Financial/ Retirement/ Estate Planning Strategies/ Annuities
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 strategies, and wealth preservation. Most importantly, 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.
*Eric McDowell is a Registered Representative and Investment Adviser Representative of Equity Services, Inc. Securities and investment advisory services are offered solely through registered representatives and investment adviser representatives of Equity Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, Broker/Dealer and Registered Investment Adviser, One National Life Dr. Montpelier, VT 05604. The Coup Agency and all other entities and individuals referenced are independent of Equity Services, Inc. unless otherwise noted.
Newsletters
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Setting a Retirement Savings Goal
Only 51% of workers or their spouses have tried to estimate the savings they would need to live comfortably in retirement. This article offers a simple worksheet to help calculate a savings target.
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A New Year, A New Opportunity to Save with a 529 Plan
This article explains how a 529 plan can help a family save for college, including recent changes that have made these plans more flexible.
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New FAFSA Favors Grandparent College Giving
Changes to the 2024–2025 Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) allow grandparents to help with college expenses without affecting financial aid eligibility based on the FAFSA.
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Roth 401(k) News: Is It Time to Rethink How You Save for Retirement?
High-income participants will not be allowed to make pre-tax catch-up contributions to a traditional 401(k) or similar plan starting in 2026, but they will be able to contribute to a workplace Roth.
Calculators
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Mortgage Refinancing
Determine whether you should consider refinancing your mortgage.
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Loan Payoff
How much will it cost to pay off a loan over its lifetime?
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Net Worth
A balance sheet summarizes your assets and liabilities and reveals your net worth.
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Roth IRA Conversion
This calculator can help you determine whether you should consider converting to a Roth IRA.