Category: Blog

What Is a QCD — and Why It May Be the Smartest Charitable Move in Your Retirement Plan

By Hazel Secco, CFP® CDFA® | Align Financial Solutions If you have an IRA and you give to…

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Not Ready to Fully Retire? How to Plan a Phased Retirement on Your Terms

Written by Hazel Secco, CFP®, CDFA® If you’re in your late 40s or 50s and you’ve been building…

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What Happens to Your Equity When Your Company Goes Public?

Written by Hazel Secco, CFP® CDFA® If your company is heading toward an Initial Public Offering (IPO), it’s…

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Why Every Woman Needs a Fee-Only Financial Advisor

Author: Hazel Secco, CFP®, CDFA® Not all financial advisors are created equal — and the way your advisor…

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Tax Planning Vs. Tax Filing

Author: Hazel Secco, CFP®, CDFA® Estimated reading time: 1 minute Table of contents What is the difference between…

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How to Pay State Estimated Taxes: A Guide for Women Leaders with Equity Compensation

State taxes on equity compensation can create unexpected tax bills, especially in high-tax states or if you’ve moved…
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Roth 401(k) vs Traditional 401(k): The Bracket Math That Actually Decides It

undefined The Roth 401k vs traditional 401k choice usually gets presented as a bet on whether tax rates…

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Align Your Money With Your Values: How to Build a Work‑Optional Life You Don’t Need to Escape From

Written by Hazel Secco, CFP®, CDFA® For years, I was living a double life. By day, I looked…

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Asian American Financial Advisors for Asian Americans Building Wealth

Author: Hazel Secco, CFP®, CDFA® Money is rarely just about math; it is often about the silent expectations…

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How to Pay Estimated Federal Taxes: A Guide for Women Leaders with Equity Compensation

Key Points Equity compensation like restricted stock units (RSUs) and stock options can create large bursts of taxable…

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