Jeran Van Alfen, CFP®
Should I Use 401(k) Money to Invest in Crypto?
Cryptocurrencies have continued to gain momentum lately, with recent regulatory approvals of bitcoin ETFs. These rulings broaden access...
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Jeran Van Alfen, CFP®
Feb 17
The Pros and Cons of taking a 401(k) Loan
It can be tempting to borrow from your 401(k). Especially if you have a long time before retirement and you need some extra cash to...
Jeran Van Alfen, CFP®
Nov 1, 2023
Why Your 401(K) Has a Default Investment Option and How It Helps You
A common question that I get from 401(k) participants is, “Why is my money automatically invested in this fund?” The follow up question...
Jeran Van Alfen, CFP®
Oct 8, 2022
Are Annuities a Bad Deal?
Annuities get a bad rap and for some there are very good reasons this is so. However, annuities do serve a purpose.
Jeran Van Alfen, CFP®
Sep 3, 2022
How to Make Retirement Decisions in a Down Market
Retirement is one of the most important financial milestones that we invest for. Over the years, we do the best we can to accumulate a...
Jeran Van Alfen, CFP®
Aug 24, 2022
Four Options For Your 401(k) When You Leave Your Job
When you leave a job, it is common for life to shift into a different gear. Sometimes, it feels like GO time and you are running at full...
Jeran Van Alfen, CFP®
Jun 10, 2022
Tax-Free Savings: The Backdoor Roth and the Mega-Backdoor Roth
The Roth IRA is a great retirement savings tool. It allows you to save your money for retirement without paying taxes on the investment...
Jeran Van Alfen, CFP®
Mar 5, 2022
2022 Social Security Numbers to Know
Are you planning on Social Security soon? Here are some important things to know: First of all, it is essential to know your full...
Jeran Van Alfen, CFP®
Dec 2, 2021
3 Steps to Prepare for Market Volatility in Retirement
As you approach your retirement years, a downturn in the market may have a more dramatic impact on your decisions than when you were a...
Jeran Van Alfen, CFP®
Oct 23, 2021
Financial Planning Strategy to Know – Backdoor Roth
The Roth IRA is a valuable planning tool. It allows for tax-free withdrawals of accumulated gains in retirement. Recently, some Roth...
Jeran Van Alfen, CFP®
Oct 9, 2021
Will Social Security Be There For Me?
Many of us know that the Social Security program has been under pressure for years. In 2020, The Covid Pandemic created a further...
Jeran Van Alfen, CFP®
May 7, 2021
RMDs: What to Know this Year and in the Future
After the Cares Act gave us a break from required minimum distributions (RMDs) in 2020, the normal rules are restored for 2021. We once...
Jeran Van Alfen, CFP®
Mar 5, 2021
How to Use Retirement Savings for a Tax Deduction
Saving money for retirement is important for your future, but it may also help put more money in your pocket right now.
Jeran Van Alfen, CFP®
Oct 15, 2020
How to Avoid a Spike in Medicare Premiums
The state of our healthcare system continues to be a stress on retirement budgets, and it is important to plan ahead
Jeran Van Alfen, CFP®
Oct 4, 2020
Will Rising Taxes Affect You?
In this post, we will discuss how the current tax situation may change and how to take control of your future tax situation.
Jeran Van Alfen, CFP®
Aug 16, 2020
Planning on Social Security?
For most people who are retiring soon, the Social Security program is a key component of their plan for financial independence.
Jeran Van Alfen, CFP®
Aug 2, 2020
Considerations for Adjusting Retirement Spending
For those in retirement, it is always helpful to be prepared for scenarios that can affect an income strategy.
Jeran Van Alfen, CFP®
May 30, 2020
5 Questions Your Financial Plan Should Answer About Health Care
In this post, we will discuss 5 health care questions that you need answered before you retire.
Jeran Van Alfen, CFP®
May 15, 2020
What to know before taking a 401(k) Withdrawal (Updated with CARES Act Provisions)
Before you withdraw your retirement money, it is important to understand what options you have and to plan ahead
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