Blog
It’s not easy NOT being green
Every time we fill our gas tanks, we’re reminded of how much a gallon of gasoline has gone up in price since the beginning of the conflict in Iran. That is, those who have gas-powered vehicles. In the Roaring Fork Valley, recent prices...
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Tax tips for the naughty and the nice
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a comparison between tax season and Christmas, but there can be similarities. Just like Santa’s proverbial “naughty” and “nice” lists, tax season might include some “coal” as well as some presents from the...
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Are your investments REALLY diversified?
Diversification is one of the tenets of successful investing. There’s an oft-quoted research study that was conducted a couple decades ago that found that more than 90% of the variability of returns is determined by one’s asset...
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Social Security Insecurity: Separating facts from misunderstandings
For nine decades, Social Security benefits have been an important part of the mix of retirement income for American retirees. So you might think that by now they would be well understood. Unfortunately, dangerous myths and...
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How to Buy Your First Home in 2026
Owning a home has long been part of the American Dream. It represents independence, stability, and—over time—the ability to build real wealth. But for many first-time buyers today, especially here in the Roaring Fork Valley, that dream...
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Are we in a stock market bubble?
The investment question of the year: “Are we in an AI-driven stock market bubble?” It seems that in the fall of 2025, you haven’t been able to go anywhere without that question being asked. So, let’s analyze this: Are we in a bubble?...
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A Primer on Back Door Roth IRA Contributions
Who doesn’t appreciate tax-free investment growth, tax-free withdrawals, and not having to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from their retirement account? You’re likely aware that these are all great benefits of Roth IRAs....
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Could a Roth IRA conversion be right for you?
It might seem counter intuitive to decide to pay MORE taxes now, rather than defer them, but in some cases, that can be a smart, tax-efficient strategy. Have I piqued your curiosity? I want to introduce you to the pros and cons of...
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The U.S. dollar rides the ups and downs of uncertainty
You’ve likely heard about the U.S. dollar’s decline in value versus other major world currencies in 2025. I’ll try to explain what has happened, why, what you might expect in the coming months, and what, if anything, you can do to...
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Zen investing: Doing less could mean earning more
It’s been said about people – especially investors – that “we are our own worst enemies.” Quite often, we trip ourselves up. As humans, we tend to be emotional. We often...
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The Latest Tax Law Overhaul
Just before the July 4th holiday, Congress passed a domestic policy bill that extended the 2017 tax cuts that were set to expire this year while making some of the 2017 rules permanent. The bill also created several new tax laws for...
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Are you being finfluenced?
Scroll through your social media feed after a major move in the stock market, and you’ll see a flood of hot takes, bold predictions and “can’t-miss” tips. Welcome to the age of the finfluencer—a social media influencer who broadcasts...
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Should you buy gold? Looking at both sides of that bright, shiny investment
While the financial markets have been on a roller coaster ride for a few months, reacting to sudden changes to U.S. tariff policy and the latest economic news, gold has been the star of the show. From January 31 through April 30, 2025,...
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Protecting Women's Wealth
In the Roaring Fork Valley, where independence and prosperity are valued, protecting women’s wealth is more than a financial strategy…it’s a key to empowerment. Whether navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship, managing...
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2025 Tax Update
Tax season isn’t the most joyful time of year, but it’s certainly one of the most important. With the filing deadline approaching, here’s a rundown of the latest tax updates to help you maximize deductions, avoid penalties, and keep...
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Donor Advised Funds 101
Since we’re into tax season now, I wanted to take a few minutes to tell you about DAFs. DAFs are not new; they’ve been around since the 1930s. But they’ve been popular as a tax-planning tool since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA)...
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Lump Sum Investing Considerations
What should you do if you’ve just received a big bonus at work, inherited some money, sold a business, or otherwise enjoyed a recent windfall you’d like to invest? Should you invest the money right away—even if the market seems...
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4 Tax-Friendly Giving Strategies for the Holiday Season
As 2024 winds to a close, I’d like to take a minute to provide you with some ideas for how you might approach any giving you intend to do this holiday season. One of the questions I’ve fielded a few times now is centered around...
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3 Financial Best Practices for Year-End 2024
Scan the financial headlines these days, and you’ll see plenty of potential action items vying for your year-end attention. Some may be particular to 2024. Others are timeless traditions. If your personal finances were a garden, which...
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Presidential Politics and Investment Portfolios: A Stage-Two Approach
It’s no surprise that U.S. presidential races are a subject of conversation around the globe. In “Why Our Social Feeds are Full of Politics,” Canadian digital marketing executive Tara Hunt observed, “American politics, it seems, makes...
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Data Breach: Your Security To-Do List
Data breaches have become common in today's digital world. In fact, it is estimated that more than 111.7 million Americans have their personal information exposed to data breaches every year. Whether it's a major retailer, a...
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Keep Your Umbrella Handy
In 2023, the U.S. had 22.7 million millionaires. An increase in personal wealth may bring greater financial flexibility; it may also bring greater liability. Individuals with high net worth, or those who are perceived to have high net...
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Estate Management Checklist
Do you have a will? A will enables you to specify who you want to inherit your property and other assets. A will also enable you to name a guardian for your minor children. Do you have healthcare documents in place? Healthcare...
Read MoreIRS Releases 2024 Tax Brackets, Retirement Contribution Limits
The Internal Revenue Service recently released updated income tax brackets, standard deduction, and retirement contribution limits for the 2024 tax year. While these taxes are not due for some time, it may benefit you to start...
Read More10 Financial Missteps to Avoid During a Divorce
Divorce is one of the most stressful life events. Even the most amicable splits can be complicated and emotionally draining. We likely all know couples who have gone through divorce, and it can be a trying time for everyone involved....
Read MorePreparing for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Sunset at the End of 2025
While we haven’t yet said goodbye to 2023, it’s not too early to begin thinking about any tax changes that may be on the horizon. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 was designed to overhaul the federal tax code by...
Read MoreThe Impact of SECURE 2.0 in 2024 and Beyond
SECURE 2.0: Changes Going Into Effect in 2024 Passed in 2019, the SECURE Act was the most substantial retirement legislation in over a decade. It contained important changes designed to help investors save more and be better prepared...
Read MoreA Year-End Financial Checklist
Time to Think About Year-End Financial Strategies As we roll into fall and the fourth quarter, now is a good time to pause and reflect on proactive ways to set up your finances for 2024. Economically speaking, we are now in a much...
Read MoreAI's Role in Shaping Our Tomorrow: A Look Ahead
While artificial intelligence (AI) is making headlines today, the concept of "thinking machines" can be traced back to ancient philosophers and mathematicians. The phrase artificial intelligence was first used in the mid-20th century,...
Read MoreTop 10 Questions High Net Worth Individuals Ask About Social Security
Social Security, the program you may have spent a lifetime paying into, is designed to offer stability, supplemental income, and other valuable benefits that can play a role in your overall financial strategy after you retire. We've...
Read MoreUnderstanding the September Effect: What It Is and Why It Happens
If you ask the average investor which month is the most volatile for the stock market, they will probably say October. It's a reasonable answer, but it's incorrect. Despite October's reputation for market-defining events like the...
Read MoreDon't Get Hooked: A Guide to Recognizing and Avoiding Phishing
As financial professionals, we understand how vital it is to safeguard your personal and financial information. Unfortunately, in our increasingly digital world, cybersecurity risks, such as phishing attacks, have become a prevalent...
Read MoreMoney Tips for Parents Sending Children Off to College
You’ve done a great job teaching your children vital life lessons and instilling values that will last a lifetime. As summer ends and a new school year begins, one thing that shouldn’t be overlooked, especially for...
Read MoreThe 6 Biggest Mistakes DIY Investors Make and How to Avoid Them
IntroductionOver the last several months, I have met with quite a few self-proclaimed do-it-yourself (DIY) investors who, after struggling with the markets in 2022, approached me asking for a second opinion. Interestingly, almost every...
Read MoreHow the SECURE 2.0 Act Changed 529 Plans
Changes to 529 Plans in the SECURE 2.0 ActThe SECURE Act was initially passed by Congress at the end of 2019 and was intended to improve retirement savings opportunities. It was a big deal at the time and the most significant piece of...
Read MoreHealth Savings Accounts: Pros, Cons, and Retirement Considerations
What if your child needs braces? The cost may be as much as $6,000 for metal braces—more modern versions can run as much as $13,000. Your health insurance may cover only a portion of the cost. If you're well past the braces stage...
Read MoreTop 7 Most Common Estate Strategy Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Getting your affairs in order and outlining what you want done with your estate after you’re gone is one of the greatest gifts you can leave your loved ones. However, not preparing for the transfer of your assets can lead to...
Read MoreNavigating the Costs of Senior Care: Tips for Preparing for Long-Term Care
Senior care costs can be overwhelming, particularly when long-term care is required due to illness or medical conditions. With the number of seniors in the U.S. expected to rise exponentially by 2030, it's crucial to be prepared for...
Read MoreLiving Trusts: Understanding the Basics and Key Considerations
Estate management can be a complex and daunting task for many people, but it’s a critical step in helping your assets get managed and distributed according to your wishes.One popular tool that can be used in estate strategies is...
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Consider Selling Your Losers
Tax-loss harvesting means taking capital losses (selling securities for less than what you initially paid for them) to offset any capital gains you may have.While this doesn't get rid of your losses, it can help you manage your tax...
Read MoreTrying to Time a Recession?
Economies move in cycles – always have, always willThe Federal Reserve has been steadily increasing interest rates in an attempt to slow the rate of inflation. Its efforts are yielding some results, although inflation remains...
Read MoreTop Considerations to Help Adult Children Be Better Prepared As You Age
As we get older, it’s important that our adult children are prepared to manage any aging-related situations that may arise. This includes everything from having to make medical and financial decisions to determining assisted...
Read MoreTips for Raising Financially Literate Children
Every parent wants the best for their children and strives to prepare them to lead a happy, healthy, and successful life. But, despite understanding the importance of financial responsibility, only 28 percent of parents speak to their...
Read MoreLimiting Taxes on Wealth Transfers
Taxes can definitely make giving less fun. In a recent article for The Aspen Times, our Brian Littlejohn describes several ways to help minimize them.
Read MoreTax-Friendly Ways to Help with Education Expenses
Yes, it is possible to help out with a family member's educational expenses and not rack up huge tax bills in the process. Check out Brian Littlejohn’s recent article in the Post Independent, “Four tax-friendly ways to help...
Read MoreWhere to Stash Excess Cash
According to the Investment Company Institute, near the end of 2022, there was more than $4.7 trillion in cash sitting in U.S. money market funds.1,2While cash can play a role in a diversified portfolio, historically, cash has not kept...
Read MoreWhat is the Sequence-of-Return Risk and How Can Retirees Mitigate Its Effects
What Is the Sequence-of-Return Risk and How Can Retirees Mitigate Its Effects?With the possibility of a recession looming, it's natural for those nearing or in retirement to have concerns over their long-term strategies. After decades...
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Divided Government
As the new Congress begins its session, it's interesting to watch how the shifting balance of power in Washington, D.C. may impact your investment, tax, and estate strategies.Although their numbers were not as high as expected, the...
Read More5 YEAR-END CHARITABLE GIVING STRATEGIES
To get the most from your charitable giving, it’s important to understand which strategies have the greatest potential to reduce your tax burden while simultaneously meeting your philanthropic goals. Check out Brian...
Read More2022 YEAR-END FINANCIAL PLANNING CHECKLIST
With year-end quickly approaching, there are valuable financial to-dos to check off your list before January 1 rolls around. Check out Brian Littlejohn’s recent article in the Glenwood Springs Post Independent, “2022...
Read MoreTHE PROS AND CONS OF FAMILY LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS
Sherwood Wealth Management founder Brian Littlejohn contributed to this Wall Street Journal article by Lori Ioannou. To find out why family limited partnerships (FLPs) are rising in popularity and why they may not be right for everyone...
Read More5 STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR ASSETS BEFORE REMARRYING
To protect your assets before remarrying, consider these fives steps.If you’re considering remarrying after divorce, you’re not alone. In fact, around 58% of adults decide to remarry after their first marriages end in...
Read MoreHOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CPA
Having the right CPA on your team can be critical to your financial success, especially for affluent individuals or families facing high annual tax bills. Yet depending on your circumstances and goals, the top CPA in your area may not...
Read MoreHOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY
Choosing the right estate planning attorney can be important for many reasons. However, knowing who to choose isn’t always very straightforward. The best estate planning attorney in your area might not be the best one for your...
Read MoreIf you don’t have umbrella insurance, it may be time to get it. This is especially true for high-net
If you don’t have umbrella insurance, it may be time to get it. This is especially true for high-net-worth individuals, wealthy families, and sudden inheritors.That’s because umbrella insurance can provide extra liability...
Read MoreSTOCK MARKET VOLATILITY IS SPIKING, BUT DON’T PANIC
Markets are off to a bumpy start so far this year, and many investors are concerned about what this means for their investment portfolios. Indeed, record-high levels of inflation, the likelihood of rising interest rates, and the...
Read MoreHOW WEALTHY COLORADANS CAN PREPARE FOR COLORADO’S UPCOMING TAX LAW CHANGES
Earlier this year, Colorado lawmakers made significant changes to the state tax code. Indeed, the changes are expected to touch most Colorado taxpayers in one way or another. However, certain adjustments are more likely to impact the...
Read MoreDON’T NEED YOUR RMD THIS YEAR? CONSIDER DONATING IT TO CHARITY.
It’s that time of year again. Temperatures are falling, days are getting shorter, and the holidays are just around the corner. And if you’re 72 or older or recently inherited a traditional IRA, it may be your last chance to...
Read MoreBRIAN ANSWERS QUESTIONS ON SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS
Our own Brian Littlejohn recently answered a few questions for Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine on Social Security. A transcript of the questions and Brian’s answers are below:REPORTER: SHOULD RETIREES AND...
Read MoreHOW PROPOSED TAX CHANGES MAY IMPACT WEALTHY AMERICANS
Retirement Daily recently featured an article by Sherwood Wealth Management founder Brian Littlejohn. In it, he shares his perspectives on how proposed tax changes may impact wealthy Americans. Click here to read the full article.
Read More5 CYBERSECURITY BEST PRACTICES INVESTORS SHOULD EMBRACE IN 2021
Sherwood Wealth Management founder Brian Littlejohn was recently featured in Retirement Daily for his tips on cybersecurity best practices. Click here to read the full article.
Read MoreUNDERSTANDING FINANCIAL INDUSTRY CREDENTIALS
Brian Littlejohn recently answered several questions on financial industry credentials posed by a reporter at Forbes Magazine. A transcript of the questions and Brian’s answers are below.REPORTER: HOW DOES A CFP® DIFFER FROM...
Read MoreBRIAN LITTLEJOHN IN FORBES MAGAZINE
Sherwood Wealth Management founder Brian Littlejohn discusses the various types of financial advisors in an in-depth Forbes Magazine article. Click here to check it out!
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