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How Required Minimum Distributions Work
Learn how required minimum distributions work, when they start, how they’re calculated, and smart ways to reduce taxes around them

Steven C. Balch, CFP®
Oct 155 min read
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CERTA Market Update - May 2025
Market Update Markets entered May looking for direction after a volatile April. While inflation appears to be cooling and earnings,...

Steven C. Balch, CFP®
May 122 min read
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March Market Update – Key Insights & Outlook
February was a volatile month, with the markets seeing a negative return. Below is a summary of the market update for March. To see our...

Certa Financial Planning
Mar 102 min read
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Essential Strategies to Help Lower Your Lifetime Tax Bill
7 strategies to help reduce your lifetime tax bill

Steven C. Balch, CFP®
Feb 254 min read
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The Backdoor Roth IRA: A Smart Strategy for High Earners
Many high earners want to contribute to a Roth IRA for its tax-free growth and withdrawals, but income limits prevent direct...

Steven C. Balch, CFP®
Feb 125 min read
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February Market Update: Fed Stance, A Strong January & Tariff Risks
January was an eventful month, but the markets finished strong. Below is a summary of the market update for February. To see our full...

Certa Financial Planning
Feb 62 min read
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CERTA Market Update - December 2024
In this video, we discuss our current Macro view, our current positioning, and the 3 questions we are watching: What Does A Strong...

Certa Financial Planning
Dec 12, 20241 min read
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Maximizing Tax Savings: End-of-Year Tax Planning Ideas to Consider
As the year draws to a close, reviewing your financial affairs and engaging in strategic tax planning becomes increasingly important....

Steven C. Balch, CFP®
Nov 20, 20244 min read
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CERTA Market Update - November 2024
In this video, we discuss our current Macro view, our current positioning, and the 3 questions we are watching: -What Does The Election...

Certa Financial Planning
Nov 12, 20241 min read
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Navigating a Potential Lost Decade
Goldman Sachs recently made headlines by predicting that the S&P 500 will return 3% yearly for the next decade, significantly below the...

Steven C. Balch, CFP®
Oct 28, 20243 min read
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Understanding Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Charitable Giving Solution
With the end of the year around the corner, gifting to charities becomes a focus for many individuals and families. Typically, for most...

Steven C. Balch, CFP®
Oct 16, 20243 min read
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CERTA Market Update - October 2024
With the market up 8 of the past 9 months, what could the markets have in store for October? Check out our latest market update and the 3...

Certa Financial Planning
Oct 9, 20241 min read
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CERTA Market Update - September 2024
After an up-and-down August, what could the markets have in store for us for September? Check out our latest market update and the 3...

Certa Financial Planning
Sep 4, 20241 min read
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CERTA Market Update - August 2024
In this video, we discuss our current Macro view, our current positioning, and the 3 questions we are watching: -Has the Market Peaked?...

Certa Financial Planning
Aug 2, 20241 min read
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CERTA Market Update - July 2024
In this video, we discuss our current Macro view, our current positioning, and the 3 questions we are watching: -What Does A Strong First...

Certa Financial Planning
Jul 5, 20241 min read
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CERTA Market Update - June 2024
In this video, we discuss our current Macro view, our current positioning, and the 3 questions we are watching: -A Strong May, Now What?...

Certa Financial Planning
Jun 10, 20241 min read
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Is Social Security Really Going Bankrupt by 2035? Here’s the Real Deal
Get the key facts about Social Security insolvency and what it means

Steven C. Balch, CFP®
Jun 3, 20243 min read
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CERTA Market Update - May 2024
In this video, we discuss our current Macro view, our current positioning, and the 3 questions we are watching: -The Market Pulls Back,...

Certa Financial Planning
May 6, 20241 min read
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CERTA Market Update - April 2024
In this video, we discuss our current Macro view, what a strong Q1 means for the rest of the year, will the Fed cut rates, whether is...

Certa Financial Planning
Apr 5, 20241 min read
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Important Numbers for 2024
Our two-page guide outlines the important numbers for the year. It includes: Tax rates for MFJ, Single, and Estates/Trusts AMT annual...

Certa Financial Planning
Mar 7, 20241 min read
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