—to a new range of 1.50-1.75%. This was the largest single...

Join EBW and Julie Rison on July 28, 2022 for our "Personal Insurance with a Personal Touch" Webinar.The event will start at 12 p.m. EST.Register for the event by clicking here.Julie Rison helps lead the Marsh & McLennan Agency (MMA)...

Domestic energy production has increased substantially since the 1970s and we are less reliant on foreign oil and gas today. Though energy markets are global in nature, the U.S. has the capacity to increase production. We didn’t...

Insurance Planning for Children with Special Needs

David F. Beck

Monday, June 6, 2022

I write this blog as a somewhat cathartic process for myself. My sister who had special needs recently passed away and that made me think of the proper planning that could have been done by my parents, but unfortunately for all...

Economic Update 5-30-2022Economic data for the week included a slight downward revision in first quarter GDP, positive durable goods orders, along with weaker new home sales data and consumer sentiment.Global equity markets rose...

You understand the importance of paying off credit card debt, but you also know you need to save for retirement. While you should focus on both, paying off debt is critical to your financial independence. There are several strategies...

Market corrections are challenging and scary for investors of all types. This is due to their speed, unpredictability, and typically, the fact that underlying catalysts are somewhat unique with each episode. Also, easy answers to these...

JOIN US IN THE FIGHT AGAINST ALZHEIMER'S AND ENJOY AN AFTERNOON AT BULL RUN GOLF CLUB!Charity Golf Tournament Benefiting the Alzheimer's AssociationThursday, September 22nd, 20221:00 PM – 8:00PMBull Run Golf ClubProceeds Go to...

Howard Pressman, CFP®, Featured in CNBC Article: Are high-yield bonds right for your portfolio? Here’s what you need to knowFebruary 17, 2022 CNBC - If you’re worried about rising interest rates, you may...

USE THESE YEAR-END TAX PLANNING TIPS Everybody wants to save on their taxes. If you think tax-saving strategies are too complicated, you could be missing out on tax savings. There are a few simple tax-saving strategies available to...

COULD MEDICARE COVER YOUR HEALTHCARE COSTS Medicare is a complicated topic. It can be difficult to understand how it works and what it covers. We'll lay out what Medicare covers and hopefully take the confusion out of Medicare so you...

New COVID-19 Variant, Omicron, Rattles Markets New coronavirus variant discovered and considered to be a “variant of concern.” This variant potentially has ramifications to both the supply and demand sides of the global...

Join EBW on December 14th at 12 p.m. EST for our fourth webinar of the year: "An Eye on 2022 and Potential Tax-Law Changes Coming Out of Washington D.C." RSVP now to join Frank Kelly, Managing Director & Head Government & Public...

Join EBW on December 14th at 12 p.m. EST for our fourth webinar of the year: "An Eye on 2022 and Potential Tax-Law Changes Coming Out of Washington D.C." RSVP now to join Frank Kelly, Managing Director & Head Government & Public...

THE REWARDS THAT COME WITHCHARITABLE GIVING Some charitable contributions are 100% tax deductible, while others you can't deduct from your taxes. If you want to maximize your tax savings through charitable giving, it's important to...

2021 & 2022 Year-End Reminders and Limits Year Traditional & Roth Contribution Limits Traditional & Roth With Age 50+ Catch-Up* SIMPLE Contribution Limits SIMPLE With Age 50+ Catch- Up* 401(k) 403(b) Contribution Limits 401(k) 403(b)...

Believe it or not, there is a right way and a wrong way to obtain insurance. Whether it be life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability coverage, etc. there are certain universal things that you should and shouldn’t do....

Inflation is a silent tax. It’s a tax that policy makers can unleash when they spend money we don’t have. Regardless of whether it is accidental or on purpose the fact remains it can be devastating. It disproportionately...

While the world has begun to recover from the economic disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, the delayed reaction has been felt in the supply chain. Industrial shutdowns around the world slowed production to a relative crawl, leaving...

While it’s still too early to draw any final conclusions, Congress is getting closer to outlining what tax law changes are under consideration to pay for the proposed $1.75 trillion Build Back Better Plan.1For now, it appears...

ARE YOU LEAVING YOUR LOVED ONESWITH A PLAN? Creating a will may seem like something that isn't needed until you are further into retirement. However, that couldn't be further from the truth. Your spouse and children could face...

CHANGE YOUR BENEFICIARIES Even after your estate planning is complete, it's important to keep your beneficiaries updated and change them as necessary. Updating your beneficiaries listed throughout your estate plan can help ensure no...

On October 13, 2021, the Social Security Administration (SSA) officially announced that Social Security recipients will receive a 5.9 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2022, the largest increase in four decades. This...

To help raise revenue to pay for President Biden’s Build Back Better Plan, Congress is considering a number of tax law changes, including adjusting estate taxes.One of the proposals would reduce the estate tax exemption to...

Join EBW at our office on December 9th from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. for an open house to celebrate Idelis Favole's retirement! Join us on Thursday, December 9 at the EBW office in Vienna, Virginia to celebrate Idelis Favole. We will be having...

Join Tally Leger for a presentation from EBW's October 7, 2021 Back to School Night. The topic is 2022: The Recovery Takes Hold. Talley Léger is a Senior Investment Strategist for the Global Thought Leadership team. In this...

Join Katherine Roy of J.P. Morgan as she presents the Guide to Retirement. This was presented on October 7, 2021 at EBW's Back to School Night. Katherine Roy, CFP®, managing director, is Chief Retirement Strategist for J.P.Morgan...

Join Kristy Croushore of Fidelity as she provides an update on what's happening in Washington D.C. and the financial markets. This presentation is from October 7, 2021 at EBW's Back to School Night. Kristy Croushore is Vice President,...

When should I seek the assistance of a financial advisor? In my opinion, engaging a financial advisor is a matter of preference. There is no right time or age to seek the assistance of a financial advisor. College graduates have...

LEARN ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WILLS AND TRUST You may not know the difference between a will and a trust. As you're estate planning, you should know your options and the proper tools to achieve your asset distribution goals....

HSA vs PPO Open enrollment is coming up soon, and it's important to know about all your insurance plan options before deciding which one is right for you. Two options you could have are a Health Savings Account plan (HSA) and a...

5 WAYS TO DEFEND AGAINST IDENTITY THEFT You've probably heard about identity theft, but you may not know what it is or how to protect against it. First, let's talk about what identity theft is. Identity theft occurs when someone...

We are excited to announce that our upcoming 2021 Back to School Night on October 7th will be live streamed via Zoom. Click here to signup! We want to bring this content to as many of our clients as we can, those who are not yet ready...

Bryan Beatty, a partner with EBW, successfully hosted his Ninth Annual Charity Golf Tournament event to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association on September 9th. The event was hosted at the Bull Run Golf Club in Haymarket, Virginia,...

Join Brian Shepard, part of the OneAmerica Cares Solutions Team, for EBW's "The Great Income Gap" webinar. You can watch the presentation on-demand via our YouTube Channel. Learn about the great retirement income gap — and see...

We are living in a pivotal moment of American history, and there’s one word that best sums up our hope and optimism: resiliency.It’s in this spirit that I’d like to invite you to watch the on-demand broadcast...

Floods. Wildfires. Hurricanes. What’s in Your Household Emergency Kit?September is National Emergency Preparedness month, and government and community leaders from coast to coast are encouraging Americans to take important steps...

In their latest commentary, the Cetera Investment Management Team discusses the recent stock market volatility. Throughout most of 2021, U.S. equities have risen despite a growing list of concerns. With the S&P 500...

Corporate earnings season has begun, and the results are turning heads on Wall Street.Of the 120 companies in the S&P 500 index that reported numbers as of Friday, July 23, 89% of them beat the Street’s earnings-per-share...

If you have a secret, don’t tell anyone at the Federal Reserve Bank. They may leak the story before you’d like.In early August, multiple regional Federal Reserve Bank presidents hit the speaking tour. They made headlines...

Several Types of Insurance Changes to Consider as You Approach Retirement As you approach retirement, your financial needs and those who depend on you will likely change. This may require an update of your insurance needs as well....

It’s time for your life insurance checkup.September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to review your coverage.1If you don’t have any life insurance, you’re not alone. Life...

Join EBW for our September 23rd webinar - "The Great Income Gap." RSVP now to join Brian Shepard, part of the OneAmerica Cares Solutions Team, on September 23rd at 12 p.m. EST for EBW's "The Great Income Gap" webinar. Learn about the...

Several Types of Insurance Changes to Consider as You Approach Retirement As you approach retirement, your financial needs and those who depend on you will likely change. This may require an update of your insurance needs as well....

A recent Fox News Poll from June 23rd showed that 83% of respondents were worried about inflation. It was a bipartisan concern, as both Republican and Democrat's expressed overwhelming worry about inflation, registering in at 88% for...

Who Should Consider A High Deductible Health Plan? What is a High Deductible Health Plan?A High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) is a government Marketplace health plan with an annual deductible of at least $1,400 for an individual or $2...

We are living in a pivotal moment of American history, and there’s one word that best sums up our hope and optimism: resiliency.It’s in this spirit that I’d like to invite you and your family to join me IN THE ROOM...

Which documents should you keep?And which ones can you shred? Everyone is guilty of holding on to documents for too long. Whether you feel like it has real value, or you're keeping it for fear of needing it, this can create quite a...

Leave a Lasting LegacyUse Your Life Insurance to Help You’ve worked hard your whole life to create a legacy you are proud of. But your legacy doesn’t have to stop when you pass on. There are ways for your legacy to live on...

Save the Date! The Return of an In-Person Back To School Night! Please Join Us On October 7, 2021 to Celebrate Egan, Berger & Weiner's Back to School Night! Back To School Night Cocktails, Food, Education & Fun THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7,...

How Can Grandparents Help Fund Education Costs for Their Grandchildren? The 529 Plan Explained We’re often asked how grandparents can help fund education costs for their grandchildren. We all know that education costs are rising...

Turning 65 means you’re now eligible to receive Medicare benefits. But sorting through the Medicare alphabet can be challenging. How do you get started and what do you need to know before you enroll? The first step is to visit...

Feel like your finances have more control over you than you have over them? Or like you're in a financial hole and just keep sinking? There are ways to take back control of your spending and regain control of your finances.Explore...

Your next loan could have more favorable terms. In a world that's moving away from cash and becoming more dependent on credit, you've likely heard financial institutions talk about the importance of credit scores. Whether it was in...

Americans are living longer than ever and that, of course, means they need more and more retirement savings. According to the CDC, we’re living to age 78.6 on average.1 That’s a lot of candles on the cake.Using...

Keep Growing After Your Career is Over Reap the benefits of learning. You worked hard in your career. You put in the necessary years to get your job done and felt fulfilled in doing so. And now you’re retired and are interested...

1. Tax-Free WithdrawalsMoney that goes into a Roth IRA is after-tax dollars. Because you've already paid taxes on that money, once it is withdrawn, it comes out tax-free. There are some restrictions on those withdrawals if you want to...

Try these 5 strategies to gain financial health. Being financially healthy looks different for everyone and every life stage. But what almost everyone can agree on are the benefits of creating positive habits to improve the health of...

A simple explanation of how your Social Security benefits are calculated How Much Will I Get From Social Security?Social Security benefits are based on your lifetime earnings. Earnings are reported to Social Security through a W-2...

At its June meeting, the Federal Reserve confirmed what many of us have suspected for some time: prices are rising. In fact, prices are climbing faster than many expected. In response, the Fed raised its inflation expectation to 3.4%,...

Over Memorial Day weekend, gasoline prices hit the highest for this holiday weekend since 2014.1With the Colonial Pipeline outage in the rear-view mirror and an ever-increasing number of adults vaccinated, formerly cooped-up motorists...

As I searched my mind for a topic for this article I happened to be listening to the radio and then VOILA it comes to me. As this older millennial was streaming songs from The Weekend & Ariana Grande (ok, you maybe it was an episode of...

You may have noticed that the interest rates have begun to rise as the world begins a return to normal following more than a year long battle with Covid-19. Much of the rise has occurred in the last three months since the Biden...

JOIN US IN THE FIGHT AGAINST ALZHEIMER'S! Bryan Beatty is hosting his Eighth Annual Charity Golf Tournament event to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. This event will be hosted at Reston National Golf Course on Friday,...

Longstanding retirement account rules underwent several substantial updates with the 2019 Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act. One of the major changes was the replacement of the “Stretch”...

With all the refinance advertisements and offers in the marketplace today, you may be wondering if refinancing your mortgage is the right decision. There are several benefits to a refinance, but the positives should be carefully...

I will start this article with an issue that more and more of my life-experienced clients are pondering (life-experienced sounds way better than older as this older millennial {age 55 is a millennial right?} is finding out): What do I...

The Disparity Between Growth and Value 2020 is a historic year for many reasons: The worst pandemic since the late 1960’s (Hong Kong Flu[1]); the fastest development of a vaccine to combat the Coronavirus; the fastest 30 percent...

Developing a Successful Debt Repayment Strategy Many Americans struggle with paying down their high interest debt, from student loans to personal loans and credit cards. Everyone seems to have different advice when it comes to the best...

How to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft Identity theft and data breaches are becoming much more common and affect millions of people. The recent data breach of Capital One servers in March exposed the personal information of about...

As a financial advisor, I am often asked the question “Should I be making Roth contributions?” and “What is the difference between a Roth IRA and Traditional IRA?” Most people have heard of Roth IRAs and many of...

It’s the New Year and we all have our resolutions. Many of you plan on losing weight, getting into better shape and some of you plan on improving your financial situation. Financial planners are often asked, what is one thing I should

In everyday life, you seek to live in a way that adheres to your own personal and social values, so why shouldn’t your investment strategy follow the same rules? The rise of sustainable investing is offering more choices for...

It’s getting to be that time of year again. No not the holidays. It is tax season right around the corner. Congress has been unable to get reform passed so far this year and though it may still happen it will not be retroactive...

2020 may go down as the year of the jigsaw puzzle. I hadn’t done a jigsaw puzzle in years and then comes COVID! All of a sudden, I have rediscovered my love of doing jigsaw puzzles and lucky for me, I do because who knew that...

The 59th quadrennial presidential election coming up November 3rd, 2020, has many pondering how the outcome may affect their investments. When it comes to the stock market, unless you have a crystal ball, trying to speculate the market...

Markets Don’t Care Whether You Like Who Is President 2020 Election Commentary By Howard Pressman, CFP® As summer winds down and we head into fall, one would be forgiven for being a bit apprehensive. I mean, what else does...

The SECURE Act which became law on December 20, 2019 eliminated a popular estate planning technique for many individuals. The new law enjoyed a rarity in Washington, bi-partisan support and was passed without much haggling (in DC there...

As we find ourselves in the middle of the Coronavirus/Covid-19 shutdown, people are feeling an urgency to do estate planning. During times of crisis people allow themselves to see possible realities they could not see otherwise. What...

Uncertainty is scary. And today we are certainly living in uncertain times. It’s understandable that watching markets and account values decline with no known end is causing considerable pain. You worked hard for your nest egg...

For a short time while growing up, my family owned a boat. As often happens in small boats, the waves and wakes from larger vessels cause the boat to rock up and down, sometimes quite violently. On one particularly bad occasion a storm...

The Fear of Pandemic It will likely be a few more weeks before we have a clearer understanding of the full economic impact from the corona virus. There will be a reduction in the earnings per share forecasts and it will be widely...

Valuations Are Slightly Elevated The current economic expansion is in its 11th year and doesn’t appear to be ending just yet. Inflation remains sanguine and there does not appear to be any asset bubbles. The FED reversed course...

By January 2019, many so-called experts had already written the economic expansion’s epitaph. Even those who hadn’t gone so far as to predict its demise had clearly written off 2019. Some had solid reasoning for doing so...

As Will Rogers said, “A vision, without a plan, is just a hallucination.” In other words, goals are important to establish and necessary to spell out in detail in order to reach them or they will remain an illusion. Goal...

Your credit score can be a very impactful number. It directly influences the lending rate a bank may offer to you. To many, their credit score remains a bit of a mystery and it can be frustrating if its just not quite high enough to...

“There are two ways not to suffer from poverty. The first is to acquire more wealth. The second is to limit your requirements. The first is not always within our power, but the second is always in our power.” – Leo...

Turning 65 might seem like another birthday, but it is arguably the most important date In Medicare. For most of us, our 65th birthday is the first time you can apply for Medicare benefits and avoid penalties, delays in benefits and...

EBW Pre-Medicare Checklist You are on the verge of turning 65 and are worried about all the aspects of enrolling in Medicare. Don’t worry, the financial advisors at Egan, Berger & Weiner have you covered. Courtesy of John Norce,...

EBW Checklist for Your Child/Grandchild Going to College So, you are on the verge of retirement: congratulations! You’ve worked hard, saved, sacrificed, and now are prepared to finally retire and move on to the next chapter of...

EBW Checklist for Your Child/Grandchild Going to College Congratulations on your recent graduation from high school or to the family member who just finished their K-12 journey and will now be getting ready for their first year at...

Policy Uncertainty Grows As has become the norm unfortunately the Trump administration is not predictable when measured against recent history in it’s approach on many issue be they foreign or domestic. This has caused a...

One of the hardest decisions a young person can make is deciding what career path to take. For some, it seems very easy. This lucky group has known exactly what occupation they wanted to pursue since they were nine years old....

For more than a century, the U.S. stock market has endured wars, recessions, assassinations, bubbles, and busts.[1] History shows staying invested through periods of volatility has rewarded long-term investors. [2] Yet behavioral...

This coming September, Egan Berger & Weiner partner Bryan Beatty will host his 8th Annual Golf Tournament benefiting the Alzheimer's Association. During the time he's hosted the event, Beatty has helped raise more than $25,000 for the...

According to a recent Transamerica Retirement Survey of Workers we have a wobbly retirement stool and that unstable stool is illustrated by widespread unsettledness among workers: 61% of workers have not fully recovered from

Aging can be a challenging process. There are many decisions to be made: where will you live? how will you make use of your time? how will you pay for all this? As the process of aging continues, the concerns may shift towards health...

I am sure you have heard of the adage pay yourself first. No, well you should. Especially if you would like to lower your student loan payments. Did you know that you could lower your monthly payments on your student loans by saving...

Recently my wife and I were blessed with our first child. A happy, healthy boy named Tommy. Even before he was born, I began to worry about the burgeoning costs for college, and what this might mean for his opportunities in life. My...

This is not what I thought I would be writing this year. I mean, 2018 wasn’t supposed to be this way – all the experts said so. I was gathering balloons and confetti, preparing to celebrate another strong year. We were...

Summary View ▪ Strong U.S. economic fundamentals include jobs, confidence, corporate profits, and stable inflation. ▪ Consumers, businesses, and the government all contributing to driving domestic growth. ▪ Fiscal policy giving a boost...

​Whether you’re watching the nightly news or browsing online, it’s hard to escape the popular topic about baby boomers and America’s shifting demographics.The nation’s aging population — specifically peop

Deciding when to retire may not be one decision but a series of decisions and calculations. For example, you’ll need to estimate not only your anticipated expenses, but also what sources of retirement income you’ll have and how

Ah, the joys of aging.From having to ask my kids for help with the computer to needing help to get up off the driveway after I fall (none too gracefully) while playing basketball—at 50, life is an adventure.Still, I cannot think of an

Millions of individuals marry every year where they promise to "love, honor and cherish each other for better or worse, for richer or poorer…till death us do part." Yet, one of the top challenges marriages face are financ

Back to School Sale! How to help your kids develop a healthy relationship with money By Howard R. Pressman, CFP® “Back to School Sale!” I still recall how those four soul-crushing words would send shivers up my spine....

Are you thinking about moving to another state? What personal finance considerations should you consider? Be sure you’ve given thought to:What’s the best way to handle switching bank accounts?When should one roll over a 401k?How

It is never too early or too late to start creating your financial plan. As Mark Twain said “The secret to getting ahead is getting started.” By creating your retirement plan you can take control of designing your fu

Many of our clients will end up relocating in retirement. Some of them will move locally and others will leave the state.There are many important factors to consider before making a move.Below are do’s and don’ts to help you dec

American women face a complex challenge when it comes to securing retirement income that will last a lifetime.The reason often has to do with life spans increasing and women outliving the men in their lives.As I explained in my article

Money problems are cited as one of the top reasons why couples get a divorce. As I wrote in my earlier blog, cultivating a solid financial relationship with a loved one is essential in living out the “for richer or poorer” part of the vows.

I have been a financial advisor/planner for over 27 years and I have posed and heard that question many times myself. Financial planners have more experience and knowledge about investing money and ensuring that money you saved will last yo

No matter where you turn these days, you can’t escape the debate between those who believe there is inflation, and those who claim there isn’t. So which is it? That depends on whom you talk to, and how they define inflation.Watc

I recently came across a Washington Post story which followed the lives of several former McDonnell Douglas employees who did not receive the pensions they were promised. After working at the company for an average of 20 years, these...

No matter what generation of workforce you’re in - Baby Boomer, Gen-Xers or Millennials - when it comes to retirement all three want to ensure they will not run out of money before they run out of life! However, each generation...

According to the College Board, the average annual cost of attending a four-year college in 2020 will be $46,368 — a 38 percent increase compared to today’s fees.So how does an American family successfully address the challenges

For the last few years the term fiduciary has been flying around the investment community and in the financial press. I am sure you have heard it mentioned on some level or to some degree. But, I don’t know if you truly know what it m

A 401(k) plan is a great way to save for retirement, but sometimes, despite our best planning efforts life happens and you need access to your money. 401(k) plans are retirement savings vehicles and by design, you are discouraged from using

As the month of May concludes, it also marks the close of Disability Awareness month. Yes, I am aware that 99.99% of you had no idea that May was a Disability Income Insurance Awareness month and that only insurance geeks like me did. Howev

Have you recently changed jobs or retired from your current employer? You may be wondering what you should do with your old employer retirement plan. Former employees typically have four options for their old 401(K) or other employer r

I am sad. As my two favorite F seasons both recently came to a conclusion. The NFL concluded its season in spectacular fashion with the NFL’s version of the “Evil Empire” winning yet another Super Bowl ring and Misters Bra

My parents grew up in the generation where a great deal of mothers stayed home and raised the children and managed the household. My father worked for 45 years as a letter carrier and odd jobs for extra money along the way. It worked. They

Many people of my age or older, will instantly associate that famous line of Who’s On First with the comedy routine of Abbott and Costello. Abbott intentionally confuses and ultimately, infuriates poor Costello throughout the en

This is not what I expected to be writing about for this blog post. I had an entire piece written about the effects of declining cognition on financial decision-making, an important topic I hope to share more about in a future. But for toda

As most of you already know, after 30 years in the financial planning profession, I have decided to retire. I was a bit worried to find out if the saying “Doctors make the worst patients” would apply to me, now that I hav

If you are planning to start a family, or have already started, you may be wondering how you can afford such a life changing endeavor. Sure there is plenty to do with setting up the nursery, determining what accessories you need, taking chi

Have your records been breached? If so, that panic you feel should lead to you take action.Here’s what to do:1. Monitor Your Credit. It is essential to check for new accounts that have been opened, and to see if any charges have

Many people living in the DC area plan to retire elsewhere in the country.Most folks weren’t born here (a true native such as myself is as rare a sighting as Bigfoot), and people often relocate here for their careers but don’t h