Armstrong Wealth Management Group

Despite efforts by authorities to combat tax scams, criminals are unrelenting in their efforts to cheat people out of their hard-earned money. Here’s what to look out for. Unrealistic Promises If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Beware of anyone offering guaranteed or unusually large refunds. Legitimate tax preparers don’t make inflated promises; these are often signs of deceptive practices. Requests for Personal Information Before sharing personal information, double-check that the website you’re using or the person you’re communicating with is legitimate. Rather than clicking on a link in an email, manually type the company’s known website address into your browser. Rather than sharing information with someone who calls you, hang up and call the business back directly using their official phone number. Pressure Tactics Scammers will attempt to create a sense of urgency, so you’ll bypass your better judgment. Remember, reputable organizations like your bank, a legitimate tax professional, and even the IRS will not pressure you to make quick decisions or share sensitive information hastily. Unusual Payment Methods Scammers prefer hard-to-trace methods like wire transfers, gift cards, or payments through third-party services. No matter how legitimate a call, email, or website may seem, any request for payment through a method that seems out of the ordinary should raise immediate red flags. #TaxScam #IdentityTheft #TaxHelp

We are very excited to announce that Regi Armstrong has been recognized by Forbes as one of the Best-In-State Wealth Advisors for 2024! A big congratulations to Regi and a thank you to our staff and clients who make Armstrong Wealth Management Group so special.

Other Points of View – April 2024 https://lnkd.in/dStTCxC3 Our monthly e-zine designed to share thought-provoking articles whose viewpoints with which we may or may not agree.

Tax season is a prime time for scammers. Equip yourself with the knowledge to protect your finances and stay one step ahead of fraudulent schemes. ##TaxScams #Fraud #IdentityTheft https://lnkd.in/ecszPHeW

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) could give you access to the funds you need to improve your home, pay down debt, or handle large unexpected expenses. But don’t let their easy accessibility blind you to the risks. #heloc #homeequity #money https://lnkd.in/e28wDP-Y

Our “Understanding Model Wealth Portfolios” webinar takes place this Thursday! Don’t miss out on this important session: https://lnkd.in/eDyb9x2y

On this day 22 years ago, our own Regi Armstrong and Lee Carter joined the LPL Financial family. Over the last two decades-plus, Regi, Lee and the rest of our team have been able to take care of our clients in a truly customized and extraordinary fashion. It's a blessing to have made that decision and to still be seeing the benefits. Here's to many more years of success! #ArmstrongWealth #LPL

Did you know we have a webinar next week? Sign up for “Understanding LPL’s Model Wealth Portfolios” here: https://lnkd.in/eDyb9x2y

Wealth Protect Status Update – April 2024 Every month we post an update on the probability of a change in status within the next two months, along with our market commentary and any actions taken. https://lnkd.in/erpAs3va

A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) offers a way to borrow against your home equity, serving as a flexible loan with your house as collateral. If you have a mortgage, a HELOC acts as a second mortgage; if your home is fully paid off, it's a primary mortgage. Simply put, your home equity is the difference between your home's value and any outstanding mortgage balance, and you could borrow up to 85% of this equity. For example, a home valued at $600,000 with a $400,000 mortgage balance gives you $200,000 in equity, potentially allowing access to $170,000 through a HELOC. HELOCs function like a credit card: you have a limit and can borrow as needed, paying interest only on what you use. Unlike traditional loans, HELOCs offer a draw period (often 10 years) for borrowing, followed by a repayment period (usually 20 years) where you pay back the principal with interest. When used wisely, a HELOC can be a strategic tool for enhancing the value of your home, funding major improvements or maintenance efforts. However, it's essential to use this financial leverage thoughtfully and avoid using it for everyday expenses or non-essential purchases. Discipline is key to maximizing the benefits of a HELOC without overburdening your financial future. #heloc #homeequity #money