Kathy Hower

Buy or rent a home? Which is best?

Becoming a new homeowner is now more costly than we've seen in recent memory. Does that mean you shouldn't buy? Should you rent instead? It depends.... Read More

2021 Tax Filing Got You Down?

Tax Day is over, and it seems that many taxpayers are still catching their breath from the big check owed to the IRS. Though paying taxes isn't fun, it does suggest that you've realized a decent amount of income during the year. To minimize taxes in future years, consider being more strategic in your tax planning by making some simple financial adjustments.... Read More

Aging Adults: What are the Housing Options?

Is the house getting to be too much to care for?  Is there a need for a little assistance with personal care?  Is there a desire to have a more relaxed and carefree existence?  If the answer to any of these questions is yes, it may be time to investigate levels of care and alternative housing.... Read More

Calculating Your Withholding Tax

Money disappears from your paycheck for social security, childcare, retirement, insurance, and, likely the largest amount, goes to pay your income taxes. If you typically get a large refund or end up... Read More

The Private College 529 Plan – an Alternative for College Savings

Are you concerned that your college savings fund may not keep up with the rising costs of college?  Good investment options are available through the 529 College Savings Plans. However, does the priva... Read More

ARP Stimulus Payment: Are You Eligible?

Included in the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan (ARP) are special Recovery Rebates that provide additional financial relief to those who are eligible. If you did not qualify for a stimulus payment... Read More

Medicare and Medicaid – What’s the Difference?

The words Medicare and Medicaid are very similar, and in fact, the services they provide do have some similarities. However, the types of services in each of these programs and qualification for benef... Read More

Set it and Forget it? Not With Your Financial Plan

Do you have a financial plan? If so, have you reviewed it recently? Does your financial plan ensure that you and your family are financially sound? Being financially stable does not only mean a succes... Read More

CARES Act – Changes to Your Group Health Plan

With the pandemic at hand, do you wish you would have signed up for the group health insurance through your employer?  Or, maybe it would have been smarter to choose a different plan option?  What abo... Read More

Self-Directed IRA: A Different Way to Invest

The stock market has basically risen for the past decade. Are you concerned that a correction could negatively impact your retirement accounts?  One way to hedge the traditional investments in your po... Read More