Blog
The Role of Risk Tolerance In Building Wealth
The Role of Risk Tolerance in Building Your PortfolioFinancial Planning & Investment Planning in Fort CollinsWhen it comes to building a portfolio, one of the most important — and often misunderstood — factors is risk tolerance. While...
Read MoreWealth Management vs. Financial Planning: What's the Difference?
The Difference Between Wealth Management and Financial PlanningWhen people begin searching for a financial advisor in Fort Collins, they often come across two common terms: wealth management and financial planning. While they are...
Read MoreEmergency Funds: How Much Is Enough
Emergency Funds: How Much Is Enough?When it comes to financial planning, few topics are as universally important—or as commonly misunderstood—as emergency funds. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or nearing...
Read MoreFinancial Planning & The Emotions of Money
Money and Its Emotions: How Psychology Influences Our FinancesMoney is often treated as a purely logical subject—numbers in a spreadsheet, rates of return, budgets, and projections. But in reality, money is deeply emotional. Our...
Read MoreWorking With a CFP® Professional
Why Working With a CFP® Professional Matters for Your Financial FutureWhen it comes to planning your financial future, the choices you make today can shape your entire tomorrow. That’s why it’s essential to work with an experienced...
Read MoreShow All
What Does Investing Wisely Mean To You?
What Does Investing Wisely Mean to You? When you hear the phrase “investing wisely,” what comes to mind? For some, it’s chasing the highest returns. For others, it’s about preserving what they’ve worked so hard to build. The truth is,...
Read MoreSuccession Planning in a Family-Owned Business
Business succession is one of the most important times in a business's lifecycle. For experienced guidance on strategy and timing, contact Dunnigan Financial today!
Read More10 Financial Missteps to Avoid During a Divorce
Divorce is one of the most stressful life events. Even the most amicable splits can be complicated and emotionally draining. We likely all know couples who have gone through divorce, and it can be a trying time for everyone involved....
Read MoreEstate Planning Strategies for Digital Assets
Your money isn’t just in banks anymore. It’s in online accounts, trading apps, digital wallets, and payment platforms. These are financial assets—and they matter. But most estate plans leave them out. If something happens to you, will...
Read MoreHow to Combine Finances After Marriage
Merging finances after marriage can be complicated but it is well worth it in the long run. To get expert help and advice and to make the process as simple as possible, contact the financial planners at Dunnigan Financial today!
Read MoreQuestions to Ask about 401(k)
Your 401(k) is growing, but do you actually know if it’s working as hard as it should be? A lot of people set it and forget it, only to realize...
Read MoreUniversal vs. Variable Life Insurance: What to Know
Choosing life insurance is an important but difficult decision, as you are faced with selecting the right plan to protect your family’s future. Universal and variable life insurance might sound like similar stops along the way, but...
Read MoreDINK & SINK: Financial Planning for Childless Households
Life without kids can feel like a financial sweet spot—whether you’re managing a single income or doubling up as a dual-income household. But while terms like DINK (dual income, no kids) and SINK (single income, no kids) might describe...
Read MoreInflation: How Has It Evolved in 2024?
As we roll through 2024, many of us are feeling the pinch in our wallets as we notice those pesky price tags creeping higher. But what’s really going on behind the numbers? Is it a fleeting hiccup in the economy, or are we in for a...
Read MoreHow to Navigate the Future of Interest Rates
It's wise to stay ahead of interest rate fluctuations so that your financial future is secure. Contact Dunnigan Financial to learn more!
Read More6 Tips for Managing Your Investments During Retirement
Retirement is a time to enjoy the fruits of your labor and savor life's new freedoms. But to truly make the most of it, wise investment management is key. Your retirement can be more than just a period of relaxation; it can also be a...
Read MoreHow to Invest the Proceeds of Your Business Sale
Selling your business is a monumental achievement—one that likely took years of hard work, dedication, and passion. But once the ink dries on the sale agreement, another challenge emerges: What comes next? With a significant influx of...
Read More10 Questions to Ask a Financial Planner
Hiring a financial planner is a great first step to achieving your financial goals. Here are the top 10 questions you should ask a financial planner before hiring their help.
Read MoreGifting Money to Loved Ones: Facts You Should Know
It's common to gift money to loved ones, but not many people understand the implications and complications from a legal and financial standpoint. Contact Dunnigan Financial Group to learn more!
Read MoreWhy It's Important to Hire an Asset Manager in 2024
With all of the challenges we face as individuals and families, it's more important than ever before to invest in the help of an asset manager in 2024. Contact Dunnigan Financial Group to learn more!
Read More7 Signs You Are Ready to Retire
Retirement is a significant milestone, and there are several different indications you might be ready for it. Contact Dunnigan Financial Group today to learn more!
Read MoreBenefits of a Strong Relationship with Your Financial Planner
Having a strong relationship with your financial planner brings a plethora of benefits including increased accountability, mutual understanding, confidence, trust, transparency, and more.
Read MoreHow Much Do You Need To Retire?
A few years ago, there were ads from financial services companies asking, “What’s your number?” The number was the money you needed to retire comfortably. This was an effective way for financial services companies to get people...
Read MoreIdentity Protection Strategies – Are You Doing Enough To Keep Your Information Safe?
There isn’t a week that goes by when you don’t read about some data breach. Safeguarding your personal information starts with understanding cybersecurity risks, knowing what to look for, and doing everything you can to help protect...
Read MoreCreate a Strategy to Protect Your Wealth with Potential Estate Tax Changes Looming
At the end of 2025, portions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) are set to expire. Many changes will come with the sunsetting of many rules, including the possibility that federal estate and gift tax exemption levels will revert to...
Read MoreGive Your Children the Gift of Financial Literacy
Give your children the gift of financial literacy. They’ll thank you later! As a parent, you are well aware of your responsibility in helping your children grow up happy and healthy. Once they enter their teen years, the pressure can...
Read MoreInvesting in a Presidential Election Year
As the presidential election race heats up, a common question on investors’ minds is, “How might the looming White House vote impact the markets?” Some may wonder if they should tweak their portfolios or sit tight...
Read MoreSECURE Act 2.0 Includes New Provision On Special Needs Trusts
Experts estimate there are more than 44 million people with disabilities in the U.S., representing 13.4% of the population.1 Many parents of children with disabilities choose to establish a special needs trust. This can help provide...
Read MoreThe Psychology of Love and Money
Money can be a touchy subject, especially regarding our closest relationships. Whether we like it or not, finance plays an integral role in our partnerships, families, and friendships. So, how can we foster healthy attitudes and...
Read MoreRules and Regulation Changes That Could Impact Your Finances in 2024
In the ever-evolving financial landscape, staying informed about the latest changes and potential implications for your retirement savings is crucial. Shifts in retirement regulations define 2024, and we’re committed to keeping...
Read MoreThe Big Game Indicator and Other Unusual Economic Theories
It’s a fun time of year for football fans. The NFL playoffs are starting, and the Big Game is just around the corner. While football fans will tune in for the matchups, commercials, and Usher’s Big Game halftime show, you...
Read MoreMajor Tax Changes Looming: Are You Ready?
With the start of the new year, we wanted to discuss a topic that will likely garner attention throughout 2024: the potential sunsetting of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in 2025. Although some of the provisions within the TCJA are...
Read MoreWhat to Know When Your Child Turns 18
Your Child is Turning 18: Handling Healthcare, Academics, and Finances Together As your child blows out the candles on their 18th birthday, you may still see your baby girl or boy. But in the eyes of the law your child is considered a...
Read More2023 Recap and 2024 Outlook: Key Events and What May Be in Store
As we get ready to turn the page on 2023 and welcome the new year with all its possibilities, we’d like to take some time to reflect on the year that was—the notable events, trends, and developments that defined our...
Read MoreTechnology Guide for Dementia Patients and Their Caregivers
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or any other form of dementia, this can be an extremely challenging time. While promising new treatments are developing and research continues, a cure remains elusive....
Read MorePreparing for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Sunset at the End of 2025
While we haven’t yet said goodbye to 2023, it’s not too early to begin thinking about any tax changes that may be on the horizon. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 was designed to overhaul the federal tax code by...
Read More10 Ideas for a Virtual Holiday Party
Many of us have adapted to a world with remote team members and back-to-back Zoom calls with customers spread across the country, which certainly has its benefits. Nevertheless, one drawback is the difficulty of getting together in...
Read MoreThe Impact of SECURE 2.0 in 2024 and Beyond
SECURE 2.0: Changes Going Into Effect in 2024 Passed in 2019, the SECURE Act was the most substantial retirement legislation in over a decade. It contained important changes designed to help investors save more and be better prepared...
Read MoreA Year-End Financial Checklist
Time to Think About Year-End Financial Strategies As we roll into fall and the fourth quarter, now is a good time to pause and reflect on proactive ways to set up your finances for 2024. Economically speaking, we are now in a much...
Read MoreAI's Role in Shaping Our Tomorrow: A Look Ahead
While artificial intelligence (AI) is making headlines today, the concept of "thinking machines" can be traced back to ancient philosophers and mathematicians. The phrase artificial intelligence was first used in the mid-20th century,...
Read More2023 Tax Guide to Fringe Benefits Released
The IRS has released the 2023 final version of its Publication 15-B (The Employer’s Tax Guide to Fringe Benefits).
Read More403(b) Plans and Saving for Retirement
In 1958, the Internal Revenue Service created 403(b) plans to encourage employees of certain organizations to begin saving for retirement.
Read More6 Savvy Ways Small Businesses May Save Money This Summer
Whether your business tends to slow down or speed up in the summer months, there are a few things small-business owners may consider to cut expenses as the temperature rises. Here are six savvy ways for small businesses to save money.
Read More401(k) Rollovers Can Make or Break Retirement
In an era characterized by high job turnover, it is more important than ever for employees to carefully manage their retirement savings.
Read MoreSpring Has Sprung: Time to Refresh Your Retirement Plan
Spring can be a fantastic time to refresh your retirement plan and savings habits.
Read MoreProtecting Your Loved Ones with Life Insurance
Your life insurance needs will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your family, the nature of your financial obligations, your career stage, and your goals.
Read MoreHow to Develop a Money Mindset That Aligns with Your Goals
Financial goals are essential. Setting them will help you to obtain the things you want out of life as well as live the lifestyle you desire, both during your working years and in your retirement.
Read MoreAs Volatility Increases, So Does Retirement Worry
Getting ready for retirement involves more than just calculating how much you will need and the rate you can draw down your savings. The years before you retire is a crucial time to prepare both financially and psychologically.
Read MoreHow to Increase Your Financial Literacy
Unlike verbal literacy, financial literacy isn't often taught in schools—which means that many people may enter adulthood without having all the tools they need to make informed and effective financial decisions.
Read MoreLet’s Talk Investing
Have you ever noticed the topic of investing rarely comes up in casual conversation among peers?
Read More3 Moments in Life Where You Should Consider Consulting a Financial Professional
If you've ever wondered why so many lottery winners (an estimated 70 percent) seem to blow through all their winnings so quickly, the answer often lies in two key traits: overconfidence and trusting the wrong people.
Read MoreUnderstanding Social Security Strategies
As you age, the question of when to collect Social Security (SS) retirement benefits will likely come to mind. There is no one size fits all age; your unique circumstances and goals will dictate the appropriate time for you.
Read MoreCredit Education Month: 4 Ways to Boost Your Credit IQ
March is National Credit Education Month in the U.S, which makes it the perfect opportunity to brush up on your credit basics.
Read MoreEmergency Savings or Your Retirement Goals?
Deciding which one comes first so you know where to focus your efforts. When it comes to personal finance, there are a number of competing priorities that can make it difficult to determine where to focus your efforts.
Read MoreStocks and Bonds Before and After Taxes
Managing Investment Returns with Tax-Efficient Strategies. Investing in U.S. stocks and bonds is a popular way for individuals and institutions to grow their wealth and generate income.
Read MoreTop 5 (Almost Guaranteed) Predictions for 2023
Interest rates up, corporate earnings, housing, markets and your team. The year 2022 will be remembered by investors as a very difficult year as almost all financial assets struggled.
Read More5 Valentine's Day Gifts that Grow in Value Over Time
Valentine's Day is one of the biggest holidays for romance and for lavishing gifts on that special someone in your life.
Read MoreLooking to Invest in International Markets in 2023?
A few things to consider before you allocate outside the United States. Over the past several years, the performance of international markets have trailed the markets here in the United States. Will the trend continue in 2023?
Read MorePay Down Debt or Save for Retirement?
You can use a variety of strategies to pay off debt, many of which can cut not only the amount of time it will take to pay off the debt but also the total interest paid.
Read MoreGet SMART with Your New Year’s Resolutions
Many of us set resolutions every New Year’s Day. But if your resolution is too broad or doesn’t have a deadline, it is much easier to abandon or forget it. As the saying goes, “A goal without a plan is just a wish...
Read MoreFive Healthy Habits for Financial Wellness
Financial stress can have a direct negative impact on a person's health and happiness. Unfortunately, this may lead to a downward spiral. The more stress you're feeling, the larger your financial hurdles may seem, and the more you...
Read MoreFour Ways to Help Lower Your Taxes Now
The financial decisions you make between now and the end of the year can significantly impact how much taxes you will have to pay once tax day arrives. If you take action by December 31st, you can reduce your tax burden and keep more...
Read MoreHow to Recognize and Protect Yourself Against Tax Identity Theft
When you hear the term identity theft, the first thought that comes to mind may involve a data breach or opening a credit card in someone else's name. But another common type of identity theft involves the use of someone's Social...
Read More8 Tips to Stay on Track with Your Holiday Budgeting
It’s hard to believe we are already approaching the end of another year, and holiday season will soon be here. Since holiday spending doesn’t include just gifting, it’s essential to set your budget now. You may likely...
Read MoreA Retirement Countdown Checklist: 5 Steps to Consider Before Retirement
Whether you're hoping to retire soon or are just beginning to explore the idea of stepping back from your job, you're probably wondering how to make it happen. Will you have enough money? How will you spend your time? What will you do...
Read MoreYear-End Planning Considerations For Business Owners
The end of the year can be a chaotic time for business owners. It is a time to compile data, review the numbers, evaluate strengths and weaknesses, and determine growth opportunities for the future. A business owner would be keen to...
Read MoreCountdown To Investing in the New Year: 10 Questions To Ask Yourself
If one of your New Year's resolutions involves enhancing and expanding your investment portfolio, look no further. In a true New Year's Eve countdown tradition, ask yourself these 10 questions to help review your investment plans...
Read MoreWhat the Mid-Terms Might Do to the Stock Market
The S&P 500 does best when one party controls Congress and the WH tooThe 2022 Midterm Elections will feature hundreds of hotly contested races at the state and local level and will decide whether the Democrats maintain...
Read MoreResources for First-Time Entrepreneurs
For many people, entrepreneurship is the ultimate American dream. Five years ago, there were already more than 25 million Americans running their own businesses.1 And with the COVID-19 pandemic leading many W-2 workers to...
Read MoreA Fall Financial Checklist
For many, autumn is the best time of year. The return of cool breezes, comforting foods, and pumpkins can be invigorating. It’s also a bookmark of sorts, especially for your finances—a perfect time to take stock of your...
Read More5 Year-End Tax Planning Questions to Ask Your Financial Professional
The average U.S. income tax rate stands at just over 13%—and if you're like many taxpayers, you're always looking for new tips and tricks to help reduce this percentage.1There are a number of different tax planning moves...
Read More5 Year-End Tax Planning Questions to Ask Your Financial Professional
The average U.S. income tax rate stands at just over 13%—and if you're like many taxpayers, you're always looking for new tips and tricks to help reduce this percentage.1There are a number of different tax planning moves you can...
Read More4 Ways to Save for Retirement Without a 401(k)
You are not alone if you do not have access to a 401(k) retirement plan. Pew Research data reveals that 35% of private-sector employees do not work for an employer that offers a plan.1 Fortunately, other retirement savings options are...
Read More6 Important Components of Estate Planning
Basic estate planning is something that everyone should do, regardless of your age, marital status, the value of your assets, and if you’re a parent or not. According to a 2021 poll by Gallup, less than half of U.S. adults...
Read MoreSetting and Targeting Investment Goals
Go out into your yard and dig a big hole. Every month, throw $50 into it, but don't take any money out until you're ready to buy a house, send your child to college, or retire.It sounds a little crazy, doesn't it? But that's what...
Read More3 Common Financial Planning Fears and How To Conquer Them
If the thought of reviewing your finances with the help of a financial professional strikes more fear into your heart than giving a public speech, you are not alone—two in every three Americans report regularly feeling stressed...
Read More401(k) Rollover Options to Consider
When people are leaving their employer, one of the decisions they need to make is what to do with their 401(k). A retirement plan participant typically has four options (and may engage in a combination of these options), each choice...
Read More3 Things to Know about College Planning and Financial aid
Planning how to pay for the expenses of attending college or a technical school is essential, and there are ways to save to make secondary education more affordable. Here are three things to know about secondary education planning and...
Read MorePreparing for the Worst: Disaster Planning
Given the daily responsibilities of running a business, planning for an event that may or may not happen may not seem to be a priority. But by preparing for a major disaster, your company will be in a better position to cope with more...
Read MoreThe Basics of the 401(k): Thoughts from a financial professional
Most often, the first question a prospective employee will ask is about your company’s benefit program. And in my experience, the two most often-asked questions are about health insurance and an employer-sponsored retirement...
Read MoreNational Life Insurance Awareness Month
It’s also a good time to talk about the insurance crisis facing baby boomersBaby boomers’ huge numbers and surprisingly shaky health threaten government old-age benefits. That’s why you need to bolster your...
Read More5 Tips For Budgeting Like A Boss
When it comes to creating your own monthly budget, sometimes planning is easier than the practice. Keeping track of finances can be tricky, but, with a few guidelines and time, you can take charge of your bank account once and for all...
Read MoreBack to School Checklist
It’s so easy to get caught up in the bliss of summer that, before you know it, the new school year is a week away. To avoid being struck with last minute panic, here are a few things to ask yourself before the first day of school...
Read MoreInvestment Planning - The Basics
Why do so many people never obtain the financial independence that they desire? Often it's because they just don't take that first step — getting started. Besides procrastination, other excuses people make are that investing is...
Read MoreA Place for Everything: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Finances Organized
A Place for Everything: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Finances OrganizedHave you ever found yourself scrambling for spare cash to send with your child for school lunch? Have you paid a late fee because you simply forgot when a...
Read More12 Things Investors Need to Know about the SECURE Act 2.0
In late 2019, SECURE Act was passed as a way to help Americans save more for their retirement. In March 2022, the SECURE Act 2.0 has passed in the U.S. House of Representatives and aims to improve the goals of the original SECURE Act....
Read MoreThe Simple Life: 3 Tips for Simplifying Your Financial Life
If you sometimes feel like your financial life has too many moving parts, you may be looking for ways to get back to the basics—without letting anything slip through the cracks. Fortunately, simplifying your finances does not...
Read MoreWhy You Should Not Take Early Retirement Withdrawals
When money gets tight, it can be tempting to think about your retirement accounts as a potential source of financial help. However, an early withdrawal from your retirement account may be costly. Learn more about the taxes, fees, and...
Read MoreFinancial Freedom vs. Financial Independence: Key Differences and How to Work Towards Both
Working towards financial independence can often be a lifelong process. But for many, financial freedom may come far sooner—and include some fun along the way. What are the differences between financial independence and financial...
Read More4 Economic Benefits of Homeownership
Even though housing prices throughout much of the U.S. are at or near all-time highs, there are still many distinct financial advantages to owning a home.1 From tax benefits to capital gains exclusions and guaranteed rates of return,...
Read More5 Life Events That Impact Your Life Insurance Needs
A life insurance policy is part of financial planning. Life insurance is there to help ease the financial trauma that comes with the loss of a spouse, parent, or partner. As you encounter different events in your life, you may need to...
Read More