Investing, Saving for Retirement
Daniel Patterson
Where to Save Money First?

Many of us want to save and invest more, but with so many options available to us, such as our 401(k)s at work, IRAs, ESPPs, 457(b) plans, etc., it can sometimes be hard to figure out the order of where to save money first. If you can relate to this, then this blog is for you…

Where to Save Money First?
General Finance, Investing
Daniel Patterson
25 All-Time Great Books for Your Summer Reading ...

In honor of it almost being summer time, I decided to compile a list of the 25 all-time great investment/financial planning/business related books that I’ve read over the years. There should be something for about everyone on this list.

25 All-Time Great Books for Your Summer Reading List (2020)
General Finance
Daniel Patterson
4 Financial Items to Review While in Quarantine

If you’re anything like me, social distancing is beginning to make you a little stir crazy. While we’re waiting for this coronavirus to calm down and everything to go back to normal, here are three financial items that would be helpful for you to review while you’re stuck inside…

4 Financial Items to Review While in Quarantine
Investing, Saving for Retirement
Daniel Patterson
What is an ETF?

Exchange Traded funds (ETFs) have become an increasingly popular investment option over the last couple of decades. There is now over $4 trillion worth of assets that are invested in ETFs worldwide. The largest and oldest ETF, the SPDR S&P 500 (SPY) has nearly $237 billion in assets and is consistently one of the most highly traded securities in U.S. exchanges. In spite of this, I’ve found that many investors are still kind of confused on what exactly an ETF is. Many times, they’ve heard about them, but are still kind of fuzzy on the details of how they work…

What is an ETF?
Investing, Employer Benefits
Daniel Patterson
Should I Contribute to a Roth 401(k) or a ...

If your company provides both a Roth 401(k) and a Traditional 401 (k) option to you at work, which one should you contribute to? I know most of you would prefer a clear-cut, definitive answer, but unfortunately it’s not quite that easy or straightforward. Rather, the right choice can vary greatly from person to person and depends heavily on the particulars of your personal financial situation….

Should I Contribute to a Roth 401(k) or a Traditional 401(k)?

Employer Benefits

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Frothy Finance Friday - Episode 10 - Nitro Beers and Non-Qualified Stock Options

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We have an exciting Frothy Finance Friday topic this week as we take a look at Nitro Beers and Non-Qualified Stock Options.

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Disclaimer: This video blog is provided for general information and illustration purposes only. Nothing contained in the material constitutes tax advice, a recommendation for purchase or sale of any security, or investment advisory services. I encourage you to consult a financial planner, accountant, and/or legal counsel for advice specific to your situation. Please drink responsibly and do not overindulge. Reproduction of this material is prohibited without written permission from Daniel Patterson, and all rights are reserved. Read the full disclaimer here.

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Should I Contribute to a Roth 401(k) or a Traditional 401(k)?

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Should I Contribute to a Roth 401(k) or a Traditional 401(k)?

If your company provides both a Roth 401(k) and a Traditional 401 (k) option to you at work, which one should you contribute to? I know most of you would prefer a clear-cut, definitive answer, but unfortunately it’s not quite that easy or straightforward. Rather, the right choice can vary greatly from person to person and depends heavily on the particulars of your personal financial situation….

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What is a Mega Backdoor Roth IRA?

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What is a Mega Backdoor Roth IRA?

A Mega Backdoor Roth IRA strategy could be a great option for individuals who have maxed out all of their other tax-advantaged accounts, but still want to save more money for retirement in a tax-preferred manner. For those that are eligible (more on this in a bit), the Mega Backdoor Roth IRA strategy could allow you to contribute up to $37,000 to your Roth IRA per year, with no income limitations. If your spouse is also eligible to contribute to a Mega Backdoor Roth IRA, then the strategy would allow you to contribute up to $74,000 cumulatively as a couple to your Roth IRAs per year!

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8 Year-End Tax-Saving Tips

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8 Year-End Tax-Saving Tips

December is here, which means that we are nearing the end of yet another tax year. This may be causing some of you to have visions of looming tax-bills instead of sugar plums dancing through your head. Fear not! Here are 8 tax-saving tips that you can do between now and the end of the year to possibly reduce your tax obligations for the year.  

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Employee Stock Options 101

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Employee Stock Options 101

Many companies today offer their employees the ability to purchase shares of stock in the company by granting stock options as a form of compensation. Stock options are beneficial to both parties, as it allows employers to attract and retain high-quality employees, while providing a nice additional benefit for employees. While stock options can be a great potential benefit, many employees are not very familiar with how they work. The goal of this article is to help you better understand what stock options are and how they work, what types of stock options there are, and how to maximize them for your benefit.

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Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset with Long-Term Disability Income Insurance

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Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset with Long-Term Disability Income Insurance

If I were to ask you to name the most monetarily valuable asset that you have, chances are I’d get responses such as “my home” or “my investment portfolio” or “my car.” While all of these could be considered an asset for you (cars generally less so), the reality is that if you are in your 20s, 30s, or 40s and still in the midst of your working years, your greatest asset is your ability to continue to earn a living in your profession….

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The Amazing HSA

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The Amazing HSA

When talking with people about their employee benefits, there are certain topics that everyone wants to talk about because they’re exciting and fun to discuss (401(k)s, stock options, anything investment related). Then, there are other topics that, when mentioned, generally causes people’s eyes to glaze over, toes to curl up, and invokes a strong involuntary reaction to do ANYTHING ELSE than to discuss that particular topic…

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Connect with SFP:

Daniel Patterson, CFP
Sweetgrass Financial Planning
daniel@sweetgrassfp.com
(843) 608-0231