Understanding Your Credit Score – Part I

By Matt Weinberg and Toni Majoy, Sandy Spring Bank
What, exactly does your credit score mean? Briefly, a credit score is a number used to predict how likely you are to pay your bills, or make loan payments on time. It is a three digit number, typically between 300 and 850, with the higher score associated with better credit terms.
Read More

Investing in Times of Volatility

By Glenn Guard, CFA
Well… the stock market finally pulled back. After three years of fantastic performance, the market is down so far this year. In times of uncertainty and market volatility, some may be inclined to react and need guidance or reassurance based on their situation, history, and current economic data.
Read More

To Roth or Not to Roth

By Victoria Henry, CFP®
That is the question. And in order to answer the question effectively, one must assess both current and future potential tax situations. Taxes are one of very few certainties in life, and they are top of mind this time of year. Usually, we try to delay paying taxes as long as possible.
Read More

I Can’t Believe I’m Retiring

By Kimberly A. Cox, CFP®
I came to work at West Financial Services just over 24 years ago. Joining a small, financial planning and investment management firm with less than 10 employees and approximately $250 million of assets under management was a definite mid-life, career change event for me.
Read More