“Taxes are a way of life in the

U.S., and usually one of the largest expenses we all face,” says James W. Tausz, CFP®, AIF®, President of Bradford Financial Center, a full-service financial planning firm in Iowa. “Taxation is prevalent in almost every aspect of our lives, from federal, state, and local income taxes to inheritance and estate taxes.” As such, today’s investors need more than just a portfolio manager; they need a dedicated financial consultant who can professionally evaluate their entire financial situation and offer customized strategies to achieve their goals. “With our holistic approach, we’re able to coordinate all areas of a client’s financial life—including the implementation of tax-savings strategies,” says Shallon Weis, CFP®, AIF®.

VARIETY OF OPTIONS“Our clients often don’t fully understand taxes, but they understand they need help,” says Marty Schimp, CRPS®. “We become their mentor and guide.” While on-staff, fully licensed professionals are available for tax preparation and filing, Bradford goes one step further as the leader of a collaborative team—complete with CPAs, attorneys, and tax consultants—specializing in helping clients navigate the complicated tax landscape. For example, if clients seek to sell their farm, business, or other property, high capital gains taxes may prevent the sale and delay retirement or a move. The Bradford team advises clients on such strategies as installment sales, business structuring changes, exchanges, or use of trusts to mitigate heavy taxation. “We put options on the table to help clients keep their money at home,” says Fred Sweers.

“A combination of options, such as tax credits, commodity trusts, gifting assets to a family member, or using pre-tax retirement savings for investing, may be needed and integrated to obtain the most successful tax plan. It’s important that investors can turn to a trusted professional well-versed in helping them lessen their tax burden.”

Bradford Financial Center is located at 215 North Main Street in Clarion, IA, and serves clients in 46 states. For more information, call 800-348-4419 or visit bradfordfinancialcenter.com.

Fred Sweers is located at 200 Moorehead Avenue in Ida Grove, IA. For more information, call 712-364-3140 or visit fredsweers.com.

Securities offered through United Planners Financial Services, Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services are offered through Bradford Financial Center, a Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance Services offered through Bradford Insurance. Tax and Accounting Services offered through Bradford Tax & Accounting Network. Bradford Financial Center, Bradford Insurance, and Bradford Tax & Accounting Network are not affiliated with United Planners. Neither Bradford Financial Center nor United Planners provide tax or legal advice.

(l to r) Fred Sweers, Shallon Weis, James Tausz, Marty Schimp

Tax-Savvy Financial GuidanceARMED WITH EXTENSIVE FINANCIAL EXPERTISE, BRADFORD FINANCIAL CENTER DELIVERS ABOVE-AND-BEYOND TAX STRATEGIES FOR INVESTORS.

By Sara Martin