Be Aware of Tax-Related Scams

By
June Adams
April 26, 2021
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Protect yourself from these tax-related scams.

Tax-related scams have become increasingly common, and they happen year-round.  Fraudsters will contact you pretending to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a tax accounting service, or another tax-related agency.  You could receive fake emails, phone calls, letters, or other communications.

Be on high alert for phishing emails. Scammers are attempting to steal information such as tax IDs, account information, passwords, and other valuable data.  Be immediately suspicious of any unsolicited communication (email, text message, letter, or call) that asks you for your Social Security number, login credentials, or other personal information.

Review these helpful FAQs:

  • Will the IRS contact me via email?

The IRS will never initiate contact with you via email, text messages, or social media with a request for personal or financial data. Be extremely careful with any unsolicited email that claims to be from the IRS.

  • What should I do if I receive an email or text message claiming to be from the IRS or another tax service that asked for sensitive information?

Do not reply! Do not click on any links or download any attachments. Forward any IRS-related emails to phishing@irs.gov.

  • What should I do if I discover a website claiming to be the IRS that I suspect is not legitimate?

Do not click on any links, download any files, or submit any information. Send the URL to phishing@irs.gov

  • Are there any trusted resources I can use to identify email scams or websites claiming to be
    the IRS?

The IRS highlights examples of email scams and bogus websites. Find the information online at www.irs.gov/uac/Report-Phishing and https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-scams-consumeralerts.

  • What should I do if I receive an unsolicited phone call or letter claiming to be from the IRS that
    I suspect may not be legitimate?

Contact the IRS yourself to confirm any requests made via phone or letter, particularly those that are threatening or demand immediate payment. Visit www.irs.gov/uac/Report-Phishing for phone numbers and other tips.

  • If I receive a suspicious tax-related email while at work, should I notify my company?

Yes! Report suspicious emails to IT. The IT team can help you determine if a message is legitimate. In addition to confirming requests for your personal data, you should verify any email that asked you to provide copies of W2 forms or your coworkers’ tax-related information.

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By Trilogy Financial
February 20, 2024

In today's dynamic financial landscape, achieving robust financial growth necessitates more than just earning; it demands smart management of your wealth. Trilogy Financial Services exemplifies this ethos, providing a conduit to “amplify wealth” through professional financial planning.

 

 

How Are Financial Strategies Tailored to Individual Needs?

Trilogy's financial planners excel in tailoring strategies to your unique financial objectives. They ensure your money works smarter, not harder, covering areas such as:

  • 401k Retirement Planning
  • Wealth & Asset Management
  • Estate Planning Strategies
  • Investment Strategies
  • College & Education Planning
  • Insurance Services

This holistic approach embodies the essence of “amplify wealth management”​1​.

 

What Expert Insights Are Offered for Investment Strategies?

Jake Claver, a finance expert, emphasizes the need for simplicity in investment strategies. He suggests having a diverse portfolio to reach long-term financial goals ​2​.

 

What Makes the Journey to Amplified Wealth a Collaborative Venture?

The journey to “amplified wealth” is a collaborative venture with skilled advisors.A Visual Capitalist survey reinforces this idea by revealing:

  • 74% of Americans engage in financial planning.
  • Only 29% work with a professional planner, emphasizing the potential for enhanced wealth management with professional guidance​3​.

 

How Does Trilogy Help in Bypassing Investment Pitfalls?

Investing in Trilogy’s expertise means bypassing common DIY investment pitfalls. Andrew Lokenauth, a seasoned financial planner, reinforces the significance of professional guidance in achieving financial security through smart investing​4​.

 

How Does Trilogy Contribute to Wealth Preservation and Growth?

With Trilogy, you're not merely preserving wealth; you're propelling it to new heights, embodying the essence of “amplify my wealth.” Did you know the alarming statistic that 42% of Americans have less than $10,000 saved for retirement ​5​?

 

What Does the Signature Process and Professional Advisors Offer?

 

Trilogy's signature process and professional advisors offer:

  • Independent competitive portfolios
  • Tax-smart strategies
  • Real-time portfolio adjustments
  • Risk mitigation approaches

This tailored guidance fast-tracks your financial independence, allowing your money to work tirelessly towards pursuing your financial objectives​1​.

 

 

What Is the Track Record of Success Among Financial Professionals?

The Forbes/SHOOK Top Wealth Advisors have a strong history of success. Utilizing financial professionals who have trusted advisors can have a big impact on your wealth management. It also highlights the advantages of using professional financial planning services, like those provided by Trilogy Financial Services ​6​.

 

How Does Technology Optimize Financial Management?

Technology is important in changing finance, and Trilogy Financial Services uses advanced technology to increase wealth.Trilogy has personalized digital platforms that give you real-time insights on your finances, helping you make quick informed decisions.

 

  • Personalized Digital Platforms: Trilogy offers personalized digital platforms that provide real-time insights into your financial portfolio, enabling you to make informed decisions swiftly.
  • Robust Data Analysis: Utilizing advanced data analytics, Trilogy's financial planners can dissect complex financial data to unearth lucrative investment opportunities and mitigate potential risks.
  • Secure Digital Transactions: With a focus on security, Trilogy ensures that all your financial transactions are conducted securely, protecting your wealth from potential cyber threats.
  • Virtual Consultations: In an era where digital interaction is paramount, Trilogy facilitates virtual consultations with financial experts, ensuring that you remain on the right financial track, irrespective of regional constraints.

 

These technology-driven approaches not only streamline the financial management process but also provide a seamless, interactive experience. By integrating modern technology, Trilogy Financial Services demonstrates a forward-thinking approach in helping clients “amplify their wealth.” Combining financial advice and technology helps people grow their wealth. Trilogy is a great option for investors who want to succeed in today's digital financial world.

 

 

How Can You Embark on Your Pathway to Amplified Wealth?

“Amplified wealth” with Trilogy isn’t a distant dream, but a tangible reality awaiting your action. Engage with Trilogy Financial Services and set the cornerstone for a financially secure and affluent future.

 

 

By
David McDonough
May 13, 2022

Have you ever had one of those months? The water heater stops heating, the dishwasher stops washing, and your family ends up on a first-name basis with the nurse at urgent care. Then, as you're driving to work, you see smoke coming from under your hood. Bad things happen to the best of us, and sometimes it seems like they come in waves. That's when an emergency cash fund can come in handy. One survey found that nearly 25% of Americans have no emergency savings. Another survey found that 40% of Americans said they wouldn't be able to comfortably handle an unexpected $1,000 expense.1,2

How Much Money?

How large should an emergency fund be? There is no “one-size-fits-all” answer. The ideal amount may depend on your financial situation and lifestyle. For example, if you own a home or have dependents, you may be more likely to face financial emergencies. And if a job loss affects your income, you may need emergency funds for months.

Coming Up with Cash

If saving several months of income seems unreasonable, don't despair. Start with a more modest goal, such as saving $1,000, and build your savings a bit at a time. Consider setting up automatic monthly transfers into the fund. Once your savings begin to build, you may be tempted to use the money in the account for something other than an emergency. Try to avoid that. Instead, budget and prepare separately for bigger expenses you know are coming.

Where Do I Put It?

Many people open traditional savings accounts to hold emergency funds. They typically offer modest rates of return. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insures bank accounts for up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution, in principal and interest.3 Others turn to money market accounts or money market funds in emergencies. While money market accounts are savings accounts, money market funds are considered low-risk securities. Money market funds are not backed by any government institution, which means they can lose money. Depending on your particular goals and the amount you have saved, some combination of lower-risk investments may be your best choice.

Money held in money market funds is not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. Money market funds seek to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 a share. However, it is possible to lose money by investing in a money market fund.4

Money market mutual funds are sold by prospectus. Please consider the charges, risks, expenses, and investment objectives carefully before investing. A prospectus containing this and other information about the investment company can be obtained from your financial professional. Read it carefully before you invest or send money.

The only thing you can know about unexpected expenses is that they're coming. Having an emergency fund may help to alleviate stress and worry that can come with them. If you lack emergency savings now, consider taking steps to create a cushion for the future.

 

 

Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

  1. MarketWatch.com, 2020
  2. Bankrate.com, 2021
  3. FDIC.gov, 2022
  4. Investopedia.com, 2021

 

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