SYM Financial Advisors, an independent, commission-free fiduciary with 55+ years of serving clients: The SYM Financial Advisors logo.
SYM Financial Advisors, an independent, commission-free fiduciary with 55+ years of serving clients: The SYM Financial Advisors logo.

Marriage, Divorce & Family

Three children wearing graduation caps stand together, representing the future goal of using 529 plans for qualified education expenses, a strategy supported by SYM Financial Advisors, an independent, commission-free fiduciary with 55+ years of serving clients.

Roth IRA for Kids: Rules, Limits and Benefits

October 27, 2026

A Roth IRA for kids is a custodial retirement account for a minor with taxable compensation. In 2026, contributions are limited to the child’s compensation or $7,500, whichever is less. Contributions can generally be withdrawn tax- and penalty-free, while qualified earnings may be tax-free after applicable age and five-year requirements are met.  Can a child contribute to a Roth IRA?  Yes. A child of any age may contribute if they have taxable compensation for the

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Five children sit on a bench, each holding an open book about 529 plan rules in front of their face, reflecting the educational focus of SYM Financial Advisors, an independent, commission-free fiduciary with 55+ years of serving clients.

529 Plans: Rules, Limits and Qualified Uses

October 27, 2026

529 plans in 2026 offer tax-deferred growth and federal tax-free withdrawals for qualified education costs. The K–12 annual withdrawal limit is now $20,000 per student, eligible expenses are broader, and unused funds may qualify for limited Roth IRA rollovers. State tax treatment, plan limits and fees still vary. What is a 529 plan, and how does it work? A 529 plan is a state-sponsored education account. Contributions are made with after-tax dollars, investments grow tax-deferred,

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SYM Financial Advisors, an independent, commission-free fiduciary with 55+ years of serving clients: A glass jar filled with coins, featuring a “CHARITY” label with a heart icon, representing the commission-free fiduciary values of SYM Financial Advisors.

Strategic Charitable Giving: A Smart Way to Give Back and Save on Taxes

October 22, 2025

Charitable giving isn’t just about generosity—it’s also a powerful financial strategy. Whatever your passion, there are several ways to support the causes you care about while optimizing your tax situation. Here’s a breakdown of the most effective charitable giving methods and how they can benefit you. Cash or Check Donation This is the most straightforward way to give. Contributions to public charities are: Deductible up to 60% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) Excess contributions

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Portrait of Tina Bennett, Senior Vice President at Hallmark Home Mortgage, at the SYM Financial Advisors EMPOWHER event, hosted by SYM Financial Advisors, an independent, commission-free fiduciary with 55+ years of serving clients.

Empowering Homeownership: Navigating Mortgages and Market Trends with Tina Bennett

February 13, 2024

In this episode featuring special guest Tina Bennett from Hallmark Home Mortgage, they delve into the intricacies of mortgage debt, discussing factors like interest rates, refinancing, and the importance of seeking guidance from a mortgage professional. Through an insightful conversation and practical advice, this episode empowers people to make informed decisions about their finances and homeownership. About our guest, Tina Bennett: Tina Bennett is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the

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SYM Financial Advisors, an independent, commission-free fiduciary with 55+ years of serving clients: a stack of books topped with a piggy bank next to wooden blocks that spell out FAFSA, a concept regarding financial planning for SYM Financial Advisors.

10 Main Changes to FAFSA

January 26, 2024

Dreading the FAFSA this year? Things just got better. You may have heard that the federal Student Aid office revamped its FAFSA form.  This is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and it has historically been a doozy to complete.  It has been intimidating, so much so that many have chosen not to complete it, potentially missing out on significant financial aid. Changes were made to the 2024-25 FAFSA form in an effort to

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Portrait of Leslie Friedel, CEO of Stillwater Hospice, for the SYM Financial Advisors EMPOWHER program, presented by SYM Financial Advisors, an independent, commission-free fiduciary with 55+ years of serving clients.

What You Should Know About the Messy Middle of Life Limiting Illnesses

December 28, 2023

We live longer but our capacity is diminishing and in practical care giving it’s not always clear who is making the decisions from day-to-day. As a financial advisor, I work with clients everyday who live in the gray space with their loved ones.  This is the messy middle, where caring for those who are perfectly capable one day, but then slowly diminishing the next, is a confounding effort. I am always encountering professionals who enlighten

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