Stephen Kates, CFP® | Source | Principal Financial Analyst at RetireGuide.com & Annuity.org
Stephen Kates, CFP®
Stephen Kates is a CFP® professional and personal finance expert specializing in financial planning and education. Stephen is the Principal Financial Analyst for Annuity.org and RetireGuide.com where he focuses on providing strategic insights on current market and industry topics such as wealth management, retirement planning, and investing.
Stephen is the Founder of Clocktower Financial Consulting, LLC, and formerly the Head of Financial Planning for Advisor.com.
Armed with over 15 years of experience in financial advice and technology, his work focuses on individuals, families, and business owners who need help with their finances. Stephen leverages his passion for financial literacy to simplify complex topics and make financial planning accessible to everyone.
Starting in 2010, Stephen began his career as a financial advisor in Boston, MA. Throughout his early career as a financial advisor for two of the largest financial firms in the country, Fidelity Investments and TIAA-CREF, Stephen has helped hundreds of clients build comprehensive financial plans to grow and protect their wealth.
Stephen writes and speaks on the fundamentals of personal finance. He has appeared on national broadcasts, including NBC, CBS, and Fox Business, and has been quoted in leading digital publications. Stephen’s in-depth financial planning and fintech business experience have made him an in-demand resource for other advisors, retirees, and first-time savers alike.
Stephen currently lives and works in Charlotte, NC, with his wife Kate and son Theodore. He is a passionate Boston sports fan, but still relishes the local football and baseball games in his adopted home. An avid traveler, Stephen enjoys collecting local artwork while traveling with his family.
-
RetireGuide.com & Annuity.org (https://www.retireguide.com & https://www.annuity.org)
Principal Financial Analyst
-
The First Thing You Should Do With Your Paycheck To Build Wealth at 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60
Are you trying to build wealth?
Article -
Social Security worries hang over the incoming recipients
New polling has found that the majority of Americans are worried about their future retirement benefits.
Article -
Social Security Just Announced a Cost-of-Living Increase—Here’s How Much You’ll Get
Just how much bigger will your Social Security check be in 2025? We talked to Social Security, retirement and money experts to find out.
Article
-
Maximize Your Tax Refund: Expert Tips from Stephen Kates, CFP®
Stephen advises against over-withholding taxes, as it can lead to unnecessary overpayments. Instead, he suggests exploring tax-advantaged savings like 401(k)s, managing investment income, and utilizing deductions such as student loan interest and alimony. Consulting a CPA can further enhance your tax strategy, ensuring you maximize deductions like charitable giving and mortgage interest. -
Rethinking Retirement: Why FI Ratio Outweighs Net Worth
Stephen highlights the FI ratio as crucial for financial health, focusing on cash flow over assets. He states, "Passive income sources like investments and pensions are vital for retirement." Monitoring the FI ratio helps track savings relative to spending, crucial for avoiding lifestyle creep. Stephen advises considering future expenses and resources, especially for early retirees. -
CDs vs. Annuities: Expert Insights for Retirees
Stephen highlights CDs as "stable, FDIC-insured investments" ideal for short-term goals, though not tax-efficient. Annuities offer "tax-deferred growth and income stability," suitable for retirees needing guaranteed income. He advises comparing CDs and MYGAs by interest rates and considering annuities for long-term guarantees. Balancing both can enhance retirement plans, with CDs for short-term growth and annuities for income protection.
