Scholarship deadline March 31

 For the eleventh year, as our way of saying thanks for giving us the opportunity to serve you we are once again offering the JL Waite Financial Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded to a high school senior whose parent is one of our clients. The scholarship will be based  on academics, service, along with letters of recommendation and an essay on "why saving for the future is important to me." The application and requirements can be found on our website at http://www.jlwaite.com. The application and requirements must be postmarked by March 31 and the scholarship will be awarded in May.

Get a pay raise? Shelter it from taxes

Several school districts have either approved or are in negotiations for pay increases for both classified and certificated employees. Depending on your pay, this could mean hundreds of extra dollars each month in addition to "retro" pay. Taxes will take a considerable portion of the pay raise, so why not add to your 403b, thus keeping your taxes low, earn high er interest, and build your retirement savings that much faster? Do you know a school employee who isn't contributing? Let us know and we can help. 

A hearse pulling a u-haul?
  Picture this: You are driving and come to a stop light. Pulling right up alongside of you in the other lane is a hearse. You then notice a u-haul hooked on behind it. Sound crazy? Well, that's how many of us look at planning for the future and even that time when we inevitably pass on. The bottom line is "you can't take it with you." Recently I was talking to a client and she asked if I offer life insurance. I thought by now everyone would know that in addition to offering 403b's, IRA's, Roth IRA's and other savings plans for the past 22 years that yes, we have also offered life insurance. Life insurance these days not only offers a tax-free death benefit to your family upon your death, but also tax-free retirement income to you while you live! In addition, it includes long-term and critical illness (heart attack, cancer, stroke, etc.) benefits at no extra charge! Contact us for more information.

Earn a 5% interest bonus on each deposit for 7 years!

If you're not already getting a 5% interest bonus on your money, now may be the time to start. Introducing the Paramount 5 which credits you a 5% interest bonus on each deposit you make into your 403b, IRA ,ROTH, or SEP IRA. You will also be credited additional interest based on the S&P 500 and a fixed interest account.

"Community Partners" wanted

Do you (or someone you know) have a small business and would like to give back to the community? If so, we want you as a part of our Community Partner Network program. This network of individuals and business owners will donate time and services to schools and organizations throughout the community. In exchange, the business will receive free advertising and promotional recognition. It may be donating items for a school carnival or canned-food to a homeless shelter. If interested, or if you know someone who would be, please contact us.

There's still time to cut taxes for 2018

Many think that since 2018 is gone it's too late to cut their taxes for last year. Maybe not. You have until April 18 to contribute up to $5,500 into an IRA and have it come off last year's taxes ($6,500 for anyone 50 or older). If you're married and your spouse works then they also can contribute.