Luebeck Geisler Hamm Wealth Management

This Labor Day, we're pausing to say a huge thank you to our incredible clients and followers. Your support and partnership make our work truly rewarding 🙏

In celebration of the holiday, our office will be closed on Monday, September 2, but we'll be back on Tuesday, September 3, ready to assist you.

Wishing you all a Labor Day filled with fun, joy, and relaxation.

Life insurance isn’t just a smart choice. It’s a crucial step in securing your family’s financial stability and peace of mind.

Unfortunately, 52% of Americans avoid life insurance because they think it's too expensive. What’s more, 82% significantly overestimate its cost, often guessing three times higher than the actual figures.

Let’s look at the real numbers: As of April 2024, the average cost for a healthy 40-year-old purchasing a 20-year, $500,000 term life insurance policy is about $26 per month ($312 per year). However, a 30-year-old woman might pay approximately $205 per year for the same policy, while a 30-year-old man might pay around $352 per year.

Understanding these variations underscores the importance of getting a personalized quote that fits your unique needs and budget. Don’t let myths deter you from this vital protection.

Contact our team today for an accurate, personalized life insurance quote. We’re here to help you find an affordable plan that delivers the security your family deserves.

Our team loves history, and as we welcome August, we're excited to share some fascinating historical events that occurred this month!

🧪 August 1, 1774: English chemist Joseph Priestley made a groundbreaking discovery by successfully isolating oxygen for the first time, marking a vital step forward in the field of chemistry.

📰 August 5, 1924: The debut of the "Little Orphan Annie" comic strip introduced a new form of entertainment and joy to many readers. A moment that changed the comics world forever!

🎈 August 17, 1978: The first successful transatlantic balloon flight was achieved by Max Anderson, Larry Newman, and Ben Abruzzo, who landed in France after a daring journey from Maine.

These moments from history remind us of humanity's incredible capacity for discovery, creativity, and adventure. What's your favorite August historical event? Share with us!

Today marks an important day to reflect on our financial health and education. With that in mind, we’re sharing three eye-opening stats about the state of finances in America:

Emergency Savings: Only 48% of Americans have enough emergency savings to cover at least three months' worth of expenses, as of May 2023. Alarmingly, 22% have no emergency savings at all. This underscores the crucial need for improved financial planning.

Debt vs. Savings: A concerning trend shows that 36% of U.S. adults have more credit card debt than emergency savings in 2024 — the highest percentage since 2011. Managing debt is a continuing challenge for many.

Financial Anxiety: A staggering 77% of Americans report feeling anxious about their financial situation, according to a recent Mind over Money survey by Capital One and The Decision Lab. Financial concerns range widely from savings and retirement plans to affording housing or education.

Do you relate to any of these financial realities? Our team is always happy to discuss your current financial situation and your plans for your future financial success. Reach out anytime.

Given the level of inflation Americans experienced in the previous few years, it's no shock that 56% of American households have been in credit card debt for at least a year.

Moreover, with three out of five Americans living paycheck-to-paycheck, the financial challenges for many families are mounting. The good news for Americans in this situation: there are practical steps to mitigate the financial strain and prepare for a more stable future.

We’re sharing five such steps today. As always, if you have any questions about financial health or planning, do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to help.

As life expectancies increase, the excitement of living longer also brings new considerations in financial planning. That is why it is important to prepare for a retirement that might last longer than you expect.

There are a variety of strategies that can be employed to ensure income well into a retiree’s golden years, including:

🗓️ Annuities can be an ideal option for some Americans, as they offer regular lifetime income.
📈 In some cases, a person approaching retirement age delay may want to delay taking Social Security, as waiting increases monthly payouts by 8% annually up until age 70.
📈 Additionally, your Social Security allotment is based on your 35 highest-earning years, adjusted for inflation. After 35 years of employment, every additional higher-earning year can cancel out a lower-earning year.

Have questions about your retirement plan? Feel free to reach out to us anytime to discuss how we can help you manage your finances for a longer, more fulfilling retirement.

Are you a parent of one of the over 18 million students gearing up to start or continue their undergraduate journey this fall? As we dive into this exciting season, it's crucial to think about a topic that often bubbles up this time of year: financial planning for college students.

With the cost of tuition more than doubling since the 1960s, strategizing is more important than ever to navigate through the college years smoothly. Swipe through ➡️ for some practical tips and insights.

Please feel free to share this post with anyone in your network who might find these insights valuable. We're here to provide personalized guidance and support to make sense of this pivotal time in your student’s life.

We’re halfway through 2024, and it's time for a check-in. Are there goals you're chasing or projects you're passionate about?

Share in the comments, and reach out if we can be of help. Let's make the second half of the year even more impactful!

Happy Independence Day! As financial advisors, we think there’s no better way to celebrate this day than by sharing an overview of the numbers that shape our celebratory experiences:

🍴$9.5 billion - The estimated amount Americans spent on 4th of July food in 2023 — about $93.34 per person.
🌭 150 million - The number of hot dogs consumed each 4th of July — enough to stretch from D.C. to L.A. more than five times. It’s also the number of American flags sold in the U.S. each.
📺2 million - The number of people who tuned in to watch 2023 Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest champs Miki Sudo and Joey Chestnut consume 102 hot dogs combined.
🍻$3 billion - The estimated amount of dollars Americans spent on beer and wine for the Fourth of July in 2023. If you partake, just remember to enjoy responsibly!
🎇$2.3 billion - The total U.S. consumers spent on fireworks in 2023.
🚗50.7 million - The number of people who traveled 50+ miles from home for the 4th of July, up 4% from 2022.

Whether your day includes travel, hot dogs and hamburgers, fireworks — or something else entirely — we’re wishing you a day filled with fun and relaxation!

We want to welcome the newest member of our team, Jake Reinhardt! Jake is a seasoned financial professional with a rich background and passion in wealth management. Jake went to the University of Minnesota - Carlson School of Management, where he became the 9th family member to attend. There, he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor in Accounting and Management.

His passion for working closely with clients blossomed during his time running an exterior painting business in the summers. His hands-on experience ignited his passion for developing client relationships and seeing projects to the end. After college Jake embarked on his financial career with Northwestern Mutual, gaining valuable insights into the industry.

Jake left Northwestern Mutual and joined Scottrade to work with clients in wealth management. As the financial landscape evolved, Jake navigated 2 different mergers and acquisitions that took place. The first was TD Ameritrade acquisition of Scottrade in 2018 and the next was the Charles Schwab acquisition of TD Ameritrade in 2020. Jakes achievements include membership in the President’s Club at Scottrade, Circle of Champions at TD Ameritrade, and outstanding performance at Schwab.

Driven by a commitment to excellence, Jake pursued further education, earning both the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) designations. These credentials reflect Jake’s ongoing dedication to providing holistic financial solutions and his desire to continue to learn.

On a personal note, Jake recently married his wife, Annika, in July of 2023 and is expecting their first child in August. When not immersed in financial matters, he enjoys hosting lively Gopher tailgates, and unwinding on Lake Minnetonka with loved ones. His weekends often include getaways to the family cabin in Wisconsin.

Before the Thanksgiving madness takes hold (in the best way, of course), we want to take a moment to thank you 🧡 And while we don’t want to “pour it on too thick,” your continued trust and support are like the gravy to our mashed potatoes. This holiday, we just want to say that our growth is all thanks to incredible people like you! ✨

P.S. Our office will be closed on Nov 22-24, but we're back on Nov 27. Wishing you a joyful Thanksgiving from the whole team! 🍁

Do you have a favorite food you like to make for Thanksgiving? Let us know in the comments ⬇️

The holiday season is here, and you know what that means – joy, celebrations, and yes, shopping! 🎁

Before you dive headfirst into the digital shopping frenzy, we've got some handy online shopping tips to keep your spirits merry and your budget bright.

We want to know: what are some of your favorite sites to shop on during the holiday season? Tell us in the comments!

🌟 Are you a high-net-worth individual (HNWI)? 🌟

If you have liquid assets greater than $1 million, you are. And that means the end of the year is the perfect time to take stock of a few matters. Here are three:

Tax optimization: Year-end is the perfect time to maximize deductions, explore tax-efficient investments, and consider charitable giving for tax benefits. 📊

Portfolio review: Assess your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your goals and risk tolerance. Consider rebalancing if needed. 💼

Estate planning: Ensure your estate plan reflects your current financial circumstances and goals. Consider gifts or various trusts to reduce estate taxes. 📜

If you’re looking for more tips on year-end planning for HNWIs or want to chat about your financial situation in more depth, comment below or give us a call. We’d love to help set you up for success in the coming year! 📞💬

Cyber Monday and Black Friday are right around the corner. As you prepare your budget, we want to extend a helping hand to guide you through the shopping frenzy 🛍️

Swipe through for some tips on staying within your budget and shopping smart 🛒

Have any tips that we left out? Drop them in the comments!

⏰ The clock is ticking to convert your retirement funds to a Roth IRA!

Depending on your circumstances, conversion could be beneficial for a variety of reasons:

☑️ Locking in Current Tax Rates: If there is potential for tax rates to go up in the future, by converting now, you are able to take advantage of current lower rates.

☑️ Lower Tax Bracket: If you've had a low-income year, converting to a Roth IRA could put you in a lower tax bracket, resulting in a smaller tax bill.

☑️ Anticipating Future Earnings Growth: If you expect the investments in your retirement account to grow significantly in the future, converting to a Roth IRA means future withdrawals of those greater sums will be tax-free.

☑️ Reduce RMDs: Making conversions can help to reduce the amount in your traditional retirement accounts, potentially lowering future Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and associated taxes.

If you're interested in taking this step before 2024, or would like to discuss whether or not this strategy makes sense for your situation, make sure you do so before December 31st or feel free to reach out to us to kickstart the process with you.

We are more than happy to help and answer any questions you have along the way 🤝

As we head into historically the strongest time of the year for U.S. equities, we’re sharing some helpful context about October’s key market and economic developments.

Swipe to see details on inflation, labor market strength, and the Fed ➡️

Fall is in the air, and you know what that means – it's time for some delicious pie debates! 🥧

Tell us in the comments, are you team Apple Pie 🍎 or team Pumpkin Pie 🎃 this season? The use of emojis is encouraged.

Whichever camp you're in, let's all agree that fall is the perfect time for indulging in these scrumptious treats and savoring the season's goodness 😋

In the spirit of Halloween, we’re wishing you a 👻 spooktacular 👻 day of treats and fun.

We hope your Halloween is filled with laughter, joy, and maybe even some delightful scares!

And on the subject of Halloween spookiness, we’d love to hear: what’s your favorite part of Halloween? For our part, we love a good haunted house 🏚️

Just another normal day at the office. Well, maybe not “normal.” Wishing you and your family a fun and spooky Halloween!

One in four workers live in an area with pay transparency laws on the books, and even those who don’t often have an expectation of salary ranges in job descriptions. (One survey found 55% of workers won’t apply to a job without a salary range 😲)

That’s why we thought it was high time to share a few key facts about pay transparency ↪️

What other emerging labor market trends should we cover? Share your thoughts in the comments ⬇️

Financial planning can feel a little spooky sometimes! If you or anyone in your network is in need of guidance, know we’re here to help you learn the ✨tricks✨of the trade.

DM us, give us a call, or shoot over an email to set up a complimentary consultation, and we’ll give you a shout 👻📞

If you’re anything like us, you love to embrace the cozy scents of autumn this time of year! 🕯️🍁

So tell us, what's your favorite fall candle scent?

🍎 Is it the sweetness of honeycrisp apple?

🎃 The sweet and comforting scent of pumpkin spice?

🍂 Or perhaps the earthy and crisp fragrance of fallen leaves?

Comment below 🍎 or 🍂 or 🎃 to let us know your go-to fall candle scent. And if you have any other scent recommendations that capture the essence of the season, feel free to share them too!

Year-end is just around the corner, and 2023 has been quite a ride! 🎢 Now, let's talk tax-smart moves to finish the tax year strong:

1️⃣ Boost Retirement Savings: Max out 401(k) contributions for tax benefits.
2️⃣ Tax Loss Harvesting: Offset gains by selling underperforming investments (up to $3,000 deduction per year).
3️⃣ Explore Tax Credits: Own solar or an electric vehicle? Discover if you're eligible for credits.
4️⃣ Business Owners: Make large purchases before year-end to secure deductions (80% bonus depreciation still available).

Got questions or want a year-end tax planning session? 📞 Reach out - we're here to help!

📣 ANNOUNCEMENT!! 📣

The Social Security Administration (SSA) just released information regarding the 2024 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Swipe to get the details ➡️

Have questions or concerns as you prepare for the new year? Reach out anytime via phone or email. We're here to ensure you're in the know about Social Security benefits and your broader financial picture!

Did you know that 15% of Americans don’t have retirement savings?

In light of National Retirement Security Week, we want to share some steps to help secure your retirement and move toward a prosperous future 💰

Remember, it's never too early or too late to start securing your retirement. Let's make National Retirement Security Week a catalyst for positive financial habits and a brighter, worry-free future!

Share this post to send your network a helpful reminder ↩️

Looking to save a little extra cash this fall? 💰

On National Savings Day, we celebrate the significant impact of small saving habits on our financial well-being and emphasize the importance of prioritizing saving 🌱🏦

Swipe through for a few tips to help you on your savings journey 👉 Have something to add to our list? Drop it in the comments!

The third quarter was undoubtedly eventful! Swipe through for a helpful overview of inflation, the Federal Reserve, and the overall economy heading into the fourth quarter ➡️

As we dive into 2024, it's a golden opportunity to reflect on the twists and turns of 2023 that could warrant a retirement plan review 📆

Here's a quick checklist to ensure your plan accurately mirrors your current situation:

🔹 Life Changes - Significant life changes, such as marriage, divorce, the arrival of a new family member, or alterations in your income, can have a profound impact on your financial goals. It's essential to assess your retirement plan and make any necessary adjustments to align it with your evolving circumstances.

📈 Risk Tolerance Shifts - Different stages of life bring different levels of risk tolerance, and changes in goals may cause changes to your risk tolerance as well. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to regularly evaluate your risk tolerance in relation to your retirement plan.

🧾 Tax Considerations: Tax laws can undergo annual modifications, influencing the financial aspects of your retirement plan. If your financial situation has evolved, these changes may have a notable impact on your overall retirement strategy.

This checklist provides a general overview, but we’re here to offer personalized guidance. Feel free to send us a message or call the office to discuss!

September is a soft month for equities historically, and it sure lived up to its stereotype, driven in part by a potential (now averted) government shutdown, higher interest rates, and sticky inflation.

Learn more about key developments by swiping through our month in review ➡️

Is there something this October that has you preoccupied, anxious, or discouraged? Here are a few words of encouragement: don’t give up.

As one of our nation’s most brilliant and determined inventors once said:

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” - Thomas Edison

If you know others who could be helped by this message, share this post!