
Mike Piershale, ChFC
President, Piershale Financial Group
Mike Piershale, ChFC, is president of Piershale Financial Group in Barrington, Illinois. He works directly with clients on retirement and estate planning, portfolio management and insurance needs.
Joint Trusts or Separate Trusts: Advice for Married Couples

estate planning
Joint Trusts or Separate Trusts: Advice for Married Couples
Unless you have a specific need for separate trusts, it’s usually best to avoid the headaches they cause and go with a joint trust instead. Here’s why…
November 20, 2020
How To Buy a Roth IRA When You Make Too Much To Qualify For One

Roth IRAs
How To Buy a Roth IRA When You Make Too Much To Qualify For One
With their tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals, Roth IRAs are a great deal — if you qualify. If you don’t, well, there’s still a way to get into …
September 23, 2020
Your 401(k)s and IRAs Have a Dark Side

401(k)s
Your 401(k)s and IRAs Have a Dark Side
Yes, they are a tax-advantaged way to save for retirement, but they come with some disadvantages you should know about.
July 17, 2020
Roth IRA Conversions are on Sale

retirement
Roth IRA Conversions are on Sale
Many retirement savers can get an extra-good deal on Roth conversions right now. Here's why.
May 12, 2020
Financially, Marriage Makes a Lot of Sense for Retirees

retirement
Financially, Marriage Makes a Lot of Sense for Retirees
There are some major financial benefits to tying the knot. From IRAs to Social Security and tax exemptions, there are many reasons (besides the obviou…
March 9, 2020
Want to Beat Boring CDs? Munis Can Be a Conservative Way to Increase Yield

retirement
Want to Beat Boring CDs? Munis Can Be a Conservative Way to Increase Yield
Municipal bonds come with some risks that bank CDs don't, but there are ways to minimize them while still getting a better return. Plus, the interest …
January 9, 2020
New Pass-Through Tax Deduction Could Be a Bust for Business Owners

taxes
New Pass-Through Tax Deduction Could Be a Bust for Business Owners
When all is said and done, the QBI deduction could actually end up forcing people who save for retirement in a SIMPLE IRA, SEP IRA or 401(k) to pay mo…
November 21, 2019
How to Recover from a Pre-Retirement Financial Crisis

retirement
How to Recover from a Pre-Retirement Financial Crisis
If you're close to retirement, the pressure is on because you don't have much time to bounce back from something like a job loss or divorce.
September 27, 2019
Beware of Kiddie Taxes When You Leave Heirs Your IRA

retirement
Beware of Kiddie Taxes When You Leave Heirs Your IRA
Children and grandchildren inheriting traditional IRAs could quickly find themselves in the top 37% tax bracket thanks to changes ushered in by the Ta…
July 17, 2019
Tracking Down IRA Basis: A Gold Mine for Beneficiaries

IRAs
Tracking Down IRA Basis: A Gold Mine for Beneficiaries
No one likes to pay taxes unnecessarily, but that's what a lot of people who inherit IRAs end up doing. Failing to track down the IRA basis associated…
May 1, 2019
What to Do with All Those Old 401(k)s and IRAs

retirement
What to Do with All Those Old 401(k)s and IRAs
It's about as fun as herding cats, but rounding up all your IRAs and 401(k)s into just one or two accounts can really simplify your financial life.
February 6, 2019
Holy Doughnut Hole: Medicare Part D Costs and Deductibles for 2019

Medicare
Holy Doughnut Hole: Medicare Part D Costs and Deductibles for 2019
As seniors weigh their prescription drug coverage during annual enrollment, it pays to review the basics of how it works, how much it costs and how th…
November 28, 2018
Caring for Your Aging Parents: How to Prepare

retirement
Caring for Your Aging Parents: How to Prepare
The time to get ready is well before the time comes. Here's how to approach some important talks and what you need to cover.
September 21, 2018
Is Downsizing in Retirement Right for You?

retirement
Is Downsizing in Retirement Right for You?
A smaller home, with fewer possessions to weigh you down and lower bills to boot: What's not to like? For many folks, downsizing makes a lot of sense,…
July 13, 2018
Avoiding the 50% Penalty on Overlooked RMDs

IRAs
Avoiding the 50% Penalty on Overlooked RMDs
You're busy enjoying retirement and you just plain forget to take your required minimum distribution. Or you do the math wrong. It could be a costly m…
May 29, 2018
Senior Marriage and Social Security: Rules to Know

social security
Senior Marriage and Social Security: Rules to Know
Romance aside, you may want to delay your wedding date (or divorce, if that's the case) to get the best Social Security benefit possible.
March 1, 2018
3 Ways to Make Money in Company Stock

investing
3 Ways to Make Money in Company Stock
If your company offers you the opportunity to invest in its stock, it could come with some significant tax benefits and growth prospects.
December 18, 2017
A Healthy Way to Increase Your Retirement Savings: HSAs

retirement
A Healthy Way to Increase Your Retirement Savings: HSAs
If you don't like paying taxes, health savings accounts could be a way to save for your health costs… and for retirement, too.
October 17, 2017
A ‘Simple’ Idea to Save on Taxes

taxes
A ‘Simple’ Idea to Save on Taxes
For small-business owners (and their employees) SIMPLE IRAs can be a slam-dunk at tax time.
July 26, 2017
Can You Cut Taxes You Pay on Your Social Security?

retirement
Can You Cut Taxes You Pay on Your Social Security?
If you have a moderate or low income but earn a lot in interest and dividends from investments that you don't need for living expenses, here is one wa…
May 23, 2017
Stay-At-Home Parents Can Still Qualify For Social Security Benefits

social security
Stay-At-Home Parents Can Still Qualify For Social Security Benefits
Just because you don't bring home a paycheck doesn't mean you're not working. You can get a Social Security check just like any other worker. Here's h…
March 31, 2017
How to Save Big on Taxes in ‘The Goldilocks Zone’

retirement
How to Save Big on Taxes in ‘The Goldilocks Zone’
The five-year period from age 65 to 70 offers a unique opportunity for many to potentially save tens of thousands through Roth IRA conversions.
February 24, 2017
One of the Best Ways to Give to Charity

taxes
One of the Best Ways to Give to Charity
Donate stocks instead of cash to maximize your contribution, as well as your tax savings.
December 30, 2016
Should You Sell Some Stock Holdings This Election Season?

investing
Should You Sell Some Stock Holdings This Election Season?
Financial adviser Mike Piershale sees market losses coming and recommends you consider paring back.
October 7, 2016
6 Costly Retirement Planning Mistakes

retirement
6 Costly Retirement Planning Mistakes
Be sure to avoid these common errors.
July 29, 2016
Financial Bliss for Newlyweds

savings
Financial Bliss for Newlyweds
Talking about money might not be the most romantic activity, but it can help ensure your marriage lasts happily for as long as you both shall live.
May 31, 2016
13 Ways to Spring Clean Your Finances

taxes
13 Ways to Spring Clean Your Finances
Now is a good time to get your financial house in order and find ways to save on taxes.
April 12, 2016