Making a Charitable Impact

two kids drawing a picture that says you can help support charitable organizations

As you can tell by looking at our bios, we at Platt WM like to get involved in charitable organizations! There are a number of ways to have an impact with your giving. Impact of Tax Cuts & Jobs Act (TCJA) on charitable giving Previously, individuals who donated to charity were able to take tax […]

Will the Stock Market Survive the Coronavirus?

investor wearing mask with dropping stock market in background.

Rising fears over the continued spread of the coronavirus have led to a sharp stock market decline as investors grapple with its impact on the global economy. On Monday, March 9, in reaction to news of the virus spread and the recent oil shock, Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Index fell 7.6%, triggering a 15-minute […]

How to Find Credible Financial Information Online

fingers typing on keyboard looking for credible information online.

Many clients enjoy looking up news and information about personal finance online, even when they have a financial advisor. Educating yourself is great! However, not all sites are equal. Some have false information, and others are simply designed to sell you something. They’re not always obvious. How do you know which sites on finance are […]

How Women Can Overcome Financial Obstacles in the Workplace

a business woman faces a staircase of cartoon financial obstacles.

Women experience unique financial obstacles and need custom solutions. This is the third article in a series on Women Investors.   You’re probably familiar with the studies showing the gender pay gap, that women are paid 10 to 20% less than men for the same jobs. Books like Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg and the […]

What Your Daughter Needs to Know About Personal Finance

mother teaching her daughter finance with a laptop

Despite our best efforts, people still think of finance as being the man’s domain. The truth is that everyone needs to understand personal finance, so they can manage their money the right way. Even those who choose a wealth manager or financial planner to handle their investments still need to know the basics. We all […]

How to Build An Ideal Retirement Plan

a couple traveling on a bright day with good retirement plan map

Retirement is arguably the largest saving goal you’ll have in your life. While saving for your golden years may not always seem like a top priority, it can creep up on you — fast. Retirement planning requires a strong strategy to support the goals and dreams you have for your future. Your retirement plan will […]

The Importance of Comprehensive Financial Planning

Contrary to what you may have been told in the past, financial planning is so much more than simply crunching numbers and filing taxes to the IRS. A comprehensive plan can uncover wealth, reveal new opportunities and show possible pitfalls. Financial planning is a diverse field — aimed to help you use your money to […]

Should You Get A Second Opinion From a CFP?

CFP working with clients on their financial plan

In almost every industry and nearly every aspect of life, it is common to seek out second opinions. They help you decide if you are getting the best value for the services that you are paying for. Second opinions are especially helpful when making important, life-changing decisions. You would get a second opinion regarding medical […]

3 Ways A Financial Advisor Can Transform Your Business

A business financial advisor paints in the framework for good financial decisions.

A business financial advisor can help you avoid costly mistakes and maximize your business returns. How can a business financial advisor do this? Business professionals live busy (occasionally hectic) lives consisting of hundreds of meetings, client requests, sales goals, and a list of services to uphold. With other tasks taking precedent, it’s easy to add […]

Why Both Spouses Should Attend the Financial Planning Meetings

money and wedding rings show how important it is for spouses to attend financial planning meetings together.

Financial planning meetings are opportunities for both spouses to ask questions and confirm their financial plan.   During a marriage, many of the household tasks are divided. Finances tend to be one of these tasks. One person takes care of them, and the other pays little to no attention to it. In some cases, one […]