Blog
Welcome to Money On Tap — where clarity meets confidence in your financial life.
If you’ve ever felt like investing advice is either too complicated, too generic, or too sales-driven… you’re not alone. That’s exactly why we’re here.
We’re independent financial planners who believe your financial life deserves more than surface-level answers. This blog is where we break down real strategies behind investing, retirement, tax planning, and wealth-building—without the noise, the hype, or the one-size-fits-all advice.
You’ll find practical insights, thought-provoking ideas, and honest conversations designed to help you make smarter decisions with your money.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not about chasing the next hot idea…
It’s about building a strategy that actually works for your life.
The Railroads of Space: How to Invest in the New Space Economy
SpaceX is going public, Rocket Lab is racing to orbit, and a $1T space economy is forming above our heads. Money On Tap unpacks the picks-and-shovels of the new space economy — the public names, the four real risks, and how to invest.
Read MoreHow to Invest $10,000 Wisely
How to Invest $10,000 WiselyReceiving or saving $10,000 creates an excellent opportunity to begin investing.The key is developing a strategy that aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.Step 1: Build an Emergency FundBefore...
Read MoreHow to Build a Diversified Investment Portfolio
How to Build a Diversified Investment PortfolioDiversification is one of the most important principles in long-term investing.A diversified portfolio spreads investments across different asset classes to reduce risk.Educational...
Read MoreThe 4% Rule Explained: A Simple Retirement Income Strategy
The 4% Rule Explained: A Simple Retirement Income StrategyOne of the most widely discussed retirement strategies is the 4% rule.This guideline helps retirees estimate how much they can safely withdraw from their investment portfolio...
Read MoreTax Filing Is History | How Tax Planning Puts You Back in Control
Tax filing reports the past, but tax planning builds your future. Money On Tap unpacks the year-round strategies — bracket management, real estate, retirement contributions, and more — that quietly save investors thousands every year.
Read MoreShow All
Market Myths That Cost You Money: The 10 Best Days
If you missed just the 10 best days in the market over 25 years, your returns were nearly cut in half. Money On Tap unpacks the most expensive investing myths — and the statistics that show what actually builds long-term wealth.
Read MoreFinancial Planning Checklist for 2026
Financial Planning Checklist for 2026Financial planning is most effective when approached with a structured strategy.This checklist highlights key financial areas to review each year.Review Your Budget and Cash FlowUnderstanding income...
Read MoreGeneration Roth | Why Tax-Free Retirement Strategies Matter Now
Discover how Generation Roth strategies can help you build tax-free retirement income. Learn why today’s tax environment may be your best opportunity to reduce future tax risk and create a more efficient retirement plan.
Read MoreRoth IRA vs Traditional IRA: Which Is Better?
Roth IRA vs Traditional IRA: Which Is Better?Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) offer valuable tax advantages that can support long-term retirement planning.Two of the most common options are the Roth IRA and Traditional IRA...
Read MoreHow to Create Retirement Income That Lasts
How to Create Retirement Income That LastsSaving money for retirement is only part of the equation.Equally important is developing a retirement income strategy that ensures your savings last throughout retirement.The Three Retirement...
Read MoreThe Science of Retirement Income | How to Create Income Alpha
The Science of Retirement Income: How to Create Income AlphaWhy Keeping More of Your Money Matters More Than Growing ItMost people believe retirement success comes down to one number:“How much have I saved?”But as we discussed in this...
Read MoreThe 7 Biggest Retirement Planning Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
The 7 Biggest Retirement Planning Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)Retirement planning is one of the most important financial decisions people make.Yet many individuals unknowingly make mistakes that can cost them hundreds of thousands...
Read MoreThe New Triangle of Safety, Yield, Liquidity, and Lifetime Income
The New Triangle of Safety, Yield, Liquidity, and Lifetime IncomeNavigating the Next Shift in Retirement PlanningIn today’s financial environment, a quiet but significant shift is underway—one that is forcing investors, retirees, and...
Read MoreNavigating the Retirement Income Crisis
Navigating the Retirement Income Crisis: Key Insights and Solutions from Money On Tap In today's fast-paced financial world, millions of Americans are grappling with a looming challenge: "The Retirement Income Crisis". With pensions...
Read MoreHow Much Money Do You Need to Retire? (2026 Guide)
How Much Money Do You Need to Retire? (2026 Guide)One of the most common financial questions people ask is simple:“How much money do I actually need to retire comfortably?”The answer depends on your lifestyle, spending habits, and...
Read More2026 Forecasts for the S&P 500
In 2025, market forecasts shifted fast after Liberation Day tariffs. As 2026 begins, experts offer a tight range of outlooks—but the real lesson is this: forecasts are assumptions. Stay agile, stay prepared. Volatility is part of the ride.
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights | Investors React to Mixed Signals
Stocks rose for a 3rd week in 4 as inflation data sent mixed signals. CPI steadied, boosting small caps, but PPI hit a 3-yr high. Eyes now on Fed’s Sept. meeting, key economic data, and earnings from Walmart, Home Depot & more.
Read MoreWhat will 2025 hold?
As 2024 ends, we explore fiscal and monetary policies, geopolitical shifts, and Bitcoin's $100K milestone shaping 2025's financial landscape. From tax reforms to global uncertainties, staying informed is key to navigating opportunities and
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Rally on Fed, Inflation News
Markets reacted positively last week to cooler inflation and the idea of potential rate cuts next year, adding to the gains of the market’s year-end rally. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.92%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreStay the Course
In light of recent worldwide events which have had significant impact on the markets, we wanted to proactively reach out to remind you that we are here to support you as we navigate these times of uncertainty. Knowledge is power, and...
Read More10 Common (and Costly) Medicare Mistakes
As we age, one consideration that weighs on most people is the cost of healthcare in retirement. While we can’t truly predict the cost, we can take time to educate ourselves about the options or resources available to help pay...
Read More401(k) Millionaires
Your workplace retirement account can play a critical role in your overall retirement strategy. However, some have gone further with the accounts than others, especially recently.CNBC reported on findings that place 401(k) accounts at...
Read MoreDo You Qualify for the Child Tax Credit?
There are no two ways around it: childcare is expensive! In many cities, it can cost nearly as much as the mortgage or rent payment, which puts parents in a Catch-22: they have to work to afford childcare, but they need childcare in...
Read MoreProtect Yourself From Cyber Crime
The pandemic has showcased how much we rely on the internet, which makes it possible to virtually work from home, shop, attend religious service and stay connected with family and friends. Unfortunately, those conveniences come with...
Read MoreOctober Market Matters
Despite a shift in focus towards the fast-approaching presidential election, vaccine development remains a source of good news. Moderna – one of the leading COVID-19 vaccine developers – stated that it will not enforce...
Read MoreInherited IRAs: Learn About The Options
Navigating the death of a close family member can be difficult to endure. When a loved one is lost, the first thoughts likely won’t be about what to do with their IRA. But for beneficiaries, it is important to make wise...
Read MoreRoth conversions in 2020 could help your retirement plan
2020 may be a year that none of us ever forgets, for many reasons. But here’s one positive: Roth IRAs can be particularly beneficial for financial planning in the current tax and economic environment. A major incentive for...
Read More30-year Home Loans Fall to Historic Lows
Lately, it can feel like each day brings a new headline about fluctuating market behavior. But amid the ups and downs of 2020, there may be some potential good news on the horizon. On July 16, 2020, the interest rate for a 30-year...
Read MoreAn Unprecedented Rush to Cash
As Americans adjust their spending habits in a rapidly changing economy, they are building cash reserves at an unprecedented rate.The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported on May 29th that the personal savings rate hit a historic 33%...
Read MoreFAQs about 2020 stimulus checks
Are you eligible for a stimulus check from the Treasury Department?As of Friday, April 24, the Internal Revenue Service said it had issued 88 million payments to individuals across the country. It plans to send out more than 150...
Read MoreRoth IRA Conversion in the Era of COVID-19
Roth IRA Conversion in the Era of COVID-19 Is it right for you? The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken up nearly every aspect of American life. To say it’s been a difficult time would be an understatement. However, difficult times may...
Read More