Blog

Navigating the Financial Journey: Planning for Children With Special Needs

Bryan Strickland, CFP®

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Pursuing a bright future for special-needs children requires careful financial planning. Read on to understand strategies to support them.

Our 2023 Mid-Year Market Update

Susan M. Wilkinson, MBA, CFP®, CRPS,  CDFA®, SE-AWMA

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Halfway through 2023, we’re cautiously optimistic about the economy. Check out our mid-year market update to find out why.

Cybersecurity Tips & Best Practices for Our Modern Age

Kirsten Ashbaugh, CFP®

Monday, May 22, 2023

Worried about protecting your personal and financial information online? Use these tips to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.

How Business Owners Can Save for Retirement and Reduce Taxes

Peter Mindnich (he/him)

Monday, May 15, 2023

Though you may love owning your own business, you have to retire someday. Read on to learn how to save and reduce taxes!

Taking Care of Loved Ones After You Pass: The Importance of Estate Planning

Tom Antonelli, CFA®

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Don’t exacerbate the pain of losing a loved one by failing to plan ahead. Safeguard your family’s future with 5 estate planning tips!

Financial markets were shaken last week as Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), the California bank subsidiary of SVB Financial Group (SIVB), fell into FDIC receivership. SVB is the first FDIC-insured institution to fail...

Our Favorite Restaurants in Charlottesville, VA

Alyson Martin

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Looking for a good place to eat in Charlottesville? Look no further because our team has rounded up a list of our favorite restaurants.

Top 11 Tax-Planning Strategies to Maximize Your Savings

Bryan Strickland, CFP®

Thursday, January 26, 2023

Boosting your savings is something you can accomplish with the right tax-planning strategies. Learn more today.

2022-2023 Tax Season Guide

Susan M. Wilkinson, MBA, CFP®, CDFA®, SE-AWMA

Thursday, December 29, 2022

It’s January, and that means it's almost tax season again. As always,  we are here to help! Below, we’ve provided some guidance on what kind of tax documents you should expect to receive and when they will be sent to you...

What Is ESG Investing?

Susan M. Wilkinson, MBA, CFP®, CDFA®, SE-AWMA

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Curious about ESG investing? Learn the basics with Wilkinson Wealth Management.

Our End of Year Webinar with Quincy Krosby

Susan M. Wilkinson, MBA, CFP®, CDFA®, SE-AWMA

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

As part of our wrap-up of 2022, we invited Quincy Krosby - Chief Global Strategist and Spokesperson for LPL Research - to touch on what might be around the corner for 2023, in addition to answering any questions attendees had.

What Are We Thankful for in 2022?

Susan M. Wilkinson, MBA, CFP®, CDFA®, SE-AWMA

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

We invite you to watch this quick video where all our team members share what we’re thankful for as well as the lessons we’ve learned this year.

Steer Clear of Capital Gains Taxes With These 4 Strategies

Susan M. Wilkinson, MBA, CFP®, CDFA

Friday, October 21, 2022

Are you concerned about how you’ll be taxed on a capital gain? Check out these 4 strategies to mitigate your capital gains tax.

What I Wish I Had Known About Money When I Was Younger

Susan M. Wilkinson, MBA, CFP®, CDFA

Friday, September 23, 2022

Watch this quick video to hear about the three things I wish I had known when I was younger.

Helping Your Aging Parents With a Financial Plan

Susan M. Wilkinson, MBA, CFP®, CDFA

Friday, September 23, 2022

Are you worried about the state of your parents’ finances as they age? Consider these 5 tips to help start the conversation.

The Cost of Putting Off Financial Planning

Susan M. Wilkinson, MBA, CFP®, CDFA

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

When it comes to finances, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Here are 5 reasons why you should stop procrastinating and start planning today.

Our 2022 Mid-Year Market Update

Susan M. Wilkinson, MBA, CFP®, CDFA

Monday, June 27, 2022

2022 is already halfway over. Here is Wilkinson Wealth Management's mid-year market update and what to expect going forward.

Why I Became A Financial Advisor

Susan M. Wilkinson, MBA, CFP®, CRPS,  CDFA®, SE-AWMA (she/her)

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Have you ever wondered why I’m passionate about seeing my clients fulfill their dreams and grow their finances so they can achieve their goals? Watch my video below to get to know my story.If you want to look to your future with...

How Much Do I Need to Retire Comfortably?

Susan M. Wilkinson, MBA, CFP®, CDFA®, SE-AWMA

Sunday, April 10, 2022

Are you prepared financially for a comfortable retirement? Wilkinson Wealth Management can help you answer “yes” with confidence.

The holiday season means shopping is at its peak, and while many consumers are familiar with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, they may be less familiar with Green Monday. Held on the second Monday of December, Green Monday is another...

With the holidays here, now is the time to get into the giving spirit and help to change others' lives for the better. Whether you are looking to make a difference in a specific person's life or the life of many, there are many ways to...

Giving Tuesday is a day to extend the goodwill that the holiday season may bring to help others. With so many in need, the holiday season is a reminder to help those less fortunate. Whether you want to donate your time or contribute...

You have worked hard to build up your assets and you’re probably wondering: what happens to my savings if I’m affected by a long-term care event? It’s a topic that is worth examining in detail. Background First,...

The public school system is a vital component of the American education system. We celebrate the country's teachers and staff and the education system as a whole during the week of November 16th through the 20th this year. These are...

Today, many people find themselves bombarded by a constant stream of financial news from television, radio, and the Internet. Yet, does all this “information age” data really help you manage your finances any better now...

Open enrollment for employee benefits kicks off this month. While you plan your Thanksgiving menu, review your benefit choices. Even if little changed in your life this past year, maximize what your employer offers. Here are some...

It is common for people to put off planning their estates. After all, no one wants to anticipate his or her own death. In addition, many people may believe that only the wealthy require estate planning or that all that is involved is...

Does your retirement seem years and years away? While it may appear this way, you owe it to yourself to look ahead and begin giving thought to a time in your life that may account for 20 or more "golden" years. Granted, time may be on...

Have you ever thought about what would happen if you or a family member were no longer able to live independently? What if your elderly parents were no longer able to drive or perform basic activities of daily living, such as bathing...

In 2013, a Gallup poll found that only about one in every three U.S. households maintained a budget.1 A 2021 survey of 1,000 Americans found that 80% now say they have a budget.2 Americans are budgeting more due to the pandemic....

Although we all know that “time flies,” it seems to move particularly fast as we watch our children grow. Yet, in considering a college future for a newborn, it is understandable that parents might procrastinate, since...

Implementing a 401(k) plan for your employees is good business. It means you're thinking strategically, that you care for your employees, and are focused on the long-term health of your company. Implementing a retirement plan: ·...

A charitable remainder trust (CRT) can be a highly effective financial and estate planning tool. The CRT can allow you to: avoid capital gains taxes on highly appreciated assets, however when income is distributed to the income...

When Judy purchased her life insurance policy 10 years ago, she thought her insurance planning was complete. She assumed that if she paid her premiums on time, she could sit back and not think about life insurance anymore. Judy’s...

In the past, boomers and generation Xers often held on to jobs for 10 or more years. Some professionals stayed with the same company for most of their working lives. The Great Recession changed this for many. Now, people have become...

While there is no one-size fits all, avoiding these mistakes is a good start! A lot of 401(k) investors end up making the same mistakes when choosing their investments. The results are low returns and unbalanced portfolios. Avoiding...

Remember, early planning puts time on your side! Whether retirement is around the corner or decades away, there are more options than ever to help you plan for it. Let’s look at Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and 401(k)...

At one time, the only way you could join your company's 401(k) plan, 403(b) plan, or 457(b) plan was to put pen to paper and sign yourself up by filling out the appropriate forms—but this is quickly changing. To help participants...

Self-employment is the opportunity to be your own boss, to come and go as you please, and oh yes, to establish a lifelong bond with your accountant. If you're self-employed, you'll need to pay your own FICA taxes and take charge of...

Many people associate the term "financial wellness" with things like saving for retirement, paying down high-interest debt, or creating an emergency fund. But when you're living with a disability (or caring for a loved one who is...

When securing your financial future, saving for retirement usually is a no-brainer. But between an IRA, Roth IRA, 401(k), 457(b), SEP IRA, and the other retirement vehicles, how can you know which plan or plans are right for you? The...

If you are self-employed or own a small business and you haven't established a retirement savings plan, what are you waiting for? A retirement plan can help you and your employees save for the future. Tax advantages A retirement plan...

Although same-sex couples have been able to legally marry in the U.S. since 2015, when it comes to estate planning, there are still some unique considerations same-sex couples may need to take into account.[1] And given that not all...

New changes thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act – but just for 2021 The Child Tax Credit (CTC) was introduced through the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 and it was a $500-per-child nonrefundable credit to provide tax relief to...

Today's low interest rates are a far cry from the double-digit rates seen in the 1970s and 1980s when even a certificate of deposit (CD) could yield up to 20 percent per year.1 But there are some distinct advantages to a...

The rules are very stringent, but your financial professional can help navigate. Life insurance, which can help to provide for your heirs in the event of your death, can be an important estate planning tool. It can provide funds to...

Grandparents can often find themselves in a better financial position to save for their grandchildren's education than their own children are. The parents of prospective students may still be contending with competing priorities like...

Your financial professional can help you navigate the ever-changing IRS rules Taxpayers of all ages may be able to claim a deduction on their 2020 tax return for contributions made to their Individual Retirement Account made through...

If you're a small business owner, many of the best practices employed by individual investors are also available to you (of course!), but you also have some additional options and factors to weigh while creating your investment plans....

Buying a life insurance policy is something that many people push off, sometimes until it is too late. For many people, the thought of buying life insurance means thinking about their death, which is something that most people wish to...

But ask yourself whether there is any real benefit to waiting to file your taxes The U.S. Department of the Treasury is delaying the April 15th deadline to file and pay taxes until May 17th, giving individuals and businesses another...

If you or a family member has a disability, you may be interested in learning about a tax-advantaged option called an ABLE account which can be used to save or invest for qualified disability expenses. Most states have launched ABLE...

As your retirement draws closer, you will probably start to have lots of questions such as: · How much Social Security will I receive? · When should I retire? · How will I know when to retire? · Do I have...

As the parent of a child with special needs, you face many of the same challenges that any parent faces. But you'll have to cope with some unique financial, medical, educational, and legal issues as well. Where do you start? Getting...

Many have heard Social Security retirement benefits referred to as part of the "three-legged stool" of retirement: Social Security, a pension or defined benefit plan, and personal savings.1 The idea is that with these three sources of...

Tax identity theft is when someone steals your Social Security Number, files a tax return with your number, and directs a refund to their own bank account. In other cases, this type of identity theft may involve a scam artist calling...

The managers of well-run businesses usually name "backups" to keep things going smoothly -- just in case. That's also a smart plan for your personal finances, where you risk experiencing financial losses or other difficulties if you...

Whether you manage a trust for someone else, are the beneficiary of a trust, or are thinking of creating a trust, you probably have some questions about the "best practices" of trust management. A well-managed trust can help preserve...

You just finished your taxes, but it’s not too early to make plans for next year. It’s important that as you build your plan, you think about some strategies to reduce or defer your taxes now or in the future. Here are some...

“In the short-term, the market is a popularity contest. In the long-term, the market is a weighing machine.” Warren Buffett 2021 is under way, as our nation and the rest of the world look to begin to put the global pandemic...

There are no great secrets where tax planning and tax cutting are concerned. The principles around which all tax-cutting strategies revolve can be reduced to six basics: Income splitting. Taxes are reduced for the total family unit by...

While the 2020 tax year saw some significant changes to filing deadlines due to the effects of the global pandemic, the 2021 tax season seems to be set to be on track with normal filing deadlines. With the pandemic still in sight, it...

After months of intense debate, the House and Senate voted to pass a second COVID-19 economic stimulus bill and the President has signed it into law.1 At a total cost of $900 billion, this 5,600-page bill1 contains everything from...

The Internal Revenue Service announced annual inflation adjustments for the 2021 tax year for more than 60 tax provisions, including standard deductions and the tax rate schedules. More details can be found at “Revenue Procedure...

Being a doctor comes with a lot of stressors, but planning for taxes should not be one of them. As a doctor, you have been through years of hard work and may be looking for ways to help limit your tax liability and preserve as much of...

More than most years, it’s hard to look ahead to the next year, to 2021, without looking back at 2020. A global pandemic, a massive economic collapse, a bear market, a surprisingly sharp reversal, a hotly contested election where...

As the holidays approach, many children start to make wish lists, but unfortunately, not all children have someone to give them gifts. Luckily, there are many charities that help get holiday gifts and joy to children. If you're...

Life insurance can be an excellent tool for charitable giving. Not only does life insurance allow you to make a substantial gift to charity at relatively little cost to you, but you may also benefit from tax rules that apply to gifts...

Charitable giving is a way for affluent individuals spread their money around and to benefit causes that are near and dear to their hearts. Yet, for those who fall into the high net worth category, it is critical to structure...

The American people have voted, casting a record number of ballots under extraordinary circumstances, which is a testament to the enduring resilience of our democracy. Determining the outcome of our elections is a process, but it...

Any endeavor worth undertaking, especially one that may affect others, deserves our careful consideration before we begin. When contemplating charitable giving, think about the following points: · Choose Your Causes. Worthy...

The holiday season is just around the corner and many charitable organizations are in desperate need of donations to help provide the vital services needed in the community. You are most often inundated with a number of charitable...

Divorce lawyers, marriage counselors and the U.S. court systems are bracing for a surge in divorce filings once quarantine restrictions are lifted. And while it might be months or years until we begin to fully understand the true...

By the last third of the calendar year, you're likely to have a pretty good idea of what your annual income will be and whether any major expenses or big life changes await you. This can allow you to engage in more robust tax planning,...

Back to school this year will be different. On the one hand, like other years, it marks the end of summer, the arrival of cooler weather, kids hitting the books again, and Labor Day gatherings. But unlike other years, going back to...

Many of you already have estate documents, probably executed many years ago. You need an estate attorney to look over your documents every 10 years or so. Here are a dozen points to review. Do you have a will and powers of attorney for...

Every year, millions of Americans celebrate the holidays with traditions such as throwing parties and buying gifts for family and friends. Unfortunately, many also participate in a tradition that lands them in debt -- spending more...

When you die, what will happen to your retirement plan benefits? In general, your retirement plan benefits pass to the beneficiaries you designate on the plan beneficiary designation form. Your benefits will generally be subject to...

Contrary to what many people think, trusts are not reserved only for the wealthy. The truth is, people from all walks of life may benefit from a trust. What Is a Trust? Generally speaking, a trust is a legal entity that allows someone...

If you're a small business owner, you face many challenges in growing your company. One of them is recruiting and retaining the best talent for your needs. When your primary goals are managing costs and increasing revenue, how do you...

Because you've worked hard to create a secure and comfortable lifestyle for your family and loved ones, you'll want to ensure that you have a sound financial plan that includes trust and estate planning. With some forethought, you may...

If you are one of the 90% of taxpayers who don't itemize deductions, you cannot claim a federal deduction for charitable donations. To get past this issue, some people lump their charitable gifts together. Wondering how to claim a...

As the end of the year draws near, the last thing anyone wants to think about is taxes. But if you are looking for ways to minimize your tax bill, there's no better time for tax planning than before year-end. That's because there are a...

The battle versus COVID-19 continues. The spread in some of the recent hotspots like California and Florida is slowing, while states in the Northeast and Midwest are now experiencing increases in cases. According to the World Health...

The cost of raising a child with special needs can quickly dwarf the average cost of raising a child. While analysts believe middle-income families spend about a quarter of a million per child, they quote the cost of raising a special...

As time goes by, planning for a child’s college education is more challenging than ever before. The saving or investing method you choose will depend on your child’s age, as well as your financial resources. Other...

Invest early. Invest often. Invest for growth. These are the basic principles of saving for your child’s college education. The earlier you begin a savings program, the more time you have to benefit from the power of compound...

Even with all of your savvy college shopping and research about financial aid, college costs may still be prohibitive. At these prices, you expect you’ll need to make substantial financial sacrifices to send your child to college...

529 plans can be a great way to save for college, but they’re not the only way. When you’re investing for a major goal like education, it makes sense to be familiar with all of your options. Mutual funds Mutual funds are an...

AT THE MIDPOINT of 2020, we’re mindful that it’s been an extremely challenging year so far in the United States and around the globe. We’re in the midst of a pandemic that continues to impact all of us, our...

The July Fourth holiday will be very different this year. Although it’s a time to enjoy family and friends, and maybe even watch some fireworks, social distancing and a new wave of COVID-19 cases also may take a seat at the...

Thinking about the need and the costs of long-term care is enough to make anyone uncomfortable. But while it's a difficult subject to talk about, it's also a topic that often generates lots of questions and misunderstanding. Consider...

As we look ahead to the summer months, we can’t help but think what a challenging year it’s been so far. At the same time, we’re encouraged by the resiliency and accelerated innovation among US businesses and the...

Today's kids have more information at their fingertips than past generations could ever have dreamed—but not all this information is always accurate. And when it comes to financial literacy, the ability to weed out misinformation...

Many retirees today are redefining the “golden years.” Forget about endless days of leisure. Retirees seek adventure, travel, and new business pursuits. While these changes may redefine retirement, will retirees be able to...

The combination of investments you choose is as important as the individual investments themselves. In fact, many experts argue that it's even more important, since the mix of various types of investments accounts for most of the ups...

By investing for retirement through your employer-sponsored plan, you are helping to manage a critically important financial risk: the chance that you will outlive your money. But choosing to participate is just one step in your...

The Ripple Effect of Housing on Our Economy

Susan M. Wilkinson, MBA, CFP®

Thursday, May 28, 2020

As states begin to ease stay-at-home orders, communities across the county are starting to see “For Sale” signs planted in neighbors’ lawns again, after a dearth of signs since late February. And as we head into the...

Raising Financially Aware Kids in the Internet Age

Susan M. Wilkinson, MBA, CFP®

Monday, May 18, 2020

Today's kids have more information at their fingertips than past generations could ever have dreamed—but not all this information is always accurate. And when it comes to financial literacy, the ability to weed out misinformation...

Balancing Act: Saving for Both Retirement and College

Susan M. Wilkinson, MBA, CFP®

Monday, May 18, 2020

Linda and Peter are worried about their financial future. "We want our one-year-old son, Raymond, to go to college, but we're concerned that in 17 years, the cost might be more than we can afford," says Peter. "We also need to save for...

A Cheat Sheet For Sending Your Kid To College

Susan M. Wilkinson, MBA, CFP®

Monday, May 18, 2020

College marks a great milestone in a child’s life. It may be the first time he or she will live away from home. Dropping off your child at college may be an experience loaded with emotions, so here are a few tips for a smoother...

Physicians: Why You Need a Financial Professional Who Understands Your Industry

Susan M. Wilkinson, MBA, CFP®

Monday, May 18, 2020

As a physician, you've devoted a lot of time to educating yourself, building a career, and providing top notch care that enriches your patients lives, and in the midst of all that, it can be easy to overlook your finances. To ensure...

Happy Nurses Week: A Look at Nursing in the Time of the Coronavirus

Susan M. Wilkinson, MBA, CFP®

Friday, May 8, 2020

Nurses have always been heroes, tirelessly taking care of others while often putting their own health at risk. However, while dealing with the coronavirus, their role has become even more significant. Nurses are on the front lines of...

Remembering the Flash Crash

Susan M. Wilkinson, MBA, CFP®

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

One of the most historic market crashes ever took place 10 years ago today, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index plunging more than 1,000 points, or 9%, within minutes, only to regain most of the losses by the end of the day....

The Sandwich Generation: Juggling Family Responsibilities

Susan M. Wilkinson, MBA, CFP®

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

At a time when your career is reaching a peak and you are looking ahead to your own retirement, you may find yourself in the position of having to help your children with college expenses while at the same time looking after the needs...

Key Provisions of the CARES Act

Susan M. Wilkinson, MBA, CFP®

Thursday, April 23, 2020

On Friday March 27, 2020, the government signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act into law. This act has several provisions to help individuals and businesses as they deal with the coronavirus and the...

Retirement Assistance Within the CARES Act

Susan M. Wilkinson, MBA, CFP®

Thursday, April 23, 2020

In late March 2020, as the number of novel coronavirus cases in the U.S. surged past 100,000, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed into law.1 The CARES Act provides around $2.2 trillion in aid to...

Balancing Working from Home and E-Learning: A Parent's Guide

Susan M. Wilkinson, MBA, CFP®

Thursday, April 23, 2020

If the coronavirus crisis has led you to recently join the more than 5 million U.S. workers who work from home, you may still be settling into a routine.1 Adding homeschooling (or e-learning) into the mix can introduce additional...

Mother’s Day and the Circle of Caregiving

Susan M. Wilkinson, MBA, CFP®

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Gone are the days when Mom helped you with your homework or how to ride your first bike around the neighborhood. Since moving on into adulthood, you’ve started your own family and pursued a career, often struggling between the...

Healthcare Workers: How to Keep Your Head Up During Scary Times

Susan M. Wilkinson, MBA, CFP®

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Being a healthcare worker can be a stressful and tiring job at the best of times, but in the face of vast uncertainty and fear around the coronavirus, this profession has become even harder. If you are a healthcare worker on the front...

Staying Productive While Working from Home

Susan M. Wilkinson, MBA, CFP®

Thursday, April 23, 2020

If you're like many workers who have recently transitioned to a home office until the coronavirus crisis passes, you may be struggling to stay as productive as you once were. Sharing your space with family members, often while lacking...