Simplifying complex topics to their most basic form

Divergent Guides

We are as much educators as we are advisers

at the SCT Library

Cutting through clutter and spin to deliver financial straight talk.

These short guides will reduce complex topics to their core issues and assist you in making the best financial decisions for your family.

9 Tips for Financial Success - What your grandmother would tell you about personal finance

March 18, 2022

Financial Independence. It's a mindset as much as a reality. It's the confidence that comes with building a financial plan, becoming disciplined to achieve your goals, and owning them. Life happens. You cannot control everything. Each day you make choices regarding your money, how you spend your time, and where you focus your energy. Becoming educated on your financial plan will help you become more confident. The more you know, the better off you and your family will be. This article highlights 9 critical principles of financial independence that your grandmother would tell you. She would want you to read this.

Understanding Income - How to Take Advantage of the Tax Code by Investing

March 17, 2022

News Flash! The IRS taxes the same dollar very differently depending on how that dollar was made. Your money is getting taxed; what's new? Now is the time to learn and create an efficient strategy to keep more. This article highlights the fundamentals of personal tax that you need to know which will empower you to build and keep wealth.

5 Simple Strategies to Lowering Your Tax Bill

December 3, 2018

“In this world, nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes.” – Benjamin Franklin. Tax avoidance can be legal. However, tax evasion is not legal. So what’s the difference? Tax avoidance is simply minimizing the impact taxes have on your bottom line. While every scenario is unique, the goal of tax planning is to arrange your financial affairs to minimize tax impact. There are three broad ways to reduce your taxes. You can reduce your taxable income, increase your tax deductions, and/or take advantage of tax credits.

Successfully Navigating The 3 Phases of Retirement

November 1, 2018

However you define life in retirement, making the most of your retirement year requires a sense of financial stability. Simply put, life seems to be less stressful and more enjoyable when you have options. The more financially stable you are in life, the options you will have. With that said, let’s look at the how most retirements tend to fall into 3 specific phases.

5 things to consider when maximizing social security

October 2, 2018

Creating a custom financial model of your future gives you the framework and lens to make important financial decisions. How to structure your social security benefit is just one of the important decisions to consider

3 things you need to know about investment fees

September 3, 2018

Not all advisers are created equal. It’s extremely important to interview several advisers to make sure you are getting tangible value for the fees you are paying. Finding a trusted fiduciary adviser who is transparent with their fees and who can quickly articulate the value received for those fees usually tend to be a great long-term financial partner.

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