Blog

Permanent and Extended Tax Provisions: What Families and Business Owners Need to Know

Ben Baker, CPA

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Tax updates can feel overwhelming, but understanding them is essential for making smart financial decisions. For individuals, families, and business owners here in Appleton, the latest tax changes bring both long-term certainty and...

The Psychology of Financial Planning: Understanding the Human Side of Money

David R. Jensen, CFP®, MBA

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Financial decisions are rarely just about numbers. At the core of financial planning lies a complex intersection of human behavior, emotions, and individual life experiences. The psychology of financial planning recognizes that our choices

Are You On Track for Retirement— Or Just Hoping You Are?

Joseph Maestas, CPFA®, QKA

Sunday, June 29, 2025

Remember the 2010 movie Inception and the concept that someone can visit the subconscious of others via layers of dreams? The problem they run into is that, as they dive further and further into the reality of others, they eventually...

Mid-Year Financial Checkup: How Are Your 2025 Goals Shaping Up?

David R. Jensen, CFP®, MBA

Friday, May 30, 2025

The halfway point of the year is a smart time to pause, review your progress, and make any needed adjustments to your financial plan. Just like an annual physical, a mid-year financial checkup helps you stay proactive and avoid surprises.

You’ve probably seen the headlines—the U.S. economy shrank slightly in the first quarter of 2025, the first time we’ve seen a dip in nearly three years. While a 0.3% contraction isn’t cause for panic, it is a good reminder: things can...

Spring Break on a Budget: How to Travel Without Overspending Spring break is just around the corner, and while a getaway sounds tempting, travel expenses can quickly add up. Whether you're planning a family trip, a couples' retreat, or...

March is Women’s History Month, making it the perfect time to highlight the unique financial challenges women face and the strategies they can use to build long-term financial security. While women have made incredible strides in the...

As we begin the new year, it’s the perfect time to evaluate your financial strategy, particularly when it comes to taxes. Proactive tax planning can help you take advantage of deductions, credits, and retirement account contributions...

SECURE Act 2.0: “Brace Yourselves - Automatic Enrollment is Coming”

Joseph Maestas, CPFA®, QKA

Sunday, November 24, 2024

Just as the residents of Winterfell prepared for the long winter, sponsors of 401(k) plans and retirement plan advisors are now bracing for the new world of retirement savings under SECURE Act 2.0. "Automatic Enrollment is Coming," and...

We're pleased to announce that David Jensen, CFP®, MBA, has been named a partner of the firm. Since joining Avaii last year, David has been a key asset, bringing his extensive industry knowledge and client centered apprach to the team.

With Financial Planning Month coming to a close, it’s a great time to reflect on your financial goals and take actionable steps toward achieving them. Read on for tips on how to make meaningful change.

As the leaves change and we settle into the fall season, it’s a good time to reassess your financial situation and set yourself up for success. Read on for financial planning tips to help you reach year end goals.

With the first semester of a new school year in full swing, it’s a perfect time for parents to take a step back and assess the reality of college expenses. Check out our newest blog to learn more.

Purchasing a home is a monumental financial decision, and fully understanding your mortgage terms is crucial. Read our newest blog for five key questions to ask your mortgage lender before finalizing your agreement.

Achieving financial independence can improve your quality of life, providing peace of mind and the ability to pursue your passions without financial constraints. Read on for tips to help you start your journey to financial freedom.

Economic indicators are the vital signs of an economy, offering insights into its health and trajectory. For individuals focused on personal finance, understanding these indicators can be crucial for making informed decisions.

As spring arrives and we embark on the ritual of tidying up our homes, it's also an ideal time to give our finances a thorough cleaning. In this blog we walk you through the steps of spring cleaning your finances.

While we aren’t yet through tax season 2024, it’s not too early to begin thinking about any tax changes that may be on the horizon. Read on for more information about possible changes and how they may affect you.

We understand that planning for the future involves more than just accumulating wealth. It's about safeguarding your assets, ensuring your loved ones are cared for, and preparing for unforeseen circumstances.

Looking to boost your financial game in 2024? Whether you're starting fresh or want to enhance your current strategy, this year is prime time for improvement. We dive into practical financial planning topics for making smarter money moves.

December is National Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month. The purpose of this month is to empower you with knowledge and actionable steps to safeguard your wealth. We recommend six measures to ensure your financial well-being.

The Internal Revenue Service recently released updated income tax brackets, standard deduction, and retirement contribution limits for the 2024 tax year. Stay informed about the 2024 tax landscape with our recent blog post.

Typically full of celebrations, family, and joy, the holidays can also take a toll on your savings and present a setback to long-term financial goals. This season is about laughter and joy, and your wallet doesn't have to be worn out.

A recent CNBC survey reported 74% of Americans feel stress over personal finances. With rising inflation, it’s not surprising that we're stressed about money. Read on to learn how financial planning can reduce financial stress.

If you retire before the age of 65, how can you replace employer-based health insurance coverage? Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily designed for individuals aged 65 and older, although it can also cover...

Having a will helps ensure your wishes are carried out after your passing and provides clarity and protection for your loved ones and assets. Read on for more key reasons why having a will is so important.

Retirement can feel like the crowning achievement of a long and prosperous career, but it’s also a significant life transition that can bring about a wide range of emotions – from excitement to anxiety and a sense of loss....

While there are many kinds of insurance, they all share a common feature: deductibles. An insurance deductible is an amount you, the insured, pay before any claim is paid by your insurance carrier. A policy may set the deductible, or...

A Silver Lining for Bad InvestmentsThere is inherent risk in investing and not every investment is a winner. Fortunately, come tax time, there can be a silver lining in the form of tax-loss harvesting. Tax-loss harvesting entails...

Who among us wants to pay the IRS more taxes than we have to?While few may raise their hands, Americans regularly overpay because they fail to take tax deductions for which they are eligible. Let's take a quick look at the five most...