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3 Things being a Marine taught me about being a financial advisor

May 30, 2018May 18, 2018

Hello, this is Jeff Junior, President, and CEO of Trajan Wealth. I’ve spent nearly two decades in financial services helping people manage their wealth, prepare for retirement, and manage the ever-changing financial landscape. But before I was serving my clients in the financial sector, I was serving my country as a Marine. Memorial Day is an important day for reflection as I honor my fellow servicemen and women who have served before, with and after me. This day is an opportunity for us to be grateful, and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for us, our families and our country.

I learned a lot while in the Marines and have found three lessons in particular that now transfer to my role as a financial advisor.

The Real Cost of Credit

July 29, 2018April 13, 2018

2017 was a challenging year for the credit industry. From the data breach at Equifax and multiple lawsuits that follow, it has been a tumultuous time for consumers to have faith in the world of credit. Unfortunately, it’s becoming apparent that for Americans overall, it’s not going to get any better in 2018 as the trend of acquiring more debt increases.

Aside from having to shell out money for damages caused in 2017, the credit industry will have a very lucrative 2018 even after paying fines and settlements thanks in part to the American consumer.

According to MarketWatch, U.S. households owe more than $1 trillion in credit-card debt, and the numbers are only rising. Your typical culprits of irresponsible spending that contribute to increasing credit card debt among Americans includes more access by those considered ‘subprime borrowers,’ increased costs for food and housing and continuous spending on unnecessary items. As the average household holds a balance of $15,983 on credit. The cost of maintaining a lifestyle beyond their means can cost a lot more than anticipated with interest rates on the rise.

Legacy Planning as Part of Life Planning

April 2, 2018

Leaving a legacy through the passing assets today and after your death is a process that requires correct planning and execution. With the recent Tax Cuts and Job Act of 2017, updated tax codes, and an ever-changing political environment, legacy planning requires consulting with multiple professionals in order to pass assets without financial consequences.

Legacy planning should always be a team effort involving an attorney, tax specialist, and your financial advisor if planning involves securities assets, or will benefit more than one generation, non-profit, or other entity. Transferring wealth has no ‘right or wrong’ way but is best the way that you prefer.

7 Tips to Avoid the Most Common Tax Scams

March 13, 2018March 13, 2018

With the significant 2017 cybersecurity leaks involving the personal information of millions of Americans, this year’s tax season is expected to be one of the worst ever for tax scams. Aside from cybersecurity leaks, scammers also target HR departments via emails requesting employee information while posing as the IRS, which has corporations on edge to maintain the security of employee information.

This year’s tax season officially opens January 29^th, 2018 and runs through April 17, 2018 and scammers are ready and waiting to file tax returns in the names of other people. Hundreds of thousands of people will file their taxes this year expecting a return, only to find out the return was sent somewhere else. What can you do to protect yourself?

Fear, Greed, and Your Portfolio

April 2, 2018February 23, 2018

We like to think there are times when humans can be 100 percent rational, but in reality, our emotions are always influencing our decisions whether we want to acknowledge that fact or not.

In fact, one of the most famous mathematicians of all time, Godel, based his foundational incompleteness theorem partially on that point. The universe is likely objective, but humans cannot always objectively measure, observe, or even understand it.

So stop fighting your irrationality. You’re officially off the hook.

Fear plus greed and your finances

Is Retirement Really About Numbers?

February 15, 2018February 15, 2018

For some people retirement is all about the numbers; the age you plan to retire, how much money you need, and so forth. But is retirement really about numbers?

Numbers give us a baseline to help you financially plan for today and the future. Your numbers can change throughout your life. Maybe you’re already retired or are within ten to twenty years of retiring, but one thing is clear; whether you love them or hate them, numbers play a role in all aspects of your financial life:

8 Ways the Tax Bill Could Affect You.

January 25, 2018January 25, 2018

While much of the news is focused on the government shut down, for most Americans, it’s business as usual. The IRS is keeping 43% of it’s workforce up and running but wished to have more during the upcoming tax season. While the new tax laws won’t affect your 2017 returns, there are some things you should know as you move into the next few years. Here are 8 ways the tax bill may affect you.

How Staying Healthy Affects Your Retirement Portfolio

January 19, 2018January 19, 2018

Every year in January, people make resolutions to maintain better health habits. Logically, we all know a healthy life style can help us live longer and improve quality of life but has it occurred to you that better health can even improve your retirement portfolio? Not only will you be healthier to enjoy activities but you’ll end up saving a tremendous amount on health care. According to this article from Fidelity Investments, retiree healthcare costs are continuing to rise. The estimate for retiree health care spending rises to an average of $275,000 per couple, excluding long-term care expenses. That’s an increase of $15,000 from 2016. Considering how expensive health care currently is, investing in your health now can pay huge dividends in the future. Here is a more detailed break down.

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