Investment Philosophy

Don’t Increase Your Bond Allocation In Bear Markets
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There is an artistry to a bond allocation, and while the historical analysis can only be suggestive, they do tell a strong narrative.

Should I Change Financial Advisors Over Poor Performance?
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The fact that markets are down isn’t a good reason by itself to fire your advisor, but there are reasons to switch financial advisors related to performance.

A Thoughtful Reply to the Debt Ceiling Crisis
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While there can be a lot of uncertainty, the conclusion is normally anticlimactic.

How to Implement a New Investment Plan
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Next time you are wondering if you should invest now or “wait for a better time,” remember Schwab’s study and invest now in whatever way makes you invest now.

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Retirement Planning

Account Funding Priorities for 2024
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A savings waterfall helps investors navigate the financial complexity available to them.

Dwindling Savings Highlights Need for Tax Reforms
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The Tax Foundation recently published the article “Dwindling Savings and Increasing Financial Stress Highlights Need for Tax Reforms” suggesting that tax reform could improve the current state of American personal finances.

The Best Way to Plan for Inflation is to Discount It
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By discounting portfolio returns to only real returns, we have already considered inflation in the planning targets.

Radio: Projecting Your Own Longevity
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On Tuesday, January 10, 2023, David John Marotta appeared on Radio 1070 WINA’s Schilling Show with Rob Schilling to talk about how long we should plan on living in retirement projections.

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Tax Planning

In Roth Conversions, Reducing Your Taxable Income is One of the Benefits
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Roth conversions can decrease your taxable income and increase your tax savings over the long haul.

A Closer Look at Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT)
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The 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) is a Medicare contribution tax on investment income.

The Complete Guide to IRA Contributions and Withdrawals
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Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are one of the most important account types, and understanding the difference between Roth and traditional contributions and withdrawals is foundational to tax planning.

Q&A: What Happens to an Inherited IRA RMD After a Multi-Beneficiary Trust Dissolution?
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While not the most favorable RMD rules imaginable, I’m sure it is still a relief to know that you don’t need to navigate the new SECURE Act rules just because you dissolved the trust.

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College Planning

How to Uncap Your 529 Plan Virginia State Tax Deduction
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You can have an effectively uncapped state tax deduction if you have a high tolerance for paperwork.

2023 Babies: Start Saving for College Today!
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For babies born in 2023, here are the amounts that should be saved starting at birth to cover four years of college expenses at age 18.

529-to-Roth Rollover Contribution Available in 2024 (Secure 2.0)
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This new rule says that the account owner can distribute funds from a 529 plan directly to the designated beneficiary’s Roth IRA and have the rollover “be treated in the same manner as the earnings and contributions of a Roth IRA” (meaning no taxation).

Employer Matching Student Loan Payments Starting in 2024 (Secure 2.0)
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This amendment applies to 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, SIMPLE IRAs, and governmental 457(b) plans.

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Budgeting

Baby Registry Guide from a Financial Planner (Updated 2024)
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Now that we’ve been parents for a few months, I can confidently say all of these items vastly improved our journey into parenthood.

Account Funding Priorities for 2024
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A savings waterfall helps investors navigate the financial complexity available to them.

Radio: Best Practices For Using Credit Cards
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On Tuesday, April 11, 2023, David John Marotta appeared on Radio 1070 WINA’s Schilling Show with Rob Schilling to talk about best practices for using credit cards.

Are Store Credit Cards Worth The Risk?
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In order for a store credit card to be worth consideration, it should offer cash back of somewhere near 5% and have no annual fee.

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Various Topics

Avoid Investing Mistakes (the series)
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This series of articles covers some of the most common investing mistakes and how to avoid them.

The Complete Guide to Funding a Custodial Roth IRA
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Here you can find our article series detailing how and why you should fund a custodial Roth IRA for your children.

Retirement Wisdom (The Series)
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In 2004, David Marotta wrote a seven part series originally titled “Retirement Wisdom.” The series explained the the seven principles to reaching your retirement goals.

How to Implement Basic Investment Strategies
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In 2009, David Marotta wrote a five-part article series for the Charlottesville Business Journal covering basic investment strategies. Its advice is still relevant today.

How to Budget for Emergencies (The Series)
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It is possible to be prepared for financial emergencies by living 10% more frugally and saving for the inevitable eventuality.

What is the Correlation of the Asset Classes?
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Asset classes are best defined by looking at the correlation of their returns. These four 2015 articles take a close examination at the three appreciation asset classes.

The Do-It-Yourself Checklist: Account Set Up
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How to go from where you are now to being one of our clients under our “Do-It-Yourself” service level.

Your Investment Manager’s Politics Matter (Where Markets Fail Series)
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An investment manager who is “at times a soft socialist” like Voss will be more likely to engage in active management, market timing, and gambling on individual stocks.

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