Chris & Steve are back with part 2 of our Money Madness Bracket. This week they speed run through their Sweet 16 picks, do a deep dive into the Elite 8 and weigh the impact of each money principle until they crown a champion. So what is the most important money principle? Tune in to find out. 

🎧 You’re Not Dead Yet: Thriving at the Crossroads of Building Wealth and Living Life.

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC.

The opinions voiced in this show are for general information purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, and financial or tax advisor prior to investing.

Economic forecasts set forth may not develop as predicted and there can be no guarantee that strategies promoted will be successful.

Premier Investments & Wealth Management and LPL Financial do not provide tax advice, please consult your tax professional.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.

There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

Rebalancing a portfolio may cause investors to incur tax liabilities and/or transaction costs and does not assure a profit or protect against loss.

All performance referenced All performance referenced is historical and is not a guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly.

Dollar cost averaging involves continuous investment in securities regardless of fluctuations in price levels. Investors should consider their ability to continue purchasing through periods of low price levels. Such a plan does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets.

There is no assurance that the techniques and strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. The purchase of certain securities may be required to effect some of the strategies. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal.

This recording contains only general descriptions and is not a solicitation to sell any insurance product or security, nor is it intended as any financial or tax advice. For information about specific insurance needs or situations, contact your financial professional. This video is intended to assist in educating you about insurance generally and not to provide personal service.

They may not take into account your personal characteristics such as budget, assets, risk tolerance, family situation or activities which may affect the type of insurance that would be right for you. In addition, state insurance laws and insurance underwriting rules may affect available coverage and its costs.

Guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing company. If you need more information or would like personal advice you should consult an insurance professional.

Consult your tax professional about eligibility to Roth and Traditional IRA contributions. Contributions and earnings in a Roth IRA can be withdrawn without paying taxes and penalties if the account owner is at least 59 ½ and has held their Roth IRA for at least five years.

Traditional IRA account owners have considerations to make before performing a Roth IRA conversion. These primarily include income tax consequences on the converted amount in the year of the conversion, withdrawal limitations from a Roth IRA, and income limitations for future contributions to a Roth IRA. In addition, if you are required to take a minimum distribution (RMD) in the year you convert, you must do so before converting to a Roth IRA.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.

It’s March… and that means it’s time for Money Madness.

In this episode, Chris and Steve kick off the first round of our Money Madness Bracket, where financial strategies, habits, and decisions go head-to-head to see what actually deserves to move on.

From saving vs. spending… to paying off debt vs. investing… we break down real-world financial matchups the same way you’d analyze a bracket—looking at strengths, weaknesses, and what matters most for your situation.

This isn’t about picking a universal winner—it’s about understanding how different financial decisions fit into your life and long-term plan.

Follow along as we narrow down the bracket… and help you think more clearly about your own financial decisions.

🎧 You’re Not Dead Yet: Thriving at the Crossroads of Building Wealth and Living Life.

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC.

The opinions voiced in this show are for general information purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, and financial or tax advisor prior to investing.

Economic forecasts set forth may not develop as predicted and there can be no guarantee that strategies promoted will be successful.

Premier Investments & Wealth Management and LPL Financial do not provide tax advice, please consult your tax professional.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.

There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

Rebalancing a portfolio may cause investors to incur tax liabilities and/or transaction costs and does not assure a profit or protect against loss.

All performance referenced All performance referenced is historical and is not a guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly.

Dollar cost averaging involves continuous investment in securities regardless of fluctuations in price levels. Investors should consider their ability to continue purchasing through periods of low price levels. Such a plan does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets.

There is no assurance that the techniques and strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. The purchase of certain securities may be required to effect some of the strategies. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal.

This recording contains only general descriptions and is not a solicitation to sell any insurance product or security, nor is it intended as any financial or tax advice. For information about specific insurance needs or situations, contact your financial professional. This video is intended to assist in educating you about insurance generally and not to provide personal service.

They may not take into account your personal characteristics such as budget, assets, risk tolerance, family situation or activities which may affect the type of insurance that would be right for you. In addition, state insurance laws and insurance underwriting rules may affect available coverage and its costs.

Guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing company. If you need more information or would like personal advice you should consult an insurance professional.

Consult your tax professional about eligibility to Roth and Traditional IRA contributions. Contributions and earnings in a Roth IRA can be withdrawn without paying taxes and penalties if the account owner is at least 59 ½ and has held their Roth IRA for at least five years.

Traditional IRA account owners have considerations to make before performing a Roth IRA conversion. These primarily include income tax consequences on the converted amount in the year of the conversion, withdrawal limitations from a Roth IRA, and income limitations for future contributions to a Roth IRA. In addition, if you are required to take a minimum distribution (RMD) in the year you convert, you must do so before converting to a Roth IRA.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.

Some of the most common money advice can sound right—but may not always lead to better outcomes.

In this episode, we break down six money myths that can influence how people spend, save, and plan—from relying on higher income to solve financial challenges to delaying saving, overlooking total costs, and putting off retirement planning.

We discuss how small, consistent habits and more intentional decision-making can play a meaningful role in long-term financial progress.

To learn more, visit www.premieriwm.com and download the guide, “10 Critical Steps to Take Before Retirement.”

🎧 You’re Not Dead Yet: Thriving at the Crossroads of Building Wealth and Living Life.

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC.

The opinions voiced in this show are for general information purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, and financial or tax advisor prior to investing.

Economic forecasts set forth may not develop as predicted and there can be no guarantee that strategies promoted will be successful.

Premier Investments & Wealth Management and LPL Financial do not provide tax advice, please consult your tax professional.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.

There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

Rebalancing a portfolio may cause investors to incur tax liabilities and/or transaction costs and does not assure a profit or protect against loss.

All performance referenced All performance referenced is historical and is not a guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly.

Dollar cost averaging involves continuous investment in securities regardless of fluctuations in price levels. Investors should consider their ability to continue purchasing through periods of low price levels. Such a plan does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets.

There is no assurance that the techniques and strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. The purchase of certain securities may be required to effect some of the strategies. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal.

In this episode of You’re Not Dead Yet, Chris and Steve explore an emerging trend that reflects the complex financial reality many Americans are facing today—rising 401(k) hardship withdrawals.

While retirement account balances have grown in recent years due to market performance and consistent contributions, more workers are also accessing those same funds earlier than planned. This contrast highlights an important dynamic: financial progress and financial pressure can exist at the same time.

Chris and Steve break down recent data showing an increase in hardship withdrawals and discuss the common reasons individuals may turn to retirement savings during times of need—such as covering unexpected expenses, managing debt, or addressing essential living costs.

They also examine the broader factors contributing to this trend, including rising living expenses, limited emergency savings, expanded access to retirement funds, and increased participation in workplace retirement plans.

To help listeners navigate these challenges, Chris and Steve share practical considerations for balancing short-term financial needs with long-term planning, including:

Building and maintaining an emergency fund

Separating short-term and long-term savings strategies

Periodically reviewing your financial plan

Staying disciplined through changing market and economic conditions

To learn more, visit www.premieriwm.com and download the guide, “10 Critical Steps to Take Before Retirement.”

🎧 You’re Not Dead Yet: Thriving at the Crossroads of Building Wealth and Living Life.

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC.

The opinions voiced in this show are for general information purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, and financial or tax advisor prior to investing.

Economic forecasts set forth may not develop as predicted and there can be no guarantee that strategies promoted will be successful.

Premier Investments & Wealth Management and LPL Financial do not provide tax advice, please consult your tax professional.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.

There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

Rebalancing a portfolio may cause investors to incur tax liabilities and/or transaction costs and does not assure a profit or protect against loss.

All performance referenced All performance referenced is historical and is not a guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly.

Dollar cost averaging involves continuous investment in securities regardless of fluctuations in price levels. Investors should consider their ability to continue purchasing through periods of low price levels. Such a plan does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets.

There is no assurance that the techniques and strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. The purchase of certain securities may be required to effect some of the strategies. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal.

This recording contains only general descriptions and is not a solicitation to sell any insurance product or security, nor is it intended as any financial or tax advice. For information about specific insurance needs or situations, contact your financial professional. This video is intended to assist in educating you about insurance generally and not to provide personal service.

They may not take into account your personal characteristics such as budget, assets, risk tolerance, family situation or activities which may affect the type of insurance that would be right for you. In addition, state insurance laws and insurance underwriting rules may affect available coverage and its costs.

Guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing company. If you need more information or would like personal advice you should consult an insurance professional.

Consult your tax professional about eligibility to Roth and Traditional IRA contributions. Contributions and earnings in a Roth IRA can be withdrawn without paying taxes and penalties if the account owner is at least 59 ½ and has held their Roth IRA for at least five years.

Traditional IRA account owners have considerations to make before performing a Roth IRA conversion. These primarily include income tax consequences on the converted amount in the year of the conversion, withdrawal limitations from a Roth IRA, and income limitations for future contributions to a Roth IRA. In addition, if you are required to take a minimum distribution (RMD) in the year you convert, you must do so before converting to a Roth IRA.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.

In this episode of You’re Not Dead Yet, Chris McNeal is joined by his new co-host Steve Hough. Steve is the newest advisor on the Premier Investments & Wealth Management team, expanding our firm's reach to the east coast. Though new to PIWM, Steve brings nearly two decades of experience in the financial services industry.

Together, Chris and Steve break down a recent 2026 Market Outlook from Vanguard which suggests the economy could remain stable while stock market returns may become more muted after the strong run of recent years. They discuss why diversification, disciplined rebalancing, and realistic expectations may matter even more in the years ahead.

For more insights on staying focused during uncertain markets, download our Investor’s Guide to Navigating Market Volatility at www.premieriwm.com

🎧 You’re Not Dead Yet: Thriving at the Crossroads of Building Wealth and Living Life.

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC.

The opinions voiced in this show are for general information purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, and financial or tax advisor prior to investing.

Economic forecasts set forth may not develop as predicted and there can be no guarantee that strategies promoted will be successful.

Premier Investments & Wealth Management and LPL Financial do not provide tax advice, please consult your tax professional.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.

There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

Rebalancing a portfolio may cause investors to incur tax liabilities and/or transaction costs and does not assure a profit or protect against loss.

All performance referenced All performance referenced is historical and is not a guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly.

Dollar cost averaging involves continuous investment in securities regardless of fluctuations in price levels. Investors should consider their ability to continue purchasing through periods of low price levels. Such a plan does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets.

There is no assurance that the techniques and strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. The purchase of certain securities may be required to effect some of the strategies. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal.

Tax season is here — and if forecasts hold true, 2026 refunds could be higher than recent years thanks to tax code changes that weren’t fully reflected in 2025 paycheck withholdings. But before you treat that refund like “free money,” let’s pause. Because it’s not a bonus. It’s your money — coming back. In this episode of You’re Not Dead Yet, we break down how to turn your tax refund into a strategic financial move instead of a temporary splurge. We’ll talk about: • Why building (or strengthening) your emergency fund is important • How using your refund to pay down high-interest debt can have a long-term impact • Ways to invest it toward retirement and let compounding do the heavy lifting • When it makes sense to invest in home repairs, professional growth, or life upgrades 🎧 You’re Not Dead Yet: Thriving at the Crossroads of Building Wealth and Living Life. Ready to take control of your financial future? Visit www.premieriwm.com for guides, tools, and personalized strategies. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC. The opinions voiced in this show are for general information purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, and financial or tax advisor prior to investing. Premier Investments & Wealth Management and LPL Financial do not provide tax advice, please consult your tax professional. Contributions to a traditional IRA may be tax deductible in the contribution year, with current income tax due at withdrawal. Withdrawals prior to age 59 1/2 may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax in addition to current income tax. A Roth IRA offers tax deferral on any earnings in the account. Qualified withdrawals of earnings from the account are tax-free. Withdrawals of earnings prior to age 59 1/2 or prior to the account being opened for 5 years, whichever is later, may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax. Limitations and restrictions may apply. This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk. All performance referenced All performance referenced is historical and is not a guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. Dollar cost averaging involves continuous investment in securities regardless of fluctuations in price levels. Investors should consider their ability to continue purchasing through periods of low price levels. Such a plan does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets. There is no assurance that the techniques and strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. The purchase of certain securities may be required to effect some of the strategies. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal.

In this episode of You’re Not Dead Yet, we unpack the quiet superpower of your 20s: time. We explore how compound growth actually works, why the first $100,000 can feel almost magical, and why the math can be right — but the conclusion can still be wrong.

Because calculators assume smooth returns, perfect behavior, and predictable lives. Real life? Not so smooth.

We break down:

What starting young really buys you (hint: it’s not just a million dollars)

Why flexibility is more valuable than “coasting”

How saving in your 30s shifts from pressure to power

The biggest mindset trap high achievers can fall into

Starting early doesn’t mean you’re done. It means you’ve given yourself options — the ability to take risks, pivot careers, weather market downturns, and build a retirement that’s not just possible… but comfortable.

🎧 You’re Not Dead Yet: Thriving at the Crossroads of Building Wealth and Living Life.

Ready to take control of your financial future? Visit www.premieriwm.com for guides, tools, and personalized strategies.

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC.

The opinions voiced in this show are for general information purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, and financial or tax advisor prior to investing.

Premier Investments & Wealth Management and LPL Financial do not provide tax advice, please consult your tax professional.

Contributions to a traditional IRA may be tax deductible in the contribution year, with current income tax due at withdrawal. Withdrawals prior to age 59 1/2 may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax in addition to current income tax.

A Roth IRA offers tax deferral on any earnings in the account. Qualified withdrawals of earnings from the account are tax-free. Withdrawals of earnings prior to age 59 1/2 or prior to the account being opened for 5 years, whichever is later, may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax. Limitations and restrictions may apply.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.

There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

All performance referenced All performance referenced is historical and is not a guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly.

Dollar cost averaging involves continuous investment in securities regardless of fluctuations in price levels. Investors should consider their ability to continue purchasing through periods of low price levels. Such a plan does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets.

There is no assurance that the techniques and strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. The purchase of certain securities may be required to effect some of the strategies. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal.

This week, Chris is joined by fellow PIWM Wealth Advisors Roger Abel and Elias Randel to tackle a listener question from Daniel about 401(k)s. The conversation expands into a practical look at the key differences and trade-offs between pensions and 401(k) plans—and what those differences mean for how you plan, save, and retire.

🎧 You’re Not Dead Yet: Thriving at the Crossroads of Building Wealth and Living Life.

Ready to take control of your financial future? Visit www.premieriwm.com for guides, tools, and personalized strategies.

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC.

The opinions voiced in this show are for general information purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, and financial or tax advisor prior to investing.

Premier Investments & Wealth Management and LPL Financial do not provide tax advice, please consult your tax professional.

Contributions to a traditional IRA may be tax deductible in the contribution year, with current income tax due at withdrawal. Withdrawals prior to age 59 1/2 may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax in addition to current income tax.

A Roth IRA offers tax deferral on any earnings in the account. Qualified withdrawals of earnings from the account are tax-free. Withdrawals of earnings prior to age 59 1/2 or prior to the account being opened for 5 years, whichever is later, may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax. Limitations and restrictions may apply.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.

There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

All performance referenced All performance referenced is historical and is not a guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly.

Dollar cost averaging involves continuous investment in securities regardless of fluctuations in price levels. Investors should consider their ability to continue purchasing through periods of low price levels. Such a plan does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets.

There is no assurance that the techniques and strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. The purchase of certain securities may be required to effect some of the strategies. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal.

Annuities are sold by prospectus, which contains detailed information about investment objectives and risks, as well as charges and expenses. You are encouraged to read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money to buy an annuity contract. The prospectus is available from the insurance company or from your financial professional.

The guarantees of an annuity contract depend on the issuing company’s claims-paying ability.

A lot of families don’t start thinking seriously about college funding until their kids are already in middle or high school — and that’s often because they were doing the right things first: paying off debt, building emergency savings, and getting their retirement plan on track.

In this episode, we answer Liam’s question about whether a 529 plan still makes sense when kids are 12 and 15 — and what other options might actually provide more flexibility when time is limited.

🎧 You’re Not Dead Yet: Thriving at the Crossroads of Building Wealth and Living Life.

Ready to take control of your financial future? Visit www.premieriwm.com for guides, tools, and personalized strategies.

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC.

The opinions voiced in this show are for general information purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, and financial or tax advisor prior to investing.

Premier Investments & Wealth Management and LPL Financial do not provide tax advice, please consult your tax professional.

Contributions to a traditional IRA may be tax deductible in the contribution year, with current income tax due at withdrawal. Withdrawals prior to age 59 1/2 may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax in addition to current income tax.

A Roth IRA offers tax deferral on any earnings in the account. Qualified withdrawals of earnings from the account are tax-free. Withdrawals of earnings prior to age 59 1/2 or prior to the account being opened for 5 years, whichever is later, may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax. Limitations and restrictions may apply.

Prior to investing in a 529 Plan investors should consider whether the investor’s or designated beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other state benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in such state’s qualified tuition program.

Withdrawals used for qualified expenses are federally tax free. Tax treatment at the state level may vary. Please consult with your tax advisor before investing.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.

There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

All performance referenced All performance referenced is historical and is not a guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly.

Dollar cost averaging involves continuous investment in securities regardless of fluctuations in price levels. Investors should consider their ability to continue purchasing through periods of low price levels. Such a plan does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets.

There is no assurance that the techniques and strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. The purchase of certain securities may be required to effect some of the strategies. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal.

2026 brings a mix of higher savings limits and meaningful rule changes that affect how individuals plan for retirement, taxes, and wealth transfer. From increased contribution limits and new Roth requirements for high-earning catch-up contributors under SECURE 2.0, to expanded gifting thresholds and evolving charitable deduction rules, these updates highlight the growing importance of coordinated planning. While many of the changes are incremental, together they can significantly influence cash flow, tax strategy, and long-term flexibility—making it more important than ever to review how today’s financial decisions fit into a broader, multi-year plan.

🎧 You’re Not Dead Yet: Thriving at the Crossroads of Building Wealth and Living Life.

Ready to take control of your financial future? Visit www.premieriwm.com for guides, tools, and personalized strategies.

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC.

The opinions voiced in this show are for general information purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, and financial or tax advisor prior to investing.

Premier Investments & Wealth Management and LPL Financial do not provide tax advice, please consult your tax professional.

Contributions to a traditional IRA may be tax deductible in the contribution year, with current income tax due at withdrawal. Withdrawals prior to age 59 1/2 may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax in addition to current income tax.

A Roth IRA offers tax deferral on any earnings in the account. Qualified withdrawals of earnings from the account are tax-free. Withdrawals of earnings prior to age 59 1/2 or prior to the account being opened for 5 years, whichever is later, may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax. Limitations and restrictions may apply.

Traditional IRA account owners have considerations to make before performing a Roth IRA conversion. These primarily include income tax consequences on the converted amount in the year of conversion, withdrawal limitations from a Roth IRA, and income limitations for future contributions to a Roth IRA. In addition, if you are required to take a required minimum distribution (RMD) in the year you convert, you must do so before converting to a Roth IRA.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.

There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

All performance referenced All performance referenced is historical and is not a guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly.

Dollar cost averaging involves continuous investment in securities regardless of fluctuations in price levels. Investors should consider their ability to continue purchasing through periods of low price levels. Such a plan does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets.

There is no assurance that the techniques and strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. The purchase of certain securities may be required to effect some of the strategies. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal.