Sarah Mahaffa, CFP®
Sr. Wealth Advisor and
Manager of Financial Planning
Life is full of major decisions that may cause one to feel overwhelmed and as a result, those decisions may get put on the back burner. My passion is to understand what is truly important to my clients, educate them on relevant strategies, and help to implement a plan they can have confidence in. As a Wealth Advisor, clients rely on me to plan for some of the largest financial transactions of their lives. Whether saving for education, planning for retirement, or navigating a transition of wealth due to death or divorce, planning is a critical component of a successful outcome.
Professional Financial Planning Experience
- 14 years of helping a diverse range of individuals with financial planning needs, wealth management strategies, and ultimately gaining clarity around their finances.
Career History
- Bedel Financial Consulting, Inc., Sr. Wealth Advisor & Manager of Financial Planning
- Charles Schwab, VP Financial Consultant
- Charles Schwab, Associate Financial Consultant
Educational and Professional Designations
- Certified Financial Planner™ certification
- Bachelor of Science, Management and Accounting, Purdue University
- Trained Financial Specialist for Collaborative Law divorces
- Advanced Women Leaders (AWL), Bloombase
Professional Activities & Accolades
- Women4Change, Finance Committee Member
- St. Joan of Arc School, PTO member
- CICF Professional Advisory Leadership Committee Member
- 2021 Indy’s Best and Brightest Finalist
- Integrating Woman Leaders, Former Board Co-Chair and Conference Planning Committee Chair
- Coburn Place, Former Board Treasurer
- Financial Planning Association
- Recipient of Five Star Wealth Manager Award, Indianapolis Monthly, 2018 - 2022
Check out more fun facts about Sarah:
BLOG POSTS
Child Tax Credit: Opt Out or Take the Money?
Earlier this year, the American Rescue Plan authorized a portion of the Child Tax Credit to be paid to eligible taxpayers monthly but don’t spend those funds right away. If your financial situation has changed, you may have to pay some of those dollars back!
Who’s In Charge Of Your Household Finances?
Creating a thorough inventory of financial items and documents will take some time, but just as businesses have succession plans in the event leaders cannot serve, families must also take a similar approach.
Travel Insurance - Don’t Leave Home Without It!
It’s bad enough if you have to postpone or cancel a vacation. Don’t take a financial hit as well. Travel insurance protects you from certain types of financial loss incurred while traveling.
Thinking of a Second Home? Not So Fast.
Purchasing a second home should not be an impulse decision. It requires diligent research and financial commitment. Before you buy, consider the consequences, estate issues, and more.
The Nanny Tax. How Does it Work?
So, you hired a nanny to reduce the pandemic chaos. But did you think about the tax issues involved? It’s worth taking the time to structure household employee arrangements at the beginning of an engagement, so everyone involved is protected from day one.
Fraud in Unemployment Claims
Identity theft criminals are always crafting new ways to tap into the financial resources of others. That's not going to change, even with a COVID vaccine. Earlier this year, my husband received a letter regarding an unemployment claim filed in his name.
The COVID Effect on Your Bank Account
The Bureau of Economic Analysis reports that savings almost tripled over the first two quarters of 2020. This additional savings helps to cushion rainy day funds, but in today's low-rate environment, there comes the point that you should think about how to make the cash - that you worked hard for - work even harder for you.
What’s Restrictive about Restricted Stock?
Restricted stock awards deserve just as much attention as other aspects of your portfolio, but understanding how they work hasn't been easy. Lack of knowledge can cause you to miss an opportunity to maximize your benefits.
RMDs Are Suspended For 2020, What if I Already Took Mine?
Did you take your required minimum distribution before the CARES Act was signed into law? How does the legislation affect your RMD?
CARES Act: Benefits for Families
Recently, the "CARES" Act was signed into law. The almost 900 pages of legislation are jam-packed with programs designed to help taxpayers navigate the economic hardships. We've outlined the areas that are likely to impact people on a personal level.
FAFSA: The First Step in Financial Aid
Parents, don't leave free money for your students lying around! A 2018 NerdWallet study found that eligible high school seniors left $2.6 billion worth on the table. Regardless of income or wealth, filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be the first step for any student. Read on for details on the basics, the complexities and the results.
Can You Recoup College Expenses with Tax Credits?
If you have a student heading off to college soon, now might be a good time to review your options for saving money on college expenses. A good place to start? Two tax credits – the AOTC and the Lifetime Learning Credit – that can reduce your tax liability by up to $2500 and $2000, respectively. We discuss the criteria for these credits and which might be better for your particular situation.