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Thursday, September 28, 2023

Carpenter Financial Services has been voted The Tribune Democrat's "Simply the Best" Financial Planner in the Greater Johnstown area for 2023. We extend our sincere gratitude to our clients, friends, and partners who voted for us again.

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

If you’re like most of us, you’ve probably been thinking about your health quite a bit lately — especially if you’re approaching retirement. When it comes to your health, Medicare may be an important part of your retirement strategy.

Thursday, August 24, 2023

Legacy planning is an essential step that many people overlook when it comes to financial planning. It involves developing a strategy for how you want to pass on your assets, values and beliefs to your loved ones after you are gone.

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Having a baby is an incredible experience, but it can also fill you with financial anxiety.  Developing a solid financial plan now will help you provide your baby with the best life possible.

Thursday, July 20, 2023

Avoid riding Wall Street’s daily roller-coaster so we can focus on what’s ahead.

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Thursday, July 6, 2023

Joseph and Samuel Carpenter, co-owners of Carpenter Financial Services, were recognized as an Elite firm of Avantax Wealth Management® at the Elite Summit event held recently in London, England.

Thursday, June 22, 2023

Even the most thought-out financial strategy may need to be adjusted for unexpected events, such as changes to your family life or career, or shifts in your family priorities.

Monday, June 5, 2023

In case you didn’t know, June is National Internet Safety Month. With nearly 4 billion people on social media worldwide, plus the risks of using online brokerage and bank accounts, the need for digital security has never been higher.

Thursday, May 25, 2023

For more than four generations, the Carpenter family’s businesses have included a grocery store, income tax services’ and an accounting firm and a financial planning firm, all in downtown Johnstown.

Thursday, May 11, 2023

Here’s a little-known fact that may help you save money on life insurance: when it comes to underwriting, insurance carriers typically rate clients to their closest birthday.

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

As your financial plan becomes more complex, your insurance needs may change with it. When you’re just starting out, the primary focus is often on protecting your family if something should happen to you.

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Local financial advisor and co-owner of Carpenter Financial Services Joe Carpenter returns to his alma mater, Bishop McCort Catholic High School, on March 13, 2023 to educate students about personal finance topics.

Monday, March 20, 2023

In the final days of 2022, Congress passed a new set of retirement rules designed to make it easier to contribute to retirement plans and access those funds earmarked for retirement.

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Carpenter Financial was recognized by the Cambria Regional Chamber of Commerce for Excellence in Business at their annual dinner on March 2, 2023.

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

There’s a lot of concern among industry experts about whether the popular 4% withdrawal rule can provide enough income during retirement, but little discussion on the important role taxes play in how much cash you will actually have on hand

Monday, February 20, 2023

As a young investor, you have a powerful ally on your side: time. When you start investing in your twenties or thirties for retirement, you can put it to work for you.  

Friday, February 10, 2023

Look to build savings, reduce risk, minimize taxes and ensure a successful retirement by reviewing your budget, contributions, allocations and beneficiaries.

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Whether you want to leave work at 62, 67, or 72, claiming the retirement benefits you are entitled to by federal law is no casual decision. You will want to consider a few key factors first.

Thursday, January 19, 2023

Keeping it all in perspective can be tough at times, but this is one of the many reasons you aren’t going it alone. When times seem turbulent, it’s good to have someone to reach out to who can help you keep that big picture in mind.

Tuesday, January 3, 2023

Financial Advisor Joseph A. Carpenter, along with Wealth Management Assistants Heather McClelland, Lisa Wirfel, and Michelle Maksymik of Carpenter Financial Services joined 1,100 Financial Professionals, Educational Partners...

Thursday, December 15, 2022

The Internal Revenue Service has released new limits for the coming year. After months of high inflation and financial uncertainty, some of these cost-of-living-based adjustments have reached near-record levels. Individual Retirement...

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

You’re at that age when you find yourself thinking more and more about retirement. It’s really not that far away.

Friday, November 18, 2022

There are many ways to start saving, even if you start out small, that can increase your net worth without significantly altering your current quality of life.

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

When it comes to picking an IRA, both traditional and Roth IRAs may play an important role in your retirement strategy. If you have any questions, let’s chat soon about how these products may be a good fit for your goals.

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

"What is your greatest retirement fear?" If you ask some pre-retirees this question, "outliving my money" may be one of the top answers. In fact, 42% of workers say they fear outliving their savings and investments.

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

When it comes to retirement, women may face unique obstacles that can make saving for retirement more challenging. Given that women typically live longer than men, retirement money for women may need to stretch even further.

Friday, September 2, 2022

Have you heard? The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law on Tuesday, August 16. While the $430 billion package includes many provisions, I thought I’d highlight three key areas where you may benefit the most.Tax credits...

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

When markets cycle lower like they have been lately, perspective is critical. If you’re not connected to someone with experience, it can be easy to miss the big picture.

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

Sam and Joe Carpenter, owners of Carpenter Financial Services, have been recognized as top affiliates of Avantax Wealth Management®.

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

Joseph Carpenter of Carpenter Financial Services joined host Christine Strugala for the weekly series Around the Alleghenies Money Talks to discuss rising inflation rates and how they affect money and investments. 

Monday, April 11, 2022

If your family relies on your income, it’s critical to consider having enough life insurance to provide for them after you pass away. But too often, life insurance is an overlooked aspect of personal finances. In fact, according...

Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Many income sources contribute to your retirement fund. Your retirement plan might include taxable assets like mutual funds and brokerage accounts, tax-deferred assets like IRAs, 401(k) plans, pensions, and nontaxable assets like Roth...

Monday, February 28, 2022

The start of a new year brings yearly adjustments from the IRS, encompassing more than 60 tax provisions that adjust annually for inflation. Below are some of the changes that stand out the most and could have the broadest impact on...

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Preparing your estate can be complicated, and if you’re a part of a blended family, estate decisions can be even more complex and nuanced. Blended families take on many forms, typically consisting of couples with children from...

Friday, February 18, 2022

Carpenter Financial Services has been recognized as one of the top affiliates of Avantax Wealth Management®, a leader in tax-advantaged financial planning. Only a handful of Avantax’s more than 3,000 affiliates are awarded...

Friday, January 7, 2022

YOUR 4% WITHDRAWAL STRATEGY MAY NOT BE ENOUGH Get the Tax Guidance You Need to Help Live the Retirement You Desire There’s a lot of concern among industry experts about whether the popular 4% withdrawal rule can provide enough income...

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

You see it in prices at the grocery store and the gas station. You feel it in your monthly budget. So why don’t the financial markets seem too concerned about inflation?Remember, financial markets are considered...

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Preparing for retirement just got a little more financial wiggle room. This week, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced new contribution limits for 2022.Staying put for 2022 are traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)...

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Medicare’s annual open enrollment period begins October 15 and ends December 7. During this time, current Medicare beneficiaries have the option to adjust their coverage for the coming year. Any changes to your plan will go into...

Thursday, September 16, 2021

Few life events are more stressful than a job loss. If you or someone you know is in this situation due to COVID-19, you’ll likely have several questions about job hunting, unemployment insurance, and health care. You may also...

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to review your coverage.1 If you don’t have any life insurance, you’re not alone. Life insurance is one of those “someday” things...

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Summer jobs are a perennial aspect of the American workforce. It’s a time when teenagers are filling out applications and, in many cases, earning wages of their own for the first time. But some of what we’ve become...

Monday, August 23, 2021

Recently, you may have seen headlines regarding the Securing a Strong Retirement Act, also referred to as the second version of the SECURE Act, or SECURE Act 2.0.As the bill moves from the House of Representatives to the Senate, many...

Friday, August 20, 2021

The news keeps getting better for Social Security recipients.It's now projected that benefits will increase 6.1% in 2022, up from the 4.7% forecast just two months ago. That would be the most significant increase since 1983.1...

Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Inflation is defined as the general upward price movement of goods and services in an economy. The key word is “general.” Inflation tends to be uneven and affects the price of some items more than others. If you’ve...

Saturday, July 24, 2021

Brothers Sam and Joe Carpenter, have been named to the Avantax Wealth ManagementSM Premier Advisors’ Forum, which recognizes the top 75 financial professionals out of more than 3,000 across the country affiliated with the...