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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Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2026
This article provides 2026 contribution limits for retirement plans and various tax deduction, exclusion, exemption, and threshold amounts.
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HOT TOPIC: Geopolitics and the U.S. Financial Markets
This article looks at market reactions to previous global conflicts and emphasizes that long-term market movements are generally driven by corporate earnings, interest rates, and the broader economy.
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Location, Location, Location: The Premium Parents Pay for Top Schools
Homes in neighborhoods with access to top schools tend to cost significantly more than a typical home in the surrounding area.
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Cash Balance Plans Help Some Business Owners Supersize Retirement Savings
These plans have generous contribution limits that increase with age, which may allow high-income business owners to catch up on retirement savings and significantly reduce their taxable incomes.
Calculators
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Retirement Plan Early Distribution
Estimate how much would remain after paying income taxes and penalties if you took an early distribution from a retirement plan.
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Savings Accumulation
Estimate the future value of your current savings.
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Estate Taxes
Use this calculator to estimate the federal estate taxes that could be due on your estate after you die.
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IRA Eligibility
Use this calculator to determine whether you qualify for the different types of IRAs.