Sharper Image Financial Services, LLC

Here’s 3 ways to take back control of your finances in 2025: The new year has come and gone, and people are excited to change their lives for the better. With that in mind, let’s take a look at a few strategies to help you take control of your finances this year. #??: ?????????? ???????? ?? ?????????????????? ??????????-???? You can’t take control of your finances until you take a peek “under the hood” so to speak. While this might seem simple, it can also be super daunting! Despite the stress it may cause, knowing what’s going in and out of your accounts – and how much is usually left each month – is the foundation of personal finance. Being informed helps you identify spending patterns, pinpoint areas for improvement, and set realistic goals. Remember, understanding where you are now is the first step toward building a better financial future. #??: ????????????????, ????????????????, ???????????????? Your direct deposits and bills are automatic, so why not make your investments and savings automatic as well? Set up recurring transfers to your savings or investment accounts each month to ensure you're consistently working toward your financial goals. Automation takes the guesswork and effort out of the equation, making it easier to stay disciplined: even when life gets busy. It’s a simple way to prioritize your future self without having to think about it! #??: ???????? ?????? ???????????????????????????? ???????????????? Accountability is powerful! Whether you join an online forum, find a local meetup group, or hire a professional, connecting with people who align with your goals can provide huge motivation and support. Sharing experiences, tips, and successes can make the journey more manageable, and even enjoyable! Remember, progress is more important than perfection: ?????????? ??????????, ???????? ????????????????????, ?????? ?????????????????? ?????????? ?????? ?????????? ?????? ??????! What steps are you taking to improve your finances this year? #FinancialFreedom #BudgetingTips #NewYearsResolution #2025 #PersonalFinance #FinancialPlanning

?? Welcome to 2025! ?? As we dive into the new year, it’s important to stay ahead of key financial deadlines for the 2024 tax year. Here are a few reminders to keep your finances on track: ?? January 15, 2025: Q4 2024 estimated tax payments are due. ?? April 15, 2025: The big one—2024 tax returns and IRA contributions deadline. ?? October 15, 2025: Deadline for extended tax returns. This is also the perfect time to review your portfolio and make sure you are comfortable with the investment allocations, especially with the current economic and political environments. ?? Remember: Every financial move you make today shapes your tomorrow. If you have questions about how to start the year strong, reach out! We are always happy to help in any way we can. Let’s make 2025 a year of financial growth and success! ?? #FinancialPlanning #TaxDeadlines #WealthManagement #InvestSmart #FinancialGoals #RetirementPlanning #TaxSeason #NewYearNewGoals #MoneyMatters #FinanceTips

?? Welcome to 2025! ?? As we dive into the new year, it’s important to stay ahead of key financial deadlines for the 2024 tax year. Here are a few reminders to keep your finances on track: ?? January 15, 2025: Q4 2024 estimated tax payments are due. ?? April 15, 2025: The big one—2024 tax returns and IRA contributions deadline. ?? October 15, 2025: Deadline for extended tax returns. This is also the perfect time to review your portfolio and make sure you are comfortable with the investment allocations, especially with the current economic and political environments. ?? Remember: Every financial move you make today shapes your tomorrow. If you have questions about how to start the year strong, reach out! We are always happy to help in any way we can. Let’s make 2025 a year of financial growth and success! ?? #FinancialPlanning #TaxDeadlines #WealthManagement #InvestSmart #FinancialGoals #RetirementPlanning #TaxSeason #NewYearNewGoals #MoneyMatters #FinanceTips

From the folks at Sharper Image Financial Services, LLC, we want to wish everyone a very Happy New Years! Wishing everyone a prosperous and exciting #2025! ?? ?? ??

Is your financial plan over-optimized? In financial planning, the numbers tell an important story—but they don’t tell the ?????????? story! It’s easy, even for financial advisors, to become so focused on “optimizing” financial plans that they can lose sight of the bigger picture. It’s tempting to focus solely on achieving the “best” monetary outcome: the highest return on investment, the “perfect” asset allocation, or the most optimized spending/savings strategy. However, focusing only on the numbers has the potential to overshadow the non-monetary things that we want in life! “Over-optimizing” might lead to sacrifices in flexibility, happiness, or fulfillment: all in the pursuit of what could be marginally better financial outcomes. For instance, consider a few common examples: ? Choosing a job that pays slightly less but gives you more time with your family. ? Taking a vacation that is slightly over-budget but creates lifelong memories. ? Paying off your mortgage early, even if it might not be the most mathematically efficient use of your cash. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but it’s important to remember that your goals and priorities should guide the plan ???? ?????????????????????? with the numbers. As you evaluate your financial decisions, ask yourself: ?? Does this align with the life I want to build? ?? Will this decision bring me closer to the things I value most? ?? Is this trade-off worth the additional financial benefit? Don’t get us wrong, there is a lot of value in understanding the numbers and making changes that might improve overall financial health: that’s the foundation of financial planning! But there is also a lot of value in creating a financial plan that supports the life you truly want to live. Balancing financial optimization with your personal values and priorities sometimes leads to greater fulfillment and peace of mind. Remember, a great financial plan isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about making those numbers work for you and the life you envision. #FinancialPlanning #LifeGoals #ValuesBasedPlanning #MoneyMindset #PersonalFinanceTips #FinancialWellness

??????-???????? ???????????????????? - ???????? ?????? ?????? One of the most dreaded tasks for Americans during the first four months of the year is thinking about taxes - deadlines, due dates, writing checks, waiting for refunds, etc. Although we are not tax advisors and any specific questions should be directed to licensed tax professionals, we want to take this opportunity as we approach the end of 2024 to highlight a commonly used strategy: tax-loss harvesting. So, what is tax-loss harvesting? It’s a strategy used to offset investment capital gains. Here’s a simple example: Imagine you bought shares in Fake Company XYZ, which underperformed this year, showing a $1,000 loss. At the same time, you hold shares in Fake Company ABC, which gained $1,000. If you sell ABC and realize the $1,000 gain, you’ll likely owe taxes. However, by selling XYZ, you could offset the gain with the loss, potentially reducing your taxable income. This strategy helps some investors manage their tax liability. ???????????? ???? ????????????????: ? Short-term and long-term gains/losses are taxed differently. Offset them strategically. ? The wash sale rule disallows losses if the same or a substantially identical security is repurchased within 30 days. This applies to both retirement and non-retirement accounts, as well as across account types. ? The annual deduction limit for losses is generally $3,000. Excess losses can be carried forward to future years via capital loss carryforward. ? This strategy is rarely applicable in tax-advantaged accounts, like IRAs or 401(k)s. ? You don’t have to realize gains to harvest losses. ? The deadline is Tuesday, December 31, for 2024 taxes. Sales in 2025 will apply only to the 2025 tax year. Always consult with a licensed tax professional to ensure strategies like this align with your unique circumstances. Visit us at https://lnkd.in/gBNifwJR for more information or reach out with questions! #TaxLossHarvest #Investments #Taxes #Money #Finance #SharperImageFinancialServices #FinancialPlanning #TaxPlanning #YearEndStrategy #InvestmentStrategies #CapitalGains #TaxEfficientInvesting

From the folks at Sharper Image Financial Services, we wanted to wish our community a happy Thanksgiving, and best wishes this holiday season!

???????????? ???????? ?????????????????????????? ?????? ?? ????-???????? ????????. ???? ???????? ?????????????????? ???????????? ???? ????????? The New York Fed’s latest data highlights important shifts in U.S. household debt between Q3 2023 and Q3 2024: ?? ???????? ????????????: Total household debt rose to $17.94 trillion in Q3 2024, up $900 billion year-over-year. Credit card balances reached $1.17 trillion, a record high, while auto loans also saw substantial growth. ?? ???????????? ??????????????????????????: Serious delinquencies (90+ days) are trending upward, particularly in credit cards and auto loans, reflecting financial strain in certain segments of borrowers. ?? ???????????? ???????????????? ????????????????????????: High interest rates cooled the mortgage market, with fewer originations compared to the same period last year. However, mortgage balances continued to rise steadily. ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ?????? ?????? ??????????????? The year-over-year data paints a picture of mounting financial strain for many households. Rising debt and delinquencies, combined with persistent inflation, have left consumers facing tighter budgets and limited flexibility. These pressures could lead to slower consumer spending, which has long been a driver of economic growth. However, there’s a silver lining: From Q2 to Q3 of 2024, the rate of debt accumulation slowed, and delinquency increases were more modest than expected. This stabilization may suggest households are adjusting to higher borrowing costs, which could lead to healthier financial trends in the future. ?????? “???????????? ???? ????????????????” ??????????????: While Q2 to Q3 showed modest improvements in debt trends, the upcoming holiday season could reverse that progress. As companies ramp up marketing and shoppers are tempted by enticing deals, it’s important to remember the cost of financing those purchases. With the average credit card interest rate over ????%, credit cards remain one of the priciest ways to cover holiday expenses. Big discounts can quickly lose their appeal when paired with high-interest debt that adds up fast. Planning for these expenses now can help avoid high interest costs from derailing your goals for 2025. #Debt #FinancialPlanning #CreditCards #Q4 #SmartSpending #PersonalFinance #FinancialPlanning #Economy #InterestRates #ConsumerDebt #HolidayShopping #FinancialLiteracy https://lnkd.in/gfmrKps

????????-?????? ???? ???????????? – ?????? ?????????????????? ?????????? ???? ???????????????? 2024 is almost over, and it’s time to review some critical financial steps before we close out the year. Here’s what you need to know: ???????????????? ??????(??) ??????????????????????????: Aim to contribute enough to capture your full employer match; this is essentially free money towards your retirement. Adjustments typically need to be made soon to ensure you meet your goal by year-end. ?????? ??????????????????????????: The 2024 limits for Traditional and Roth IRAs are $7,000 for those under 50 and $8,000 for those over 50 (income limits apply, consult a tax advisor for specific advice). If you haven't made your 2024 contributions yet, you have until April 15th of 2025 to get them done. ???????? ?????? ????????-?????? ??????????????: If you’re expecting a bonus in December, consider putting it to work instead of letting it sit in a low-interest account. Consider allocating a portion of your bonus to your investment portfolio to supercharge your savings. ??????-???????? ????????????????????: Review your taxable investment accounts to see if you can sell any underperforming assets to offset capital gains. This strategy can help lower your overall tax burden, which is particularly useful if you’ve seen gains this year. ???????????????????? ??????????????????????????: Donating by December 31st can offer potential tax deductions. Additionally, gifting appreciated stock instead of cash allows you to avoid possible capital gains taxes, potentially increasing the donation’s impact. ???????????????? ???????????????? ?????????????? (??????) ????????????????: Check if your FSA has a “use-it-or-lose-it” rule or allows carryover. Schedule last-minute appointments, buy eligible items, or confirm any rollover amounts to avoid forfeiting funds. ?????? ???????? ??????????????????????????: Planning for educational expenses? Many states offer tax deductions or credits for 529 contributions, but they often need to be made by year-end to qualify. ???????????????? ?????????????? ?????????????????????????? (??????'??): If you’re subject to RMD’s, they must be taken by December 31 to avoid possible penalties. ???????????? ?????????????????? ??????????: Take time to assess your insurance for the coming year. Ensuring adequate life, disability, and health coverage will help protect you and your family’s financial future. Finalizing these financial moves now can set you up for a stronger start in 2025. To get in touch with one of our advisors and see how we can help with year-end planning, visit us at https://lnkd.in/gBNifwJR. #YearEndPlanning #FinancialGoals #401k #IRAs #TaxStrategies #Investing #CharitableGiving #TaxPlanning #RetirementPlanning #FinancialWellness #SmartMoneyMoves #SharperImageFinancial

?????????????????? ???????????? ???? ???????????????? ????????: ?????????????? ?????????????? ???? ???????? ????????-???????? ?????????? Hold onto your wallets! ?? The election may be shaking up the headlines, but it shouldn’t shake up your financial strategy. Presidents may come and go, but your long-term goals are here to stay! Here’s why your plan doesn’t need to do a 180 every four years. Election years bring volatility to the markets, with short-term swings often fueled by media hype and policy speculation. This noise can make it tempting to shift your portfolio in reaction to political news. But timing the market rarely works and can jeopardize the growth potential of your investments. ????????????????, ????’?? ?????? ?????????? ???????????????? ????????, ?????? ???????????????? ???? ????????????. Consider this: historically, the stock market has generally performed well over time, regardless of political party. Staying focused on fundamentals like asset allocation, diversification, and disciplined investing can protect your portfolio from short-term fluctuations and keep you on the path to financial independence. Stick with a strategy tailored to your unique goals, timeline, and risk tolerance. And, as always, consult a financial advisor if you’re uncertain—expert advice can help you make informed decisions and stay the course. Ready to build your future regardless of who’s in office? Let's embrace a steady approach, focusing on consistent growth and wealth-building over time. For more information on us and how you can connect, visit https://lnkd.in/gBNifwJR. #FinancialFreedom #StayTheCourse #Election2024 #LongTermGoals #FinancialPlanningTips #InvestInYourFuture #MoneyMindset #MarketMindset #WealthBuilding #SmartMoneyMoves #ElectionEconomics #InvestmentMindset #DisciplinedInvestor #ElectionVolatility #StockMarketTips #FinancialWellness