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Open Window's Insight Articles


Applying science and good sense to organize order from chaos


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Trump & Harris: A Tax Policy Deep Dive Thumbnail

Trump & Harris: A Tax Policy Deep Dive

The tax policies proposed by former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris highlight and contrast their different economic visions. Awareness of these policies and proposals is part of making an informed decision on Election Day. Although these tax proposals could have significant impacts on individuals, businesses, and the overall economy, a balanced approach in your personal planning remains a prudent way forward.

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Medicare Open Enrollment Begins October 15 Thumbnail

Medicare Open Enrollment Begins October 15

It's the time of year again to review Medicare options. The Open Enrollment Period — which begins on October 15 and runs through December 7 —is an opportunity to switch to a better Medicare health and prescription drug plan. Let's review the Open Enrollment Period options and look at changes to Medicare benefits for 2025.

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Joe Hollen Receives Award from the Nevada State Medical Association Thumbnail

Joe Hollen Receives Award from the Nevada State Medical Association

The Nevada State Medical Association (NSMA) has honored Dr. Joe Hollen with its 2024 President’s Award. Dr. Hollen, who practiced as an Emergency Physician for two decades before serving the next two decades as a Certified Financial Planner™ professional, was recognized on September 21, 2024, for his contributions to both the physical and financial well-being of others.

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How Much Impact Does the President Have on Stocks? Thumbnail

How Much Impact Does the President Have on Stocks?

The anticipation building up to elections often brings with it questions about how financial markets will respond. Fortunately, the outcome of an election is only one of many inputs to the market. This interactive exhibit examines data for nearly 100 years of US presidential terms and shows a consistent upward march for US stocks regardless of the administration in place.

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Stolen Social Security Number? Freeze Your Credit ASAP. Thumbnail

Stolen Social Security Number? Freeze Your Credit ASAP.

“Hackers may have stolen the Social Security numbers of every American” in a recent data breach. While you shouldn’t live in fear, it’s wise to assume that your personal data may be accessible online in some form. Here are the proactive steps you can take to reduce the risk of identity theft and other forms of misuse. Chief among those steps is freezing your credit.

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Filing Your Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report  Thumbnail

Filing Your Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report

By January 1, 2025, nearly every small business owner must file an online "beneficial ownership information" (BOI) report. Filed just once (or with any ownership changes) and for free, nearly every business except certain sole proprietors and other limited exceptions should consider itself required to file (including LLCs, corporations, s-corporations, limited partnerships, family limited partnerships, even some HOAs, and others). Within, we review how we would file a BOI report as a ≥ 25% owner or control person and answer common questions we hear regarding the online form at https://boiefiling.fincen.gov/boir/html.

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Low Tax Rates To "Sunset" In 2026? Thumbnail

Low Tax Rates To "Sunset" In 2026?

Tax changes are on the horizon with the "TCJA sunset". Within, we highlight how the rules are scheduled by law to change. Use our Comparison Guide and Personalized Checklist to review how your taxes might change with this major potential revision of tax law. Let's consider these changes together as opportunities to avoid reacting to them later as threats.

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Hurricanes, Hit-And-Runs, & Other Investment Misfortunes Thumbnail

Hurricanes, Hit-And-Runs, & Other Investment Misfortunes

Nobody wants to make mistakes. And yet, we’re human; mistakes happen. Mistakes are part of life. So, here’s how to minimize the investment mistakes that matter the most, and make the most of the ones that remain. And since some misfortunes are just bad luck, here is a link to Charity Navigator's "Give Now" page, a collection of the most critical charitable issues that need a helping hand right now.

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How To Avoid Quarterly Tax Payments Thumbnail

How To Avoid Quarterly Tax Payments

Paying taxes is part of life, but did you know that when you choose to pay them might make a difference in your tax bill, and in your quality of life? Consider these must-know facts about your taxes, especially if you owe "quarterlies" or estimated "voucher payments."

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Paying Medicare Expenses With Your HSA Thumbnail

Paying Medicare Expenses With Your HSA

Let's explore how you can maximize the benefits of your HSA to effectively manage healthcare costs during your Medicare journey, including using HSA funds to pay for certain Medicare premiums, coinsurance, deductibles, and out-of-pocket drug costs.

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Spring Cleaning Shred-It Event Thumbnail

Spring Cleaning Shred-It Event

Spring is an ideal time to clean up clutter. To assist you, Open Window is offering free document destruction from April 15th to 26th. Drop your documents by any time, or schedule a 'Secure Recycling' timeslot at www.openwindowFS.com/connection.

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Is Your Bank Underpaying On Your Savings? Thumbnail

Is Your Bank Underpaying On Your Savings?

Although yields on cash pay more than ever, don't assume your cash savings automatically receive a higher rate. Within, we help you weigh your cash bank account options, including the ideal use of checking, savings, and money market accounts for "retirees" and those "not yet retired."

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How To Buy Low & Sell High Thumbnail

How To Buy Low & Sell High

If there is a universal investment ideal, it is probably this: Buy low and sell high. There exists an unassuming process for doing just that, called "rebalancing," but it is often overlooked for more exciting ideas.

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Financial Best Practices for Year-End 2023 Thumbnail

Financial Best Practices for Year-End 2023

As winter settles in, reflect with us on sunnier times. Envision your finances as a garden—what actions would deserve your attention? Here are our four favorite items worth tending to as 2024 approaches… plus a reflection on how to make the most of the remaining year.

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What to Know - Medicare Premium "IRMAA" Thumbnail

What to Know - Medicare Premium "IRMAA"

Were you surprised to receive a Medicare IRMAA letter from the Social Security Administration? Beware that certain income levels can increase your Medicare premium by up to 286% - an increase called "IRMAA". And yet, some people might still pursue this increase. If you're among the 4% to 5% of all Part B beneficiaries who received an "IRMAA" letter, here's what you need to know.

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