Ascent Financial Group, LLC

Prepare. Protect. Persevere.

At Ascent Financial, we believe that achieving your financial goals is exactly like achieving a goal of climbing to the top of a mountain.  This goal takes careful preparation.  Proper physical conditioning, understanding the planned route, the weather, expected hiking distances, water sources, survival techniques and contingencies for unexpected situations are all essential.  The same applies to your Financial Ascent. We help our clients grow their financial lives, while helping them to protect themselves financially against unforeseen circumstances such as loss of life, loss of income, and stock market decline or volatility.
 
We also understand that the descent of that climb is just as important and challenging as the Ascent.  Making the wrong choice early on or near the top can largely affect the final outcome. We help guide our clients through these decisions to help them achieve all of their goals successfully and with confidence.
 
Our Mission is simple:  to teach, coach and guide you through all phases of your climb to successfully attain your financial goals, and ultimately your life goals. 
 

Gary Benke, Ph.D, CMFC, RFC, CLTC
President
Ascent Financial Group, LLC
(Previously First Financial Planners)

  • Articles

    Articles

    Educate yourself on a variety of financial topics.

  • Calculators

    Calculators

    A host of financial tools to assist you.

  • Newsletters

    Newsletters

    Timely Newsletters to help you stay current.

  • E-Seminars

    E-Seminars

    Animated presentations to help you learn and decide.

  • iMoney

    iMoney

    Ideas to help simplify everyday finances.

  • Glossary

    Glossary

    Financial terms from A to Z.

  • Tax Library

    Tax Library

    Manage your taxes and prepare for the upcoming tax season.

Federal Income Tax

This calculator can help you estimate your annual federal income tax liability.

Tax-Deferred Savings

Compare the potential future value of tax-deferred investments to that of taxable investments.

Estate Taxes

Use this calculator to estimate the federal estate taxes that could be due on your estate after you die.

More Calculators →

HOT TOPIC: European News Causes Market Mood Swings

In recent weeks, the yields on Italian bonds spiked to more than 7%, suggesting the sovereign debt crisis was spreading to a much larger economy and eluding the European Union’s efforts to contain it. The U.S. stock and bond markets have responded to the headlines coming out of Europe. This article explores the role of political risk in U.S. financial market volatility.

The Financial State of the States

Many state and local governments have struggled with lower tax receipts and large budget deficits — during and after the recession. This article offers a closer look at the financial pressures facing the states and how the methods used to address budget shortfalls could ultimately serve as a drag on the national economy.

HOT TOPIC: Will Federal Reserve Tactics Help the Ailing U.S. Economy?

This article looks at policy tools that the Federal Reserve has used in the past and may use going forward in its attempts to spur economic growth. It also explains the possible implications of a long-term, low-interest-rate environment for investors, savers, and retirees.

For Better, For Worse: Communicating About Retirement

A recent study indicates that couples are not communicating clearly about retirement goals and strategies, even as they approach retirement age. This article offers suggestions to open a dialogue and encourages couples to discuss their retirement needs and desires with each other and with their financial advisor.

More Newsletters →

May 26, 2012 @ 11:21 AM

Dow Jones Industrials 12,454.83- 74.92
Nasdaq Composite 2,837.53- 1.85
S&P 500 1,317.82- 2.86

[ Markets | Charts | Quotes | Portfolio ]


Market data delayed per exchange rules.
All quotes are in US Eastern Time (EST).
© Interactive Data Managed Solutions (NYSE:IDC) All rights reserved.