The Mission Wealth
Insights Blog:
Wealth Management
We help you determine where you want to go and the best way to get there. Our all-inclusive view goes beyond just investments; it’s a road map that puts you on track with your financial goals and life dreams.
Common Misunderstandings of Retirement Planning
Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor, Gary Brooks review some misunderstandings that could greatly improve your retirement planning.
There’s Still Time to Fund an IRA for 2023 (Before Tax Day)
If you had earned income last year, you may be able to contribute up to $6,500 for 2023 up until your tax return due date,
Navigating the 2024 Digital Terrain: Cybersecurity Tips to Protect Your Accounts
Learn key cybersecurity tips to protect your financial and personal accounts and understand the evolving landscape of AI-driven scams.
How the Tax Code and Inflation May Promote Debt
Uncover how the tax code and inflation are shaping our debt landscape in this article and get the insights you need for smarter financial planning.
Cupid Meets Currency: Navigating Love and Finances
Explore how you can balance the heart and the wallet this Valentine’s Day, and why financial dates may be the most loving gesture of all.
Tax Season News and Survival Tips from a CPA
Even though the 2024 tax year is well underway, there may still be time to take steps that lower your tax liability for 2023.
Market Perspectives Q1 2024
As we begin 2024, we wanted to share some key insights that may shed light on our investment outlook. Download our Q1 market perspectives today.
2023 Year-End Tax Planning Tips
Here’s a few important tax reminders to consider as you weigh potential tax moves between now and the end of 2023.
The Journey to Financial Freedom Isn’t as Linear as You Think
When confidence in your investment strategy is tested by short-term declines, keep in mind the historical benefit that patience and a disciplined approach have provided.
Market Perspectives Q4 2023
As we leave behind the landscape of 2023 and look ahead to 2024, we wanted to share some key insights that may shed light on our investment outlook.
Maximize College Financial Aid by Boosting Your 401(k) Savings
Discover how strategic 401(k) savings can enhance your college financial aid prospects and secure your family’s educational future.
2023 Year-End Strategic Financial Considerations
As the year draws to a close, it’s time to start thinking about your financial strategy for the upcoming year.
Secure Your Future: Long-Term Care Planning and Retirement
As we celebrate Retirement Security Week, it’s a fitting time to discuss an often-overlooked aspect of retirement planning: long-term care.
Concentrated Stock Positions: Considerations and Strategies
Having a large position in a single stock carries unique challenges. Here are concentrated stock strategies that diversify your portfolio.
Mission Wealth Ranked on Forbes America’s Top RIA Firms for 2023
Mission Wealth is proud to announce its inclusion in Forbes’ prestigious Top Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) Firms in America for 2023.
Why Millennials Should Choose a Wealth Manager Over Online Platforms
While the convenience is undeniable, automated platforms come with limitations. Here’s what to watch for when comparing wealth services.
Market Perspectives Q3 2023
As we navigate the landscape of 2023, we wanted to share some key insights that may shed light on our investment outlook and the market.
Using a Buy-Sell Agreement when Selling Your Business to Family
A well-crafted Buy-Sell Agreement can provide a solid foundation for a successful business transfer within the family.
Mission Wealth Earns Coveted Spot in FA Magazine’s 2023 Top RIA List
Mission Wealth has once again secured its place among the top Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firms in America.
Putting Clients First: The Core Principle of Fiduciary Responsibility
With everyone claiming to be a fiduciary nowadays, it’s essential to differentiate between genuine trust and questionable marketing.
Determining the Value of Your Business
Business valuation plays a critical role in determining gift and estate tax liability and/or the appropriate selling price for an interest.
Cross-Border Tax Planning for Expats – Understanding FEIE and FTC
Income taxation issues and cross-border tax planning for expats can be complicated. Mission Wealth empowers our clients and their families to expand their reach, maximize opportunities, and navigate international frontiers...
Father’s Day Reflection: Timeless Lessons About Money from Dad
Kristen Taylor shares a few of her father’s favorite financial tips, and we organized them by age “buckets” in this article.
Is Tax Diversification Good or Bad for Investments?
Tax diversification refers to a strategy or approach used by individuals to manage their investments and retirement savings in a way that allows for flexibility in managing their tax liabilities.
Post-College Graduation Financial Tips from a Mom (and Wealth Advisor)
Navigating independence after college graduation can be overwhelming and confusing. Read these financial tips from a mom, and wealth advisor.
3 Reasons Why Private Equity Funds May Benefit Investors
Private equity funds are an asset class that may offer compelling risk-adjusted return potential to investors; here’s 3 reasons why.
Teach Your Children Well: Basic Financial Education to Help Lead into Adulthood
Explore practical tips for teaching children how to save money and make smart financial decisions that will benefit them for a lifetime.
Will Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT Replace the Value of Advisors?
There’s a lot of information about AI’s role in the financial industry, but is the financial advice of robo-advisors and ChatGPT accurate?
How Financial Advisors Assist Before, During, and After a Divorce
Director of Philanthropic Strategy Amanda Thomas explains why engaging with a financial advisor early on in your divorce journey can mitigate some of the stress and give you comfort that...
Integrated Wealth Management with Claudia Arnold-Sawaf on “Journey to June” Podcast
Claudia brings a fresh look inside her world as a financial advisor and how she best serves her family, her clients, their wealth, and life goals.
Introducing Trust Services at Mission Wealth
Through our comprehensive platform, we offer a full suite of estate planning solutions, including trust management and trustee support.
How to Maximize Your Social Security Benefits
When it comes time to maximizing your Social Security strategy, there can be several considerations to make, some obvious and others less so.
Financial Wellness Month: Redefining True Wealth
This Financial Wellness Month, we encourage you to explore redefining your wealth as more than balancing the bottom line.
SECURE Act 2.0 | What This Means for Your Retirement Savings
The SECURE Act 2.0 was signed into law by President Biden on December 29, 2022. We’ve briefly summarized the most important provisions.
Recent Trends in Charitable Giving and Philanthropy
The holiday season is one of giving. Learn the recent philanthropic trends for charitable giving before you make your year-end donations.
Quarterly Market Commentary: A Review of Q3 2022
With the second quarter of 2022 now in the books, we wanted to reflect on what has been a challenging first half of the year and our outlook for the...
Mission Wealth Economic Update for 9/22/22
Take a look at Mission Wealth’s latest Economic Update, presented by Kieran Osborne, Chief Investment Officer on September 22, 2022.
Economic Update for 8/26/22 from Mission Wealth
Take a look at Mission Wealth’s latest Economic Update, presented by Kieran Osborne, Chief Investment Officer on July 27, 2022.
5 Tips to Help Your Children Grow Their Money Skills
Being a parent can be hard but teaching your children financial literacy doesn’t have to be. Here are five simple tips to help your children grow their money skills.
Understanding Intra-Family Loans
You may have considered loaning money to a family member since there are several advantages of intra-family loans. Find out more in this blog.
What’s The Difference Between a 529 Savings Plan and Prepaid Tuition Plan?
Our advisors share awareness about the value of planning for higher education and some misconceptions about 529 plans and prepaid tuition.
What Is Fiduciary Wealth Management and How Does it Benefit You?
In this article we explain what fiduciary wealth management is, the benefits of a fiduciary financial advisor, and how to select the best fiduciary wealth management firm for your needs.
What To Do After You Sell Your Business
Selling a business can be an exciting time but make sure you are prepared to handle the new-found cash flow. Here are some suggestions that you can practice once you...
What is the Purpose of Money? Exploring the Longevity Effect
Money is an extremely important part of society that has always been surrounded by questions, myths, and misconceptions. It can be difficult to know how money works, who should have...
Roth Conversions
In this video article we discuss Roth conversions, which occur when you convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. The conversion amount is taxable in the current year at...
Charitable Giving During the Pandemic
A recent study from Bank of America showed that almost 90% of affluent households gave to charities in 2020 – despite pandemic challenges. They found significant changes in how each...
Inspired Gifts for the Family
Gifts for the family can be experiences that create happiness for everyone, as none are as impactful as reaching out and making someone else’s life a little bit easier. Charity...
The Benefits of a NUA Tax Strategy
Do you own your employer’s stock in your 401(k) plan? Has the stock increased significantly in value? In this video, Director of Tax Strategy Brandon Baiamonte discusses discusses a tax...
How Does Social Security Best Support Your Retirement Plan?
One of the most important retirement plan questions we help our clients answer is, “How can I best use my savings and retirement money?”. We present three ways to incorporate...
How to Put Purpose in Your Financial Planning
One of the most important questions we help our clients answer is, “What’s the money for?” After all, if the purpose of your financial plan was just to keep growing...
Developing the Best Giving Strategy
What is the best strategy to achieve your charitable giving goals? That question can make some generous people feel uncomfortable. But considering things like long-term charitable giving budgets, estate planning,...
The Future of Social Security
Social Security is a pay-as-you-go system, which means today’s workers are paying taxes for the benefits received by today’s retirees. However, demographic trends such as lower birth rates, higher retirement...
Rebuilding Your Financial Life After Divorce
The idea of rebuilding your financial life after a divorce can be intimidating. It’s important to protect yourself by being aware of how your financial position will be impacted. Learn...
10 Years to Retirement Age – Top Five Retirement Considerations
Do you have more than 10 years to go until you retire? We’ve put together our top five things to consider prior to retirement so that your advanced planning can...
4 Questions to Ask Before Marriage
In the hustle and bustle that comes with planning a wedding and preparing to start a life together, couples often neglect to have serious conversations about their future household’s finances....
Pending Tax Law Changes
In this video, Director of Tax Strategy Brandon Baiamonte discusses some pending tax law changes in the United States. Stay aware of tax proposals by the Biden administration such as...
7 Top Tips for Effective Investment Planning
To reach financial independence consider these 7 top tips for effective investment planning. Explore our suggestions surrounding portfolio planning and preparation, finding experts, and monitoring performance.
The ‘New Normal’ for Financial Planning: Seth Streeter on Fidelity FinPoint
In this two-part interview Seth Streeter joins the Fidelity FinPoint podcast to explore the latest shifts in our financial environment.
Guide to Financial Aid for Parents and Students
In this guide to financial aid for parents and students you’ll learn about how financial needs are determined, gain ways to estimate aid eligibility ahead of time, and compare aid...
Guide Your Growth With a Business Plan
Whether you’re a business owner now or have entrepreneurial aspirations, a business plan will help keep you on-track to meet your goals, spend efficiently, and focus your attention where it...
Thinking About Starting a Business?
Seeing the disruption caused to the business landscape in the last few months has caused many of us to feel uncertain. Read on to learn more about why this could...
Align Your Financial Plan with Your Values
Many people are discovering that their financial journeys are even more fulfilling when they align their plans with their values. Read on to learn a few investing, spending, and giving...
Growth in Household Clients Fuels Need for M&A for This RIA
Mission Wealth, a Santa Barbara, Calif.-based RIA, is just getting started on its plan to augment its business by acquiring advisory practices.
Understanding Behavioral Finance
When it comes to money, making decisions based on emotion can be costly. Understanding behavioral finance can benefit your finances and more.
Chinese Delisting & The Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act
We have put together some information that you may find useful regarding the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act. In this article, we want to address any questions that may have...
Managing Travel Plans During a Pandemic
There’s still time to reschedule that family reunion or a big trip that was cancelled during quarantine. And there are still plenty of ways to vacation safely with loved ones...
Mission Wealth Proudly Supports Sea Center Solar Project
Mission Wealth has continued their support of the Sea Center Solarization project for 2020 by donating to the Museum of Natural History for the second year in a row. The...
Celebrating the Fourth of July During Coronavirus
Although things are uncertain, we can still celebrate the fourth of July during coronavirus with our family, friends, and neighbors if we follow some safety tips. We’ve put together 4...
Should I Start a Business After I Retire?
To start a business after you retire may seem daunting, but there could be more motivation to take action than you might think. The truth is that there’s never a...
Mission Wealth Supports Virtual Education Meeting with Schwab Charitable
Mission Wealth supported a virtual education meeting with Schwab Charitable to discuss the impact of the Secure Act and Care Acts on donors and charities. Click here to read more.
Our Healthcare Heroes Share Their Wisdom, We Share Our Gratitude
Read about Mission Wealth client advisor Claudia Sawaf, who interviewed some medical heroes in healthcare during the coronavirus pandemic. We’d like to honor and support their mission to save lives.
Tips for Keeping Long-Term Financial Goals During Uncertainty
If the path towards your long-term financial goals has shifted a little in the past few weeks, these four tips can help keep you headed in the right direction
Loan Resources for Self-Employed and Small Businesses
Are you self-employed or do you own a small business? The U.S. Small Business Administration opened up their Payroll Protection Program (PPP) today. Take a look at this article to...
How the Economic Stimulus Package Can Assist Small Businesses
Small businesses are being impacted by the uncertain economy, so we put together a list of economic stimulus provisions aimed at assisting small businesses.
My Income is Impacted by COVID-19, What Are My Options?
Because we understand how stressful economic uncertainty can be, we put together five stimulus options for those with impacted income. Learn more in this article.
The CARES Act and How it Might Affect You
On March 27, President Trump signed the CARES Act, HR 748. We’ve highlighted some important tax considerations that are included.
Our Commitment to Service
As we all watch the Coronavirus situation unfold across the globe, our thoughts are with those affected by the virus, their families, and their respective communities.
Mission Wealth Supports This Year’s Minds Matter SF Spring Gala
Mission Wealth attended and sponsored the Minds Matter San Francisco Gala on February 22, 2020. The Spring Gala is one of three of MMSF’s marquee events of the year, held...
Mortgage Watch – Low Rates Could Offer Opportunities for Action
With all the news headlines focusing on the coronavirus, a potential silver lining that may be overlooked for home owners is mortgage rates.
Domestic Violence Solutions SB Hosts 12th Annual Luncheon
Mission Wealth was proud to sponsor the Domestic Violence Solutions 12th Annual Luncheon again this year. Members of our team attended the luncheon, hosted at the Four Seasons Biltmore in...
Mission Wealth Sponsors UCSB A&L’s Cirque Eloize Performance
Mission Wealth is proud to support UCSB Arts and Lectures again for the 2020 season. On Tuesday evening Mission Wealth advisors and guests attended the sponsored performance “Hotel”, by the...
4 Ways to Defend Yourself from Hackers in 2020
Having an understanding of online security is becoming more and more vital. These are four simple safeguards that can help to reduce your chances of getting hacked.
BlackRock Prioritizes Climate-Risk in Investments
Last week, BlackRock’s CEO Larry Fink sent letters to the CEO’s of the companies that BlackRock invests in, as well as to BlackRock’s clients. Through these letters Mr. Fink highlighted...
4 Steps to New Year’s Resolutions: Reaching Your Financial Goals
Reaching your financial goals with a New Years resolution might sound too easy, but the reality is that it’s common that New Year’s resolutions rarely last until Valentine’s Day. If...
Improve Your Financial Well-Being in 2020
Your life may change as you get closer to retirement. The more prepared you are for things you CAN predict – like kids going to college – the better equipped...
New Year’s Resolutions That Can Help Your Finances
As the end of 2019 rapidly approaches now is a great time to relax, spend time with family, and reflect on all the things that occurred over the past year....
Retirement Plans for Small Businesses
As a business owner, you should carefully consider the advantages of establishing an employer-sponsored retirement plan. Generally, you’re allowed a deduction for contributions you make to an employer-sponsored retirement plan....
How to Increase Your Generosity During Retirement
How are you going to get the best, most fulfilling life possible with the money you have once you retire? Many studies have shown that retirees who spend their time...
4 Reasons Why a Financial Advisor Can Help Your Business
According to the American College, 60% of business owners who responded in their study said that they had not met with a personal financial advisor. Few of them had developed...
Record Keeping for Your Own Business
Keeping good business records will not only help you stay in business but may also help you increase profits. Your business records let you analyze where your business is and...
Sticker Shock: Creative Ways to Lower the Cost of College
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...
How to Phase into Retirement and Take it For a Test Drive
There are many reasons why people who could retire are hesitant to do so. Some people think they need to wait until they’re 65 or older. Some are worried about...
Preparing for Parenthood
Parenthood may be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. As you prepare for life with your baby, here are a few things you should think about.
Women: What You Should Know When Starting a Business
If you are a woman thinking about starting your own business, you’ll need a sound plan, a little creativity, personal dedication, and probably some form of financial investment. Before you...
Sudden Wealth
What would you do with an extra $10,000? Maybe you’d pay off some debt, get rid of some college loans, or take a much-needed vacation. What if you suddenly had...
Financial Planning: Helping You See the Big Picture
During Financial Planning do you picture yourself owning a new home, starting a business, or retiring comfortably? These are a few of the financial goals that may be important to...
Investing for Major Financial Goals
Some of your goals will be long term (you have more than 15 years to plan), some will be short term (5 years or less to plan), and some will...
Starting or Buying a Business
So, you’re thinking of going into business for yourself. You have several options available, and all involve some degree of risk. Do you want to create a start-up operation? Perhaps...
Estate Planning and 529 Plans
When you contribute to a 529 plan, you’ll not only help your child, grandchild, or other loved one pay for school, but you’ll also remove money from your taxable estate....
Why Women Need Life Insurance
Today, women have more financial responsibilities than ever before. How will your family or loved ones manage financially if you die? Whether you are single, married, employed, or a stay-at-home...
How a Financial Professional Can Help You
Are you suddenly on your own or forced to assume greater responsibility for your financial future? Unsure about whether you’re on the right track with your savings and investments? Finding...
Women and Money: 5 Tips to Taking Control of Your Finances
As a woman, you have financial needs that are unique to your situation in life. Perhaps you would like to buy your first home. Maybe you need to start saving...
2018 Fall Economic Forecast
This Fall 2018 economic indicators update takes a look at employment trends in region, the latest data on housing and jobs in the Tri-Counties, and a look at the performances...
When to Save or Shred Old Financial Documents
Bills, mortgages, bank statements, brokerage statements, credit card statements—being an adult certainly does require a lot of paperwork. To keep your paper trail under control, it’s important to develop a...
4 Smarter Ways to Financially Help Your Adult Children
According to a recent study by TD Ameritrade, 25% of baby boomers are supporting their family members.. Support to adult children averages out to $10,000 per year. That’s $10,000 that...
3 Ways Grandparents Can Help Grandchildren with College Costs
Helping to pay for a grandchild’s college education can bring great personal satisfaction and is a smart way for grandparents to pass on wealth without having to pay gift and...
Tips to Help Your Kids Build Credit in College
Beginning to build credit is an important step for your children to take as they begin to become more independent, but they may require some help along the way. After...
Important Financial Lessons for Your High School and College Age Kids
A friend recently asked me if I would sit down with her and her two sons to talk about the most important financial lessons they should consider as they start...
New Baby on the Way? 6 Tips to Help You Prepare Financially
A recent study found that 57% of parents regretted not taking more financial action during the first year of their baby’s life. Working through this simple checklist with your spouse...
Are You Financially and Emotionally Prepared for Life’s Big Transitions?
Financial planning is more than just a series of savings and investments you lock away and forget about. Your money doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Your financial needs are going...
Disaster Victims Can Access Retirement Savings
The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 expands access to 401(k) and other retirement plan savings for those impacted by the California wildfires that occurred late last year in federally-declared disaster...
4 Underutilized Assets for Wealth Accumulation
Let’s face it, we all would like to build more wealth. What are the best ways to do this? Aside from winning the lottery, receiving an inheritance from a long...
How to Help Your Child Transition to Adulthood
Relative to 30 years ago, young adults are taking longer to complete school and begin careers. Many parents have children who are in college, or out of college and not...
Your 2018 Financial To-Do List
New year, new you, right? Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as it sounds. Between getting back to the gym, eating better, getting organized and sleeping 8 hours, one of the...
5 Strategies to Budget for Retirement
Over the years we have worked closely with some of our clients to help them create financial plans that meet their needs and in doing so we have developed many...
5 Strategies To Manage Debt
Over the years, we have become a debtor nation, not only at the government level but across all facets of our economy and especially the average consumer. With the increasing...
3 Ways to Lift or Cancel a Credit Freeze
If you are one of the thousands of people who froze their credit reports after the Equifax breach, you got a Personal Identification Number (PIN) from each of the three...
Social Security and Medicare Financial Update
By Brad Stark Founder and Chief Compliance Officer The Trustees of the Social Security and Medicare Trust Funds have submitted their financial report this month and we have highlighted...
Got Financial Game? Financial Planning Strategies for Professional Athletes
By Seth Streeter, MS, CFP® Founder and CEO Fame, big-money contracts, lucrative endorsements and lavish lifestyles are often associated with professional athletes. Unfortunately, so are many stories of “rags...
Tips on Managing Your New Inheritance
By Dannell Stuart, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, CASL® Partner, Client Advisor and Director of Business Development Receiving a sizable inheritance can be life-changing. For many people, it can open up...
10 Steps to Successful Retirement Planning
We’ve outlined 10 steps that will help you wrap your mind around the planning necessary to enter and navigate retirement successfully.
10 Steps to Financial Independence for Women
Building a strong foundation of personal financial responsibility will support and maintain your independence. Here are ten great steps to get you going.
How to Select a Finance Firm
Selecting a financial advisor is a major decision that will impact your family’s wealth and peace of mind. If you are looking to engage a professional advisor or to evaluate...
The Divorce Is Final: Now What?
By Julianna Rote, CFP®, AAMS®, AWMA® Client Advisor Going through a divorce can be overwhelming, and even after the court finalizes the divorce, there is still a bit of...
The Added Value of Financial Advisors (PDF)
Vanguard says that a good advisor may add up to 3% of value-added returns. Mission Wealth employs all the principles listed in this attached research piece. Click the image below...
5 Smart Ways to Use an Unexpected Windfall
If you’ve received an unexpected wealth windfall, inheritance or have gained a large amount of wealth in a shorter than average time, an experienced financial advisor can work with you...
Common Financial Wisdom: Theory vs. Practice
In the financial world, there are a lot of rules about what you should be doing. In theory, they sound reasonable. But in practice, it may not be easy, or...
Finding Hidden Money
By Brad Stark, MS, CFP Co-Founder and Chief Compliance Officer During a lawsuit or divorce action it is commonplace to believe that money may have gone “missing.” So to find...
Continue to Rent or Time to Buy?
A home purchase can be very emotional and personal decision, so you should weigh the advantages and disadvantages before you take the plunge. Some of the key advantages to ownership...
Six Steps to Wealth Optimization
By Brad Stark, MS, CFP® Co-Founder and Chief Compliance Officer If we lived in a “one-size-fits-all” world when it came to wealth solutions, there would only be a handful...
Your Most Valuable Asset
By Brad Stark, MS, CFP® Co-Founder and Chief Compliance Officer Your most valuable asset is not a material object or an investment, it is you. It is your ability to...
The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015
Today, President Obama signed into law the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, legislation that raises the federal debt limit and establishes the framework for a two-year budget deal. The legislation,...
Financials 101
By Brad Stark, MS, CFP® Founder and Chief Compliance Officer Since the economic meltdown, there has been more discussion than ever regarding corporate and government financials. If you are...
Financial Privacy
By Brad Stark, MS,CFP® Co-Founder and Chief Compliance Officer Nothing exposes your wealth to the world as quickly as the court system, as made evident by recent celebrity divorces....
What Would Be a Sustainable Retirement Income?
By Brad Stark, MS, CFP® Co-Founder and Chief Compliance Officer We’ve been asked often whether there are any rules of thumb when it comes to how much retirees can take...