Frequently Asked Questions

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NetXInvestor / Online Access

Manage your NetXInvestor account

eMoney Advisor

Manage your eMoney account

Secure Email

Learn more about Secure Email

Investing

Learn more about the world of investing

Retirement

Learn more about retirement planning

Gifting

Learn more about gifting

Estate Planning

Learn more about estate planning

Tax Planning

Learn more about tax planning

General

Learn more about the financial industry


NetXInvestor / Online Access

How do I login to my NetXInvestor account?

Login to your online access at https://www.netxinvestor.com/nxi/welcome or via your NetXInvestor app (Reminder – Financial Organization #PTQ).

When you are at the login page select the "Login" button and enter your credentials.

Bottom Line: If you have any questions, please reach out to Kat Sheffer at (317) 814-7802 or kat.sheffer@cookefg.com.

What steps should I take if I've forgotten my password and need to reset it?

If you don't know you current password you can follow these instructions to reset your password:

  1. On NetXInvestor login page at https://www.netxinvestor.com/nxi/welcome select Forgot Password?
  2. Enter the Financial Organization (#PTQ), User ID, and the email address associate with your account
  3. Select the Contact Method for the one-time passcode > select Send Code > once received, enter one-time passcode > select Continue
  4. Enter the new password in the New Password and Confirm New Password fields using the password rules provided

A confirmation message will display when you've successfully changed your password. Selecting Ok will automatically login you into NetXInvestor.

Bottom Line: If you have any questions, please reach out to Kat Sheffer at (317) 814-7802 or kat.sheffer@cookefg.com.

How do I initiate a password reset if I want to change it voluntarily?

Login to your online access at https://www.netxinvestor.com/nxi/welcome or via your NetXInvestor app (Reminder – Financial Organization #PTQ).

Then follow these steps:

  1. Select Communications
  2. Select Settings
  3. Under 'Security Settings' select Edit next to Password
  4. Enter current password and select Continue
  5. Enter your new password in the New Password and Confirm New Password fields using the password rules provided

A confirmation message will display when you've successfully changed your password.

Bottom Line: If you have any questions, please reach out to Kat Sheffer at (317) 814-7802 or kat.sheffer@cookefg.com.

How do I access my consolidated account statement?

Login to your online access at https://www.netxinvestor.com/nxi/welcome or via your NetXInvestor app (Reminder – Financial Organization #PTQ).

Then follow these steps:

  1. Select Communications
  2. Select Statements and Reports
  3. Select the most recent Select-Link Statements under 'Type' to access a consolidated account statement with all of your accounts in one PDF file

Bottom Line: If you have any questions, please reach out to Kat Sheffer at (317) 814-7802 or kat.sheffer@cookefg.com.

How do I access my tax statements online through NetXInvestor?

Login to your online access at https://www.netxinvestor.com/nxi/welcome or via your NetXInvestor app (Reminder – Financial Organization #PTQ).

Then follow these steps:

  1. Select Communications
  2. Select All Communications
  3. Select Tax Documents

Bottom Line: If you have any questions, please reach out to Kat Sheffer at (317) 814-7802 or kat.sheffer@cookefg.com.

How do I download the NetXInvestor app on my smartphone?

To download the app follows these steps:

  1. On your mobile device, go to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and search for NetXInvestor
  2. Complete the download process as usual for your device
  3. When you open the app, you will be prompted to log in

To login to the app enter your Financial Organization #PTQ, username, and password.

Bottom Line: If you have any questions, please reach out to Kat Sheffer at (317) 814-7802 or kat.sheffer@cookefg.com.


eMoney Advisor

What is eMoney?

Money is a client portal specializing in data/external account aggregation, secure document storage and financial planning. If you are interested in setting up an account, please reach out to your financial advisor.

Bottom Line: If you have any questions, please reach out to Claire Cooke at (317) 814-7809 or claire.cooke@cookefg.com.

How do I log in to my eMoney account?

To log in to your eMoney account, visit the eMoney Advisor website and click on the "Login" button located in the top right corner. Then, enter your username and password in the respective fields and click "Log In."

Bottom Line: If you have any questions, please reach out to Claire Cooke at (317) 814-7809 or claire.cooke@cookefg.com.

I forgot my password. How can I reset it?

If you forgot your password, you can reset it by clicking on the "Forgot Password?" link on the login page. Follow the instructions to reset your password. You may need to provide your username or email address associated with your account.

Bottom Line: If you have any questions, please reach out to Claire Cooke at (317) 814-7809 or claire.cooke@cookefg.com.

How can I change my password?

To change your password, log in to your eMoney account and navigate to the account settings or profile section. Look for the option to change your password, then follow the prompts to enter your current password and create a new one.

Bottom Line: If you have any questions, please reach out to Claire Cooke at (317) 814-7809 or claire.cooke@cookefg.com.

Is my eMoney account secure?

Yes, eMoney takes security seriously and employs industry-standard security measures to protect your account information. This includes encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular security updates. Additionally, eMoney's platform complies with data protection regulations to ensure the privacy and security of your financial information.

Bottom Line: If you have any questions, please reach out to Claire Cooke at (317) 814-7809 or claire.cooke@cookefg.com.


Secure Email

How do I reset my Mimecast password if I forget it?

If you forget your Mimecast password, you can reset it by visiting the Mimecast login page and clicking on the "Forgot Password?" link. You will be prompted to enter your email address, and Mimecast will send you instructions on how to reset your password.

Bottom Line: If you have any questions, please reach out to Kat Sheffer at (317) 814-7802 or kat.sheffer@cookefg.com.


Investing

What's the best investment strategy for me?

The best investment strategy for you will depend on a few things unique to you:

  1. Individual financial goals
  2. Investment horizon
  3. Risk tolerance

A financial advisor can assist you in creating a tailored investment strategy that takes into account your specific investment objectives, time frame, and risk tolerance.

Bottom Line: Having a reliable financial advisor by your side to navigate you through both favorable and challenging markets is crucial.

What’s the difference between a separately managed account and a mutual fund?

A separately managed account (SMA) is an individual brokerage account managed by a professional money manager. The money manager has authority to buy and sell individual securities on behalf of the account holder. A SMA could hold ETFs or hold individual stocks like Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE: KO) and Proctor & Gamble Co. (NYSE: PG).

A mutual fund and ETF are both types of investment vehicles that pool money from multiple investors to purchase a diversified portfolio of securities. They are managed by a professional fund manager and are bought and sold on the stock exchange.

The holdings in an SMA account are 100% dedicated to your needs. With this tailored approach you can take advantage of a custom gameplan to reach your financial goals. Due to the fact that SMAs have individual positions, they generally have a minimum investment requirement. 

In contrast, the holdings in a mutual fund are dedicated to the needs of potentially thousands of shareholders. It’s difficult to meet everyone’s needs so you can tend to get a middle of the road approach with little room for customization. However, the investment minimum is generally lower than an SMA, so mutual funds and ETFs are also great options to achieve diversification in your investment portfolio. 

Bottom Line: In mutual funds or ETFs, investors own shares of the fund, not individual securities. With an SMA, you directly own stocks or bonds in a separate account, allowing for tailored strategies to suit your preferences and tax needs.

How can I protect my investments from market volatility?

Market volatility can be concerning for investors as it can lead to significant fluctuations in the value of their investments.

However, there are several strategies that can be employed to help protect investments from market volatility. Here are a few:

  1. Diversification: Diversifying across different asset classes such as stocks, bonds, and real estate spreads risk and minimizes impact on the portfolio.
  2. Asset allocation: Maintain a balanced asset allocation based on risk tolerance, investment goals, and time horizon.
  3. Regular monitoring: Regularly monitoring and adjusting your portfolio can minimize market volatility impact, including periodic rebalancing for desired asset allocation.
  4. Dollar-cost averaging: Regularly investing fixed amounts at regular intervals can help reduce the impact of market volatility over time.

A financial advisor can help you develop a personalized investment plan that considers your risk tolerance, investment goals, and time horizon. They can also provide guidance on how to protect your investments from market volatility while achieving your long-term financial objectives.

Bottom Line: A trusted financial advisor can assist in creating a personalized investment plan based on your risk tolerance, goals, and time horizon, offering guidance on safeguarding investments from market volatility to reach long-term financial objectives.

What's the best way to handle a windfall of money?

Handling a windfall of money can be both exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Here are 5 steps you can take to manage it effectively:

  1. Take a step back: Before making financial decisions, consider your short-term and long-term financials goals, risks, and challenges.
  2. Create a plan: Once clear on your goals, create a financial plan with a trusted financial advisor.
  3. Pay off debt: Use your windfall to pay off high-interest debt to reduce overall debt burden and free up income for other financial goals.
  4. Build up your emergency fund: Consider using a portion of your windfall to build or boost your emergency fund for unexpected financial setbacks like job loss or medical emergencies.
  5. Invest for the future: Consider investing a portion of your windfall based on your goals and risk tolerance to grow wealth and achieve long-term financial goals.

Overall, the key to handling a windfall of money is to approach it strategically and thoughtfully.

Bottom Line: By working with a trusted financial advisor to develop a strategic plan, you can leverage your windfall to enhance your financial future.

Why did my financial advisor change firms and how often does it occur?

No matter why your advisor changed firms, they will ask you to transfer all your assets from the old firm to the new firm. This transfer process is called an ACAT – automated customer account transfer. It’s a method by which we transfer financial assets between banks and brokerage houses.

Before you ever sign an ACAT it’s an incredibly valuable step to review FINRA BrokerCheck. Type in your advisor’s name and city to see results. This will give you an indication if there are any problems traveling with your advisor from the old firm to the new firm. You should be aware if such problems exist.

Important questions to ask yourself about your advisor include:

  • What’s their longevity in the industry?
  • How long have they had a relationship with you?
  • Are there independent sources that suggest they’re reputable?

These are a few ways to help determine if your advisor is making a move for the right reasons and help you feel at ease.

Bottom Line: The short answer to both questions is it depends on the situation. Sometimes it’s of value to you and other times it’s not.

What typically happens to the stock market during election years?

Markets hate uncertainty, and what's more uncertain than primary season of an election year? This volatility is often short lived.

 

After the primaries are over and each party has selected their candidate, markets have tended to return to their normal upward trajectory. Patient investors who stay the course have often been rewarded.

 

Bottom Line: Primary season tends to be volatile, but markets have bounced back strongly thereafter.

Which political party has been better for investors?

Investing during an election year can be tough on the nerves. Politics can elicit strong emotions and biases, but investors would be wise to tune out the noise and focus on the long term.

 

Election have essentially made no difference historically when it comes to long term investment returns.

 

What should matter more to investors is staying invested.

 

Bottom Line: U.S. stocks have trended up regardless of which party won the White House. 

Is a recession a good time to invest?

It can be a very good time for you to invest during a recession for a few reasons:

 

  1. Prices are often lower during recessions, with markets reflecting temporary decreases in corporate profits. This presents an opportunity to purchase assets at a discounted rate.
  2. Investors often have low and pessimistic expectations during recessions, which can turn into catalysts for stocks to rise when signs of recovery emerge.
  3. Historical data indicates that, over time, market trends tend to show an upward trajectory.

The general rule of thumb for investing is to buy low, sell high. Recessions tend to cause declines in asset prices, making them cheaper and more attractive for investors looking for upside potential.

 

Bottom Line: Often times, the answer is yes, especially if you have some extra savings, cash on hand, or fixed income positions you are willing to allocate toward a growth asset.


Retirement

What are the retirement contribution limit increases for 2024?

Retirement contribution limits are the maximum annual contributions to retirement accounts, subject to inflation adjustments.

How do the increases impact you based on your age?

2024 401(k) Contribution Changes

  • 2024 - $23,000; individuals age 50 and up can contribute an additional $7,500 ($30,500 total)
  • 2023 - $22,500; individuals age 50 and up can contribute an additional $7,500 ($30,000 total)
  • 2022 - $20,500; individuals age 50 and up can contribute an additional $6,500 ($27,000 total)

2024 Traditional IRA/Roth IRA Contribution Changes

  • 2024 - $7,000; individuals age 50 and up can contribute an additional $1,000 ($8,000 total)
  • 2023 - $6,500; individuals age 50 and up can contribute an additional $1,000 ($7,500 total)
  • 2022 - $6,000; individuals age 50 and up can contribute an additional $1,000 ($7,000 total)

2024 Simple IRA Contribution Changes

  • 2024 - $16,000; individuals age 50 and up can contribute an additional $3,500 ($19,500 total)
  • 2023 - $15,500; individuals age 50 and up can contribute an additional $3,500 ($19,000 total)
  • 2022 - $14,000; individuals age 50 and up can contribute an additional $3,000 ($17,000 total)

2024 Indiana 529 Contribution and State Tax Credit Changes

  • 2024 - Contributions by Indiana taxpayers qualify for a 20% tax credit with a maximum credit of $1,500 for a $7,500 contribution
  • 2023 - Contributions by Indiana taxpayers qualify for a 20% tax credit with a new maximum credit of $1,500 for a $7,500 contribution
  • 2022 - Contributions by Indiana taxpayers qualify for a 20% tax credit with a maximum credit of $1,000 for a $5,000 contribution

Bottom Line: Contribution limits increased in 2024, except for the Indiana 529 savings plan.

How much should I be saving for retirement?

The answer depends on a handful of things unique you, such as your:

  • Current age
  • Retirement age
  • Expected living expenses
  • Expected retirement income
  • Desired retirement lifestyle

A common rule of thumb is to save at least 10-15% of your pre-tax income.

This can be a combination of your own contributions to a retirement account and contributions made by your employer.

It's also important to start saving for retirement as early as possible. This gives your investments more time to grow and take advantage of compounding interest.

Bottom Line: Ultimately, the amount you need to save for retirement will depend on your unique circumstances and financial goals.

What is a Roth IRA, and should I have one?

A Roth IRA is a type of individual retirement account that allows you to contribute after-tax dollars to the account, and then withdraw the money tax-free in retirement.

Unlike a traditional IRA or 401(k), contributions to a Roth IRA are not tax-deductible.

Whether or not you should have a Roth IRA depends on your individual financial situation and goals.

Generally, a Roth IRA can be a good choice if you expect your tax rate to be higher in retirement than it is now, or if you want to have tax-free income in retirement.

It can also be a good option if you want flexibility in withdrawing your retirement funds, since there are no required minimum distributions (RMDs) with a Roth IRA.

However, there are income limits for contributing to a Roth IRA, so it may not be an option for everyone.

Bottom Line: We recommend seeking advice from a financial advisor to assess if a Roth IRA aligns with your financial goals and to assist in understanding the contribution limits and regulations linked to this type of account.

How can I minimize my taxes in retirement?

There are several ways to minimize taxes in retirement. Here are a handful of strategies to consider:

  1. Contribute to a Roth IRA or Roth 401(k): Roth contributions are made with after-tax dollars, so withdrawals in retirement are tax-free.
  2. Delay Social Security: Delaying Social Security benefits until age 70 can increase your benefit amount and reduce your taxable income in the meantime.
  3. Use tax-efficient investment strategies: Consider investing in tax-efficient investments like index funds, which have lower turnover rates and generate less taxable income.
  4. Manage withdrawals from retirement accounts: Strategically plan retirement account withdrawals to minimize taxes by prioritizing taxable account withdrawals before tapping into tax-deferred accounts until required minimum distributions (RMDs) commence.
  5. Consider tax diversification: Diversifying retirement accounts can offer more flexibility and control over taxable income in retirement.

Bottom Line: It is highly recommended to consult with a reputable financial advisor to create a personalized tax-efficient retirement plan that aligns with your unique situation and objectives.


Gifting

What is the annual gift tax exclusion amount for 2024?

For 2024, the annual gift tax exclusion is $18,000, meaning a person can give up to $18,000 to as many people as he or she wants without having to pay any taxes on the gifts. Couples are entitled to give away $36,000 tax-free to any individual ($18,000 per spouse).

Bottom Line: Annual gifting is an effective tool to transfer wealth to your loved ones or provide financial assistance.

What is the lifetime gift tax exemption amount for 2024?

The IRS allows a person to give away up to $13.61 million in assets or property over the course of their lifetime and/or as part of their estate. If a gift exceeds the annual exclusion limit, the difference is simply subtracted from the person’s lifetime exemption limit and no taxes are owed.

Bottom Line: If your net worth exceeds $13 million, consider discussing estate planning strategies with your financial advisor.

What happens to the lifetime gift tax exemption amount in 2026?

Assuming no new legislation is passed, the current exclusion amount is set to expire on December 31st, 2025. Beginning January 1st, 2026, the exclusion amount will be decreased to $5 million per person, indexed for inflation.

Bottom Line: If your net worth exceeds these levels, you may want to review your options with your financial advisor and be prepared to make changes to your estate plan as needed.


Estate Planning

What is the best way to plan for my estate?

This isn’t a fun question to ask but it’s an important one. Planning for your estate is a critical step in ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you pass away. Here are some steps you can take to plan for your estate:

  1. Create a will: A will outlines how your assets should be distributed after your death, appointing an executor and guardians for your children.
  2. Consider a trust: A trust is a legal arrangement where assets are managed by a trustee for beneficiaries, serving various purposes like avoiding probate or providing for special needs.
  3. Review your beneficiaries: Ensure beneficiaries on all accounts reflect your current wishes.
  4. Consider tax implications: Consider tax implications when estate planning to understand the impact on your taxes.
  5. Seek professional advice: Work with a trusted professional like an estate planning attorney or financial advisor to navigate the complex process and make informed decisions.

Bottom Line: Planning for your estate is a crucial step in ensuring that your assets are distributed in line with your wishes after you've passed away. It's essential to work with a trusted professional to guide you through the intricate process and help you make well-informed decisions.


Tax Planning

Are cryptocurrency losses tax deductible?

Yes, cryptocurrency losses are tax deductible. This question is timely near year end as clients tend to focus on tax-loss harvesting opportunities.

Tax-loss harvesting is the process of offsetting your gains with losses to try and minimize your tax liability.

To put this in perspective, if you have $100,000 in gains and you have $100,000 in losses in crypto you should sell your crypto to bring your tax liability down to $0.

Bottom Line: Anytime you hold a loss in cryptocurrency, it’s in your interest to sell up to the extent that you have gains elsewhere.


General

What's the difference between a financial advisor and a broker?

A financial advisor and a broker are both esteemed professionals in the financial industry, each with their own unique roles and responsibilities.

A financial advisor provides comprehensive financial advice and services, including planning, investment management, retirement planning, and estate planning to meet clients' specific needs and goals.

A broker is a licensed professional who executes trades for clients, buying and selling financial products, and generating commission-based fees.

It's worth noting that some financial advisors may also hold a broker license, enabling them to trade securities for clients. However, not all financial advisors are brokers, and vice versa.

Bottom Line: Understanding the unique services and credentials of your chosen financial professional is crucial.

What's the average age for a financial advisor?

Depending on the source the average age for a financial advisor tends to run between 50-55 years old.

It's worth noting the financial advisory industry is experiencing a demographic shift right now, with younger advisors entering the industry at a faster pace than in previous years.

This is due in part to increased demand for financial planning services, as well as efforts by firms to attract younger talent to better serve their clients.

Whether it’s to attract younger clients, succession planning, or getting a fresh perspective we believe the next 5-year window will see more movement of next generation advisors than we’ve ever seen.

Bottom Line: The average age of financial advisor will continue to shift as younger talent continues to enter the industry. We believe it’s critical to continue adding the next generation of advisors to our team. At the Cooke Financial Group we have 4 wealth advisors in their 50's, 1 in their 30's, and 2 in their 20's.

Is Cooke Financial Group part of Sanctuary Wealth?

Sanctuary Wealth is a hybrid financial firm defined by its unique open platform, Partnered Independence℠.

The Cooke Financial Group was the inaugural team within their knowledgeablfe network of advisors who, like us, knew that independence was the best option for their team and their clients.

Through Partnered Independence℠, we’ve gained: the freedom, flexibility, and control of an independent fiduciary, the support systems we need to keep our focus on our clients, and gained access to the leading specialists and resources we need to deliver a comprehensive wealth management experience.

Bottom Line: Cooke Financial Group is a partner firm of Sanctuary Wealth.

Who does Cooke Financial Group use as their custodian?

The company we rely on most for custodial services is BNY Mellon’s Pershing. Pershing is a subsidiary of BNY Mellon and has nearly $1.9 trillion in assets under administration.

We also partner with Fidelity Institutional, who has $3.7 trillion in client assets, and Charles Schwab, who has over $3.6 trillion in total client assets.

Bottom Line: The main custodian Cooke Financial Group uses is Pershing. We also use Fidelity Institutional and Charles Schwab.

What technology does Cooke Financial Group use?

As part of our technology-enabled client experience we use eMoney Advisor, MoneyGuidePro, and Orion. We are dedicated to providing our clients the most intuitive technology.

eMoneyAdvisor gives clients access to view planning and collaboration wealth management tools on any device.

MoneyGuidePro provides easy-to-use financial planning tools to customize planning services to meet the unique needs of our clients.

Orion integrates seamlessly into the wealth management process and allows for personalized reporting, trading, and portfolio rebalancing

Bottom Line: The Cooke Financial Group uses eMoney Advisor, MoneyGuidePro, and Orion to provide our clients the best experience.

Don't see your question? Send it to us and we'll answer it.

Submit your question and we'll be in touch with you soon. We look forward to hearing from you.

Office Hours:

Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM EST

     9340 Priority Way West Drive Indianapolis, IN 46240
     (317) 814-7800
     contactcooke@cookefg.com

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