What’s Happening
Thank you to everyone who joined our celebration at the Salisbury House!
We hope you enjoyed a classical evening with us at the Salisbury House!
Our team was thrilled for the in-person opportunity to catch up with so many of you while enjoying a beautiful afternoon and classical music. As always, we feel truly privileged to be a part of your wealth journey by serving you through all of life’s transitions. Thank you, again, for trusting us to walk beside you along the way.
If you didn’t get a chance to connect with someone on our team Tuesday, or if you have any questions/concerns, please call us directly. We are always happy to talk!
We hope you had a lovely evening, and we look forward to seeing you again soon!
Always with gratitude,
The Triangle Financial Team
Kendra, Lucas, Bailey, Elizabeth, Alyssa, and Zoe
Latest Events
Let’s Travel Event!
Past Events
Start: 10/12/21 | End: 10/12/21 | Time: 5pm-8pm
Location: Lauridsen Amphitheater Water Works Park 2201 George Flagg PKWY Des Moines, IA 50321
Women2Women Des Moines
Past Events
Start: 06/17/20 | End: 06/17/20 | Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: The Tea Room 713 Walnut Street ##600 Des Moines, IA 50309
Come Celebrate Good Times
Past Events
Start: 01/21/20 | End: 01/21/20 | Time: 4pm-9pm
Location: The River Center 340 SW 3rd St.Des Moines, IA 50309
NAWBO Iowa & Kendra Erkamaa present Profit First
Past Events
Start: 01/14/20 | End: 01/14/20 | Time: 11:30am - 1pm
Location: Glen Oaks Country Club 1401 Glen Oaks Drive West Des Moines, IA 50266
Books on the Balcony 12/17/19
Past Events
Start: 12/17/19 | End: 12/17/19 | Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Location: Bubba 200 10th St Des Moines IA 50309
Books on the Balcony 11/26/19
Past Events
Start: 11/26/19 | End: 11/26/19 | Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Location: Bubba 200 10th St Des Moines IA 50309
Books on the Balcony 10/29/19
Past Events
Start: 10/29/19 | End: 10/29/19 | Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Location: Bubba 200 10th St Des Moines IA 50309
Books on the Balcony 10/1/19
Past Events
Start: 10/01/19 | End: 10/01/19 | Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Location: Eatery A 2932 Ingersoll Ave Des Moines IA 50312
Social Security: Purpose, Benefits & Solutions with Kendra Erkamaa IA #103492, CFP #256095
Past Events
Start: 09/10/19 | End: 09/10/19 | Time: 12:00 pm - 4:45 pm
Location: FFA Enrichment Center 1055 SW Prairie Trail Parkway, Ankeny
Books on the Balcony 8/27/19
Past Events
Start: 08/27/19 | End: 08/27/19 | Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Location: Eatery A 2932 Ingersoll Ave Des Moines IA 50312
Books on the Balcony 12/18
Past Events
Start: 12/18/18 | End: 12/18/18 | Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Location: Louie's Wine Dive 4040 University Ave, Suite A Des Moines, IA 50311
2018 Holiday Open House & Food Drive
Past Events
Start: 12/14/18 | End: 12/14/18 | Time: 4pm-6pm
Location: Triangle Financial Services 3101 Ingersoll Ave Suite 204 Des Moines, IA 50312
Books on the Balcony 11/27
Past Events
Start: 11/27/18 | End: 11/27/18 | Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Location: Eatery A 2932 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
2018 Tax Reform Seminar
Past Events
Start: 11/15/18 | End: 11/15/18 | Time:
Location:
Books on the Balcony 10/23
Past Events
Start: 10/23/18 | End: 10/23/18 | Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Location: Louie's Wine Dive 4040 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
Books on the Balcony 10/2
Past Events
Start: 10/02/18 | End: 10/02/18 | Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Location: Eatery A 2932 Ingersoll Ave Des Moines, IA 50312
Books on the Balcony 8/28
Past Events
Start: 08/28/18 | End: 08/28/18 | Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Location: Eatery A 2932 Ingersoll Ave Des Moines, IA 50312
Books on the Balcony 7/24
Past Events
Start: 07/24/18 | End: 07/24/18 | Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Location: Magnolia Wine Kitchen Balcony 1420 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Books on the Balcony 6/26
Past Events
Start: 06/26/18 | End: 06/26/18 | Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Location: Magnolia Wine Kitchen Balcony 1420 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Books on the Balcony 5/22
Past Events
Start: 05/22/18 | End: 05/22/18 | Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Location: Eatery A 2932 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA
Books on the Balcony 4/24
Past Events
Start: 04/24/18 | End: 04/24/18 | Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Location: Magnolia Wine Kitchen Balcony 1420 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Books on the Balcony 3/27
Past Events
Start: 03/27/18 | End: 03/27/18 | Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Location: Magnolia Wine Kitchen Balcony 1420 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Books on the Balcony 3/27
Past Events
Start: 03/27/18 | End: 03/27/18 | Time:
Location:
Books on the Balcony 2/27
Past Events
Start: 02/27/18 | End: 02/27/18 | Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Location: Magnolia Wine Kitchen Balcony 1420 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Open House Holiday Celebration
Past Events
Start: 12/21/17 | End: 12/21/17 | Time: 4:00pm-7:00pm
Location: Triangle Financial Office 3101 Ingersoll Ave, Ste 204, Des Moines, Iowa 50312
Latest Article
New Retirement Contribution Limits for 2024
by Kendra Erkamaa | December 5, 2023 | 401k, IRS, Retirement, Tax
Important Birthdays Over 50
by Kendra Erkamaa | November 28, 2023 | 401k, Retirement, Social Security
Ask Triangle – November, 2023
by Kendra Erkamaa | November 21, 2023 | Income, Investing, Markets, Stocks, Wealth
The Value of Insuring Against Life’s Risks
by Kendra Erkamaa | November 14, 2023 | Disability, Insurance, Wealth
Where Will Your Retirement Money Come From?
by Kendra Erkamaa | November 7, 2023 | Income, IRA, Retirement, Savings, Social Security
Caring For Aging Parents
by Kendra Erkamaa | October 31, 2023 | Family, Health Care, Medicare, Retirement
The A, B, C, & D of Medicare
by Kendra Erkamaa | October 24, 2023 | Health Care, Insurance, Retirement
Ask Triangle – October, 2023
by Kendra Erkamaa | October 17, 2023 | Income, Investing, Markets, Stocks, Wealth
Personal Finance Tips For Military Families
by Kendra Erkamaa | October 10, 2023 | Budget, Debt, Family, Investment, Retirement
4 Steps To Protecting A Child With Disabilities
by Kendra Erkamaa | October 3, 2023 | Budget, Disability, Estate, Family
Financially Savvy at Six Figures
by Kendra Erkamaa | September 26, 2023 | Budget, Investment, Retirement, Wealth
Navigating Retirement Pitfalls
by Kendra Erkamaa | September 19, 2023 | Retirement, Social Security, Tax
Ask Triangle – September, 2023
by Kendra Erkamaa | September 12, 2023 | Income, Investing, Markets, Stocks, Wealth
Do You Owe The AMT?
by Kendra Erkamaa | September 5, 2023 | IRS, Social Security, Tax
Breaking Down The Parts Of Medicare
by Kendra Erkamaa | August 29, 2023 | Health Care, Medicare
A Primer On Dividends
by Kendra Erkamaa | August 22, 2023 | Dividend, Investment, Stocks, Tax
A Primer On Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts
by Kendra Erkamaa | August 15, 2023 | Estate, Family, Insurance
Helpful Retirement Strategies for Women
by Kendra Erkamaa | August 8, 2023 | Retirement, Wealth, Women
What Can You Buy with 529 Distributions?
by Kendra Erkamaa | August 1, 2023 | College, Education, Savings
How Will Working Affect Social Security Benefits?
by Kendra Erkamaa | July 25, 2023 | Retirement, Social Security, Tax
Will Power
by Kendra Erkamaa | July 18, 2023 | Distribution, Estate, Income, Inheritance, Retirement
Assess Life Insurance Needs
by Kendra Erkamaa | July 11, 2023 | Family, Income, Insurance
IRA Withdrawals That Escape The 10% Tax Penalty
by Kendra Erkamaa | July 4, 2023 | Retirement, Tax
The Business Cycle
by Kendra Erkamaa | June 27, 2023 | Economy, Investment, Wealth
Ask Triangle – June 2, 2023
by Kendra Erkamaa | June 20, 2023 | Income, Investing, Markets, Stocks, Wealth
How Women Can Prepare For Retirement
by Kendra Erkamaa | June 13, 2023 | 401k, Investment, Retirement, Women
Eight Mistakes That Can Upend Your Retirement
by Kendra Erkamaa | June 6, 2023 | 401k, Investment, Retirement
A Bucket Plan to Go with Your Bucket List
by Kendra Erkamaa | May 30, 2023 | Budget, Estate, Investment, Retirement, Savings
Healthcare Costs in Retirement
by Kendra Erkamaa | May 23, 2023 | Health Care, Investment, Retirement, Savings, Social Security
Ask Triangle – May 5, 2023
by Kendra Erkamaa | May 16, 2023 | Income, Investing, Markets, Stocks, Wealth
Inflation & Your Money
by Kendra Erkamaa | May 9, 2023 | Budget, Income, Investing, Investment, Savings, Wealth
The Cost of Procrastination
by Kendra Erkamaa | May 2, 2023 | Income, Investing, Investment, Retirement, Wealth
Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets
by Kendra Erkamaa | April 25, 2023 | Bear, Bull, Estate, Investing, Investment, Markets, Stocks, Wealth
When Do You Need a Will?
by Kendra Erkamaa | April 18, 2023 | Estate, Family, Giving, Retirement, Savings
Ask Triangle – April 7, 2023
by Kendra Erkamaa | April 11, 2023 | Income, Investing, Markets, Stocks, Wealth
Five Most Overlooked Tax Deductions
by Kendra Erkamaa | April 4, 2023 | Retirement, Savings, Tax
Ask Triangle – March 3, 2023
by Kendra Erkamaa | March 28, 2023 | Education, Income, Investing, Markets, Stocks, Wealth
Countdown to College
by Kendra Erkamaa | March 21, 2023 | Education, Family, Income, Savings
9 Facts About Social Security
by Kendra Erkamaa | March 14, 2023 | Income, Retirement, Social Security, Tax
Traditional vs. Roth IRA
by Kendra Erkamaa | March 7, 2023 | Investing, IRA, Retirement
Six Surprising Facts About Retirement Confidence – Infographic
by Kendra Erkamaa | February 28, 2023 | Health Care, Insurance, Investing, Retirement, Social Security
Insurance Needs Assessment: For Empty Nesters and Retirees
by Kendra Erkamaa | February 21, 2023 | Insurance, Investing, Retirement
Ask Triangle – Feb. 3, 2023
by Kendra Erkamaa | February 14, 2023 | Employment, Investing, Retirement, Wealth
Women And Financial Strategies
by Kendra Erkamaa | February 7, 2023 | Investing, Retirement, Wealth
A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision
by Kendra Erkamaa | January 31, 2023 | Investing, Retirement, Wealth
Ask Triangle – Jan. 6, 2023
by Kendra Erkamaa | January 24, 2023 | Investing, Retirement, Wealth
SECURE Act 2.0: An Overview
by Kendra Erkamaa | January 17, 2023 | Retirement, Wealth
New Retirement Contribution Limits for 2023
by Kendra Erkamaa | January 10, 2023 | Education, Retirement
Your Emergency Fund: How Much Is Enough?
by Kendra Erkamaa | January 3, 2023 | Education, Family
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…
Triangle Financial moved to new location in West Des Moines
by Kendra Erkamaa | July 8, 2022 | Community
Triangle Financial Services is excited to announce the company moved this spring to a new location in West Des Moines.
Triangle’s Action Plan for COVID-19
by Kendra Erkamaa | September 30, 2021 | Uncategorized
We have successfully completed our third quarter of 2021! We are hoping you all are staying healthy and safe during these difficult times. We are here for you, working hard for your finances and doing our best to stay healthy.
New Year Resolutions, Goal Setting and Living With Intention
by Kendra Erkamaa | March 11, 2021 | Community
All my life I have been a planner. My Franklin Covey Planner was known as “my life” starting at the age of 14, when I literally scheduled my days down to the minute. If I was anxious, I planned.
Triangle times
by Kendra Erkamaa | January 25, 2021 | Newsletter
Welcome to 2021! We are still working hard to keep up with Covid safe standards and you all are staying healthy and safe during these uncertain We are here for you, working hard for your finances and doing our best to stay healthy. We hope you enjoy our updates! Look for our quarterly Triangle Times…
The Peaceful Planner
by Kendra Erkamaa | January 18, 2021 | Community
The Peaceful Planner – A hero who helps clients see the humanity in the numbers My mom is a nurse, and my dad was a helicopter mechanic, so they’ve always served, and so it was just something that was really important to me. – Kendra Erkamaa ome people may have heard the quote, “Those who fail…
2020: A Story of Plans Re-Written
by Kendra Erkamaa | January 6, 2021 | Community
As 2020 closes on one of the most transformative years for our country, can we agree that not much has gone as any of us planned? For just about everyone, life and any intentions we may have had for the year to this point have been altered in one way or another. Our jobs, finances,…
Triangle Times July 2020
by Kendra Erkamaa | July 10, 2020 | Newsletter
The second quarter of 2020 has come to a close and what a great second quarter. We are hoping you all are staying healthy and safe during these difficult times. We are here for you, working hard for your finances and doing our best to stay healthy. We hope you enjoy our updates! Look for…
Details on the Tax Deadline Extension
by Kendra Erkamaa | July 7, 2020 | Community
The I.R.S. is giving you three additional months to file and pay. Provided by Triangle Financial Services, Kendra Erkamaa, Lindsey Taylor, and Jessica Dillon The Internal Revenue Service knows that many taxpayers have had a stressful spring. So, it has reset the federal tax deadline. You now have until July 15 to file your 1040…
The Power of Compounding
by Lindsey Taylor | June 30, 2020 | Education, Investing, Wealth
When considering a subject to write about, I decided to ask one of my old college roommates what financial topic she wishes she’d known more about as a younger professional. Her response: Why should I make consistent, small contributions to a 401k – or other retirement account? And how does it build up over time?…
3 Roth Conversion Traps To Avoid After The SECURE Act
by Kendra Erkamaa | June 30, 2020 | Community
Jamie Hopkins Contributor Retirement Director of Retirement Research and Managing Director of Carson Coaching Roth conversions can be a powerful tax and retirement planning technique. The idea behind most Roth conversions is to take money from an IRA and convert it to a Roth IRA. Essentially, you’re paying taxes today instead of paying taxes in…
The Fear Factor
by Kendra Erkamaa | May 12, 2020 | Newsletter
The Fear Factor – Making Smart Choices in the Face of Fear Even the most fearless among us have been faced with uneasiness over the last few months. With an unprecedented global pandemic facing the entire world, it would be nearly impossible not to consider the “what ifs” invading our senses posed by the COVID-19…
The SECURE Act
by Kendra Erkamaa | April 17, 2020 | Newsletter
The SECURE Act Long-established retirement account rules change. The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act is now law. With it, comes some of the biggest changes to retirement savings law in recent years. While the new rules don’t appear to amount to a massive upheaval, the SECURE Act will require a change…
CARES Act 2020
by Kendra Erkamaa | April 13, 2020 | Newsletter
Key Provisions of the CARES Act Distributions can be waived in 2020 for Inherited Accounts, 401(k)s, andIRAs. Recently, the $2 trillion “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security” (“CARES”) Act was signed into law. The CARES Act is designed to help those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, while also providing keyprovisions that may benefit retirees.1…
Triangle Times March 2020
by Kendra Erkamaa | April 8, 2020 | Newsletter
The first quarter of 2020 has come to a close and wow has it been a wild one. We are hoping you all are staying healthy and safe during these difficult times. We are here for you, working hard for your finances and doing our best to stay healthy. Hope you enjoy our updates! Look…
Virtual Meeting Options with Triangle Financial
by Lindsey Taylor | March 12, 2020 | Investing
The outbreak and response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is new for all of us. We are staying tuned in as the situation evolves. Triangle is prepared. We have all our staff set up to work remotely and will be able to provide you with service provided the health of our staff is well. You…
Client Stories on Wealth
by Kendra Erkamaa | February 4, 2020 | Investing
Clear service structure: value
by Kendra Erkamaa | October 30, 2019 | Investing, Wealth
“Life is Change, Growth is Optional One of my favorite professional coaches, Janet Tingwald, uses this as her email signature and tagline. While much has changed in the financial industry during the 30 years, we have been serving Triangle clients, one thing remains the same – our focus on growth. Not only do we strive…
The Financial Planning Industry is Changing
by Kendra Erkamaa | October 30, 2019 | Investing, Wealth
“Life is Change, Growth is Optional” I heard that book title the other day, and even though I haven’t read the book, I found myself considering the title in relation to my profession. As in the case of life itself, there exists a lot of change in the financial world. Our job as financial advisor…
Financial literacy – knowledge is power
by Kendra Erkamaa | August 1, 2019 | Family, Investing, Wealth
Unfortunately, financial literacy rates have dropped nationally since the Great Recession of the late 2000s. According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Capability Study (usfinancialcapability.org), which shares financial literacy ratings by state, Iowa scores near the national average for spending and savings habits. For example, only 46 percent of Iowans reported having a “rainy…
Making a wealthy mindset work for you
by Kendra Erkamaa | July 1, 2019 | Wealth
Let’s be honest – how many times have you played the “if I ever win the lottery, I’m going to….” game? Most everyone dreams of being wealthy at some point. But what if you could think it into reality? Consider this: how you think drives your beliefs, which influences your attitude and feelings, and those…
Top Things to Ask a Financial Advisor
by Kendra Erkamaa | June 15, 2019 | Tax
Financial Planning Industry: Selecting an Advisor “Life is Change, Growth is Optional” I heard that book title the other day, and even though I haven’t read the book, I found myself considering the title in relation to my profession. As in the case of life itself, there exists a lot of change in the financial…
Robo-Advisors – what’s the hype?
by Lindsey Taylor | May 31, 2019 | Wealth
As a financial advisory firm, we talk a lot about the importance of finding the right match in an advisor. But some people aren’t to the place where they need the full financial planning experience…yet. In the last few years, we’ve seen an increase in the availability of online advisors called “Robo-Advisors.” Robo-advisors are online,…
Women, Money and the Wealth Gap
by Kendra Erkamaa | March 1, 2019 | Family, Investing, Wealth
As a woman, I’m proud of the unique gifts and qualities our gender offers. We are diverse, we have strong values, and we are caring. Our aptitude for multi-tasking has served us well in the relatively recent advancement of women in the workforce —juggling parenthood, careers and social activities. Additionally, most women are instinctual caretakers.…
Time for a new vehicle – lease or purchase?
by Kendra Erkamaa | February 1, 2019 | Wealth
As a financial advisor, I’m sometimes asked what my opinions are on purchasing vs. leasing a car or truck. Next to homes, vehicles are typically the second largest single household purchase. Edmunds forecasted that just within the month of December, 1,607,724 new vehicles would be sold in the U.S. I have owned my car for…
Holidays: Making Memories Instead of Breaking the Bank
by Kendra Erkamaa | December 3, 2018 | Family, Giving
Years ago, I hosted a family holiday gift exchange that ended up an epic fail. In the spirit of taking the focus off buying gifts and instead creating memories, I implemented what I thought would be a fun experience of a random gift exchange. I was hoping to take the pressure off family members to…
NAWBO Iowa names new leadership
by Kendra Erkamaa | September 21, 2018 | Community
Kathryn Towner, president and owner of WinCommunications, and Kendra Erkamaa, CEO and owner of Triangle Financial Services, have been selected to lead NAWBO Iowa as co-presidents of the organization’s 2018-19 board of directors. The two new leaders will work together to expand NAWBO Iowa’s mission throughout the state by focusing on continued membership growth and…
Financial Planning Through Divorce – Tax Considerations
by Kendra Erkamaa | July 30, 2018 | Tax
In this second of two articles in the series, we’re focusing on how taxes may affect the division of property during divorce. Divorce is already a painful process, but taxes have the potential to compound the pain more through confusion over new tax laws and changing finances with retirement and beyond. In my opinion, the…
Certificate of Divorce
by Kendra Erkamaa | July 2, 2018 | Family
Divorce is a painful process in many ways. It’s not a topic many want to discuss or think about, but it happens. One of the major areas of focus throughout the process is the division of finances. While marriage is ideally a matter of the heart, if it ends in divorce, it quickly becomes also…
Creating Wealthy Habits
by Kendra Erkamaa | April 27, 2018 | Wealth
How would you define “wealth?” I often hear the following: When I can do what I want, when I want, without money worries Knowing I have enough money for both what I need and what I want When I can focus on what brings me joy and happiness instead of work For some, wealth is…
When do I take Social Security benefits?
by Kendra Erkamaa | April 9, 2018 | Wealth
Most people entering the retirement phase of life start questioning when they should collect social security benefits. Should they collect at the age of 62, immediately upon eligibility? Or should they hold off longer to collect more monthly? Just like every other aspect of individual or family finances, planning for social security is very personal.…
Tax Reform Article
by Kendra Erkamaa | February 26, 2018 | Tax
On Friday, December 22, the President signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 into law. We have separated the tax discussion into four major parts: individual provisions, pass-through provisions, corporate provisions, and estate provisions. These items are effective for the 2018 tax year. Individual Provisions Most individuals will see a tax decrease…
Grey Divorce
by Kendra Erkamaa | February 9, 2018 | Family
As an independent financial planning firm, we help people in all stages of their life plan for, grow and enjoy their finances. Recently I have noticed an interesting new trend among the clients we help through tough divorce decisions — approximately 60 percent are in what is being called “grey divorces.” Grey divorces are among…
Kids & Money
by Kendra Erkamaa | February 8, 2018 | Family
Tips for setting up children for financial success It’s the time of year when many parents are sending kids off to college to start newly independent lives full of exciting opportunities – new classes, new friends and many new opportunities. It may also be one of the first times some parents realize their children will…
