Great Lakes Wealth Advisors

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Great Lakes Wealth Advisors We provide insight and direction to help you build a comprehensive financial plan that is focused on fulfilling your individual needs and financial goals.

Three shocking realities most families miss when it comes to wealth transfer:→ The top reason why wealth transfer strate...
11/05/2025

Three shocking realities most families miss when it comes to wealth transfer:

→ The top reason why wealth transfer strategies fail is a lack of communication and trust (60%)
→ Your retirement plan beneficiary designation overrides your will
→ Most heirs must withdraw inherited retirement accounts within 10 years. This could have wide-ranging implications

Here’s the surprising part: the biggest reason wealth fails to transfer isn’t bad investments… It’s a lack of communication.

What your adult children need to know:

▪️ Where your retirement income comes from
▪️ How bills are paid and where passwords are stored
▪️ Who your financial team is and how to reach them
▪️ Who has power of attorney, and who’s the executor
▪️ The why behind your financial decisions

Why Now?
Holiday gatherings create the rare moment when everyone’s together and the mood is about gratitude.

How to start:
We want to make sure you’re prepared if something happens to us. Can we talk through the basics?

Families who succeed at wealth transfer aren’t the ones with the most money. They’re the ones who talk about it.

🏥 Preparing for health and care needs is one of personal finance's most important and often overlooked parts.According t...
11/03/2025

🏥 Preparing for health and care needs is one of personal finance's most important and often overlooked parts.

According to the 2024 Genworth Cost of Care Survey:
✨ Home health aide: $77,800 per year (+3 percent from 2023)
✨ Homemaker services: $75,500 per year (+10 percent)
✨ Assisted living: $70,800 annually (+10 percent)
✨ Nursing home, semi-private room: $111,325 per year (+7 percent)
✨ Nursing home, private room: $127,750 per year (+9 percent)

These are sobering numbers, but they highlight an opportunity: the earlier families begin preparing, the more options and flexibility they may have.

This month reminds us of the value of preparing not only for retirement from a lifestyle perspective, but also for the possibility of care needs along the way.

A thoughtful approach today might help preserve independence, protect assets, and ease the burden on loved ones tomorrow.

⏰ As you turn back the clocks, here are a few timely reminders:➡️ Open Enrollment: Many employer benefit windows are in ...
11/01/2025

⏰ As you turn back the clocks, here are a few timely reminders:

➡️ Open Enrollment: Many employer benefit windows are in November—make sure your selections are in.
➡️ Flexible Spending Accounts: Check your FSA balance. Most plans are “use it or lose it” by year-end. See if your employer offers a grace period or a carryover limit.
➡️ Retirement Contributions: Is it time to increase retirement plan contributions before December 31?
➡️ Year-End Strategy: Review investments or consider making charitable gifts before year-end deadlines.

🍂 Turning back the clock is a reminder that the year is coming to a close with year-end deadlines approaching quickly.

What’s your biggest financial fear? 👻Not having enough money in retirement? Making a bad investment? Not having a strate...
10/31/2025

What’s your biggest financial fear? 👻

Not having enough money in retirement? Making a bad investment? Not having a strategy in place if something unexpected happens?

Some of the most common fears we hear include:
• “I’m behind on retirement.”
• “I’m afraid of investing at the wrong time.”
• “Estate preparation is only for wealthy families.”

The truth?
✅ It’s never too late to start strategizing—or start over
✅ Timing the market is challenging—even for professionals
✅ Estate preparation isn’t just about managing wealth

Financial fears are real. But facing them can be a lot less scary than you think.

If there’s something that scares you, let’s talk!

In the meantime, wishing you a fun, fear-free Halloween! 🎃

📅 Many of you will start getting notices about benefit open enrollment for 2026 soon.Don't just put your benefits on aut...
10/29/2025

📅 Many of you will start getting notices about benefit open enrollment for 2026 soon.

Don't just put your benefits on autopilot!

Here are a few suggestions:

✓ Review last year's actual healthcare spend in-network and out-of-network, and deductibles

✓ Check if your doctors are still in-network for 2026

✓ Factor in any life changes: new baby, chronic conditions, planned procedures

✓ Consider an FSA to use pre-tax dollars for healthcare expenses. In 2026, the maximum annual contribution limit is $7,500

✓ Consider the pros and cons of HSA-eligible high-deductible plans

Remember: The cheapest premium isn't always the best financial choice, and the most expensive plan isn't always necessary.

What questions do you have about making smart benefits decisions that align with your financial goals?

Once you start Medicare, you can no longer contribute pretax dollars to your health savings account (HSA). Any money withdrawn from your HSA for nonmedical reasons is considered taxable income and faces an additional 20% penalty. This penalty is void after the age of 65; however, it will still become taxable income.

🍼 Did you know the new tax law creates a federally backed investment account—the “Trump Account”—for every American baby...
10/23/2025

🍼 Did you know the new tax law creates a federally backed investment account—the “Trump Account”—for every American baby born between 2025 and 2028?

🤔 FAQs:

Q: When does this start?
A: The program launches in 2026, with funds accumulating tax-deferred until your child turns 18.

Q: What does a new baby get automatically?
A: Each eligible newborn receives a one-time government contribution of $1,000 to start the account.

Q: Can you contribute more than the $1,000?
A: Yes! Parents, relatives, employers, and others can contribute up to $5,000 per year per child. Starting in 2028, this amount adjusts for inflation.

Q: Where is the money invested?
A: Investment earnings grow tax-deferred. Money is invested in a diversified index of U.S. stocks for potential long-term growth.

Many details remain uncertain, such as who will administer the accounts, how to open them, and how parents will be notified.

💡 Bottom line: This is worth paying attention, but stay tuned as many operational details are still being finalized!

Charitable giving is about generosity but can also have tax considerations.Here are three approaches to review as the gi...
10/20/2025

Charitable giving is about generosity but can also have tax considerations.

Here are three approaches to review as the giving season approaches:

1️⃣ Donate appreciated assets
Consider giving long-term appreciated assets instead of cash. You might be able to manage capital gains taxes.

2️⃣ Use a donor-advised fund (DAF)
A donor-advised fund (DAF) lets you give now, perhaps take a deduction, and distribute the money to charities later, offering flexibility and tax efficiency.

3️⃣ Consider bunching donations into a single tax year
If you don’t itemize every year, consider “bunching” several years’ worth of donations into one.

Charitable giving can be one of the most rewarding parts of year-end preparation. If you want to be both generous and strategic, let’s talk.

Some donor-advised funds are considered mutual funds and are sold only by prospectus. The prospectus will provide information on charges, risks, expenses, and investment objectives and should be reviewed carefully before investing. Investment companies can provide a prospectus, or you may prefer to ask a financial professional. Please read it carefully before you invest or send money.

Have you ever wondered if you should pay off your mortgage early or invest the money instead?It’s one of the most common...
10/16/2025

Have you ever wondered if you should pay off your mortgage early or invest the money instead?

It’s one of the most common questions we hear from clients, and the answer often starts with one number: your mortgage rate.

🔍 If you're paying over 6 percent, that might feel high, but historically, it's actually close to average.

Since 1971, the median 30-year mortgage rate has been 7.71 percent. Rates only feel high today because the past decade skewed low, closer to 4 percent.

So, where do most homeowners stand right now?

📊 Your mortgage rate breakdown (Q2 2024):
• 21.6% of mortgages are below 3%
• 34.6% are between 3% and 4%
• 18.4% are between 4% and 5%
• 9.6% are between 5% and 6%
• 15.8% are over 6%

Understanding where you fall on that spectrum and how it aligns with your goals, cash flow, and risk comfort is key to deciding whether to pay down debt or put your money to work elsewhere.

It’s about making the right move for you.

📩 If you’re considering your options, we’re always happy to help you evaluate the trade-offs.

Market swings and tax rules may shift, but smart, year-end preparation still holds.Here are five strategies that may hel...
10/13/2025

Market swings and tax rules may shift, but smart, year-end preparation still holds.

Here are five strategies that may help you set the stage for 2026 and beyond:

1️⃣ Manage capital gains distributions
Some mutual funds have year-end payouts. Reviewing exposure now might help you manage taxes on “phantom income.”

2️⃣ Harvest losses
Selling losing positions to offset gains (or up to $3K of income each year) is one strategy to consider. Just be aware that the wash-sale rule may apply.

3️⃣ Harvest gains
In years where your income may be lower than average, realizing long-term gains could be a strategy to consider.

4️⃣ Retirement plan contributions
From IRAs to 401(k)s to defined benefit plans, higher contribution limits in 2025 create opportunities to manage current-year taxable income.

5️⃣ Consider Roth conversions
Converting IRA dollars to a Roth IRA can help you manage future taxes on growth and withdrawals, especially in years when income might be lower than usual.

📆 The clock is ticking on 2025 windows. If you’re considering any of these, we’re happy to help.

Consult your Tax professional before modifying your strategy.

Mutual funds and ETFs are sold only by prospectus. Please consider the charges, risks, expenses, and investment objectives carefully before investing. A prospectus containing this and other information about the investment company can be obtained from your financial professional. Read it carefully before you invest or send money.

Once you reach age 73, you must begin taking RMDs from your 401(k), traditional IRA, or other defined contribution plan in most circumstances. Withdrawals from traditional IRAs are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10 percent federal income tax penalty.

Roth IRA contributions are phased out for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes (AGIs) above a certain amount. To qualify for the tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal of earnings, Roth IRA distributions must meet a five-year holding requirement and occur after age 59½. Tax-free and penalty-free withdrawals can also be taken under certain other circumstances, such as the owner's death. The original Roth IRA owner is not required to take minimum annual withdrawals.

What if you received a call from a number that looked like a family member’s, only to hear them sobbing, claiming to hav...
10/10/2025

What if you received a call from a number that looked like a family member’s, only to hear them sobbing, claiming to have been in a car crash?

That’s what happened to a Florida mother this summer who received a frantic call from her daughter, saying she’d been in a car accident and needed bail money.

Convinced it was real, the mother wired $15,000. Only later did she learn the entire thing was a scam. The voice had been cloned using AI, according to News 6 in Knoxville, TN.

Scams like this are getting harder to detect.

According to the FCC, criminals are now using AI-generated voices, robocalls, and texts to impersonate loved ones, bank reps, and public figures.

Here’s how to help protect yourself and your family:

⚠️ Pause before responding to urgent requests based solely on a voice or text, even if it sounds familiar

⚠️ If a loved one claims to be in trouble, contact them directly through a number you know

⚠️ Be skeptical of videos or messages from public figures asking for purchases or donations—many are deepfakes

Cybercriminals are weaponizing emotion, trust, and familiarity.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month isn’t just about protecting passwords. It’s about staying alert at all times!

Your tax-advantaged 529 education savings plan just got a major upgrade that most families might not know about yet.Here...
10/09/2025

Your tax-advantaged 529 education savings plan just got a major upgrade that most families might not know about yet.

Here's what changed (and why it matters):

👉 More qualified expenses:
529s now cover test fees, online learning materials, and even education-related therapies such as speech-language pathology and occupational therapy.

👉 K-12 limits expanded:
You can now withdraw up to $20,000 per year for qualified K-12 expenses—double the previous cap.

👉 Career-focused paths included:
Funds can be used for apprenticeships, tools, equipment, certifications, and certificate programs.

A heads-up: While these changes are in effect at the federal level, each state’s 529 rules may differ. Remember, before choosing a plan, it's important to consider not only the state tax treatment but also any associated fees and expenses. Availability of a state tax deduction will depend on your state of residence, as state tax laws and treatment may vary from federal tax laws. If you make nonqualified distributions, earnings will be subject to income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax.

These updates make 529s more flexible than ever. If you have one (or are considering one), these changes are worth understanding.

What’s one financial decision you’ve made that helped you feel more confident? For many of the people we work with, it’s...
10/08/2025

What’s one financial decision you’ve made that helped you feel more confident?

For many of the people we work with, it’s not a single investment or product—it’s having a strategy.

One that reflects what matters most and adapts as life changes.

Today is World Financial Planning Day, and a good reminder that financial preparation isn’t just for retirement.

It’s about organizing all the moving parts: income, family, giving, goals, and making more informed decisions along the way.

If you’ve been meaning to revisit your strategy or build one for the first time, this might be the reminder you need to start.

If it’s time to take a fresh look at your approach, we’re here to help.

Address

812 Ludington Street
Escanaba, MI
49829

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+19067865930

Website

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