Paul Mitchell CPA CFP(r)

Securities offered through H.D. Vest Investment Services SM Advisory Services offered through H.D. Vest Advisory Services SM

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 important, 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.
Calculators

Risk Tolerance

This calculator is designed to help you clarify your comfort level with investment risk.

Savings Goals

How much do you need to save each year to meet your long-term financial goals?

Cost of Retirement

Use this calculator to estimate how much income and savings you may need in retirement.

Financial IQ Test

Take this quick quiz to find out your Financial IQ

More Calculators →

Newsletters

Federal Estate Tax Is Much Lower — For Now

The federal estate tax was repealed in 2010, then reinstated by the 2010 Tax Relief Act with new provisions for 2011 and 2012. This article discusses the temporary provisions, the options for estates of 2010 decedents, and potential changes in future years that could subject many more estates to the federal estate tax than under current law.

Diving into Dividends

Dividends have traditionally been considered a source of income, but they also can be a powerful way to help build savings. A recent study found that dividends contributed 44% of S&P 500 total returns from 1930 through September 2010. This article explains how dividends work and the role that dividends could play in an investor's savings strategy.

HOT TOPIC: Breaking Down the Debt-Ceiling Compromise

The Budget Control Act of 2011 raised the federal debt ceiling, mandated modest but significant caps on discretionary spending over the next ten years, and left the details of larger deficit reduction to a 12 member, bipartisan “super committee.” The main provisions of the law include the assumption that higher tax rates will return in 2013.

HOT TOPIC: Breaking Down the Proposed FY 2013 Budget

The 2013 budget released by the White House on February 13 contains proposed fiscal measures that could affect the business and investment climate, the income tax code, and government spending. Considering that Congress will debate and discuss the budget in detail, many of these measures are unlikely to become law as proposed, but they may indicate future developments.

More Newsletters →