Phone » 937.548.2210
Toll Free » 888.548.2210
The FAS blog is a place for us to share timely and relevant information that helps others understand and prepare for their everyday and long-term financial decisions. Over time, we'll touch on a number of financial topics including retirement readiness, frugal living, protecting your family and future, and many others thoughts that help you and yours in Navigating Life's Experiences℠.
WHAT’S ON YOUR BUCKET LIST? It’s one of our favorite questions to ask our clients. This month we are featuring Betty Cabaniss’ answer. Betty retired in April from Reid Hospital after 37 years as a nurse. Just a few...
Read More
If you are single and rent, you maybe adequately covered by the death benefit that comes from your employer. However, when you get married and start having children, you should revisit your life insurance needs, as you will have...
Read More
If your employer doesn’t provide disability insurance, it is coverage you should consider purchasing on your own. Disability insurance will replace a portion of your income in the event that you lose your ability to work for a...
Read More
If you currently rent an apartment you may think insurance is unnecessary, but we highly recommend you consider it. Your landlord’s policy may cover the building, but it’s very unlikely that it covers your belongings if...
Read More
Happy Anniversary to us! This month marks a milestone in our history. The FAS team has been serving our clients for 40 years. Since 1977, we’ve stood side-by-side with all of you, providing guidance through your financial...
Read More
No one likes to pay insurance premiums, however there are insurances you want to be sure you have secured for your protection and the protection of your family should something untoward occur. Health insurance is important, even if you...
Read More
Thursday, July 6, 2017
Our July posts will round out our coverage on the topics faced by those ages 18 to 30. This chapter of life can be a tad overwhelming. One can go from being a dependent of your parents to being a parent with dependents in just a few...
Read More
As soon as a person reaches age 18, you are considered an adult by law, and are in need of certain estate documents to protect any assets you have acquired as well as your health care wishes should you become unable to verbalize them...
Read More
Many young people think “retirement age” is so far in the future, they shouldn’t worry about saving now… after all, there is plenty of time, right? What they don’t always see is the value that compound...
Read More
It is a new world today as it relates to real estate. Although rental rates continue to increase across the country, renting might actually be a better choice if you are not planning to stay in your home for at least 5 years. When...
Read More
Unfortunately, identity theft has become a genuine threat to everyone’s financial security today. Protect your sensitive personal information by shredding your paper documents with us free of charge here at the FAS office on...
Read More
One of the biggest roadblocks to accumulating wealth we see in our practice today is the need to purchase a shiny new vehicle. The costs of vehicles have far outpaced wages. So what do we recommend, especially for those just starting...
Read More
Our very own Nick Burns has participated in the Young’s Ice Cream Charity Bike Tour for several years now. It has become a family affair with his father and brother joining in on the action. This year’s ride will take place...
Read More
Unfortunately, identity theft has become a genuine threat to everyone’s financial security today. Protect your sensitive personal information by shredding your paper documents with us free of charge here at the FAS office on...
Read More
If you do use a credit card, consider one of many types of “Reward Cards” that are available now. Some companies offer from 1% to 3% cash back rewards on purchases, which is a good choice for putting some money back in your...
Read More
Love them or hate them, credit cards are a part of everyone’s life today. One of the most important principals about credit card use a young person should remember is to never charge for a purchase that you can’t pay...
Read More
Some young people feel that saving is difficult but in reality, it is very simple if you make just a few very small changes in your monthly budget. Let’s take your morning coffee for example. If you take the $5 you might be...
Read More
While you’re beginning your reserve savings plan, identify other financial goals as well, with specific dollar amounts set along with a timeline to reach the goal. For example, you can identify a certain dollar amount for a down...
Read More
One of the very first financial goals a young person should set is to begin building reserves. Reserves, often referred to as an “Emergency Fund,” will be your safety net or cushion as you embrace your own financial...
Read More
Saturday, May 6, 2017
Getting a good start in life and becoming a financially educated, independent adult has never been more challenging than it is today. At FAS, we are often asked to sit down with our clients’ children or young new clients to give...
Read More
Wishing you all a very Happy New Year from the team at FAS!
Read More
Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas, happiness, health and abundance.
Read More
Many folks may not know that thanks to the gift tax exclusion” it is possible to “gift” a certain portion of your income — up to $14,000 in 20161 — to as many recipients as you can afford without being...
Read More
You’ve spent a lifetime building assets. Estate planning is about protecting those assets, and protecting your spouse, children, or other heirs from inheriting a tax liability in the event of your death. In 2016, a deceased's...
Read More
Charitable trusts can be an important part of any estate plan. Through a charitable trust, an individual can make an irrevocable future gift to a charity and still claim a current income tax deduction for the gift.1 There are two main...
Read More
‘Tis the season for giving. It’s time for us all to spread goodwill to our friends and family, and consider those who might be less fortunate in the world. Giving back could be one of the most rewarding things you can do....
Read More
Thursday, December 1, 2016
2016 has been an interesting year at FAS to say the least. As a company, we have navigated many changes and have enjoyed amazing growth. Our team is stronger than ever, and we are so honored to have served you all this year. On behalf...
Read More
The FAS offices will be closed Thursday, November 24th and Friday, November 25th as we gather around the table with our families in gratitude and celebration. On behalf of the entire FAS team, we wish you and your families a safe and...
Read MoreIf you’ve planned well, your 60s should begin the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Now you may be able to indulge in hobbies or travel, enjoy your family and prepare for transferring your wealth. Some might be considering...
Read MoreBy the time you reach your mid 40s, your financial priorities will depend upon how well you’ve planned in the past. Those who have established strong savings and investment plans may be focused on ensuring their assets are still...
Read MoreBy the time you reach your 30s and 40s, your financial focus will most likely turn to growth. Most spend their day-to-day growing their careers, working towards achieving a comfortable lifestyle and managing their long-term goals for...
Read MoreMost young people just joining the work force are so happy to be getting their first paychecks that they don’t consider their financial “big picture.” If you take time to create a sound financial plan now that...
Read More
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Can you imagine what it would be like to go back in time and begin your life again at age 20… but this time with a roadmap to your financial future? You’d be able to walk forward with a strategy for creating success and...
Read More
Most people who have a financial plan have considered retirement. Fewer have considered what might happen after their retirement years. Some have parents who have reached that point in their lives and aren’t sure which direction...
Read More
According to CNN Money (August 2016), a couple retiring this year will need $260,000 to cover health care costs in retirement. “This estimate applies to those with traditional Medicare insurance coverage and considers premiums,...
Read More
Are you a parent? Planning to become a parent? Even if the thought is “someday” in the future, considering how your kids fit into your financial future now is smart planning. By thinking ahead and budgeting strategically,...
Read More
As smart planners, we all think about the future. We like to see our “days ahead” as sunny and full of promise and prosperity. There is another side to successful planning however: Considering the “what ifs.” It...
Read More
Monday, October 3, 2016
Many folks see financial planners as those who will guide them toward successful and happy retirement years. That is the ultimate goal for many, but the truth is that a sound financial plan encompasses every phase of life. Every day,...
Read More
Despite the uncertainty, there are some general thoughts circulating throughout the industry about what might take place as the election race continues and a new President takes office. Forecasts are predicting a general market...
Read More
The only element of the Presidential election process that does seem to show a strong historical trend is performance within the 4-year election cycle itself. In the past, markets tend to perform the worst during the first year of an...
Read More
Some believe that markets tend to perform better under a divided government: The situation that occurs when one political party controls the Presidency and the other party maintains a significant majority in at least one chamber of the...
Read More
November is right around the corner, and investor attention is turned toward the upcoming U.S. election. How will the election results affect market performance in the next 4 years? It’s difficult to predict. Many have tried over...
Read More
In November, we’ll be electing a new President of the United States. It’s been an interesting primary season to say the least, with many speculations about how the election may or may not affect the economy and the state of...
Read More
The cost of health care today is something that simply cannot be ignored when making plans for your retirement. Health care will likely be one of your biggest household expenses during your golden years. The real costs of health care...
Read More
Legend has it that a reporter once asked Albert Einstein, a man long considered to be one of the smartest in the world, what he thought man’s greatest invention might be. His response: “Compound interest.” No one...
Read More
What does your retirement nest egg hold? Smart planners put their eggs in more than one nest. Creating a well-diversified plan is a major key to ensuring your golden years are comfortable and free of unnecessary financial burdens. So...
Read More
We all love our jobs. Our work brings us fulfillment and sustenance and takes care of the needs of our families every day. But we’d venture to guess that just about everyone is quietly looking forward to the day when the work...
Read More
Monday, August 1, 2016
Do you know what your income will be during your retirement years? To live well in retirement, a strong plan is a necessity. In the past, we may have been able to rely solely upon Social Security or company pension plans, but times...
Read More
FAS Supports Darke County Center for the Arts “Barbeque and Blues” Fundraiser FAS was proud to be one of the supporters of the 2016 “Barbecue and Blues” concert; the yearly fundraising event that kicks off the...
Read More
The current strength of the U.S. dollar has had a direct effect on the recent price of commodities. As explained by Chuck Kowalski, Commodities Expert for about.com, “commodities typically follow an inverse relationship with the...
Read More
While the dollar's rapid rally might be great for the American traveler (low travel prices in vacation-worthy locations), it has also caused a great deal of pain for many foreign countries and businesses that operate abroad. Countries...
Read More
Matt Krantz wrote in a February 2016 article in USA Today, “Investors might be tempted to make bold moves to double-down on the dollar's strength. But currency and stock experts caution individual investors from trying to time...
Read More
Over the last few years, we’ve watched the U.S. Dollar surge in value by nearly 20 percent, and further gains have been predicted. Economists around the world have been keeping a close eye on this issue, and for good reason. In...
Read More
Join us in welcoming Peggy Foutz to the FAS team. Peggy’s role will be within our talented Administrative group, helping provide guidance and account services to our clients. Peggy brings over 27 years of experience in the...
Read More
The strength of the U.S. dollar has increased dramatically over the past few years. In fact, in 2015, the dollar enjoyed its fastest rise in nearly 40 years. In June of this year, we began to see a slight decline in the dollar’s...
Read More
Financial Achievement Services (FAS), is once again offering Darke County residents the opportunity to have their paper records shredded and recycled on Saturday, July 9th during their annual Document Shred Day. “Shredding...
Read More
Spring is a great time to make a check in with your Life Insurance agent and assess your past and future needs. Tip: Final Cost. Paying for a funeral can be a financial burden on a family. Make sure your estate management will provide...
Read More
With thoughts on spring growth, this is the perfect time to do a first-quarter check on your current investment performance. Are you investing for value? Or investing for growth? VALUE VS. GROWTH INVESTING Looking at their recent track...
Read More
If you live in or have visited a big city, you’ve probably run into street vendors—people who sell everything from hot dogs to umbrellas in carts on the streets and sidewalks. Many of these entrepreneurs sell completely...
Read More
We’re nearing the end of the first quarter. It’s the perfect time to look back at the plan you’ve made for yourself as well as your monthly budget. Do a quick check to make sure you’re staying on track. If not,...
Read More
Have a child who is college bound? Spring is the perfect time to do a financial check regarding your savings for their college education. It doesn’t take a Rhodes scholar to know that college is expensive. Not only can the...
Read More
Join us in welcoming Carol Muhlenkamp to the FAS team. Carol’s role will be within our talented Administrative group, helping provide guidance and dedicated ongoing service to our clients. She will also assist our financial...
Read More
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Spring is on its way. Soon we’ll see the first indication of new growth for the year. The buds will begin to open on the trees, and seeds that were sewn last year will begin to push through their safe harbor underground to take...
Read More
April 15th the Federal Tax deadline, but it is also the deadline for potential tax savings. Making contributions to Individual Retirement Account, or IRA, can directly reduce your tax liability for the previous year. As you know, many...
Read More
There is a long list of life-changing events that will require your extra attention when it comes time to filing your taxes. Each change brings on a new challenge, and they can affect men as much as women. When it comes to divorce,...
Read More
Another way to plan for the upcoming tax year is to establish a Health Savings Account (HSA) or enroll in an employer sponsored Flexible Spending Account (FSA). As defined by Healthcare.gov, “A Flexible Spending Account (also...
Read More
As Mr. Franklin famously said, “...but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” He was unfortunately correct, but there are ways of reducing the burden. There are many who do not realize the...
Read More
We may be only one month into the New Year, but if you haven’t gathered your financial information for tax day yet, you may already be behind the curve. Now is the time to get organized for April 15th to avoid frustration in the...
Read More
Jolene Holzapple has been a part of the FAS team since 2006. In her role as an Administrative Specialist, Jolene handles database management within the company and assists FAS with preparing essential Client information. A resident of...
Read More