Financial Insights & Resources

April 30, 2026

How Geopolitical Chaos Will Redefine Retirement Security by 2030

I am more concerned than I have been since 2008 for the future generations and retirees. There are quite a few disruptions in the economy that are not adding up

April 30, 2026

The Youth Sports Investment Trap Families Don't See Coming

I watch my son practice in the backyard every evening. Rain or shine. His determination is right there in every movement, every drill, every repetition.He wants

April 30, 2026

The Income Architecture Most Retirees Never Build

I've watched the same scenario play out for nearly three decades.Someone walks into my office proud of the $2 million IRA they built over 30 years of diligent s

March 19, 2026

When Geopolitical Shocks Reveal What Your Financial Plan Was Actually Built For

Oil hits $119. The Dow drops 700 points. My phone rings.It's early—maybe too early to form a complete strategy until we see how long this Iran conflict progress

October 1, 2023

Recession-Proof Your Finances: A Harbor West Survival Guide

The threat of a recession has been looming since the end of the pandemic. But the economy has been stubbornly defying all forecasts, chugging along with a stabl

August 11, 2023

5 Things to Look for When Reviewing Your Insurance Policies

Reviewing your insurance policies might not be the most exciting item on your to-do list, but doing so periodically is essential for your financial well-being.

July 21, 2023

Understanding Your Medicare Options

With the average out-of-pocket cost for health care nearing $300,000 in retirement, choosing the right health care coverage is critical to securing your financi

July 12, 2023

5 Simple Ways to Increase Your Investment Return: Rebalancing, Reinvesting, and Long-Term Growth Behavior

You’ve worked hard for your money, and now you want to put your money to work for you in the best way possible. But do you ever look at your quarterly statement

April 20, 2023

7 Habits of Highly Effective Investors: Unlocking the Secrets to Building Wealth

Would you be surprised to learn that most wealth isn’t the result of hard work? It’s the result of being a shrewd and disciplined investor. This seems counterin

March 20, 2023

Top Medicare Planning Mistakes to Avoid for a Secure Retirement

As you approach retirement age, Medicare planning will be critical to ensure that you have the healthcare coverage you need and can afford. However, many people

February 28, 2023

Pay Less on Retirement Account Withdrawals: A Guide for Retirees

Retirement can be a time of great joy and relaxation, but it can also be a time of financial stress. Many retirees worry about whether they have enough savings

January 18, 2023

How to Choose a Tax Professional

An increasingly complex tax system consumes an ever-increasing amount of taxpayers’ time and money, leading to more frustration and concerns over compliance and

December 20, 2022

New Legislation Expected to Boost Pooled Employee Plans and Small Business Tax Incentives

Since their introduction decades ago, employer-sponsored retirement plans have been in desperate need of updating, particularly for small businesses. That was u

December 1, 2022

8 Essential Money Moves to Make Before Year End

With the year-end approaching, now would be the opportune time to get some financial housekeeping done, especially with some planning tasks coming up against a

October 19, 2022

Should Blended Families Split Their Finances?

If you’ve recently been remarried, or plan on walking down the aisle soon, things probably look different this time around. That’s because you’re building a ble

Blended Families

Blended Families ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THE UNEXPECTED? – TAKE OUR FINANCIAL PLANNING QUIZ BUILDING SOMETHING NEW TOGETHER Start Your New Stage in Life with a…

July 14, 2022

The 5 Most Common Financial Challenges Blended Families Face

A recent study reveals that out of every 1,000 divorcees, about 25 get remarried. The median age of couples who choose to remarry is mid-40s, making it likely t

Dental Wealth Advisers in CT

Dental Practitioners ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THE UNEXPECTED? – TAKE OUR FINANCIAL PLANNING QUIZ Securing Financial Health for Dentists The Dentist Dynamic Denti…

June 1, 2022

Has Inflation Peaked?

There appears to be a growing consensus that the inflation surge is waning—or is that just wishful thinking? Prices have been surging throughout the economy at

May 24, 2022

What is Holistic Financial Planning?

Relieve Financial Stress for a Healthier, Happier Life -- When you think about the traditional benefits of financial planning, you think about numbers. Learning

April 19, 2022

The Cost of Procrastination in Retirement Planning

Have you ever been charged a late fee for something you could have totally avoided? A late fee for those books from the library. A reinstatement fee for an expi

March 31, 2022

Should You Be Worried About Higher Interest Rates?

The likely prospect of higher interest rates has many Americans worried. After a few years of rock bottom interest rates, primarily due to the COVID-induced eco

February 24, 2022

4 Biggest Retirement Planning Mistakes People Make Today

It’s clear that this is no longer your father’s retirement. For the most part, our parents did not have to contend with increasing retirement costs and expandin

February 10, 2022

Is It Too Expensive to Move?

Americans are on the move. Two years of a pandemic only accelerated a trend that has been unfolding for several years—Americans trying to escape the cities and

December 13, 2021

Financially Preparing For Your Post-Divorce Life

Divorce is one of those life events no one wants to consider as a possibility, let alone plan for, yet more than forty percent of all first marriages end in div

December 13, 2021

6 Ways to Guard Against Inflation

Well, it’s official. Inflation is here, and it is here big. According to reports, inflation is now surging at its fastest pace in 30 years. If you were born aft

December 6, 2021

Jump On These 7 Year-End Tax Saving Strategies

While “tax season” is typically the time many folks focus on their income taxes, the best way to minimize your annual taxes is to engage in a year-round tax-wis

September 27, 2021

Could Biden’s Looming Tax Changes Threaten Your Retirement?

As promised in the last presidential campaign, President Biden's administration has proposed two different proposals for the 2022 fiscal year—the American Jobs

September 27, 2021

You’re Finally Divorced! Now What?!: A Post-Settlement Financial Checklist

Going through a divorce takes up a lot of time and mental energy. While you’re just trying to get through it, it can be hard to focus on anything else. But now

July 29, 2021

How the SECURE Act 2.0 Could Impact Your Retirement Planning

The House Ways and Means Committee recently passed the SECURE Act 2.0—a follow-up to the popular SECURE Act passed in 2019. While it has a way to go before it b

July 1, 2021

Finance & Investment Tips We'd Give Our Younger Selves

For younger people, the demands of starting out in life can be overwhelming. Finding the right career path, working for job advancement, paying the bills, all w

June 23, 2021

Should You Be Worried About Inflation?

After more than a decade of near dormancy, inflation appears once again to be bubbling near the surface. Whether it continues to gradually percolate or turn int

May 11, 2021

How to Prepare for Health Care Costs in Retirement

Becoming eligible for Medicare when you turn 65 is a significant financial milestone. No more paying huge health insurance premiums, and most of your health car

April 23, 2021

How The American Rescue Plan Act Could Affect High Net Worth Individuals

President Biden’s latest stimulus initiative, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP), was signed into law on March 11, 2021. The plan aims to stimulate the economy.

April 5, 2021

JUMPSTART YOUR RETIREMENT NOW

The COVID-19 pandemic may have thrown a wrench in your well-laid retirement plans, but as the world is coming back together and re-openings are happening in Wes

March 31, 2021

COVID-19 AND YOUR RETIREMENT

It has been approximately one year since the COVID-19 pandemic upended life as we know it. From our daily living and working habits to new concerns for our heal

February 9, 2021

TIMES IN LIFE WHEN YOU SHOULD REVIEW YOUR FINANCIAL PLAN

Getting in a groove with your finances feels like winning at adulthood. You have a set monthly budget and your savings plan is going well. You haven’t had a job

February 3, 2021

TOP 5 INDUSTRIES MOST LIKELY TO PICK UP AFTER THE COVID-19 VACCINE

The coronavirus pandemic has changed everything. From our daily personal routines and holiday celebrations to how and where we work, the landscape is incredibly

December 18, 2020

WHAT COULD BIDEN'S PRESIDENCY MEAN FOR YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE?

In 2021, Joseph R. Biden, Jr. will unseat current President Donald J. Trump as the 46th President of the Unites States. At this juncture, many Americans are sta

November 27, 2020

GETTING ON TRACK FOR RETIREMENT AFTER A DIVORCE

Divorce is a life change that is often fraught with an inordinate amount of personal, emotional, and financial turmoil. In the process of splitting with your sp

October 22, 2020

6 RISKS ENTREPRENEURS FACE WHEN LAUNCHING A NEW BUSINESS

Gerard Gruber October 22, 2020 One of the most fulfilling parts of our jobs as financial advisors is not only to help our clients reach financial milestones,…

October 2, 2020

IS IT BETTER TO SAVE OR INVEST IN A RECESSION?

Gerard Gruber October 2, 2020 !finance investment advisor Smart money moves to make when the market is down. If you are among one of those fortunate enough t…

September 17, 2020

SHOULD I RENT OR BUY MY NEXT HOME?

Gerard Gruber September 17, 2020 !Rent or Buy Certified Financial Planner CT advice The financial pros and cons of each option. Even though we have experienc…

August 17, 2020

FACING DIVORCE IN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Gerard Gruber August 17, 2020 !Divorce financial advisor ct 2. Prioritize Your Children: For individuals who aren’t comfortable moving with a lurking virus o…

Financial Advisors for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners in CT

Entrepreneurs/ Business Owners ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THE UNEXPECTED? – TAKE OUR FINANCIAL PLANNING QUIZ Building Wealth Visions for Entrepreneurs and Business…

Financial Planning for Life Transitions in CT

Life Transitions ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THE UNEXPECTED? – TAKE OUR FINANCIAL PLANNING QUIZ Financial Planning for Life Transitions Harbor West is a fee-only, f…

Financial Planners in CT

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June 23, 2020

ARE WE TRULY ON THE ROAD OF RECOVERY?

Gerard Gruber June 23, 2020 !Financial advice in Covid19 time When financial markets fall, the first thing on everyone’s mind is recovery. When will it happe…

Financial Strategies for Dentists

E-Book ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THE UNEXPECTED? – TAKE OUR FINANCIAL PLANNING QUIZ Thank you for your interest in reading Harbor West’s eBook on Financial Strate…

10 Things to Consider Before a Divorce

E-Book ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THE UNEXPECTED? – TAKE OUR FINANCIAL PLANNING QUIZ Thank you for your interest in learning more about the financial consideration…

May 28, 2020

LIFE INSURANCE IN THE ERA OF COVID-19

Gerard Gruber May 28, 2020 !Life Insurance advisor in CT Life insurance is a risk management tool designed to protect your dependents should you unexpectedly…

May 12, 2020

THE COVID-19 RETIREMENT PRACTICE RUN

Gerard Gruber May 12, 2020 !certified financial planning in ct There has been much to learn from our experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic over the past few…

April 13, 2020

THE CARES ACT OF 2020

Gerard Gruber April 13, 2020 On March 27th, the largest and most extensive economic relief effort in American history was signed into law: the Coronavirus Ai…

March 17, 2020

FINANCIAL CHALLENGES OLDER ADULTS FACE IN THEIR 80S AND 90S

Gerard Gruber March 17, 2020 Getting older is a time to slow down and enjoy spending time with friends and family doing the things you love. With the hectic…

February 27, 2020

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR TAX-ADVANTAGED SAVINGS VEHICLES

Gerard Gruber February 27, 2020 Saving and investing in a tax-wise way is a bit more complex for high-income earners than for the average American saver. Inc…

February 3, 2020

THE SECURE ACT: HOW DOES IT AFFECT MY RETIREMENT?

Gerard Gruber February 3, 2020 This past December, the US Senate approved a $1.4 billion dollar spending deal that includes the Setting Every Community Up fo…

January 7, 2020

3 WAYS PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES CAN SPEND THEIR WEALTH MINDFULLY

Gerard Gruber January 7, 2020 You don’t have to be told that your career is unlike any other. Not only do you begin your career at an early age, but you also…

December 23, 2019

PREPARING FOR THE PERSONAL SIDE OF RETIREMENT

Gerard Gruber December 23, 2019 Retirement isn’t what it used to be. Historically, individuals worked until their mid-60s and only expected to live for five…

December 10, 2019

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FINANCIAL RUIN DURING A DIVORCE

Gerard Gruber December 10, 2019 Divorce is an inherently scary and stressful process. Not only are you grieving the loss of a relationship and imagined futur…

November 22, 2019

YEAR-END TAX SAVING STRATEGIES FOR THE SAVVY INVESTOR

Whether you are new to investing, or have been an active investor for a while, your tax planning strategy should always be in the forefront of your mind. Wit…

November 21, 2019

5 DENTAL INDUSTRY TRENDS TO WATCH IN 2019

As 2018 draws to a close and 2019 nears, what are the industry trends dentists should be looking out for? Here are five trends to watch this coming year: The…

October 31, 2019

401 (K) PLAN MANAGEMENT OPTIONS FOR DENTIST-OWNERS

When it comes to choosing a retirement plan option for yourself and your practice, plan management, maintenance, and remaining compliant with IRS regulation…

October 15, 2019

RETIREMENT PLANS IN THE DENTAL PRACTICE

Choosing which retirement plan to offer the employees in your dental practice is a major decision, but not one that is without options. From traditional 401…

October 8, 2019

TOP FINANCIAL HAZARDS FOR PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL PLAYERS AND HOW TO NAVIGATE THEM

Professional baseball players face many of the same financial hurdles that we all do such as curbing our spending, increasing our savings, and financially pr…

September 15, 2019

5 SURPRISING MEDICAL COSTS NOT COVERED BY MEDICARE

Luckily, supplemental plans are available to purchase for retirees who have more extensive healthcare needs than basic Medicare coverage will provide, but th…

August 21, 2019

SUFFERING THE LOSS OF A PARENT: FINANCIAL FIRST STEPS

There is no way to fully prepare for the emotional turmoil and grief that accompanies the loss of a parent. Losing a parent forces us to face some difficult…

August 12, 2019

TOP 5 FINANCIAL TOPICS EVERY COUPLE SHOULD DISCUSS BEFORE MARRIAGE

Marriage isn’t just a romantic relationship; it is also a fiscal one. You and your spouse will not only share a home, but likely a bank account and it’s no s…

July 26, 2019

BENEFIT BAFFLEMENT? HERE'S HOW DIVORCE OR SPOUSAL DEATH COULD AFFECT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY

BENEFIT BAFFLEMENT? HERE’S HOW DIVORCE OR SPOUSAL DEATH COULD AFFECT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY As you approach your retirement years, you may think you understand…

July 23, 2019

BEWARE OF LIFESTYLE INFLATION

Have you ever found yourself postponing retirement contributions, debt repayment, or perhaps opening a college savings plan for the hypothetical day when you…

July 8, 2019

3 QUESTIONS EVERY WOMAN SHOULD ANSWER BEFORE CLAIMING SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS

Although Social Security was never designed to sustain retirees’ living costs in its entirety, it has become a reliable source of income many Americans utili…

June 12, 2019

THE TOP 3 FINANCIAL CHALLENGES HISPANIC-AMERICANS FACE

Hispanic Americans make up one of the fastest growing segments of the U.S. population, and with more Hispanics being birthed in the U.S. then ever before, th…

May 22, 2019

WHAT WOMEN NEED TO KNOW TO TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR FINANCIAL FUTURE - PART II

WHAT WOMEN NEED TO KNOW TO TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR FINANCIAL FUTURE – PART II Insuring Against the Unexpected Risk management is a vital element of any financi…

May 6, 2019

WHAT WOMEN NEED TO KNOW TO TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR FINANCIAL FUTURE - PART I

WHAT WOMEN NEED TO KNOW TO TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR FINANCIAL FUTURE – PART I Here are the facts: Women are living longer than men [ [i ]](https://harborwest.co…

April 22, 2019

THE RIGHT WAY TO HELP YOUR CHILD GET INTO THE COLLEGE OF THEIR CHOICE

Parents with ethical standards, though, may be wondering about the right steps to take to help their son or daughter gain admission to their dream schools. W…

April 8, 2019

THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF PRE-RETIREMENT PLANNING FOR PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES

As much as professional athletes are known for their stellar athletic abilities, they are equally notorious for living extravagant lifestyles and blowing the…

March 22, 2019

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ESTIMATING TAXES IN RETIREMENT

Income is income, in retirement or otherwise, and where there is income, there is tax. Even though your income in retirement will be coming from different so…

March 13, 2019

3 HIDDEN TAX OPPORTUNITIES DENTISTS OFTEN MISS

Tax laws for business owners are ever changing and oftentimes quite complex. What may have worked to help limit your tax liabilities when you first started y…

January 24, 2019

TAX PLANNING FOR 2019: WHAT DID TAX REFORM IMPACT?

Now that 2019 is off and running, it’s time to start thinking about taxes. The tax reform bill, which was signed into law in December 2017, means changes for…

November 15, 2018

UNDERSTANDING CO-PARENTING AGREEMENTS

Going through a divorce is one of the most traumatic, emotional and expensive times in any person’s life. It’s sometimes hard to know what to do first, where…

November 12, 2018

YOUR DIVORCE ASSET INVENTORY: KNOW WHERE YOUR ASSETS ARE

If you’re preparing to file for divorce, or if your spouse has just dropped the bomb on you that he or she is filing, the first thing you should do is get a…

November 7, 2018

IS RE-FINANCING YOUR DENTAL SCHOOL LOANS RIGHT FOR YOU?

How much debt are you still carrying from dental school? Does nearly $287,331 ring a bell? According to the American Student Dental Association, that’s the a…

October 30, 2018

MARKETING IDEAS FOR YOUR DENTAL PRACTICE

Every small business needs to focus on marketing to drive traffic through the door, and a dental office is no exception. Connecting with potential new patien…

October 25, 2018

DIVORCING? SECURE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY

When you’re divorcing, even if you’re years away from retirement, you need to have your eye on the ball when it comes to Social Security. And not just your o…

October 18, 2018

RECENTLY DIVORCED? HOW YOUR TAXES CHANGE

When you’re filing taxes after or during your divorce, you may have some questions in mind. Here are some tax tips from the IRS for couples who are going thr…

October 5, 2018

MAXIMIZING YOUR ALIMONY AGREEMENT

One important facet involved in the financial side of divorce is the issue of alimony or spousal support. It’s a court-ordered payment from the higher-earnin…

October 3, 2018

HOW TO PREPARE A FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR YOUR DIVORCE

Going through a divorce is an emotional, traumatic and even expensive situation. One of the most important parts of the process is each party’s financial sta…

October 1, 2018

RENTING A CHAIR AND OTHER EQUIPMENT VS. OWNING

If you’re a dentist, you already know that it’s a very equipment-heavy industry. Especially if you’re entering a new practice or starting your own, you’re li…

September 20, 2018

YOU'RE BUYING NEW DENTAL OFFICE EQUIPMENT - NOW WHAT?

YOU’RE BUYING NEW DENTAL OFFICE EQUIPMENT – NOW WHAT? Expanding or upgrading your dental office can be an expensive undertaking, but it might be exactly what…

June 24, 2018

HOW THE NEW TAX LAWS IMPACT YOUR DENTAL PRACTICE

The tax reform bill passed by Congress earlier this year was the first major overhaul of the tax code in three decades. If you’re a dentist, you might be won…

June 19, 2018

HOW TAX REFORM EFFECTS YOUR RETIREMENT NEST EGG

How Tax Reform Effects Your Retirement Nest Egg Wondering how the new tax laws will affect your retirement account? Some Americans will greatly benefit from…

May 23, 2018

HOW WILL TAX REFORM IMPACT MY DIVORCE?

Dividing assets during a divorce is difficult and draining on many levels, but when you’re going through it after sweeping changes to the tax code, like ther…

April 5, 2018

BUSTING FINANCIAL MYTHS ABOUT RETIREMENT SAVINGS

We all know we should be saving for retirement, but from that baseline, myriad variables exist. How much in savings is enough? What role does Social Security…

March 27, 2018

FIVE FINANCIAL FACTS TO BE AWARE OF BEFORE YOUR DIVORCE

!DIVORCE GRAPHIC The costs of divorce are many. There’s the emotional cost of the breakdown of a family, the pain of a failed marriage and the anger that can…

April 12, 2017

THE FEDERAL RESERVE RAISES BENCHMARK INTEREST RATE

!wealth management connecticut Monetary policy is normalizing due to economic improvement. On March 15, the Federal Reserve raised the benchmark interest rat…

March 12, 2017

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

Oregon State University researchers recently concluded that working just a year past 65 can be good for longevity. Analyzing 28 years of data from the Nation…

March 6, 2017

RETIRING WITH AN AGE DIFFERENCE

!retirement wealth management advice If you are 10 or 15 years older than your spouse or partner, to what degree should that age gap influence your retiremen…

March 6, 2017

WHAT VACCINATIONS SHOULD YOU THINK ABOUT GETTING AFTER 65?

Your specific answer to that question depends on the advice of your doctor. Keeping that fundamental in mind, there are some vaccines that many health care p…

February 6, 2017

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

A report from the non-partisan American Enterprise Institute says that in 1970, Americans in the middle 40% of U.S. income distribution had saved an average…

February 6, 2017

WHAT DOES THE 21ST CENTURY CURES ACT MEAN FOR HEALTH CARE?

!healthcare finance advice Last December, the 21st Century Cures Act became law, opening the door to the assignment of greater federal funds for medical rese…

February 6, 2017

CAN YOU WORK YOUR WAY INTO RETIREMENT?

!Financial advisor senior citizens As 2016 ended, the 17th Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey appeared and noted a preference for a phased retirement amon…