Many people go shopping online for and advisor and properly do their research. But, believe it or not, most people don’t wake up and decide to “hire a financial advisor.” They meet one. A friend introduces them. A coworker makes a referral. Someone says, “You should talk to my advisor — he works with Northwestern Mutual.” That feels safe. Recognizable brand. Established company. Professional presentation. And that’s often where the relationship begins. But here’s something mo

Most people want to retire due to exhaustion of the daily grind. But, here’s the part that surprises many people: the transition into retirement can be more disruptive—emotionally, psychologically, and physically—than they expect. Research shows that in the first year after retirement, the risk of a heart attack or stroke increases dramatically compared to peers who are still working. Study Link Here: Transition to retirement and risk of cardiovascular disease: Prospective an

Here’s the surprise most people don’t expect: The people who save the most for retirement are often struggling the most to enjoy it. Not because they didn’t do enough. Not because they made poor decisions. But because the habits that made them successful don’t turn off just because they retired. As a financial planner, this is something I see repeatedly. Smart, disciplined retirees reach retirement with more than enough—and yet find themselves anxious, hesitant, and second-gu

This is a highlight of financial strategy considerations for RTX employees

Most people don’t struggle with retirement because the math is complicated. They struggle because they’ve been handed answers that were never meant for them in the first place. Somewhere along the way, retirement planning became a collection of shortcuts: a million dollars, two million dollars, the 4% rule, 20 times your expenses. Each one sounds reasonable. Each one feels concrete. And none of them actually know you. They don’t know what you spend. They don’t know what incom

If you’re in your late 50s or early 60s and approaching your Social Security decision , you’ve probably heard a version of this advice more times than you can count: “If you can afford to wait, delaying Social Security is always the responsible move.” This article is for individuals who are actively preparing for retirement  and want to make an informed, thoughtful Social Security claiming choice before  filing. The challenge is that most guidance around Social Security timin

For decades, the 4% rule  has been treated as a near-universal guideline for retirement withdrawals. It shows up in articles, podcasts, retirement calculators, and media segments, often presented as a dependable benchmark for how much a retiree can “safely” spend each year from their portfolio. But the truth is more nuanced. There are surprising weaknesses of the 4% rule that most people overlook The original research behind the 4% rule was never intended to serve as a full r

Roth conversions have become one of the most commonly discussed strategies in retirement planning. If you’ve searched the internet recently, you’ve likely seen a wide range of opinions—I have personally seen a lot of people online talking about how to “never convert anything because you might be paying unnecessary taxes today.” I think any view that is that strong is misleading. The reality is more nuanced. Unfortunately, certainty and simplicity are going to sell much better

By Parkmount Financial Fiduciary Wealth Management & Financial Planning – Based in Boston & Serving Virtual Nationwide Introduction: Cutting Through the Noise in Finance If you’re a professional in Massachusetts or the greater Boston area — perhaps earning W-2 income with RSUs or stock-based compensation — you’ve probably wondered: How much do I really need to retire? Everyone wants to know what their number is. Scroll through YouTube or social media, and you’ll hear countle

Most people delay retirement out of fear — even when they could  retire comfortably. The irony? By the time they feel “ready,” many have...

Ever since the advent of the 401(k), we have seen a growing cohort of 401(k) millionaires. This is great, it meaning our society is becoming more literate and more people are taking advantage of programs designed to help them secure their retirement, BUT it creates a new problem. Taxes owed on these large pre-tax retirement account balances can be significant. This is the exact reason that Roth Conversions have been such a hot topic lately. Nobody wants to pay more tax than n

If you're rolling into your 60s with a high net worth (around $1+ million saved ), you're likely pondering a critical question: Should you claim Social Security at 62, wait until full retirement age (FRA), or defer to age 70?   Most advice out there defaults to “wait until 70,” but that avoids the reality of your actual financial situation—including your savings, taxes, health, and lifestyle. While I would suggest reaching out to an advisor for a more detailed assessment of y

If you work at Sanofi —especially in hubs like Cambridge , Framingham , or Bridgewater, NJ —you likely have access to a generous employee benefits package . But are you maximizing the long-term value of your 401(k), stock grants, and other retirement benefits ? This guide will walk you through the key areas where we've seen biotech and pharma professionals leave money on the table—and how you can take action. As fiduciary financial planners with experience working directly wi

Market at Record Highs — Should You Be Worried? U.S. equity markets have recently reached new highs. It naturally raises this question: Is the market overvalued in 2025? One of the most common questions I get is: are stocks too expensive right now?   If you're concerned about buying when valuations feel lofty—you're not alone. But the key here is what is most logical and rational path forward. Facts like PE ratios sound smart and can trigger emotions if we are not stepping ba

Brutally Honest Retirement Savings Advice for Anyone Age 50s If you’re 50 or older and haven’t started planning for retirement, it’s time to act. The decisions you make in the next few years can determine whether you retire comfortably at 60 or find yourself working well into your 70s. The good news? It’s not too late to take control, but the clock is ticking. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through six critical steps to secure your retirement, debunk common myth

(…and how to tell which one is right for you) 1. Full disclosure: we’re biased—here’s why I’m Joe Boughan, CFP® and founder of Parkmount Financial Partners  in the lovely South Shore town of Scituate. As an independent, fiduciary RIA we focus on mid-career professionals and pre-retirees in Massachusetts and Rhode Island and nationwide at top employers like RTX, CVS, SNY, and GD. Many people are searching for: Financial Advisor Costs in Boston MA Top Financial Advisors in Sout

Introduction Short-term rentals (STRs) have emerged as a popular investment avenue, offering potential for higher cash flow, tax advantages, and personal enjoyment. However, like any investment, they come with their own set of risks and considerations. As a financial planner who has seen many individuals asking about short-term vacation rentals as a possible means of funding a second home goal, I do think it is important to separate hype from fact. This guide aims to provide

While Massachusetts was recently ranked #1 state to raise a child, it was also ranked #46 best states to retire in by Moneywise. How could this be? While it ranks high in terms of areas that are most valuable for parents: safety, employment opportunities, school systems, healthcare quality, it also ranks really low on other factors that seem to be more important to retirees such as climate, taxes, affordability, and housing options. As a financial advisor located in Massachus

Summary Deciding between Roth and traditional retirement contributions hinges on weighing today’s tax certainty against tomorrow’s unknown tax landscape. A Roth account locks in after‑tax treatment up front and provides tax‑free growth and distributions, while traditional accounts defer taxation until withdrawal. By building side‑by‑side projections of current versus future tax liabilities, identifying “conversion windows” (often the years just before RMDs and Social Security

In today’s dynamic financial landscape, making well-informed decisions about your money goes far beyond simply following a set of “great” investment ideas. I have seen common questions such as: How do I make a financial plan? What are the benefits of working with a financial advisor? Why do I need a financial plan? I am a financial planner based in the Boston area, but working across the country virtually as we are exempt to work in many states with our current licenses. You