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A Roth IRA for Kids? Yes, and It Can Be a Fantastic Head Start
Learn how kids can open a custodial Roth IRA, the earned-income rule, contribution limits, withdrawal basics, and FAQs for parents.
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Holistic Financial Planning: The First Steps to Building a Clear, Confident Plan
A clear, step-by-step guide to holistic financial planning—goals, cash flow, risk protection, investing, taxes, retirement income, estate planning + FAQs.
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Inheriting $1 Million: A Practical, Calm Next-Step Guide
Inheriting money can raise important financial decisions. Learn practical steps to consider after receiving an inheritance, including taxes, spending decisions, and retirement planning.
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How to Choose a Financial Advisor for Retirement: CFP®, Fiduciary, and Fee-Only
Learn how to vet a retirement advisor: CFP® value, fiduciary duty, and fee-only compensation—learn more about Richard Dunn at Dunncreek Advisors, LLC
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Whole Life Insurance vs. Roth IRA: How to Choose the Right Tool
Whole life insurance vs. Roth IRA: compare goals, costs, taxes, and tradeoffs. Learn a smart order of operations and when each fits your plan.
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Retirement Transition Planning: Key Decisions Before & After Retirement
Retirement today involves more than simply stopping work. Learn about retirement phases, Social Security timing, taxes, Medicare, and required minimum distributions from an experienced fiduciary financial planner.
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9 Key Retirement Milestones Every Woman Should Know
Learn the 9 key retirement ages every woman should know, from Social Security and Medicare to RMDs. Retirement planning guidance from Dunncreek Advisors, LLC, in St. Paul, MN.
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Social Security for Divorced Women at Age 60: What You Need to Know
Divorced and turning 60? Learn how Social Security survivor benefits work and how to maximize retirement income with Dunncreek Advisors, LLC, in St. Paul, MN.
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Complete Guide to Estate Planning in St Paul MN for Families
Estate planning with Dunncreek Advisors, LLC, in St. Paul, MN. Learn what to share with family, what to keep private, and how to avoid common estate planning mistakes.
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Retirement Planning for Women to Help Your Money Last Longer
Planning for a long retirement? Dunncreek Advisors, LLC in St. Paul, MN helps women build retirement income strategies designed to last.
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Tax-Smart Investing Strategies for a Strong Start to the Year
Start the new year with a smarter financial plan. Learn how tax-smart investing, goal-based planning can help you build long-term confidence and clarity. Serving St. Paul, MN and clients nationwide.
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Smart Tax Moves for a Growing Portfolio
A growing portfolio can create tax challenges. Learn four tax-smart strategies to manage gains and protect long-term wealth as you approach retirement.
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Retire at 55: 5 Questions to Ask Before You Leave Work Early
Thinking about retiring at 55? Before you leave work early, ask these five critical questions about income, healthcare, investments, and purpose.
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Five Annuity Myths Decoded: What You Need to Know
Annuities are widely misunderstood. Learn the truth behind five common annuity myths and how guaranteed income may—or may not—fit into your retirement plan.
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The Retirement Question You’re Not Asking (But Should Be)
Many women plan carefully for retirement income, but not for purpose. Learn why retirement planning must address meaning, identity, and fulfillment, not just money.
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The Problem With the “Work Forever” Retirement Plan
Planning to work forever? Many people retire earlier than expected due to health or job changes. Learn how retirement planning after 50 creates real choice—not risk.
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College Loan Rule Changes Before 2026: What Parents Must Know
Major student loan changes take effect in 2026. Learn how new Parent PLUS and grad loan limits could impact your college funding strategy.
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4 Year-End Moves to Boost Retirement Savings for Women 50+
Maximize your 401(k), IRA, and HSA before year-end 2025. Richard Dunn, fiduciary financial planner, shares 4 strategies to strengthen retirement for women 50+.
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5 Retirement Mistakes Women Make in Their 50s (and How to Avoid Them)
Discover the five most common retirement planning mistakes women in their 50s make—and how to avoid them. Learn how to create a written plan, manage taxes, invest wisely, and protect your future.
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Three Smart Year-End Moves to Strengthen Your Investment Portfolio
Learn three smart year-end investment strategies from financial planner Richard Dunn of Dunncreek Advisors in St. Paul, MN. Discover how to rebalance your portfolio, reduce taxes, and prepare for retirement.
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Year-End Retirement Planning Tips: How to Maximize Your 401(k) and IRA Before December 31
Get expert year-end retirement planning advice from Richard Dunn. Learn how women 50+ can maximize 401(k) and IRA contributions, claim employer matches, and set up a stronger retirement for 2026.
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Your Year-End Financial Housekeeping Checklist for Single Women
Before the year ends, make sure your financial plan is in order. Richard Dunn of Dunncreek Advisors, LLC shares a year-end checklist for single women planning retirement—covering life insurance, estate planning, and beneficiary updates.
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Annuities for Retirement Income: Pros, Cons, and How to Use Them
If you’ve spent time researching retirement income strategies, you’ve probably encountered strong opinions about annuities. Some financial gurus treat them like kryptonite—dangerous products to avoid at all costs. Others call them the...
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Student Loan Changes 2026: What Single Moms Need to Know
Major changes to federal student loans take effect July 1, 2026 — including new borrowing caps for Parent PLUS and graduate loans. Here’s what single moms need to know to prepare and protect their financial future.
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The Zero Tax Retirement Strategy: How It Works and Who It’s For
Learn how the zero tax retirement strategy uses the 0% capital gains bracket for early retirees, and what you need to know before planning your tax-efficient retirement.
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Financial Planning with Technology and Personal Relationships
The best fiduciary financial planning isn’t tech vs. personal, it’s both. Discover how Dunncreek Advisors blends advanced tools with trusted relationships.
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When to Shop for New Insurance (and When Not To)
Thinking of switching home or auto insurance? Learn when it makes sense to shop for new coverage—and when it could hurt you instead.
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Six Smart Retirement Moves for Your 50s | Boost Savings with Dunncreek Advisors
Your 50s are the perfect time to supercharge retirement savings. Discover six smart financial moves, from Richard Dunn, to strengthen your retirement plan.
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Should You Open a High-Yield Savings Account Before Fed Rate Cuts?
Should You Open a High-Yield Savings Account Before Fed Rate Cuts | Dunncreek Advisors LLC
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Financial Planning After Losing a Spouse: A Simple Guide
Losing a spouse is overwhelming. This guide to financial planning after loss covers key documents, agencies, accounts, and support—helping you stay organized and focus on healing during a difficult time.
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9 Retirement Planning Tips for a Secure Future
Plan your retirement with smart strategies. Learn how to manage spending, time Social Security, and work with a fiduciary advisor at Dunncreek Advisors, LLC.
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Don’t Know Your Financial Goals? That’s Okay | Dunncreek Advisors LLC
Not sure what your financial goals are? That’s normal. Learn how to get started with flexible, personalized financial planning from a fiduciary CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in West Saint Paul, Minnesota.
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Financial Planning Before Investing | Dunncreek Advisors, West Saint Paul
Learn why financial planning should always come before choosing investments. Discover how a comprehensive plan helps you make smarter money decisions. Talk to a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ today.
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Mid-Year Financial Check-Up: 6 Smart Moves to Make Now
Stay on track with your goals. Use this mid-year financial check-up from Dunncreek Advisors to revisit cash flow, retirement, taxes, and more.
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Big Beautiful Bill- Tax Updates You Should Know
Explore how the Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) impacts your taxes, retirement, and estate plan. Get actionable advice from Dunncreek Advisors today.
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Social Security Tax Changes: What the OBBBA Law Really Means
Discover how the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) could impact your taxes, Social Security, and retirement planning. Get expert insight from Dunncreek Advisors.
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What to Do About Trump Tariffs
The stock markets are down sharply after tariff announcements. Maybe it's time you talked with an experienced fiduciary Cerified Financial Planner(tm) professional in West Saint Paul, Minnesota.
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Commentary | 4.3.25 | Larger Than Expected Tariffs Worry Investors
In this commentary, the Cetera Investment Management Team discusses the newly announced tariffs, their potential impacts and what this means for your portfolio. Tariffs create a lot of uncertainty and a lot of volatility. Investors...
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What Do I Do In A Market Correction?
If you consumed any media lately, you heard plenty of chatter about the “major selloff” in stock markets. A friendly reminder, I describe most of the financial media as the “financial pornography complex.” The reason is that most media...
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Last-Minute Moves To Shrink Your Taxable Income
What should you do to help reduce your tax bill? A fiduciary financial planner and Certified Financial Planner professional can give you lots of help to harmonize your investments to the tax code. Look in West Saint Paul, Minnesota.
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How Can I Live Healthier for Longer?
One common financial planning goals is saving for retirement. Retirement gets better when you can live healthy. Maybe you should talk with a fiduciary financial planner in West Saint Paul, Minnesota, to plan for a long healthy retirement.
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What Will the Election Do to My Taxes and Investments?
How will the election impact my investments? The truth is, you likely care more about the outcome of the election than your investments do. Maybe you should talk with an experienced fiduciary financial planner in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
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I'm 55 and My Spouse is 60. Can We Retire?
Can you retire? Today? What are the risks? Maybe you should talk with an experienced fiduciary financial planner in West Saint Paul, Minnesota to better understand how to retire while supporting your most important values.
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What Should I Know About Annuities?
Annuities are built by life insurance companies and since they stared in 1760 they have gotten good at marketing. Maybe you should talk with an experienced fiduciary financial planner in West Saint Paul, Minnesota.
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What Do Successful Investors Do Differently?
What is it that they do differently to grow and protect their wealth? Here are a few things to consider. Maybe it's time for you to talk with an experienced, fiduciary financial planner in West Saint Paul, Minnesota.
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Countdown to the Fed’s September Meeting
Anticipation is growing for the Fed’s policy meeting, which ends on September 18, 2024. The Fed could announce its first rate cut in 4 years. Maybe you should talk with an experienced fiduciary financial planner in West St Paul, Minnesota.
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How the Election Could Impact Your Taxes and Investments
My answer is a bit unsatisfying. Because in financial planning the answer to almost every question is, “It Depends.” Maybe you should talk with and experienced fiduciary financial planner in West Saint Paul, Minnesota.
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5 Killer Mistakes That Wreck Investment Success
Fortunately, you’re ahead of the curve by reading this blog. Maybe your friends and neighbors are a little confused and might want to talk with an experienced fiduciary financial planner in West Saint Paul, Minnesota.
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Why Does the Stock Market Seem So Crazy?
If you’ve noticed some recent market volatility, you’re not alone. The markets peaked in July then fell by 8.5%. Maybe you need to talk with an experienced fiduciary financial planner in West Saint Paul, Minnesota.
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How Do I Decide When to Retire?
When to retire? It can be a complicated decision, but I have helped clients retire several times over the last 22 years. Maybe you should talk with an experienced fiduciary financial planner in West Saint Paul, Minnesota
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We are Married with No Kids, Do We Need Financial Planning?
I tell clients and friends that working with a financial planner is like working with a dentist. Maybe it's time for a good financial teeth cleaning. It might be time to visit with an experienced fiduciary financial planner in West St. Paul
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I'm 55, Is It Too Late for Financial Planning?
It’s never too late. Good planning will help you maximize your options and reduce the risk of financial surprises, at any age. Maybe you should visit with an experienced fiduciary financial planner in West Saint Paul, Minnesota.
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What Do I Do In A Market Correction?
If you consumed any media on Monday 5 August, you heard plenty of chatter about the “major selloff” in stock markets. Maybe it's time you talked with an experience fiduciary financial planner in West Saint Paul, Minnesota.
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How Will the Election Affect My Investments?
It’s not prudent to let your politics drive your investment strategy. Maybe you should talk with an experienced fiduciary financial planner in West Saint Paul about your financial goals and the Presidential election.
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Will IRA Distributions Make My Social Security Income Taxable?
IRA distributions can increase the tax you pay on Social Security. It depends an several factors. Maybe you need the advice of an experienced, fee-only, fiduciary, financial planner in West Saint Paul, Minnesota.
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What Does Retirement Mean in the 2020s?
Used to be, everybody had a pension. Not so today. What does retirement really mean? To help clarify what you WANT retirement to mean, you should talk to an experienced, fee-only, fiduciary, financial planner in West Saint Paul, Minnesota.
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What Just Changed with Minnesota TODD Law?
You might have heard about changes in Minnesota law regarding Transfer on Death Deeds that take effect on August 1, 2024. Maybe you should talk with a fiduciary financial planner in Saint Paul.
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What’s a Student Aid Index?
If planning for college sounds like it might challenge your other financial goals, maybe you should talk with an experienced, highly-trained, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and Behavioral Financial Advisor in West Saint Paul, Min
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How Do I Know If I’m Financially On Track?
Are you wondering, “Am I financially on track?” or “How am I doing financially?” maybe it's time to talk with an experienced fiduciary financial planner in West Saint Paul, Minnesota.
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Am I Getting the Most from My 401k?
One of the first topics I discuss with every financial planning client is their work retirement plan. Are you getting the most from your 401K? Maybe you should talk with a fiduciary financial planner in West Saint Paul, Minnesota.
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I Would Like to Retire But I’m Afraid
More baby boomers are turning 65 in 2024 than in any prior year. That’s a lot of people reaching "retirement age." Studies say many of these folks are a bit uneasy. Maybe you should talk with a fiduciary financial planner in West Saint Paul
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10 Things to Know About Life Insurance
I’m a licensed life insurance agent because it helps me serve my clients in West St Paul MN better. It allows me to quickly and easily evaluate their life insurance situation. Maybe I could help you.
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Do I Need to Take an RMD on my Inherited IRA?
If you inherited an IRA after 2019, you might know that you are required to empty that IRA and pay taxes on the money within 10 years of the date of death. Questions? Maybe you should talk with a fiduciary financial planner in West St Paul.
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What is Involved in Holistic Financial Planning?
If you are nearing age 50 or older, you think about retirement. Maybe you have friends who retired, or maybe you once said you didn't want to work after age 60. Maybe it's time to talk with a fiduciary financial planner in West Saint Paul.
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How Much Do You Need to Retire?
I don’t know about you, but every time I see headlines that say, “Top 10 Reasons” or “How Much Do You Need,” I click on it. Next time you have questions about the article reach out to a fiduciary financial planner in West Saint Paul, Minn.
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10 IRA Mistakes to Avoid
Humans make mistakes. And the Required IRA Distribution rules can be tricky, especially if you’re new to retirement distributions. So if you are better than 70 ½ years old and you own an IRA, you may want to review this...
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Should I roll over my 401(k)? Six questions to ask yourself
If you are thinking about leaving your long-time employer and wondering about whether to move your retirement savings away from their retirement plan, there are a few things to consider. Saving into a company-sponsored retirement plan...
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10 Facts to Know About Medicare
If you are getting Social Security benefits, you are signed up for Medicare. If you are not taking Social Security, you should sign up for Medicare about 90 days before your 65th birthday. Do not skip it. There are late-enrollment...
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Why Open a ‘my Social Security’ Account?
If you’re thinking about retirement, you should check your Social Security benefits. One ingredient in every financial plan I do for clients is to run a Social Security maximization analysis to evaluate options. Making the...
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What is an Independent Financial Planner?
When you visit a Ford dealership and look at cars, do you ever expect the new car advisor to suggest that a Toyota might better meet your needs? No. Everybody knows that the “advisors” at a car dealership work for the...
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What Should I Do Before I Retire?
It’s a simple question with a not so simple answer. Today, as most workers approach the Retirement Red Zone (the 5 years leading up to retirement and the 5 years after), they are faced with challenges. No longer can they count on...
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What Should I Do About the Market Decline?
Sometimes I get asked by friends and clients, “What should I do about the market decline?”I often tell them that, unfortunately, by the time the markets have declined, it’s too late to do much. Imagine you just bought...
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Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRA
The Roth IRA is turning 20 this year. For some of us, it’s still a new idea while for others, it’s been a fixture of their entire investing life. Whatever your perspective, it’s a great tool and it’s been used a...
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Financial Advice for the New Year
2017 was certainly an interesting year in the world of finance. The gains in the stock market surprised nearly everyone. But will the good news continue in the year ahead? How will things change?We don’t know what the future...
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When Will the Stock Market Correct?
Classic rock fans may remember the Grateful Dead song that goes, “. . . when life looks like easy street, there is danger at your door.” Those lyrics sound like they were written for 2018. It seems everybody is asking when...
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How Does the New Tax Bill Affect Me?
Congress just passed a controversial tax bill. There has been much discussion about what it “could” mean, but now it’s passed, let’s look at what we know. New tax brackets The number of brackets remains the same...
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