Retiring Soon? Do You Have all Your Questions Answered?

Written by on November 4, 2011 in broken arrow, Certified Financial Planner, CFP, fee based, fee only, Fee Only Financial Planner, Financial Planning, Investing, Retirement Planning, Tax Planning, Tulsa - No Comments

If you are looking at retiring soon, do you have the answers to the questions to adequately prepare for this time in your life?  I have listed below and also included in the video typical questions I help clients answer.  If you have these questions, you may want to consider seeking out a financial planning professional.

  • Will I outlive my retirement savings?
  • What will I spend my time in retirement doing?
  • Will social security be available to me?
  • Should my annuity really be inside of an IRA account?
  • How much money do I really need to retire?
  • I want to retire early.  How much should I be saving now?
  • I am a teacher.  What pension payout option should I select?
  • What will be my cost of living in retirement?

What Should You Expect from Step By Step Tax and Financial Planning

Written by on November 3, 2011 in Certified Financial Planner, Enrolled Agent, fee based, fee only, Fee Only Financial Planner, financial advisor, financial planner, Investing, Retirement Planning, Tax Planning - No Comments

SBS_What_to_Expect (Click here to listen to short audio version of this blog.)

What should you expect if you engage Step By Step Tax and Financial Planning for holistic tax and financial planning services?

1.  Straight Talk

2.  Easy Access

3.  Value for Your Money

4.  All-Inclusive Approach

5.  Adaptive & Ongoing Service


Looking for a Planner? Want to know who we serve best?

Written by on November 2, 2011 in broken arrow, Enrolled Agent, fee based, fee only, financial planner, Investing, Oklahoma, Retirement Planning, Tax Planning - No Comments

I often get asked who would be a good fit for the services we offer here at Step By Step Tax and Financial Planning.  Well just watch this short 2-minute video and you will find out.

Five Factors that Influence Your Investment Decisions

Written by on August 10, 2011 in broken arrow, Certified Financial Planner, CFP, Enrolled Agent, fee based, fee only, Fee Only Financial Planner, financial adviser, financial advisor, Financial Education, financial planner, Investing, Oklahoma, Retirement Planning, Tax Planning, Tulsa - 1 Comment

When you are making an investment decision, it is important to remember these five factors and the how they effect your decision-making process.  These variables include:

1.  Time Horizon

2.  Risk Capacity

3.  Expected Return

4.  Asset Class Preference

5.  Tax Status

Emotional Decision Making Often Leads to Poor Outcomes

Written by on August 8, 2011 in Economics, Investing - No Comments

Below is a blog entry I wrote on May 6th, 2010. If you do not remember, this was the day of the infamous “flash crash.” As I was thinking about what to send out this evening in preparation for what could be a very volatile (prices go up and prices go down) period in the market, I found this article said it all. I encourage you to not panic and to make decisions based off of emotions. If you have a long-term plan in place, there is the high likelihood you do not need to do anything different than what you are doing now. If you do not have a long-term in place, you may want to consult with a professional to help put a thought-out and objective plan together. As you read the article below, please remember how you reach financial security. You do not reach it overnight but rather by taking “one step at a time!”

By: Kevin F Jacobs
Written: May 6th, 2010

Today was an unprecedented day in the stock market. At one point the Dow Jones was down nearly 1,000 points (I can’t believe I am even writing that number).

I want to stress that the best thing to do is to remain focused on the things you can control, i.e. your savings rate, your asset allocation, your debt-to-income ratio, etc. You can not do anything about what the market does day to day, but you can do something about those things mentioned above. You are going to hear many “talking” heads on the radio and TV give various explanations for why things happened the way they did. However, the real question is how these events are going to affect you and the ones you love. We have a tendency to get lost in the stress of everyday life and we forget to make note of the blessings we have each day.

I am not telling you to be oblivious to what is going on in the world but that you need to work on the things you can do something about and let everything else take care of itself. It is important you do not overreact to short-term market events. During times like these it is important to remember the basics regarding your financial life:

1.Live on less then you make
2.Have $0 consumer debt
3.Don’t buy more house then you can afford
4.Pay as little in taxes as you are allowed
5.Have proper cash and emergency reserves
6.Save for the short-term and invest for the long-term
7.Spend time with your family and those you love instead of watching the latest stock market charts.
As for the rest of it, take a deep breath and remember to control the things you can and let go of those things that are outside of your power.

Looking for a financial planner? Consider a Fee-Only Adviser

Written by on July 25, 2011 in fee based, fee only, Financial Planning, Investing - No Comments

Are you looking to work with a financial planner? Are you confused of who you should contact? Do you know how the adviser you are meeting with is getting paid? Do you want someone who is working for your best interest? Consider the benefits of working with a fee-only adviser who is held to a fiduciary standard. Check out the video above for more details.

Five Fundamentals of Fiscal Fitness

Written by on July 21, 2011 in fee based, fee only, Financial Planning, Home Buying, Investing, Oklahoma, Tax Planning, Tulsa - 1 Comment

Are you looking for a way to heat up your financial plan? Check out the fundamentals of fiscal fitness below.
1. Save 10% of gross income
2. Have proper cash and emergency reserves
3. Buy house you can actually afford (usually 2-2 1/2 times gross income)
4. Fully fund available retirement plans
-Take advantage of the “guaranteed” tax savings the government wants to give to you.
5. $0 Consumer and Credit Debt

“Hitting it Big Time” Success of Zanybandz

Written by on February 22, 2011 in broken arrow, Broken Arrow Business Conference, Oklahoma, Tulsa - No Comments

On March 3rd at the “Finishing the Race” Business Conference at NSU/BA Lori Montag and Jim Howard will share their success story of their newest business Big Time Brands, located in Broken Arrow,  which provides the world famous ZanyBandz. 

Those colorful silicone wristbands that have taken over preschools, Kindergartens and elementary schools across America have found their way onto the LPGA Tour. Never heard of Zanybandz? They’re the Beanie Babies of 2010, only easier to find and a lot cheaper to buy. They’re glow-in-the-dark “bracelets” that come in an array of colors and shapes, from animals to sports paraphernalia.

Big Time Brands have placed their silicone bracelet products in over 25,000 stores nationwide.  They have also developed the silicone rubber band bracelets for more than 10 international retail accounts.  They have launched ZandBandz, UndergroundBandz, Splash Watches, and Slap Watch.

Learn how these entrepreneurs came up with this trendy concept from the animal Zanybandz to tie-dye and underground specialty bracelets.  Listen as they talk about market tactics, distribution and staying on the cusp of technology and latest fashions. 

For more information about the “Finishing the Race” Business Conference, other speakers, and the program, go to the website www.babusinessconference.com

Open Letter Regarding BA Business Conference on March 3rd-4th, 2011

Written by on February 16, 2011 in Uncategorized - 3 Comments

We are planning on a great conference and we want you there.  Last year’s conference was well received by all who attended and it was only our first year.  We have learned from our mistakes and improved this year!  We are hosting incredible speakers who will inspire you to grow both personally and professionally.

The planning committee desires nothing other than your success and that is the mission behind this event.  We believe this event serves the membership of the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce and the surrounding communities well.

I can speak from personal experience my tax and financial planning business improved from attending last year’s conference.  The Monday after last year’s conference I set out a game plan to reach a certain level of success in 2010.  On December 15th, 2010, I hit that level and I did not think it was possible until I attend the BA Business Conference last spring.

I encourage you to take a risk and come to this conference.  We want to see you, your business and the local communities succeed in 2011.  Be part of the solution and “finish the race!”

Sincerely,

Kevin Jacobs, CFP®, EA

Owner of Step By Step Tax and Financial Planning, LLC

Chairman-BA Business Conference 2010 and 2011

918-806-6596

Press Release for Broken Arrow Business Conference

Written by on February 14, 2011 in Uncategorized - 1 Comment

For Immediate Release

February 3, 2011

www.babusinessconference.com

 

 

Broken Arrow Area Chamber of Commerce Presents the 2nd Annual Business Conference

Businesses Learn How to Succeed and Finish Strong

BROKEN ARROW, OKLAHOMA – The Broken Arrow Area Chamber of Commerce will host its 2nd annual business conference designed to help business owners beat the odds and improve their chances of succeeding.  The theme for this year’s conference is “Finishing the Race” and will be held on Thursday, March 3rd and Friday, March 4th at the Northeastern State University – Broken Arrow Campus. In addition to the dynamic speakers, attendees can visit local businesses at the Conference Expo and attend the Business After Hours networking reception. 

Speakers at this year’s conference are the following:  Scott Klososky – Former CEO of three successful startup companies who applies his skills to help organizations thrive, Heather Rumley – Founder of ClearWater Performance Group who works with senior level executives to improve their organizational performance, Dr. Brian Epperson – Founder and CEO of Human Performance Advisors who works one-on-one with business leaders to help them navigate critical issues that impact them professionally, Kelly Riggs – Founder and President of Vmax Performance Group, who is a powerful speaker and dynamic trainer in the fields of leadership, sales development, and strategic planning, and Jack Nation – Running coach who has participated in numerous 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, full marathons, Duathlons, and Triathlons. 

Business owners who want to increase their bottom line, need innovative ideas on successful small business practices, are looking for ways to “get out of the box”, and want to be challenged to step their business up to the next level should make plans to attend this information packed conference. 

Registration and additional information about the conference can be found at www.babusinessconference.com or by contacting the Broken Arrow Area Chamber of Commerce at (918) 251-1518.

Contact:  Vanessa Komara (918) 729-2616

                  Brenda Senter (918) 251-1518

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