Broker Check

PO Box 938, 2 W Oakland Ave., Ste 100, Oakland, FL 34760

(407) 395-9720
mike@laportefinancial.com
Account Access

Hot Topics

Friday, December 1, 2023

If the end of the year has you in planning mode, you’re not alone—starting a new year may be a great opportunity for a review and renewal. What steps might you take for next year?  Review Asset Allocations Most...

Friday, November 24, 2023

For many of us, a new year is an opportunity for fresh starts and discovering the best versions of ourselves, but some things—like tax contributions and retirement deadlines—don't change much, if at all. And with that shiny...

Friday, November 17, 2023

What are year-end investment decisions? Year-end investment decisions may sometimes result in substantial tax savings. Tax planning may allow you to control the timing and method by which you report your income and claim your...

Thursday, November 16, 2023

At the end of the year, it is necessary to reflect on your financial picture, review the last 12 months, and plan for the future. With all that is involved, it can seem overwhelming. Consider breaking up the responsibilities over 12...

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Just as every snowflake is unique, so is every person's retirement plan. Though there are some general strategies that can be helpful—contribute at least 10% of your salary; have at least one year's salary saved for retirement by...

Show All

Thursday, November 16, 2023

In Charles Dickens's timeless classic, "A Christmas Carol," Ebenezer Scrooge transforms from a miserly old man to a generous and empathetic soul. Along the way, he encounters the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, who...

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Whether you are just entering your golden years or are already several years in, setting goals to stay on track and maintain your health, happiness, and finances is essential. So why not use the New Year's holiday to turn these goals...

Friday, November 10, 2023

A trust is a legal vehicle that protects your assets that contains instructions for your assets when you die or become incapacitated. When you set up a trust, you transfer assets from your name into your trust's name while you still...

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

The penultimate month of the year is often a time to reflect and offer thanks. And while economic and geopolitical uncertainty can overshadow the positives, there are things to be thankful for. Here is just some of what we’re...

Friday, November 3, 2023

A 401(k) plan is one of the most popular and effective techniques for saving for your retirement. A company will automatically withdraw and contribute money from each paycheck to your 401(k) plan. Some employers will even match a...

Friday, October 27, 2023

What is this strategy? If you work after you begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits, all or part of your retirement benefit may be withheld if your earnings exceed the retirement earnings test exempt amount. However,...

Friday, October 20, 2023

It is common for people to put off planning their estates. After all, no one wants to anticipate their death. In addition, many may believe that only the wealthy require estate planning or that all that is involved is tax planning,...

Friday, October 13, 2023

Have you ever thought about what would happen if you or a family member were no longer able to live independently? What if your elderly parents were no longer able to drive or perform basic activities of daily living, such as bathing...

Friday, October 6, 2023

For some people, the thought of using financial services is a scary experience. It involves planning for a future where you may not know how the economy may be, how your health may be, or what your financial needs might be. One of the...

Friday, September 29, 2023

Government shutdowns have become a recurrent feature of American politics, with their origins dating back to the late 20th century. These shutdowns, which occur when the U.S. government fails to pass a budget or spending bill, can have...

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

The government is likely to shut down on October 1, as Congress has failed to agree on some type of funding legislation for the 2024 federal fiscal year. Lawmakers are supposed to pass 12 different spending bills to fund agencies...

Friday, September 22, 2023

Having a solid life insurance policy in place is crucial for any adult who has assets, a business, or a steady income. While most adults know that having a life insurance policy is a vital piece in their financial puzzle, there are...

Friday, September 15, 2023

Many people know that life insurance is important to have, and yet not enough actually get it. Some decide they’ll get it later in life while others feel it’s a waste of money because they don’t have any health issues...

Monday, September 11, 2023

Financial markets lived up to their reputation during the month of August, which has a record for being difficult. On the first day of August, markets had to contend with a downgrade of U.S. long-term debt by the rating agency, Fitch....

Friday, September 8, 2023

How much life insurance do you need? Your life insurance needs will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your family, the nature of your financial obligations, your career stage, and your goals. For example, when you're...

Friday, September 1, 2023

Obtaining a life insurance policy is part of being an adult. But it’s also something that you can easily neglect, especially if you obtained it earlier in adulthood. While you may have been diligent in securing your life...

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Estate planning is critical for efficiently transferring your money, property, and assets to your beneficiaries after you die. The reason people choose an estate plan is that it avoids probate. One thing to keep in mind about...

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Building family traditions can be a great way to solidify the family bond. In fact, traditions and rituals often tell a story about your family—serving as real reminders of what helped shape your lives together. They also build...

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Retirement planning is a constantly evolving process. Strategies that may have worked fine a few years ago may no longer be the optimal direction to continue. Your life may have taken unexpected turns, you may have different retirement...

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Establishing and sticking to a budget is an important life skill to learn, even for college students who are focused on keeping up their grades and getting a good job when they graduate. Budgeting may help them understand how much...

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

In a 6 to 3 vote, the Supreme Court struck down the Biden administration’s student loan forgiveness plan denying a chance for at least 43 million eligible participants to eliminate up to $20,000 of their debt.Despite new actions...

Monday, July 17, 2023

At LPL Research, our 2023 investing outlook started with a theme of returning to normalcy. Considering 2022’s market volatility and the aftereffects of the pandemic, the idea of finding balance was certainly a welcomed change....

Saturday, July 1, 2023

Adults caring for aging parents and children simultaneously have now become known as the "sandwich generation."  While each generation comes with its own array of financial challenges, the sandwich generation often feels...

Saturday, July 1, 2023

When it comes to tackling a home renovation, the backyard can be an afterthought. But more and more, homeowners are thinking about this prime living space a bit differently. In 2020, outdoor contracting professionals, like pool and spa...

Saturday, July 1, 2023

Those who receive an inheritance with the passing of a loved one are potentially given the gift of financial freedom if they choose to manage the wealth carefully. Did you know that only about one-third of adults have a prepared will,...

Saturday, June 24, 2023

There are insurances you may want to consider for your college student. Whether an accident or some other unforeseen event occurs, you may help relieve some of their (or your) financial stress through these six types of insurance.

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

Vacations are an investment. A lot of planning and money goes into having the best trip possible—but should you buy travel insurance to protect yourself in the event of unforeseen changes and emergencies?

Friday, June 9, 2023

Every so often Washington likes to remind us how hard it can be to get things accomplished. The most recent example is the debt ceiling—the amount Congress can borrow to pay its bills. It seems like we have this debate every few...

Thursday, June 1, 2023

Multigenerational travel can be a wonderful experience for the entire family. Children who do not get to spend much time with grandparents can enjoy one-on-one time with them, and participating in activities as a group can create...

Thursday, June 1, 2023

Summer is the perfect season to get outside and enjoy the sunshine, warm weather, fresh air, and a wide range of outdoor activities. Whether you are the type of person who likes to relax and enjoy sunny days or likes more fast-paced...

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Hurricane season runs from June to November, and it's also prime time for tornadoes, other wind and rainstorms, and lightning strikes.

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Those that choose to invest in the education of a family member, friend or acquaintance are investing not only in that individual’s future, but also the future of society. It is an act of generosity, forward-thinking, and love....

Thursday, May 4, 2023

When it feels like the galaxy’s forces are all working against you when it comes to your finances, fighting back may seem incredibly daunting. However, becoming a financial Jedi Master is not as hard as you think. Here are four...

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

From chargrilled food to backyard games—barbecues are the epitome of summer living. Regardless of your party hosting style, throwing a barbecue doesn’t have to be challenging. In fact, you should have as much fun...

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Spring is often thought of as an uplifting time, marked by growth and renewed hope as we emerge from the long months of winter and look ahead to the rest of the year. Investors saw signs of such renewed hope in recent weeks, especially...

Monday, May 1, 2023

You may already be aware of the importance of having enough life insurance coverage to handle financial matters that could affect your family in the event of your death. However, determining the appropriate amount of coverage for your...

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

A 2022 Gallup Poll found that 58% of all adult Americans own stock. The top 1% owns more than half the total amount invested among those who own stock. 1 Making investing possible for your children, nieces, nephews and other loved ones...

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Thoughts from a financial professional When helping people get ready for retirement, financial professionals find the same issues come up over and over. Thinking ahead can spell the difference between a retirement with enough money and...

Thursday, April 13, 2023

Most people know that once they approach retirement age, their reward for years of work comes from Social Security payments they put money towards during their employment. Deciding when to file for your Social Security payments is...

Sunday, April 9, 2023

When people think of “myths,” they often think of such stories as Pandora’s Box (the woman who took the lid off of a jar releasing all of the world’s ills upon the world, were taxes one of them?), or the Tale of...

Thursday, April 6, 2023

The financial markets’ resilient performance during March was striking, despite pockets of uncertainty surrounding the strength of the economy—and not to mention concerns over the durability of the banking system. The...

Sunday, April 2, 2023

With April’s federal tax filing and payment deadline on the horizon, Americans are dotting their i’s and crossing their t’s as they prepare for the countdown to Tax Day. But before you rush to get that return out the...

Thursday, March 23, 2023

Spring can be a fantastic time to refresh your retirement plan and savings habits. With 2023 bringing increased limits for 401(k)s, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and other tax-advantaged...

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Although the Roth IRA has been a part of the retirement lexicon for years when compared to other types of retirement accounts, it's quite young—it's only been in effect for 25 years. It was introduced as part of the Taxpayer...

Monday, March 13, 2023

Financial markets were shaken last week as Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), the California bank subsidiary of SVB Financial Group (SIVB), fell into FDIC receivership. SVB is the first FDIC-insured institution to fail since 2020 and the...

Thursday, March 9, 2023

One silver lining in the current bear market is that this could be a good time to convert assets from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Converted assets are subject to federal income tax in the year of conversion, which might be a...

Thursday, March 9, 2023

As Samuel Goldwyn once said, "The harder I work…the luckier I get!" But when it comes to investing, luck may play a huge role in outcomes—no matter how hard you work. Below, we discuss some ways that luck may...

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Having a good credit score doesn't just get you the best interest rates. It can also reduce your auto insurance premiums, allow you to avoid security deposits, and in some cases, even help you get hired.1But what goes into your credit...

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Financial markets have experienced quite a bit of change this year in just two short months. We started the year hopeful that stocks would benefit from a better economic and monetary policy environment by the spring, but recent...

Thursday, February 23, 2023

When you own a business, you get to deduct business expenses from your business income. This general rule applies, subject to certain limitations, whether you are a sole proprietor with employees or a self-employed freelancer...

Thursday, February 16, 2023

With healthcare costs continuing to rise, there are ways to help lower the cost of healthcare for yourself by becoming a wise consumer of healthcare. February is National Wise Health Care Consumer Month and a great time to empower...

Friday, February 10, 2023

Looking for ways to save "I love you" on Valentine's Day? Then you may want to consider opening a spousal individual retirement account (IRA). This gift says, "Let's grow old together comfortably," and shows your partner that you care...

Thursday, February 9, 2023

The Super Bowl is more than just a game. It's an American holiday. As you prepare for this fun day, you may also want to think about how to create "big wins'' in your investment strategy. Get ready for Super Bowl Sunday by checking out...

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

What is long-term care?Long-term care refers to the ongoing services and support needed by people who have chronic health conditions or disabilities. There are three levels of long-term care:Skilled care: Generally...

Thursday, February 2, 2023

Financial wellness is a state of being when one is in control of their finances, can cover expenses, and save for future goals. Consider financial wellness as your relationship with money; it can be either healthy or unhealthy....

Thursday, February 2, 2023

Whether you’re one to set ambitious New Year’s resolutions or simply use the beginning of the year to reset on a few habits, there’s almost always some value in reflecting on the past year before looking ahead. The...

Monday, January 30, 2023

Identity theft runs rampant during tax seasonHere’s what to know and how you can help protect yourself.Identity thieves often swipe your bank or credit card account numbers, birth date information or Social Security Number (SSN)...

Friday, January 20, 2023

Habits create a domino effect; once you begin a habit and stick with it, you can see the effects of it flowing into other areas of your life, for better or worse. But what if it’s easier than you think to make the healthy...

Friday, January 13, 2023

Tax preparation tools and products continue to evolve even more quickly than the federal tax code itself. Which tax prep tools are worth the hype, and which may be passed over? Below we discuss five high-tech tools to help make tax...

Monday, January 9, 2023

Regardless of whether you prepare your taxes yourself or use a professional's services, it's a good idea to gather the information and documentation you need well in advance of your actual tax filing date. Below, we've listed some key...

Friday, January 6, 2023

Change may be difficult, especially when you try to change your financial habits. The process might be easier if you take an incremental approach. Do you want to get on top of your finances this year? Are you looking for ways to...

Thursday, January 5, 2023

We wish you a happy New Year and hope you were able to close out 2022 with friends and family.The beginning of a calendar year is often the time when the previous year’s reflections transition to a new year’s hopes. Given...

Thursday, January 5, 2023

As you may know, Congress passed SECURE 2.0 as part of the fiscal 2023 spending package. This bipartisan retirement security legislation could present opportunities for your retirement savings strategy.Below are highlights of some of...

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

A resolution for every month to help you work towards financial independence Cleaning up personal finances remains one of the top resolutions every New Year. But we all know what happens to most such self-promises, so here’s a...

Monday, December 19, 2022

As you take a moment to reflect upon all of the things that bring you comfort and joy this holiday season, consider giving back to those in need. Whether you are participating in an organized fundraiser or diving headfirst into your...

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

On October 21st, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that the amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2023 has increased to $22,500, up from $20,500 for 2022. The IRS today also issued technical guidance...

Monday, December 12, 2022

The holidays are often filled with a lot of hustle and bustle that can make it difficult to prioritize our physical and mental health. To help you slow down and focus on your own well-being, here are some tips for having a happy and...

Thursday, December 8, 2022

Through all the challenges, newfound opportunities, and every high and low we’ve experienced during the last couple of years, it’s no surprise why we might be striving for more balance. Whether it’s about the markets...

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

If you ask someone their favorite part of the holiday season, giving or receiving gifts will likely be their response nine times out of ten. Gift-giving is a huge part of the holidays—it’s why there are entire days...

Thursday, December 1, 2022

Things to Consider Going into “The New Year" (Year-End Planning Checklist) The end of the year is necessary to reflect on your financial picture, review the last 12 months, and plan for the future. With all that is involved,...

Monday, November 21, 2022

More consumers are conducting financial transactions online and may become vulnerable to tracking, hacking, identity theft, phishing scams, and other cyberspace risks. While nothing can guarantee complete safety on the Internet,...

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

The average U.S. income tax rate stands at just over 13%—and if you're like many taxpayers, you're always looking for new tips and tricks to help reduce this percentage. There are a number of different tax planning moves you can...

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

The way Americans shop and travel has dramatically changed over the past few years due to COVID-19. The idea of supporting ‘mom and pop shops’ has re-ignited as people realize they want a robust local economy that supports...

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Black Friday is sometimes the largest shopping holiday of the entire year. Millions of people typically shop in stores or online on Black Friday to score the top deals on must-have holiday gifts. While it may be easy to become...

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

After weeks of uncertainty, borrowers of student loans can now apply for the Biden administration’s debt relief program. Full or partial federal student loan debt cancellation of up to $20,000 is available to Federal Pell Grant...

Monday, October 24, 2022

If you hope to retire soon and are concerned about what the future may hold for your investments, you are not alone. Inflation has many retirees and soon-to-be retirees worried about outliving their savings and investments.1 What...

Thursday, October 13, 2022

Hurricane Ian was upgraded to a Category 4 storm before landfall over Florida's Gulf Coast. Ian had a maximum sustained wind speed of 155 mph and a Hurricane Warning was extended in southwestern Florida with life-threatening storm...

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

At one time, the typical American family looked like this: a breadwinner father who commuted a short distance to work and earned a very good living, and a stay-at-home mother who took care of the kids and family home with aplomb. Life...

Thursday, September 1, 2022

Retirement is an exciting time. You have worked hard all of your life and now get to take advantage of the fruits of that hard labor. While retirement is the perfect time to tackle to-do lists and all of the things you have always...

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

Many investors still adhere to the old adage—"sell in May and go away"—while others remain fully invested even as the summer heat waves begin. What goes unsaid is that if your asset allocation accurately reflects your risk...

Tuesday, August 16, 2022

Go out into your yard and dig a big hole. Every month, throw $50 into it, but don't take any money out until you're ready to buy a house, send your child to college, or retire.It sounds a little crazy, doesn't it? But that's what...

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

Labor Day is right around the corner. The weather is starting to turn a little cooler, college football returns and the kids are back in school. For me, it’s always been the kids going back to school that really marked the end of...

Monday, August 1, 2022

Investing for your retirement isn't about getting rich quick. More often, it's about having a game plan that you can live with over a long time. You wouldn't expect to be able to play the piano without learning the basics and...

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

Almost half of all adults are part of the "sandwich generation." These are adults in their 40s and 50s who are helping support or care for a parent while also supporting or caring for a child.1 Being caught between two generations of...