Broker Check
916-365-4314
dianna@pglfinancial.com
Client Login

Blog

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Your financial professional can help leverage these changes to impact your tax liabilities.

Friday, November 10, 2023

Women have been givers since ancient times. They often give with their heart and soul to support projects that improve society.  In our modern times, successful women are now finding themselves in positions that allow them to...

Friday, November 10, 2023

The last few months of the year are all about eating, drinking, and being merry. But all this indulging often leads to feelings of guilt and a rush to get back on track come the new year. If most of your favorite traditions are...

Friday, November 10, 2023

As the end of the year approaches, investors need to focus on tax-related considerations, particularly regarding capital gains. Year-end tax planning can help investors manage their overall tax liability while seeking to manage...

Friday, November 10, 2023

More women are working and taking charge of their own retirement planning than ever before. What does retirement mean to you? Do you dream of traveling? Pursuing a hobby? Volunteering your time, or starting a new career or business?...

Show All

Wednesday, November 1, 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.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

As an engineer, you already likely know the importance of accurate input when it comes to the final equation, which may put you ahead of the game when it comes to managing your finances.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Tax planning preparations include small-business owners taking necessary measures to optimize their taxes by taking advantage of deductions and benefits.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

High-earning women are becoming the primary ‘breadwinners’ in many families and are increasingly the financial decision-makers. Women have unique needs that often differ from their male counterparts.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

A recent survey revealed that four out of every 10 Americans don't believe they'll ever be able to afford to retire. But this pervasive belief may be too pessimistic.

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

The S&P 500 lost 3.3% in the third quarter after sliding nearly 5% in September. Putting this into perspective, nothing really qualifies as out of the ordinary.

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Women entrepreneurs face a unique set of hurdles when it comes to starting new businesses, particularly in a post-pandemic world. In 2021, women started about 40 percent of all new businesses, and this figure has remained fairly steady.

Thursday, September 21, 2023

You often hear people discuss "saving for retirement,” but in many cases, they're actually referring to their investing.

Thursday, September 21, 2023

When it comes to planning for your retirement income, it's easy to overlook some of the common factors that can affect how much you'll have available to spend.

Thursday, September 21, 2023

These tips can help you make simple, sensible choices and take action to make the most of your money, from your food choices to your financial options to protecting your most valuable assets.

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Financial markets lived up to their reputation during the month of August, which has a record for being difficult.

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

According to the College Board, the most recently published figures of the average annual cost of tuition and fees at a public university for the 2021-2022 school year was $10,740 for in-state students and $27,560 for out-of-state students.

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

A 401(k) retirement savings plan is one of the most desirable fringe benefits a small business can offer. For a business owner, it can help strengthen a company’s position when competing for top talent.

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Baby boomers, currently in their 50s and 60s, view retirement differently than the previous generations. Many boomers consider retirement as an opportunity to begin a new career, hobby or passion, which is a good thing.

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Being successful in the business world has been especially challenging for women in recent decades as they continue to strive for equality in the workplace and advancement as well as comparable advancement opportunities.

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Making economic forecasts and stock market predictions can be humbling. It’s especially tough when you expect stocks to go higher and get a big drop instead.

Friday, July 21, 2023

Tax benefits, flexible contribution options and potential investment growthFor many families, there’s a sense of excitement and anticipation that fills the air as high school seniors prepare to embark on their next journey:...

Friday, July 21, 2023

Diversification helps limit exposure to loss in any one investment or one type of investment, while asset allocation provides a blueprint to help guide your investment decisions.

Friday, July 21, 2023

Even before your children can count, they already know something about money: it's what you have to give the ice cream man to get a cone, or put in the slot to ride the rocket ship at the grocery store.

Friday, July 21, 2023

Senior citizens, in particular, may be an attractive target for cybercrime because thieves may assume that they are not as technologically savvy or that they are easier to manipulate and convince to part with their money.

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

As we finalize the log on the first six months of 2023, we believe there’s value in reflecting on recent months gone by. Doing so can help crystallize key learnings and help chart a course through the rest of the year. Looking...

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

Financial independence is an important goal regardless of your age, partnership status or stage of life. It allows you to remain self-reliant and prevents you from being controlled by others.

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

The concept of a debt ceiling has been a topic of significant discussion in the realm of economic policy, particularly in relation to government spending. However, the idea of imposing a debt ceiling can also be applied to personal finance.

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

If your circumstances have changed since you started your career and began accumulating assets—for example, if you have married, had children, or divorced—you may find that your designations are woefully out of date.

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

Retirees often have the time, freedom, and desire to explore new destinations and make the most of their golden years. With careful planning and attention to detail, senior travelers can work towards preparing trips that are enjoyable.

Thursday, June 8, 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.

Thursday, May 25, 2023

By focusing on goals and priorities, you can create a new, simplified lifestyleAs retirement approaches, many older adults consider downsizing their home as a way to simplify their lives, reduce expenses, and focus on what truly...

Thursday, May 25, 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...

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

For kids, teens, and college students, summer break often represents freedom from schedules, responsibilities, and all those other drains on your time. Retirement actually can provide a similar level of freedom, but only if you've...

Monday, May 22, 2023

Have you ever noticed the topic of investing rarely comes up in casual conversation among peers? In this age of emotional intelligence, vulnerability is encouraged when discussing personal feelings, but vulnerability about finances...

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 year. Investors saw signs of such renewed hope in recent weeks, especially on...

Thursday, April 27, 2023

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...

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

529 plans are designed for saving for education and are beneficial since contributions accumulate and grow tax-free as long as withdrawals are used for qualified education expenses. But 529 plans may also be part of a wealth transfer...

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Whether you are an employee in corporate America or a small business owner, retirement is a part of life. For many, the thought of retiring and whether or not you are ready to take those first steps might be overwhelming or...

Monday, April 24, 2023

As you consider the wide range of life insurance coverage available, you may wonder what type really fits your needs now, and what will suit your needs in the future. A good, first step is to ask yourself why you are buying insurance,...

Wednesday, April 5, 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...

Wednesday, March 29, 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...

Monday, March 27, 2023

When you invest funds, you are preparing for your retirement and your future. But at the same time, you may also want to consider the impact your money has on the world. Ethical investment strategies seek to balance these two concepts....

Friday, March 24, 2023

Choosing a financial professional is a major decision. Finding someone you trust enough to manage your money and your future may feel like a nerve-wracking choice. Fortunately, by doing some preliminary research and asking tough...

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

As you age, the question of when to collect Social Security (SS) retirement benefits will likely come to mind. There is no one size fits all age; your unique circumstances and goals will dictate the appropriate time for you to take...

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. . .

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

This year's National Consumer Protection Week is March 5th through March 11th. It's a time to educate people about their rights as consumers and how to make informed decisions about their money.

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Like so many women, are you constantly juggling family, professional, and personal responsibilities? No wonder retirement planning seems to always get shuffled to the bottom of your “to do” list. But, procrastination is not the answer.

Tuesday, February 28, 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 accounts. .

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

If you're like a lot of people, retirement won't be the world of gardening, golfing, traveling, and tennis you once envisioned. Rather, retirement will mean . . .

Wednesday, February 1, 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...

Saturday, January 28, 2023

When it comes to personal finances, one way to increase your savings in the long run is to spend less than you earn, or if that is too difficult, increase your income to exceed your expenses—easier said than done.

Thursday, January 26, 2023

As an engineer, you already likely know the importance of accurate input when it comes to the final equation, which may put you ahead of the game when it comes to managing your finances.

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

A wise entrepreneur considers their potential exposure before leaping into a new business venture, moving forward only on those opportunities that present enough potential upside to make the risks worthwhile.

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

The first step to improving your finances is to get organized.These top Amazon finds can help you create a monthly budget, plan your spending, and safely store your important insurance or personal documents for easy access when...

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

I want to 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....

Thursday, December 29, 2022

All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal, and there can be no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.How much do you really know about your employer-sponsored retirement savings plan? If...

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

When you think of identity theft, you may think of unauthorized credit card payments or new lines of credit. However, tax identity theft is one of the most common types of identity theft — and it’s also the most common...

Thursday, December 22, 2022

With tax season coming to an end, it’s the ideal time to use this year's tax return to help update your financial plan. If you’re in the group of one in four Americans who do not already have a financial plan, it may be...

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

We all know the saying “new year, new you,” but let’s face it: there’s a big difference between saying and doing. Regardless of your resolutions, these five apps will help you make promises that you’re...

Wednesday, December 7, 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...

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

If one of your New Year's resolutions involves enhancing and expanding your investment portfolio, look no further. In a true New Year's Eve countdown tradition, ask yourself these 10 questions to help review your investment plans...

Monday, November 28, 2022

Points to think about as you contemplate giving to others and causesAny endeavor worth undertaking, especially one that may affect others, deserves our careful consideration before we begin.When contemplating charitable giving, think...

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

The average family spends an extra $1,000 or more during the holiday season. From gifts and travel to dinners, shows, and decorations, each purchase adds up.1 How might you take full advantage of holiday cheer while avoiding the...

Monday, November 21, 2022

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...

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Giving Tuesday is a day to extend the goodwill that the holiday season may bring to help others. With so many in need, the holiday season is a reminder to help those less fortunate. Whether you want to donate your time or contribute...

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

What are appropriate checklists for year-end tax planning?Tax planners often develop checklists to guide taxpayers toward year-end strategies that might help reduce taxes. Typically, suggestions are grouped into several different...

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

October is now behind us and it has delivered on its track record as a historically favorable month for stocks, offering some respite for investors as major equity indices rose for the month. The downside pressure on equities had...

Friday, October 28, 2022

The financial decisions you make between now and the end of the year can significantly impact how much taxes you will have to pay once tax day arrives. If you take action by December 31st, you can reduce your tax burden and keep more...

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Good health means you can both pursue wealth and enjoy it Too many people don’t realize that taking care of themselves physically can lead to more confident financial tomorrows.Planning for retirement should start in your early...

Thursday, October 6, 2022

Investing can be a roller coaster—and, when the market starts dropping, it may even feel more like a haunted house. With recession fears mounting, what can investors do to stay the course and escape unscathed? Here we discuss...

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

First, we want to acknowledge the tremendous damage and displacement caused by Hurricane Ian. Our thoughts are with those impacted by this devastating storm.This has clearly been a challenging year for households. Stocks and bonds are...

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

As a female entrepreneur, you may face different challenges than your male counterparts. For example, women were disproportionately affected by the COVID pandemic. 1 They also tend to earn less than their male peers—largely in...

Thursday, September 29, 2022

For many, autumn is the best time of year. The return of cool breezes, comforting foods, and pumpkins can be invigorating. It’s also a bookmark of sorts, especially for your finances—a perfect time to take stock of your...

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

An important part of managing your personal finances is keeping your financial records organized. Whether it's a utility bill to show proof of residency or a Social Security card for wage reporting purposes, there may be times when you...

Wednesday, September 7, 2022

When it comes to stock market performance, August was “the best of times, and the worst of times.”

Friday, September 2, 2022

Your need for life insurance changes as your life changes. When you're young, you typically have less need for life insurance, but that changes as you take on more responsibility and your family grows. Then, as your responsibilities...

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Given the daily responsibilities of running a business, planning for an event that may or may not happen may not seem to be a priority. But by preparing for a major disaster, your company will be in a better position to cope with more...

Monday, August 29, 2022

Matching your tolerance for risk with your investment objectives Everyone wants a comfortable retirement, but the road you take there will depend on your specific situation. When you invest, you assume a certain level of risk (but like...

Friday, August 26, 2022

With the average price for private college tuition and fees hitting $43,750 for the 2021-2022 school year and public college attendees paying more than $28,000 per year, many parents are nervously anticipating what will happen after...

Friday, August 5, 2022

Most people who decide to purchase stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or other investment vehicles do so understanding that there are risks associated with investing, but believing that the potential growth they may realize over time...

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Doing your homeworkBefore investing in publicly traded securities, it would be wise to do some research--at least enough to understand just what you're investing in. An educated investment decision involves some knowledge of the stock...

Monday, August 1, 2022

Proponents of active portfolio management believe that a skilled investment manager can generate returns that outperform a benchmark index. Advocates of passive investing argue that the best way to capture overall market returns is to...

Thursday, July 28, 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...

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Markets rarely give us clear skies, and there are always threats to watch for on the horizon, but the right preparation, context, and support can help us navigate anything that may lie ahead. So far, this year hasn’t seen a...

Monday, July 4, 2022

The sandwich generation is a term commonly used to describe those between the ages of 40 and 59 who are responsible for raising their family and are also often helping their aging parents manage their ongoing needs. Those members of...

Friday, July 1, 2022

The need for regular saving and investing spans many life stages. Through the years, your goals will change and your strategies will shift, but don’t be alarmed. You’re just progressing through the normal stages of life,...

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

It's essential to know the critical ages regarding taking Social Security that may impact the amount of your benefits. Getting the most out of your Social Security retirement benefits can be the difference of thousands of dollars over...

Monday, June 27, 2022

The golden rule of financial planning: if you can plan it, you can pursue itOver the past July 4th, we celebrated our country’s history of declaring independence and guaranteeing basic human freedoms. But true freedom includes...

Friday, June 17, 2022

A bear market is officially here thanks largely to stubbornly high inflation. For many of us, it has probably felt like a bear market for a while now, but the S&P 500 Index didn’t close more than 20% below its January 3 record...

Friday, June 3, 2022

Thursday, June 2, 2022

The bull market that began in March of 2020 came dangerously close to an end. From March 23, 2020 through January 3, 2022, the S&P 500 Index gained 114% (excluding dividends). From that January 3 closing high through the recent low on...

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Friday, May 27, 2022

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Sunday, May 1, 2022

Thursday, April 28, 2022

Monday, April 25, 2022

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Monday, April 4, 2022

Friday, April 1, 2022

Wednesday, March 30, 2022

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Monday, February 28, 2022

Friday, February 25, 2022

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Monday, February 7, 2022

Thursday, February 3, 2022

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Friday, January 28, 2022

Monday, January 10, 2022

Friday, January 7, 2022

Tuesday, January 4, 2022

Saturday, January 1, 2022

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Friday, December 3, 2021

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Although you don't have to wait until January to begin working on your financial goals, a new year may bring a much-needed fresh start on your spending and saving goals. Read on for three financial moves you may want to consider before...

Monday, November 29, 2021

Research shows that reading can help improve your mental health—particularly reading fiction. There’s no better time than fall to pick up a book, but if you don’t know where to start, here are a few celebrity book...

Friday, November 26, 2021

Is that investment an innovation or an improvement on an existing product? As Christmas sales loom, we face an endless array of sparkly, shiny and occasionally innovative items. As an investor, you run into a similar phenomenon that...

Monday, November 22, 2021

You may know that your small business needs a written business plan—but how do you get started? What elements should your plan address, and do you need different plans for different audiences? Below we discuss a few of the key...

Monday, November 1, 2021

Giving Tuesday is a day to extend the goodwill that the holiday season may bring to help others. With so many in need, the holiday season is a reminder to help those less fortunate. Whether you want to donate your time or contribute...

Friday, October 29, 2021

Many people are familiar with the scammers who promise to pay millions of dollars in exchange for briefly holding funds in your bank account or those who offer to enhance certain body parts risk-free. Today's scammers are clever at...

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

It may be easy to forget we're nearing the end of the year. Even during the busy end of year rush, it's a good time to reevaluate your 2021 finances and turn an eye toward 2022. What can you do now to potentially improve and streamline...

Monday, October 25, 2021

When it comes to excuses for failing to maintain a healthy lifestyle, working a full-time job is often at the top of the list. And it doesn’t stop at a forty-hour workweek. The majority of Americans are clocking more than forty...

Friday, October 1, 2021

The mission of the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) is to help women win their battle with breast cancer through early detection, education, and support services. Even though they are staffed with dedicated professionals, all...

Monday, September 27, 2021

There is a common misconception that estate planning is something only the affluent need to do before they die. However, estate planning is important for everyone, regardless of income level or net worth. Planning for the disposition...

Saturday, September 25, 2021

Small businesses face many problems related to their size, capital, and capability, and for women-owned small businesses, the challenge is sometimes even greater. The good news is there are many professional organizations out there...

Thursday, September 23, 2021

For many, autumn is the best time of year. The return of cool breezes, comforting foods, and pumpkins can be invigorating. It’s also a bookmark of sorts, especially for your finances—a perfect time to take stock of your...

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

September 22nd is American Business Women's Day, and it may be the perfect day to celebrate women who have surpassed the glass ceiling and gone on to be leaders and inspirations for businesswomen everywhere. In honor of American...

Monday, August 23, 2021

Natural disasters like wildfires, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, and long-term power outages don't discriminate—they may impact anyone at any time. However, you don't need to live your life under the constant stress of expecting...

Friday, August 20, 2021

Mother Teresa was one of the most well-known figures for her charitable service, officially recognized with an International Day of Charity[1]. September 5th marks the anniversary of her death and is a day where much of the world...

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Although we all know that “time flies,” it seems to move particularly fast as we watch our children grow. Yet, in considering a college future for a newborn, it is understandable that parents might procrastinate, since...

Friday, July 30, 2021

Women’s Equality Day is celebrated this year on August 26th. This event is a great time to reflect on the progress made and why women’s equality is so important. Progress is happening, but we still have much work to do to...

Friday, July 30, 2021

Taking money out of retirement without a plan is a recipe for trouble You‘ve saved for years. Now that you are retired, did you create an income plan from your savings? The financial industry and media constantly talk about the...

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Many college students are looking forward to getting back to campus to continue their higher education and resume their normal life post-pandemic. Whether you're a first-year student or well-versed in college life, understanding proper...

Monday, July 26, 2021

Local libraries are an essential part of the community. They often provide literacy programs and support to children and adults alike, while bringing the joy of reading to anyone who wants to partake. Many libraries rely on...

Friday, July 23, 2021

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...

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Sending a child to college for the first time can be a stressful transition for any parent. Even though your child is legally an adult (or almost an adult) by the time they head out on their own, a parent's worries about health, safety...

Friday, July 2, 2021

As the saying goes, "50 is the new 40"—and with Americans living longer than ever before, it's not unusual for those in their 50s, 60s, or even 70s to be in their peak earning years.1 But for those who would prefer the option of...

Thursday, July 1, 2021

Remember, it is never too early to start planning for your future! The time to begin planning for your financial future is now. So, when it comes to preparing for retirement, the earlier you start, the better. Here are some steps to...

Monday, June 28, 2021

Retirement can be a risky business if you don’t consider all the factors that can impact your retirement during your planning process. Although it’s hard to know what will happen in the future to you or your investments,...

Thursday, June 24, 2021

Today’s women are more educated and have more significant job opportunities compared to previous generations. Despite more women in the workforce than ever before, women still experience considerable pay disparity compared to...

Monday, June 14, 2021

Social Justice investing is commonly linked to Socially Responsible Investing (SRI), which is investing to do good for others. Now, as COVID-19 continues to shape our societal values, clients are hoping that their investing addresses...

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

According to the Women's Business Enterprise National Council, as of 2018 there were 12.3 million women-owned businesses in the United States (representing 40% of all businesses), employing over 9 million people and generating $1.8...

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

The European Union (EU) has recently implemented some investment regulations that require significantly more transparency in funds that invest in stocks with an environmental, social, or governance (ESG) bent. Could these same...

Thursday, May 27, 2021

Divorce can deal both divorcing spouses one of the biggest financial blows of their lifetimes. In fact, experts estimate each spouse will need to increase their individual income by about 30 percent to maintain the same standard of...

Monday, May 17, 2021

Retirement is inevitable, but knowing exactly when to do so is often unclear. No matter when you actually begin your retirement, you’ll benefit from planning your post-work life as early as possible. According to Gallup, the...

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

With COVID rocking the employment landscape for job-seekers, some women have taken this opportunity to reinvent themselves and take charge of their own financial futures by launching a business. Entrepreneurship is one of the most...

Monday, May 10, 2021

When saving for retirement, it often makes sense to contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans to take advantage of any available employer match opportunities. However, not everyone has access to an employer-sponsored plan. Even...

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

529 plans can be a great way to save for college, but they're not the only way. When you're investing for a major goal like education, it makes sense to be familiar with all of your options. Mutual funds Mutual funds are an option to...