Mountain Vista Wealth Management

Guiding from Valley to Peak

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Why I Became A Financial Advisor:
Michael Riolo

By Michael Riolo

When a client thanks me for my guidance, expresses confidence in the plan we develop, or feels a renewed optimism about their financial future, I am reminded of why I became a financial advisor. Helping people is important to me and it’s gratifying to know my advice makes a positive difference in my clients’ lives. While financial advising was not my first career, my way into the industry was a natural progression from the work I was already doing as an attorney.

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Michael Riolo

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How to Evaluate Rental Property

There are numerous reasons why real estate can be a fantastic investment.  Benefits include the generation of passive income that should increase with inflation over time, numerous tax benefits and access to cheap financing.  All of that being said, not all properties are created equal, and it is important for investors to do their homework to separate the good deals from the bad. [Read more…] about How to Evaluate Rental Property

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Self-Employed Retirement Plans

Along with wages and healthcare, the ability to participate in a retirement plan, usually a 401(k), is a key component of a company’s employee compensation package.  410(k) plans offer employees the ability to defer the taxation of contributions until the money disbursed from the 401(k).  The employee benefits from a reduction in taxable income in the year of contribution, as well as the compound growth over time of the amount that would have been paid to Uncle Sam.  Furthermore, about half of employers offering 401(k) plans match employee contributions, with the average being about 3.5% of salary.  After paying down expensive debt and building a safety fund, maximizing contributions to a 401k plan should be high on any savers “to do” list.

401(k) plans are a great retirement savings vehicle for employees of large businesses, but what do you do if you are self-employed or an independent contractor?  Fortunately, there are low cost, easy to administer options for the self-employed as well.  [Read more…] about Self-Employed Retirement Plans

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Q2 2020 Investment letter


INTRODUCTION

I hope this letter finds you and your family safe and healthy.

From a social perspective, these past few months have been difficult. The disruption, while necessary, has altered many daily pre-COVID-19 routines. Notably absent from my routine is entertainment, particularly sports.  If you did not know, I am a basketball fan. Growing up, following the latest developments in the NBA was a daily ritual. I could tell you who led in scoring, rebounds, assists and blocks. I enjoyed watching the greatest players lace them up and compete against each other. Some of the most exciting games in NBA history happened during the 1990s.

During that decade the New York Knicks were a dominate force. If you are a New York Knicks fan, then you are familiar with Reggie Miller of the Indiana Pacers. Playing in Madison Square Garden, home of the NY Knicks, seemed to bring out the best in players. During the 1995 playoffs, Reggie, singlehandedly, scored 8 points in 9 seconds. Yes, 8 points in 9 seconds! He hit two free throws and two 3-point shots (one off of an in-bounds steal) to seal the game. I remember watching the game in awe. It is one of the greatest comebacks in NBA history. 25 years later, it is still one of the legendary moments in sports.
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My Journey To Becoming A Financial Advisor:
Jonathan Heagle

By Jonathan Heagle, CFA®

Most financial advisors begin their career working at a broker-dealer, cold-calling leads, and pitching their products. To survive in the industry, let alone be successful, the ability to attract clients is the single most important characteristic of a young advisor. This is unfortunate, because expertise and the quality of client service are of secondary importance. As an outsider to the private wealth industry, I saw the various contradictions and conflicts of interest that are pervasive. I thought that there must be a better way. This ultimately led to the creation of Mountain Vista Wealth Management, where the focus is on competence and serving the clients’ needs first.

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Jonathan Heagle