Integrated Planning Services

Michael R. Severance, MSFS, CFP, CLU, ChFC, CFS, AEP

Welcome to our Web site, where you'll find a wealth of information in the form of newsletter articles, calculators, and research reports.

We hope your visit will help you understand the opportunities and potential rewards that become available when you take a proactive approach to your personal financial situation.

Integrated Planning Services created this Web site to help you gain a better understanding of the financial concepts behind insurance, investing, retirement, estate planning, and wealth preservation. Most importantly, we hope you see the value of working with skilled professionals to pursue your financial goals.

We're here to help educate you about the basic concepts of financial planning, to help you learn more about who we are, and to give you fast, easy access to market performance and data.

We hope you take advantage of this resource and visit us often. Be sure to add our site to your list of "favorites" in your Internet browser. We frequently update our information and we wouldn't want you to miss any developments in the area of personal finance.

Calculators

Loan Payoff

How much will it cost to pay off a loan over its lifetime?

Home Affordability

Estimate of the maximum amount of financing you can expect to get when you begin house hunting.

Mortgage Refinancing

Determine whether you should consider refinancing your mortgage.

Mortgage Acceleration

This calculator can help you determine how soon you can pay off your mortgage.

More Calculators →

Newsletters

Tracking the Rise of Target-Date Funds

Investments in target-date funds have grown during the last decade. They are often the default choice in employer-sponsored retirement plans and viewed favorably by some investors for their helpful approach to asset allocation. This article explains the advantages and disadvantages of these funds and cautions potential investors about several common misconceptions.

HOT TOPIC: Looking Ahead in 2012

2011 was a year of slow economic recovery, market volatility, and political conflict over the budget, the national debt, and taxes. All of these challenges continue to face us as we begin the new year. This article presents an overview of some of the issues that bear watching in 2012.

HOT TOPIC: Could High Oil and Gas Prices Derail the Recovery?

Gas prices began the year higher than normal and increased sharply. The forecast is for prices to rise to record highs by summer. But it’s not just drivers who are feeling pain at the pump. This article will explain some possible reasons why gas prices have been rising and discuss the potential implications for consumers, businesses, and the broader U.S. economy.

Designating Retirement Plan Beneficiaries

IRAs and defined-contribution plans have become an important component of personal wealth for households. Designating account beneficiaries and keeping the designations current can be a complex — but important — process to perform on a regular basis as certain life events and tax situations can necessitate a change.

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