Valerie Schmitz, CEPA, CPFA President
Welcome to our Web site, where you’ll find a wealth of information in the form of newsletter articles, calculators, and research reports.
We hope your visit will help you understand the opportunities and potential rewards that are available when you take a proactive approach to your personal financial situation. We have created this Web site to help you gain a better understanding of the financial concepts behind insurance, investing, retirement, estate planning, and wealth preservation. Most importantly, we hope you see the value of working with skilled professionals to pursue your financial goals.
We’re here to help educate you about the basic concepts of financial management; to help you learn more about who we are; and to give you fast, easy access to market performance data. We hope you take advantage of this resource and visit us often. Be sure to add our site to your list of "favorites" in your Internet browser. We frequently update our information, and we wouldn’t want you to miss any developments in the area of personal finance.
Newsletters
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Don’t Take the Bait: Top Tax Scams in 2025
As tax filing season approaches, the IRS warns taxpayers to watch for scams that can cause identity theft, financial loss, or criminal penalties.
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Online Shopping in the Tariff Era
Even small online purchases that are shipped from outside the United States must now pass through customs — and are likely to incur duties.
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Key Tax Law Changes to Higher Education Coming Soon
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes many provisions that affect higher education.
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Why Renters Should Have Their Own Insurance
Young renters who are just striking out on their own may not realize that a landlord’s insurance policy typically will not cover the destruction or loss of the tenant’s possessions.
Calculators
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Home Affordability
Estimate of the maximum amount of financing you can expect to get when you begin house hunting.
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Taxable Equivalent Yield
Calculate the rate of return you would have to receive from a taxable investment to realize an equivalent tax-exempt yield.
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Long-Term Care Self Insurance
Will you be able to afford nursing home care?
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Life Expectancy
Knowing your likely life expectancy is an important factor in making long-term financial plans.