Darcy Bergen

Darcy Bergen is the owner of Bergen Financial Group and has over 20 years of experience advising clients on financial matters. His specialty includes IRAs, Social Security benefits, Fixed Index Annuities, and retirement planning. Darcy Bergen gets many questions about life insurance from his clients. To answer some of those questions, he explains five common mistakes people make when looking for life insurance.

Not Choosing the Right Type of Life Insurance Policy

According to Darcy Bergen, one of the biggest mistakes people make when shopping for life insurance is the failure to pick the right policy to fit their needs. There are two types of basic life insurance policies, term and permanent. With term life insurance policies, policy-holders can pick between a 10, 15, 20, or 30-year term. Once the term is over, they will need to buy a new policy. With permanent life insurance, there are no terms, and the policy remains in force as long as sufficient premiums are paid. Permanent life insurance holders can even accumulate cash value on the premiums they paid. It’s important to consider the pros and cons before committing to one policy over the other. 

Under Calculating the Death Benefit

Aside from not getting the right policy, another mistake people make is underestimating how much insurance they need. Instead of picking a number based on their current financial situation and marital status, Darcy Bergen recommends people sit down and do their homework. For starters, they should think about their health, income, life expectancy, debts, and total assets. Someone who wants to have a family should also consider adding more to their death benefit if they’re going to have children in the future. Sitting down with a financial advisor like Darcy Bergen can help them with the decision. 

Failure to Compare Rates

When shopping for life insurance, one of the biggest mistakes people make is not comparing prices. Even if one rate sounds appealing, it’s important to compare before purchasing said policy. When they compare policies, people often get the best deal for their money. 

Only Focusing on Price

Another mistake people make when shopping for life insurance is only focusing on price and not focusing on the benefits. While it might be tempting to save on the premium, they might regret it later on in life when they realize the death benefit is not high enough. 

Not Buying at the Right Time

Many people wait until they have a spouse and children to buy a life insurance policy because they don’t think they needed before that. Darcy Bergen likes to point out that this is a mistake since premiums tend to get higher as people get older. 

To learn more about life insurance, retirement, and other financial tips, check out the rest of his blog.

As the owner of Bergen Financial Group, Darcy Bergen has been helping his clients with retirement planning strategies for many years. Because he knows not everyone is ready for retirement, he is sharing some questions everyone should ask themselves to prepare for retirement.

Will I Have Other Sources of Income During Retirement?
If you’re approaching retirement age, Darcy Bergen recommends you take a look at what your sources of income will be once you transition into your golden years. For starters, once you’re in your 60s, you will receive some income from your Social Security. Also, some people rely on their tax-advantage retirement accounts such as 401(k) or IRAs.
Unfortunately, for some people, that’s not enough money to carry them through retirement. Darcy Bergen recommends people start planning early and look into other ways to generate revenue after they retire. Some people try to diversify their income by starting a business or investing in rental properties.

How Can I Pay for Healthcare Expenses Once I Retire?
With over 20 years of experience as a financial advisor, Darcy Bergen knows the healthcare after retirement question is the least asked among his clients.
Although people can start collecting Medicare after the age of 65, their healthcare-related expenses are likely to increase over time. Medicare only covers about 50% of medical expenses, and you will still be responsible for co-pays and other out of pocket expenses.
Darcy Bergen recommends you look into the possibility of contributing to a Health Savings Account (HSA). With a HAS, all of the contributions are tax-deductible and tax-free when you use it to pay for medical expenses.

How Much Money Do I Have in My Retirement Accounts?
According to Darcy Bergen, not everyone who approaches retirement age knows how much they actually have saved in their retirement accounts. If people don’t know how much combined retirement savings they have, how can they know where they need to be?
Darcy recommends meeting with a retirement planning advisor to review their current accounts and come up with a plan.

How Do I Plan on Spending My Retirement?
Well before retirement, Darcy Bergen advises people to visualize how they want to spend their retirement. Are you planning on traveling, moving to the beach, or downsizing? Your answers will affect how you plan and look at retirement. Once you figure out what your dream retirement looks like, you will be able to modify your retirement contributions.

Financial advisors like Darcy Bergen help clients answer these and other tough questions to ensure their clients have the life they deserve once they reach retirement.

As the owner of the Bergen Financial Group, Darcy Bergen has over 20 years of experience helping clients in various aspects of financial planning. Although many people don’t want to think about retirement in their 20s and 30s and don’t have a clue what an IRA is, Darcy Bergen advises people in all stages of life to stay informed. “Whether you are just entering the workforce, in mid-career, or approaching retirement age, it is important to begin planning for retirement now,” advises Darcy Bergen. Here’s Darcy’s list of quick rules to remember when considering opening an IRA in 2019.

The Maximum Contribution
In 2019, individuals can contribute $6,000 a year and $7,000 if they’re 50 or older. This is a jump from the 2018 numbers of $5,500 and $6,500.

It’s Possible for Individuals to Contribute to Roth and Traditional IRAs the Same Year
Individuals who qualify for both types of IRA accounts can make contributions to both in the same year. However, they need to ensure their combined contributions don’t exceed the annual limit

After 70 You Can’t Contribute to a Traditional IRA
While a Roth IRA allows individuals to continue making contributions to their accounts for as long as they can, a traditional IRA doesn’t work the same way. Once a person turns 70½ the IRS prohibits them from continuing making contributions to their traditional IRA.

Individuals Can Contribute to Their 401(k) and a Traditional IRA the Same Year
Those who are enrolled in a 401(k) plan with their employer can also make contributions to their IRA account. However, Darcy Bergen wants to make sure individuals know the contribution cannot exceed the annual limit.

No Minimum is Required When Opening an IRA
Some individuals don’t open an IRA account because they don’t believe they have the funds necessary to do so. However, there are no specific rules that specify a minimum amount to open an IRA. Brokers often set the minimum amount to open an account.

Roth and Traditional IRAs are Not Created Equal but Serve a Similar Purpose
Darcy Bergen also sees a lot of confusion when it comes to traditional and Roth IRAs. For starters, in a traditional IRA, an individual can make deductions on the income when filing their federal and state taxes. The money will be subject to taxes once the individual retires. Roth IRAs, on the other hand, don’t qualify for deductions but the money is tax-free upon withdrawal.

For more of Darcy Bergen’s financial tips and IRA information, check out darcybergen.co.

Don’t put saving for retirement on the back burner, warns Peoria, Arizona financial advisor Darcy Bergen. Whether you are just entering the workforce, in mid-career, or approaching retirement age, it is important to begin planning for retirement now, says Darcy Bergen, who has more than two decades of experience in financial planning.

An Individual Retirement Account, or IRA, is one of the best ways to plan for retirement, Darcy Bergen explains, especially because of the tax advantages offered to account holders. Many types of IRAs are available – Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, Stretch IRAs, SEP IRAs, and more – but your income, age and marital status will help dictate which type of IRA is best for you.

Unlike 401k plans, which must be established by an employer, anyone can open an IRA. Darcy Bergen details the rules of IRA contributions and withdrawals below.

Single Filing

Unmarried individuals who file a tax return as a single earner and who have a modified adjusted gross income of less than $122,000 may make the full annual contribution to an IRA, which is $6,000 per year ($7,000 if you’re 50 or older). People with incomes over $122,000 but less than $137,000 can make a partial contribution to an IRA.

Married/Joint Filing

Married couples who file a joint tax return and have a modified adjusted gross income of less than $193,000 combined may also make a full contribution, while couples earning more than $193,000, but less than $203,000, can make a partial contribution.

Traditional IRA vs. Roth IRA

One of the major differences between Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs is that with Traditional IRAs, federal and state tax deductions can be claimed, but once an individual retires, withdrawals from Traditional IRAs are taxed at ordinary rates.

Contributions to a Roth IRA are not tax-deductible; however, the earnings and withdrawals are typically tax-free, so if you can wait for your tax break, a Roth IRA is an appealing option.

“To qualify for the tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal of earnings, Roth IRA distributions must meet a five-year holding requirement and distribution must take place after age 59½,” Bergen adds.

It’s also important to know that Roth IRA contributions cannot be made by taxpayers with high incomes. Other restrictions apply: “To qualify for the tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal of earnings, Roth IRA distributions must meet a five-year holding requirement and distribution must take place after age 59½,” Bergen explains.

Stretch IRA

An inherited, or Stretch, IRA is allocated to a beneficiary by a parent, grandparent, spouse or others to hand down their IRA to a benefactor. The benefits of a Stretch IRA are numerous. Some advantages include avoiding sizable tax brackets, paying taxes on a deferred basis, and that the preliminary decisions can be altered if needed.

SEP IRA

The “SEP” in SEP IRA stands for “simplified employee pension.” These accounts are a useful retirement savings tool for small-business owners and self-employed people. Like a Traditional IRA, a SEP IRA offers a tax deduction on contributions. Your savings grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals in retirement are taxed at regular income tax rates.

Withdrawal Rules

Complicated tax laws can leave even a savvy investor confused. As a longtime financial adviser, Darcy Bergen recognizes that many individuals are confused by the tax exemptions and tax penalties regarding the withdrawal of IRA contributions.

Since IRAs are meant to be used after retirement, tapping into them before retirement can incur penalties. Traditional IRA withdrawals before age 59½ will require a 10% penalty on the distribution, in addition to federal and state taxes. At age 59½, an individual can withdraw funds from an IRA without penalty.

In most cases, once you reach age 70½, you must begin taking required minimum distributions. The original owner of a Roth IRA is not required to take minimum annual withdrawals.

Tax-free and penalty-free withdrawals also can be taken under certain other circumstances, such as in the result of the owner’s death.

To devise a strategy that works for your specific situation, a seasoned tax advisor or financial planner like Darcy Bergen can help you chart the best course for your future.

For more information about IRAs, go to Darcy Bergen Financial at darcybergen.co.

Financial planner, Darcy Bergen, recommends five reasons to keep your life insurance policy after retirement.

When retirement is approaching, many people wonder if they still need life insurance. It’s likely that the children are grown and the mortgage is mostly, if not fully paid off. Perhaps there is also a nice lump sum of savings that has been collected throughout your life. With all of these affairs in order, why would someone choose to keep their life insurance into retirement?

Darcy Bergen, Financial Planner and founder of Bergen Financial Group, explains valid reasons to maintain life insurance coverage throughout retirement as part of your financial plan.

1. Gifting Wealth to Heirs

Keeping life insurance is one of the easiest ways to pass on assets to future generations and establish a legacy. Darcy Bergen explains that if a life insurance policy is correctly set up, it can be free of income and estate taxes. This is also a great way to equalize estates among children, especially when illiquid assets are in play, such as a family business. With life insurance, it’s possible to have a cash amount equal to that of a business.

2. More Cash

If it’s determined that you no longer need the same high level of coverage, cash can be withdrawn from a permanent life insurance policy. Darcy Bergen explains that the money can then be added to the retirement fund. With this option, premiums are paid into the policy during the years of your career. However, it can turn into a source of retirement income along with other benefits like social security and a 401(k) plan.

3. Widow Support

Keeping a life insurance policy will provide a living spouse with support after one passes away. Financial planner Darcy Bergen notes that it can be used to pay for funeral arrangements or debt. Many people find that this provides ease of mind in retirement, knowing that life insurance benefits will help with any financial strain the family may encounter.

4. Illness

Depending on the life insurance contract, many policies allow people to access benefits before death. In the case of a chronic illness, such as Alzheimer’s, the policy may help cover additional expenses where the help of medical professionals is required part of the time. Darcy Bergen explains that people who are at higher risk of particular illness should look into maintaining their life insurance.

5. Philanthropy

For those who are passionate about charitable giving, life insurance can make for an excellent retirement strategy. Financial planner Darcy Bergen explains that in the event of death, the life insurance amount can be transferred to a charity. With this option, all other assets can still be passed down to heirs. Darcy Bergen notes that this option is called a “wealth replacement.”

It is always encouraged to weigh the pros and cons of maintaining life insurance. In retirement, the cost of keeping a life insurance policy is substantially more expensive due to increased age. In addition, underlying health issues may affect your eligibility.

If you were born before 1954, a little-known Social Security law could earn you and your spouse thousands of extra dollars in retirement. But according to financial planner Darcy Bergen of Peoria, Arizona, you must act soon, or you could miss the chance to benefit from this strategy.

Darcy Bergen is a fiduciary who has two decades of financial planning experience in the Phoenix area, with an office north of downtown in Peoria, Arizona.

Get Extra Social Security Benefits While You Can

It’s all perfectly legal. Although the government is phasing out the “Restricted Application” program at the end of 2019, most people with a spouse who reach the government’s full retirement age of 66 by Dec. 31 are eligible to apply for a Restricted Application before the end of the year. Once the calendar flips to 2020, it will be too late.

Once approved, a Restricted Application allows the applicant to collect half a spouse’s full retirement age Social Security benefit without actually opening his or her own Social Security record. It’s complicated, but an older spouse could earn an 8 percent delayed credit on his or her own full retirement age benefit up until age 70. At age 70, the applicant could begin taking his or her own benefit, while realizing a 32 percent increase over the four-year period, Darcy Bergen explains.

The Restricted Application was eliminated in a 2015 bipartisan budget act, so unless you act now, you will lose the opportunity to take advantage of this phased-out government program.

How to File a Restricted Application

If you were born in 1953 or earlier and are considering filing a Restricted Application, there are four additional items of importance to be aware of:

1. Your spouse must have already opened his or her own record and started claiming Social Security benefits.
2. You must be at full retirement age (born on or before Jan. 1, 1954)
3. This strategy is also available if you are divorced. Your marriage must have lasted at least 10 years and you cannot have remarried.
4. You should consider speaking to a fiduciary about maximizing your retirement benefits if you will be filing a Restricted Application – before you file your Restricted Application.

If you meet the age criteria, it is imperative that you obtain full knowledge about this lucrative opportunity and learn what your options are to make your retirement more comfortable. Darcy Bergen can tailor a plan specific to your needs and help you from missing out on your maximum retirement benefits.

Since 2003, Darcy Bergen and his staff at Bergen Financial in Peoria, Arizona have helped clients find additional income for their households by planning properly and knowing their options.

Contact Darcy Bergen at Bergen Financial by calling 602-652-2665 to set up an appointment.

Parents are constantly working hard to make sure their child has everything they need before they move out or go off to college on their own. Countless hours are spent on studying and homework, playing sports, and learning lifelong lessons. While managing money is one of the most important aspects of our adult lives, many parents neglect teaching their children how to handle finances.

Learning financial responsibility at a young age can help children make wise decisions as a young adult, which in turn sets them up for a life of success. This can lead to a head start when planning for retirement and saving for large purchases like a home.

Darcy Bergen, founder of Bergen Financial Group, shares 6 tips for teaching children financial responsibility.

1. Take your child grocery shopping. This is an opportunity to teach your kids how to balance a budget while shopping for your family’s weekly needs. Darcy Bergen suggests increasing their budget in increments to provide more opportunity for practice as they get older.
2. Next, Darcy Bergen suggests giving them real money to manage. Start with small activities such as providing $5 to pick out a toy or snack. This not only helps them learn how to count change, but they will be more confident in the future. This will set them up to have a better idea of how far a dollar gets you.
3. Teach the Save, Spend, Give model. For older kids, it is appropriate to do this in bank accounts and with budgets. With children, use three small jars with labels so the child can make decisions on how to allocate their money. Darcy Bergen recommends making them save for a goal that is far away to teach patience.
4. Practice what you preach. If you lecture the importance of frugality and saving, but make purchases that are unnecessary and have very little savings, your children will more than likely not abide by what you preach. Children seek a role model and by showing them good financial habits, they will be more likely to pick up on those.
5. Pay your children an appropriate rate for extra chores they do around the house. If your child offers to mow the lawn, pay them the amount that is fair for the job done. If the job was done poorly, teach them that unless the job is done correctly, they will not get paid. This increases the child’s exposure to how services should be performed in real life.
6. For older kids, teach the importance of avoiding high interest debt. The average American has around $7,000 in credit card debt. The high interest debt takes a lot longer to get rid of and as a young adult, it is better to avoid it all together. Young adults do need to build credit, but they don’t need a high credit limit. Parents should help their children seek credit limits no higher than $500 and limit the number of cards to just one. Teaching good credit card practices is crucial for the young adult in this day and age.