Understanding Today’s Financial Environment
Welcome, I’m Mike Patton, a financial professional in Bluefield, WV. We understand that individuals face unique challenges as they prepare for retirement. We can help take the mystery out of preparing for today and tomorrow. Whether you goal is saving for retirement, college savings, or estate strategy, our personalized service focuses your needs, wants, and financial goals and objectives.
Our professionals have years of experience in financial services. We can help you address your needs of today and for many years to come. We look forward to working with you through all stages of your life, please call (304) 887-1445.
Helpful Content
Red Flags for Tax Auditors
Here are six flags that may make your tax return prime for an IRS audit.
Risk Perspective
Is it possible to avoid loss? Not entirely, but you can attempt to manage risk.
How Big is Money?
Learn a little about worldwide currency in this fun infographic
Split Annuity Strategy
Here's one strategy that combines two different annuities to generate income and rebuild principal.
Trends in Charitable Giving
Some people may want a more advanced gifting strategy that can maximize their gift and generate potential tax benefits.
Mutual Funds vs. ETFs
Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.
When Should You Take Social Security
Monthly Social Security payments differ substantially depending on when you start receiving benefits.
Social Security: Maximizing Benefits
There are other ways to maximize Social Security benefits, in addition to waiting to claim them.
Systematic Withdrawals in Retirement
Taking regular, periodic withdrawals during retirement can be quite problematic.
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How Long Will My Savings Last If I Become Disabled?
See how long your current savings might last if a disability interrupted your income.
College Savings
See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.
Inflation & Retirement
See how inflation over time could affect the purchasing power of your retirement income.
Estimate Your RMD
Calculate your required minimum distribution amount based on your account balance and age.
How Compound Interest Works
Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.
How Long Will Your Money Last?
See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.
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Charitable Giving: Smart from the Heart
Do you have causes that you want to support with donations?
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
What Smart Investors Know
Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.
Retiring the 4% Rule
A portfolio created with your long-term objectives in mind is crucial as you pursue your dream retirement.
What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.
RE: Retirement
How does your ideal retirement differ from reality, and what can we do to better align the two?