2024-04-04 13:38
The following is the first installment of our Transitioning into Retirement series. This series focuses on interviews with recent retirees in the hopes of demystifying retirement and address… Read More
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2023-10-24 19:21
With the end of the year fast approaching, now is the perfect time to begin to evaluate your financial health and set the stage for a prosperous New Year. While many people think that year-e… Read More
2023-09-11 17:27
Market volatility can be a retiree’s worst nightmare. When you’re no longer earning a regular paycheck, the ups and downs of the stock market can have a significant impact on you… Read More
2023-08-08 19:09
As individuals approach the end of their careers and begin preparing for retirement, one of the most vital aspects to consider is a well-thought-out retirement budget. This simple, yet often… Read More
2023-06-29 20:42
One question we are often asked is: “When should I start planning for retirement?” The simple answer is as soon as you can. According to a famous Chinese proverb, “The best… Read More
2023-05-31 17:48
Introduction to Beneficiaries
When it comes to estate planning and ensuring the orderly distribution of assets after one’s passing, naming beneficiaries is a critical step. While many… Read More
2023-05-17 17:40
What is a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)?
As people reach retirement age, they often start thinking about their legacy, and begin to ponder ways in which they can help support the c… Read More
2023-04-24 16:32
With winter in the rear-view mirror and tax season over, it’s time to welcome spring and begin preparing for the summer. It’s easy to put your finances on the back burner a… Read More
2023-04-03 19:52
In the wake of the Silicon Valley Bank failure, many people are wondering how they can ensure that their bank deposits are insured by the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation). … Read More
2023-03-01 17:19
It’s everyone’s favorite time of year: tax season! While I’m sure most of you are not jumping up and down in excitement about this, the tax filing deadline (April 18t… Read More
2023-02-06 17:42
With Valentine’s Day just a couple of weeks away, many people will soon find themselves scrambling for last-minute gifts for their loved ones. It’s hard to believe that it was ju… Read More
2023-01-17 21:00
Do I Need To Enroll In Medicare Part B If I Decide To Work Past Age 65?
This has become a popular question, especially as more people decide to work past age 65. While the answer… Read More
2023-01-04 21:58
On December 23rd, 2022, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, and was signed into law by President Biden. This bill provides the Federal government with a whopping $1… Read More
2022-12-15 21:51
What is “The Santa Claus Rally”?
The Santa Claus Rally is a stock market phenomenon (or calendar effect) that occurs during the year. It encompasses seven trading day… Read More
2022-12-05 17:29
What Are the Different Sources of Income I Can Expect to Receive in Retirement?
There are several different sources of income retirees can expect to receive in retirement. A reti… Read More
2022-11-30 17:54
Zynergy Retirement’s Guide to Divorce in Retirement
Divorce is always a challenging situation, both emotionally and financially. Besides the division of assets and debts, there is also… Read More
2022-11-29 14:46
You get a new job, and one of the many benefits bestowed upon you is equity compensation in the form of company stock. While equity compensation is a great way to boost your savings to help… Read More
2022-11-21 15:01
A Good Age For Retirement
As retirement planners, we get asked this question a lot, and our answer consistently is, “it depends.” While the average retirement age for men w… Read More
2022-11-03 20:25
It has been hard to ignore the recession chatter among government officials and financial media outlets over the past 12-16 months. While the risk of a recession exists, it is essential to u… Read More
2022-10-17 19:38
It was another rough week for stocks, punctuated by one of Thursday’s most volatile days in stock market history. I will not bore you with the detail in the numbers, but let’s sa… Read More
2022-10-04 18:34
With the Summer season behind us, it is time to welcome the cooler weather in the fall. Unfortunately, inflation did not receive the news that the calendar changed to the Fall, as it is stil… Read More
2022-09-06 13:28
I hope you and your family had a wonderful Labor Day Weekend!
Apparently, the long weekend was not enough time for people to change their mind, jump in, and buy stocks. The market closed low… Read More
2022-08-29 17:20
Ryan Zacharczyk, Senior Planner and President of Zynergy Retirement Planning, recently sat down with News 12 New Jersey to discuss the cost of higher education and how families can prepare f… Read More
2022-08-16 14:15
“Regarding my Equity Compensation, What is The 83(b) Election?”
Before we tackle the question at hand, let’s first review the mechanics of equity compensation: Since the 83… Read More
2022-08-02 13:09
Expecting Dividends?
Many companies pay out part of their profits to shareholders as a dividend. While dividends typically consist of cash distribution, there are times when a company… Read More
2022-07-14 19:44
Congratulations! You just received word that your employer has decided to offer you equity compensation, in the form of company stock, as part of your overall compensation package. While equ… Read More
2022-06-14 17:21
It was another tough day that seemed to be a string of tough weeks for the stock market and most investable asset classes. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 876 points, or 2.79% t… Read More
2022-06-01 18:49
The internet is an amazing tool, but it can also be a dangerous place if you aren’t careful. In 2020 alone, cyber crimes targeted at seniors accounted for over 1 billion dollars in los… Read More
2022-05-17 16:21
Welcome to another Zynergy Retirement Stock Market Update for 4/26/22. The market had another rough day in what has been a tough month wrapped in a challenging year. The S&P 500 closed t… Read More
2022-05-04 18:40
Frequently Asked Questions: What Types of Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans are Available for the Self-Employed Individual?
by Bill Gallagher, CFP®, MPAS®
Many small business owner… Read More
2022-04-14 14:09
Do I Have Enough For A Comfortable Retirement?
Great question, and one that we get a lot! Unfortunately, no universal “magic number” will apply to everyone. Sin… Read More
2022-04-06 18:06
FAQ: The yield curve is inverted. Should I be worried about a recession?
Answer: The yield curve inversion has been all over the financial news of late. It is creating a worried environment… Read More
2022-03-17 19:14
If you own shares of your company’s stock within your employer-sponsored retirement plan (e.g. 401(k), profit-sharing plan, etc.), you will have several options available to you when y… Read More
2022-03-03 21:03
Russia’s decision to invade Ukraine has caused a lot of uncertainty for investors. First and foremost, the main concern is the safety of the Ukrainian people and their sovereignty. How… Read More
2022-02-17 20:53
Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Advisor Designations?
If you have been searching for, and interviewing, financial advisors lately, you may have found that some advisors carry certain f… Read More
2022-02-01 17:53
Q: What is rebalancing and why is it important?
A: Rebalancing your portfolio involves shifting your investments among different asset classes to keep your portfolio in line with your… Read More
2022-01-13 20:19
When you were gathered around the TV with friends and family getting ready to celebrate the beginning of the New Year, I am sure that the last thing on your mind was your budget. I get… Read More
2022-01-03 16:20
It is that time of year again…time to work on your New Year’s resolutions and start fresh with your finances. While many think about their resolutions in terms of eating better… Read More
2021-12-20 18:48
Are you planning on taking the leap into retirement in the New Year? Choosing to retire is a big step, and you want to be sure that you are setting yourself up well for a secure retire… Read More
2021-12-02 14:25
With the recent spike in inflation, mainly due to higher demand and a shortage of goods coming out of the pandemic, many retirees are concerned about the impact increased prices will have on… Read More
2021-11-17 20:56
Q: How can I protect my investment portfolio and savings from a rise in inflation?
A: Inflation is discussed a lot in today’s environment. Whether it be an impact on your g… Read More
2021-11-04 16:00
By Bill Gallagher, CFP®, MPAS®
Will You Pass on What you Have Learned?
“When gone am I, the last of the Jedi will you be. The Force runs strong in your family. Pass… Read More
2021-10-19 18:48
Do You Know Where to Go from Here?
By Bill Gallagher, CFP®, MPAS®
“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?”
“That depends a good deal on where… Read More
2021-10-04 16:41
Q: Why do a lot of experts and CNBC commentators say the stock market is overvalued? How is the stock market valued?
A: Valuation is discussed a lot in today’s market environment… Read More
2021-09-20 18:52
Q: What does the bid and ask on a stock quote mean?
A: Not many investors know that there are three parties involved in a stock trade (1) the buyer, (2) the seller, and (3) the market maker… Read More
2021-09-01 15:33
By Bill Gallagher, CFP®, MPAS®
If you are considering working with a financial advisor, or if you have been working with one for many years, it is important to know how your financia… Read More
2021-08-19 18:47
By Bill Gallagher, CFP®, MPAS®
Q: What is a rollover?
A: A rollover is when you move funds from your 401(k) plan to a Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, or another employer-sponsored plan. T… Read More
2021-08-03 19:03
By Bill Gallagher, CFP®, MPAS®
With more and more companies offering equity compensation packages to their employees, it is important for those receiving these benefits to understand… Read More
2021-07-21 19:51
By Bill Gallagher, CFP®, MPAS®
With more and more companies offering equity compensation packages to their employees, it is important for those receiving these benefits to understand… Read More
2021-06-30 18:36
By Ryan Zacharczyk, CFP®, MBA
If you are following a well-developed financial plan, you have some portion of your assets in cash, an emergency reserve. Unfortunately, this cash is not ea… Read More
2021-06-17 17:58
By Bill Gallagher, CFP®, MPAS®
With more and more companies offering equity compensation packages to their employees, it is important for those receiving these benefits to understand… Read More
2021-06-01 18:28
“Beware of little expenses. A small leak will sink a great ship.” – Benjamin Franklin
Most retirees concern themselves with large market fluctuations, major economic calami… Read More
2021-05-20 14:24
Q: I am hearing a lot about inflation. Is this something that could impact my investments and should I be concerned?
Let’s start with a brief explanation of what inflation is and how i… Read More
2021-05-03 20:57
FAQ: I inherited a lot of shares of a single stock? I am worried it is too much in one stock, but don’t want to sell it. What should I do?
Answer: This is a very difficult emotional de… Read More
2021-04-15 14:09
By Bill Gallagher, CFP®, MPAS®
In a recent Smartasset study, “Where Retirees are Moving – 2021 Edition”, they examined data from states and cities across America to… Read More
2021-04-01 18:14
FAQ: Why are my bond funds losing value? I thought bonds were supposed to be safe?
Investors generally associate bond investments with price stability and safety. Even though bonds are consi… Read More
2021-03-15 14:49
When people think of Zynergy and the work we do, most focus on the financial side of retirement. Allocating a portfolio, distributing income over a lifetime, estate planning, and long-term c… Read More
2021-03-09 20:53
Bonds: Should they be included in my portfolio?
By Bill Gallagher, CFP®, MPAS®
What is a bond?
A bond is a financial instrument that represents a loan from the investor to a governme… Read More
2021-02-22 16:45
Traditional IRA or Roth IRA: Which is the Right IRA for You?
By Bill Gallagher, CFP®, MBA
More and more, Americans are taking charge of retirement and establishing savings plans to help… Read More
2021-02-08 21:30
In June 2013, the National Institute on Retirement Security published the results of a study entitled “The Retirement Savings Crisis”, Is it Worse Than We Think?” The main… Read More
2021-01-19 20:17
FAQ: At what age should I consider long-term care insurance?
Answer: This is an extremely common question amongst those near retirement. Most people planning for their retirement understand… Read More
2021-01-04 21:36
Resolve to Become Healthier
For many people, healthcare will be one of their largest expenses in retirement. A couple age 65 who retired in 2020 is estimated to need $295,000 to cover medic… Read More
2020-12-21 16:52
You contemplated Black Friday shopping while snuggled in bed; visions of chaos danced in your head. With all the shopping days left, you took a pass; but boy oh boy, that time went by fast!… Read More
2020-12-02 21:29
FAQ: How much cash is enough for my emergency reserve?
When it comes to your emergency reserve, rules of thumb abound.
“You need 6 months of living expenses in cash!”
“Alw… Read More
2020-11-17 14:52
Money Saving Tips: Save Money on your Energy Bills by Warding off the Vampires
Halloween is over; your decorations have been packed away and your candy supply is rapidly diminishing. But yo… Read More
2020-10-28 17:33
Covid-19 has left many companies faced with the undesirable prospect of having to lay off many in its workforce. Although this can be financially devastating to younger workers with familie… Read More
2020-10-21 14:29
FAQ: I’m near retirement and with the election right around the corner, shouldn’t I be very conservative until after the election is over?
We have been fielding this one often l… Read More
2020-10-06 09:00
Retirement should be filled with freedom, leisure, travel, and time with our loved ones. However, it can also be filled with angst if we don’t properly plan for potentially 30+ years… Read More
2020-09-16 18:47
Saving and planning for your future can be daunting. There are so many aspects to our personal finances and each one of those facets has nuances that make understanding it all overwhelming… Read More
2020-09-02 17:58
FAQ: Is now the time to buy Apple stock since it split and is cheap?
Answer: No.
We are getting this one a lot lately. Apple and Tesla are both darlings of the tech world recently and both… Read More
2020-08-17 20:33
FAQ: Why is the market going higher with Covid still such a big risk to the economy?
Answer: This is a question that has perplexed many since mid-April. In an attempt to clearly explain, I… Read More
2020-08-05 18:26
Making money is hard. Saving money is hard. However, sometimes, there are simple, easy steps that can be taken that can put thousands of dollars in your pocket. Here are three techniques yo… Read More
2020-07-20 09:00
FAQ: I’m just starting my first job and my employer offers a 401k with a match. How much do you think I should contribute each paycheck?
Answer: We are so glad to see that as a young… Read More
2020-07-06 20:03
FAQ: Why do bonds, which are supposed to be safe, fluctuate in value?
Answer: Certainly, this is a question that is often asked by those in retirement trying to protect what they have. Let… Read More
2020-06-17 17:37
FAQ: Now that I’m retired, what do you think if I invest in only high dividend stocks for the income they provide?
Answer: This is a question we get from time to time that can be very… Read More
2020-06-02 15:37
Budgeting is arguably the most important aspect of financial planning. Saving, investing, insurance, retirement planning, and projections are useless if you have no idea how much money you… Read More
2020-05-11 19:27
FAQ: Now that the market has corrected and is down, should I be doing anything different with my retirement investments?
Answer: This is an excellent question that we have been getting often… Read More
2020-04-24 13:36
We have just passed the one-month mark since the stock market bottom and since that time, stocks initially had a compelling rally off the lows followed by a period of malaise as volatility… Read More
2020-03-26 14:21
Market Update – 3-24-20
I want to start by saying that I hope all of you are remaining safe and healthy! Obviously, this is a challenging time for us all. More than financial, this pa… Read More
2020-03-18 20:33
Market Update – 3-18-20
The market continues its downward slide. Although it closed well off its lows today, the S&P 500 touched levels it had not seen since December of 2016.
Man… Read More
2020-03-03 20:53
Last week, stock markets around the world corrected in a violent selloff. Most of the major indexes were down more than 15% at their lowest levels due to fears of a Coronavirus pandemic and… Read More
2020-02-18 14:59
If you are in or near retirement, no doubt the thought of Long-Term Care has crossed your mind. Long-term care is a range of services and supports an individual may need assistance with to s… Read More
2020-02-03 18:18
Deciding when to retire can be one of the biggest decisions of your life. If done right, you will only do it once, so it is important that you take the proper steps to ensure a part-time jo… Read More
2020-01-16 09:00
FAQ: Now that the market is at all-time highs, how should I change my investments strategy?
Answer: This is an excellent question that we get from our members whenever the market makes new… Read More
2020-01-06 19:58
FAQ: What should I do now that the U.S. has killed an Iranian General and tensions seem to be escalating? Is now a good time to reduce my portfolio risk?
Answer: Nothing.
No, you do not wan… Read More
2019-12-17 15:08
As planners who attempt to evaluate and manage numerous variables in our Member’s financial lives, the question of risk comes up often. To many novice investors, these questions are a… Read More
2019-12-03 18:04
FAQ: What is a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) and Does it Apply to Me?
A Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) is an IRS rule that requires owners of pre-tax retirement accounts (Traditi… Read More
2019-11-18 18:24
It is a common fear. Nobody wants to be the one who invested money in March of 2000 or October of 2007. Investing at the top of a market rally can leave a sting not only to your investment… Read More
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