I believe wealth management begins with an in-depth analysis of your current financial portfolio, covering everything from investments to risk management, retirement, taxes, and estate planning; as well as your wealth goals and life dreams for the future. Only after I analyze this information will I present recommendations for your consideration. I'll guide you through your customized financial blueprint and help you feel confident in your decisions.   While developing a customized financial program, we will walk you through a step-by-step process that will make you feel confident in your decisions.  While developing a customized financial program, we will walk you through a step-by-step process that will make you feel confident in your decisions.  

I'll provide you with personalized strategies for virtually every issue that touches your financial life.

Please contact me at 630-724-9256 or karen@karenskalawm.com to discuss your situation, then, if you like, we can schedule a complimentary, one hour meeting.  This will help us decide if we’ll be a good fit to work successfully together. 

I hope you'll use this website as your personal finance  information resource.  Bookmark this site and check back often; new material is constantly being added.

 

 
 
Calculators

Federal Income Tax

This calculator can help you estimate your annual federal income tax liability.

Roth IRA Conversion

This calculator can help you determine whether you should consider converting to a Roth IRA.

Required Minimum Distributions

Estimate the annual required distribution from your traditional IRA or former employer's retirement plan after you turn age 70.

Long-Term Care Self Insurance

Will you be able to afford nursing home care?

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Newsletters

Rethinking the Role of Household Debt

Many people aspire to pay off their home mortgages before retirement, but the housing situation and a weak economy have taken a toll on the finances of many older Americans. There are some compelling reasons why pre-retirees might want to consider maximizing their retirement plan contributions and avoid carrying large amounts of debt into retirement.

HOT TOPIC: Could High Oil and Gas Prices Derail the Recovery?

Gas prices began the year higher than normal and increased sharply. The forecast is for prices to rise to record highs by summer. But it’s not just drivers who are feeling pain at the pump. This article will explain some possible reasons why gas prices have been rising and discuss the potential implications for consumers, businesses, and the broader U.S. economy.

Tax Changes for 2012

Mandatory annual inflation adjustments generally affect federal income tax brackets, retirement plan contribution limits, and estate tax exemption levels. Here are some of the major changes that could affect readers in 2012, with a table showing 2012 income thresholds for the six federal income tax brackets.

HOT TOPIC: American Manufacturing: Rebound or Renaissance?

During the last decade, U.S. manufacturing lost millions of jobs to foreign competition. The sector appears to be coming back strong, adding almost half a million jobs since 2010 as productivity rises. This article examines the conditions that originally caused the exodus of U.S. industrial production and those that may bode well for its future.

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