Here's What We Think

As a financial planner for mid-career professionals, I get versions of this question all the time, “Should I use my annual bonus to pay down the mortgage balance?” Like any nuanced financial decision, the answer is far from black and white so let’s explore when it does and does not make sense to pay off your mortgage more aggressively.

Listing financial goals isn’t enough. Discover how prioritizing tradeoffs leads to better financial decisions and long-term success.

Making a “dangerous” amount of money is real. If your income falls between $150,000 and $750,000, you may feel financially comfortable while quietly falling into inefficient saving and spending habits.

Why busy families struggle with financial planning, and how treating your family’s finances like a business can create clarity, structure, and peace of mind.

Learn how timing your charitable giving can improve tax efficiency, why “lumpy” donations matter, and how to give more intentionally.

Discover 11 common financial myths high earners believe and how rethinking them can help mid-career professionals make smarter planning decisions.

I've found in recent client meetings - there's widespread confusion about how High Deductible Health Plans and Health Savings Accounts work. Today I want to share how to best to use the HSA’s benefits for maximum long term success. Many high earning professionals are missing out on valuable tax benefits by not steering their HSA balances toward long-term investments!!

If your advisor spends their day tracking the markets, analyzing how Pepsi’s new management will affect their stock price, and whether this is the year for emerging markets…they are not a financial planner.

Young adults, or HENRY's, don’t typically think about life insurance. After all, in your 20s and 30s, you probably feel like your entire life is endlessly stretched out ahead of you, and even more during this hard time.

2024 is coming to an end. Have you taken these 3 financial action steps to prepare for the End-of-Year Deadline?

New parents and grandparents are often eager to start helping out their kids and frequently ask this question, “What is the best way to start saving for my child?” 🤔 While there is no one right or wrong answer, the type of account you choose could make a big difference! This article will break down two of the most common savings vehicles for children, 529 College Savings Plans and Custodial Savings Accounts.

I often get asked about S Corps, LLC’s, Sole-Proprietorship and retirement account options and how they impact a small business owner from a planning perspective. First off, we are not CPA’s or Tax Attorneys focusing on business structure. That’s not a boring compliance disclaimer, but its’ actually important to realize that this is not just a tax decision but a legal and protection one.

We know there have been a number of mass layoffs in 2022. Being that we work with many clients in the tech industry, my team has been in touch with a number of people who have been affected by some of the most recent layoffs. From a financial perspective, there are some main topics you may want to think about if you find yourself in this position.

If you have already calculated your net worth and found that it’s lower than you expected, or that you need to increase it starting now; here are a few simple ways to help.

There's a difference between HOPING that you will become financially independent and doing what it takes to get there. In my experience in working with my personal CPA and estate attorney, I've come to realize that cost is only a factor in the absence of value. In those relationships, where I'm the client, if I feel I'm getting the value that I want, I am HAPPY to pay these professionals their keep. They are doing work I can't do, don't want to do, and are going above and beyond to take care of me? Yup, I'm a happy camper.

There is one gap in plans I see relentlessly and repeatedly from our planning clients. Even those clients that are doing everything else right and have a 95%+ chance of long term plan success... Here it goes: The one planning deficiency that consistently comes up with our young professional high income earning clients (30-49 years old and making north of $250k as a household) is... They do not have enough term life insurance.

Every so often, I hear prospective clients seeking to attain "passive income" usually by way of rental properties; "How do I earn passive income," "How can I quickly increase my passive income," and the list of questions I hear continues...

Wondering what actually occurs in our planning process? In part one I explained why having the answer to 3 specific questions is the very first step. In part two I will cover what happens once we have those answers... Have you answered these 3 questions?

A couple has to make compromises in terms of understanding each other’s future plans for investing. This is essential for retirement, and needs to be covered quick.

Companies, organizations, and investment funds make a difference in the world by fusing natural elements with man-made discoveries. Thanks to technology impact investments have gained substantial recognition because of its measurable investment growth. Today, impact investors are interested in business development and ecological advancements for improving the quality of life.

Often I get asked, "how do you get paid?" Most financial professionals talk about how important it is to have a financial plan, but then turn around and offer a "free plan" with an end game already in mind. At Drucker Wealth we are so committed to our financial planning process and know how much value our clients will derive from every step of our process and that is exactly why charge for it!

So I just started reading “The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel…

As a HENRY or Pre-retiree, you should understand that having life insurance is part of a responsible financial plan. Most people are not aware that needs keep changing according to their life stage. If you have found a plan that meets your needs and gives you peace of mind, it is important to reevaluate your life insurance needs as they fluctuate during different life stages.

At Drucker Wealth we're all about family. Our firm was started back in 1959 by my grandpa and currently led by my hero, who also happens to be my dad. I'm inspired by him every day so when I wrote my first book earlier this year I made sure to include what, and more importantly who, led to be the financial professional I am today. Being that its Father's Day it feels fitting that I share the excerpt from How To Avoid HENRY Syndrome with you here. We hope you enjoy the day with your family!

Whether you’re making a career change or just got laid off, your 401(k) may be at the bottom of your to-do list. However, moving your 401(k) is an incredibly important step that must be well-thought-out. When leaving an employer, there are typically three workable opportunities to continue the growth of your retirement funds. Understanding which route offers more advantages for continued growth that will align with your next chapter in life is the first step.

Understanding the difference between volatility and risk is the single most important idea for us young people to understand as the stock market (and the economy) are going crazy all around us. The market right now is EXTREMELY volatile...I'm speaking with clients all day and believe me, it's scary out there. We all just need to hold onto one truth: market volatility is normal and so are market corrections! Understanding that nothing has changed for you as a long term investor will give you the fortitude and the faith to keep holding on...which is the single best decision you can make for your financial future right now.

I can't think of a better, more meaningful time to appreciate the inevitable upward trajectory of the stock market (and the economy at large) than right now...when it all looks so bleak!! Knowing these truths, and acting upon them, when everything around us seems to be crumbling will give us the power and conviction to get through it not just this time around...but every time after this too! The next few months are going to suck. Companies will be temporarily thrown off their game. The economy will lag. And then all of a sudden, they won't. They'll adapt. The economy will rebound. And the world will advance beyond this. it is the only way. There is nothing on Earth I'm more confident in.

Your kids are no doubt noticing the changes in the world, and maybe your family’s own financial situation, because of COVID-19 — as well as your reaction. Here’s your chance to empower your children with lessons for their future.

Do you watch the weather channel all day when you see sun and clear skies for the weekend forecast? My guess is probably not. Why am I asking you this? Because similarly in the financial world the TV talking heads, magazines, fund managers, guest economists on the CNBC panel, and the like, have no vested interest in sharing the sort of behavior driven and common-sense financial planning tips that we share with our clients.

Gideon Drucker, CFP® was a guest on the radio station The Voice of New York where he discussed his book How To Avoid HENRY Syndrome: Financial Strategies to Own Your Future. Click to listen to the full interview!

It’s a good idea to have a will so any assets left behind go to the people or organizations you choose – and not to legal fees, taxes, and heirs chosen by a probate judge. Take control of your future and make a plan. Read this week's blog to learn how working with a professional advisor can help you with the process of creating your will.

Real estate investing offers tax benefits, but they’re often misunderstood. Learn how rental losses, depreciation, and deferral strategies actually work.

Switching jobs or enrolling in benefits? Learn how to choose life, disability, health insurance, and 401k options that support your long-term plan.

I have previously explained that “net worth” and “money to invest” are the absolute wrong metrics to use when it comes to figuring out if you’re “ready” for a financial advisor…So if those are not the right numbers to help you determine if you should be working with an advisor, what are the right metrics?

Learn how paying your kids through your small business can reduce taxes, what IRS rules apply, and when this strategy actually makes sense.

The world of financial advice is changing. I’d argue that it’s actually going through a revolution of sorts, and mid-career individuals and families like yours will be better served as a result.

Going through a divorce is a very emotional process and on top of the personal side, you have some serious logistical matters to sort through. It’s no surprise that your finances are going to be a big focal point of divorce and while your lawyer may help you navigate the technicalities for the decree itself, what happens next?

A HENRY is a High Earner, Not Rich Yet, and describes individuals who earn a high income but haven’t YET accumulated significant wealth yet (maybe due to lack of planning, being in an expensive phase of life, having prohibitively expensive goals, or simply due to age).

If you work at a large public company, particularly in tech or consumer goods, you’ve likely been granted Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of your compensation package. Being on the receiving end of Restricted Stock Units is a wonderful thing as they can play a huge role in the accumulation of wealth & ultimately towards dreams of financial independence.

Today I am going to answer a frequently asked question... “What differentiates you from other firms?” This is always one of my favorite questions to get asked by a prospective client on a Right Fit Call; in part because of WHEN it is being asked.

Wondering what you should do with your vested RSUs & ISOs? As a financial planner who works with tech and media professionals, I’m always fascinated by how people think about their employer stock. Here are the questions you should be asking about your vested stock and when you should be selling it.

To all the mother’s out there, where does your financial future rank right now on the list of priorities you currently juggle? In between packing lunches, homework, teacher appreciation, birthday parties, sports activities, laundry, grocery shopping, paying the bills, bath time, bedtime stories, Band-Aids and boo boos… you are caretaker, rule maker, meal maker, biggest fan and cheerleader. On top of this, you might also have a career to juggle and so it’s no wonder that finding the time to think about investments or retirement will slip your mind!

What is the FIRST and MOST IMPORTANT part of the Financial Life Planning process? When we begin a new client's Financial Life Plan, we seek to answer 3 key questions that revolve around cash flow. We want you to be able to answer these questions definitively at the end of our planning process. This is all before we even touch on investments, tax coordination and insurance coverage...

I work with a lot of young professionals and there is a growing number of people in their 20s and 30s who want to retire early. You may have even heard the acronym FIRE before, Financial Independence Retire Early. Fortunately, it’s easier to work towards early retirement when you set out to do so at 20 vs 45 but there are also a lot of important considerations, and it takes some serious planning to pull this off successfully. ✔️

If you work in tech as its likely that Restricted Stock Units are a part of your Equity Compensation package. Making decisions around your RSUs can be overwhelming. Read this blog to learn more about how RSUs can can impact your financial plan.

The end of the year sparks something in a lot of us to start giving to charitable causes. For many people, the holiday season brings out the desire to give our money or our time to those less fortunate. But what if we were more purposeful with our giving strategy?

Today I am rounding up my 5 key takeaways on the proposed legislation that may affect some of the tax planning strategies we often implement with our HENRY clients, such as the Mega Backdoor Roth IRA.

Whether you currently have young children or are thinking about starting a family, you know with certainty your finances are going to be impacted. Review the top 5 tips to ensure your growing family is on the right path for financial success.

We are living through an extravagant bull market… U.S. Stocks have returned over 600% since March of 2009. And over the last few years especially, it seems like every time you look at your accounts, you’ve made more money! 📈 Despite Covid, it’s been a fun 2 years to pull up your statements! And so it’s natural to get comfortable & to start thinking that the market only trends one way! But, honestly, this type of thinking is dangerous…

Financial procrastination is when you have financial obligations and moves to make, but you put those decisions aside on a continuous basis. For instance – you know you need to balance your checkbook, but you continue waiting until things are going wrong. Or, you may have student loans and need to apply for a deferment but you let the time-lapse and end up in the credit bureau.

Lance Drucker, ChFC®, CLU®, was ranked #55 on Forbes NYC Best-In-State Wealth Advisors in 2021, developed by SHOOK Research. The list, which recognizes advisors from national, regional and independent firms, was released online February 11, 2021. Each year advisors are carefully selected based on an algorithm of qualitative and quantitative criteria.

Lance Drucker, ChFC®, CLU®, President and CEO of Drucker Wealth, has been accepted into Forbes Finance Council, an invitation-only community for executives in accounting, financial planning, wealth and asset management, and investment firms.

As HENRYS (high earners, not rich yet) continue to contemplate their big city life over fleeing to the suburbs there are several questions that should first be considered. If you are one of these people who have started wondering whether you should continue to rent or take the steps necessary to purchase a home, keep reading.

Can you retire comfortably and remain comfortably retired? Take our 3 minute quiz to see if you need to attend our webinar. Either "vaya con dios" or "Uh oh...i may need help!"

We can't control a lot right now. Our day to day lives. Our work. Maybe even our health...it's all scary to think about. And as we all know, we definitely can't control what's going on in the stock market. So lets make sure that we're controlling the areas of our life and our finances that we can. Here's one: Make it your mission to understand the tax opportunities ahead of you and the tax discounts staring us all in the face right now. Be proactive. Don't let this financial low point go to waste!

I explain, in the excerpt below, a bit about my own financial plan and how I'm thinking about my own investments, time horizon, and future. Well, I'm writing this on March 24th, as the stock market has gotten relentlessly pounded for two weeks straight. It's brutal. Have I changed my tune from what you're about to read? Not even a little. Over the past two weeks, I've added MORE money into all of my investment accounts because I see this as an opportunity...great companies are on sale! Compared to 3 months ago- because the market is down so much- I'm able to buy more shares with the exact same dollar amount! So, (as long as I have the cash flow and don't need the money in the near term) Sign me up! Here's why time is on my side...

Writing about whether the next stock market correction would come in 6 weeks or 6 months (below)...I had no idea how real my words would soon become. It's actually chilling to think back to when I wrote about what we're currently living through as merely a distant hypothetical. And yet...nothing has changed. So yes, we're in a devastating stretch...it could go on for the next month or for the next 22 months...I have no idea. But here is what I know...This TOO SHALL PASS. As every single market crisis has before. The words below are just as true as when I wrote them 6 weeks ago...but they are about 1000 times more important to believe in your heart today.

Many of us are living through our first REAL stock market meltdown. For myself & most of my 30-40 year old clients, we either weren't out of college yet or we weren't making enough money (and didn't have enough money certainly!) for the pain to really reach us on a physical and emotional level. So this all feels new...which makes it feel even scarier and more unnerving. I get it...and you're not wrong...it is both of those things! But, please, take the time to ask your parents what they did in 2008...and knowing what came after, what they would have changed in their investment behavior if they could? And read my post below...because, trust me, it seemed like the world was coming to an end back then...and then it didn't. This too shall pass.

Where do you set aside the money you’re saving for retirement? You likely save for retirement primarily through an employer’s retirement plan. Unfortunately, less than one-half of private sector employers sponsor retirement plans. In part, that may be because of a misconception among smaller employers that think sponsoring a retirement plan is too expensive.The fact is there are workplace retirement plans developed specifically for smaller employers.

The past 7 years the markets have been so consistently positive with little volatility that any downturn now seems apocalyptic. We’ve gotten too comfortable. Market volatility is normal. From 1980 through 2016, as an example, the S&P 500 has had an average inter-year swing of 14% annually! In other words, stuff goes up and down, a lot.