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Why Insurance is a Must-Have Element of Estate Planning
You probably already know that insurance is something you should have in case of unforeseen events. When it comes to estate planning, insurance helps manage the distribution of your assets the way you see fit. It may also help prevent...
Read MoreIs the Roth 401(k) an Option for You?
Taking a closer look at whether it might be appropriate for your situation Since it first became available in 2006, many employers have added the Roth 401(k) to their benefit packages as a retirement savings option. A Roth option is...
Read MoreHow to Get Started With a High-Yield Savings Account
If you’re looking for a simple way to grow your savings faster, without taking on much risk, a high-yield savings account (HYSA) is something worth considering. These accounts may earn more interest than typical savings accounts. This...
Read MoreFinding Focus with Financial Planning: A Step-By-Step Guide
You have probably heard about financial planning and its potential benefits, but you are unsure how to apply the principles to your life. A financial plan is a collection of steps that help you to evaluate your financial condition and...
Read MoreInvesting Strategies for Stagnant Interest Rates
In a world where economic certainty is not guaranteed, stagnant interest rates can present unique opportunities and challenges for investors. This interest rate environment requires innovative strategies to navigate potential returns....
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What is a Financial Consultant and What Can They Do For You?
What is a financial consultant? A financial consultant is a professional whose calling in life is to work with you, the client, to manage the many financial aspects of your life while working toward specific financial goals. Good...
Read MoreBeat Inflation with Your Back-to-School Budget
Back-to-school season is always a busy time, but in 2025, it comes with a bigger-than-normal price tag. Between inflation, tariffs, and general economic uncertainty, everything from pencils to laptops may cost more this year. According...
Read MoreRiding the Rollercoaster: Investing During Inflation and Market Volatility
In today's economic environment, where market volatility and inflation are often unpredictable and inevitable, investing can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster. However, investing during these periods doesn't have to be a...
Read MoreInvestor Summer School: 3 Investing Moves to Make Before Summer is Over
Many investors still adhere to the old adage—"sell in May and go away"—while others remain fully invested even as the summer heat waves begin. What goes unsaid is that if your asset allocation accurately reflects your risk tolerance,...
Read MoreRetirement Planning: The Ultimate Endless Summer Adventure
If you're like some, you may have spent large parts of your working life missing the carefree summer days of your childhood. That is, of course, assuming you had a happy childhood. If not, try to imagine how it might be if your...
Read MoreEstate Tax Changes in 2025
Understanding the anticipated changes in tax laws and regulations in 2025 will become increasingly crucial. One area that requires attention is the estate tax sunset at the end of 2025. The estate tax, also known as the inheritance,...
Read MoreShould You Be Concerned About the State of Social Security?
Social Security, established in 1935, provides financial benefits to the elderly, disabled, and disadvantaged groups. However, there are concerns regarding its sustainability. Social Security is particularly concerning among younger...
Read MoreEstate Tax Changes in 2025
Understanding the anticipated changes in tax laws and regulations in 2025 will become increasingly crucial. One area that requires attention is the estate tax sunset at the end of 2025. The estate tax, also known as the inheritance,...
Read MoreStrategic Tax Insights for High-Net-Worth Individuals
High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) often face a complex financial landscape characterized by diverse investments and sophisticated financial concerns. They require comprehensive financial planning to preserve and manage their wealth....
Read More8 Financial Wellness Tips to Help Manage Generational Wealth
Asset management and financial wellness can help develop long-term confidence when wealth transfers from generation to generation. Understanding and implementing financial wellness techniques is essential for effectively sharing...
Read MoreOne Last Gift: Wrapping Up All of Your Financial Contributions Before the New Year
The end of the year is not just a season for celebration and reflection but also a perfect time to ensure that our finances are in order. This includes crucial aspects such as wrapping up all financial contributions before the...
Read MoreYear-End Countdown: Key Deadlines You Cannot Afford to Miss
As the year comes to a close, there are some important deadlines that you shouldn’t ignore. These deadlines affect your taxes, savings, and, perhaps, your financial future. Here’s a simple guide to help you stay on track before this...
Read MoreHow to Find the Best Deals for Long-Term Care Planning
There is no guarantee you are going to skate through life blemish-free. Your seemingly invincible parents may be finally showing signs of their age, and you could start to wonder about what you would do in that situation. The one...
Read MoreWhat Stubborn Inflation Could Mean for the U.S. Economy
Curious about what varying inflation rates mean for the U.S. economy? Read our blog to break down the details on changing inflation rates.
Read More3 Ways Planning For Retirement is Like Planning For Summer Break
Retirement actually can provide a similar level of freedom, but only if you've adequately prepared, planned, and saved. Today, we discuss three ways that planning ahead for your retirement can be like scheduling your summer.
Read MoreVariable Annuities
Some basics A variable annuity is a contract between you (the purchaser) and an insurance company (the issuer). In return for your premium payments, the issuer agrees to make periodic payments to you (if you elect this option),...
Read More5 Things to Consider When Downsizing for Retirement
Here are five things to consider when downsizing for retirement.
Read MoreRetirement Planning: The Ultimate Endless Summer Adventure
If you're like some, you may have spent large parts of your working life missing the carefree summer days of your childhood. That is, of course, assuming you had a happy childhood. If not, try to imagine how it might be if your..
Read MoreRetirement Planning: The Ultimate Endless Summer Adventure
If you're like some, you may have spent large parts of your working life missing the carefree summer days of your childhood. That is, of course, assuming you had a happy childhood. If not, try to imagine how it might be if your...
Read MoreCommon Factors Affecting Retirement Income
When it comes to planning for your retirement income, it's easy to overlook some of the common factors that can affect how much you'll have available to spend. If you don't consider how your retirement income can be impacted by..
Read MoreFive Common Misconceptions About Retirement
Retirement is not what you retire from, but what you retire to When you plan for retirement, an exciting new phase of life, double-check your expectations. They may not match the reality. Baby boomers, currently in their 50s and 60s,...
Read MoreFactors to Consider When Setting a Retirement Savings Goal
Many Americans realize the importance of saving for retirement, but knowing exactly how much they need to save is another issue altogether. With all the information available about retirement, it is sometimes difficult to decipher what...
Read MoreThe Best Investment: Teaching Your Children to Save and Invest
Here are a few ways to help your children develop good habits regarding saving and investing.
Read More5 Ways a Financial Professional May Help Propel High Earners
On Financial Professional Day, explore how working with a financial professional could be a game-changer on your path toward a higher net worth.
Read MoreEverything you Need to Know About Fixed-Income Investing
Fixed-income investing means you loan money to a company, municipality, or the government. In return for the money contributed, they issue a bond, kind of like an IOU.
Read More6 Money Myths That Are Limiting Your Wealth
Here are 6 myths that we want to bust! Hopefully, Zeus doesn’t punish us for sharing them:
Read MoreKey Financial Tax Data 2024
It's Tax Season! Here are some Key Financial Data that will be very useful this time of year. To download a copy for yourself, click here.
Read MoreMatter of Tax Newsletter
Important 2024 Dates, Unveiling Tax Breaks for Homeowners & Tax Year 2024 and 2025 Adjustments The 2024 tax season is upon us, and it’s time to get prepared for filing your taxes. Whether you’re a seasoned taxpayer or a...
Read MoreSpring Has Sprung: Time to Refresh Your Retirement Plan
Spring can be a fantastic time to refresh your retirement plan and savings habits. With 2023 bringing increased limits for 401(k)s, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and other tax-advantaged...
Read MoreUnderstanding Tax Filing Options: Which One is Right for You?
Nowadays, when it comes to filing your taxes, there are numerous options. You can file with a tax professional like a CPA, or a tax preparation agency, for example, H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt; in some towns, there are volunteer tax...
Read MoreThe Importance of Business Credit and How to Build It
Credit is one of the most important factors of life that impacts all businesses. Having solid credit is necessary for securing a small business loan. Most lenders consider an acceptable business credit score of 75. The U.S. Small...
Read MoreA Conscious Approach to Spending
Every day, you drive past the same storefront and glance longingly into the window. Wouldn’t it be nice to just stroll in, hand over your credit card, and walk out with that kitchen appliance, new outfit, or smart gadget...
Read MorePlanning for Incapacity
What would happen if you were mentally or physically unable to take care of yourself or your day-to-day affairs? You might not be able to make sound decisions about your health or finances. You could lose the ability to pay bills,...
Read MoreThe Facts of LIFE (Living Independently For Elders): Financial Planning and Senior Independence
Navigating elder care and elder care finances in the U.S. can be a challenge even for the most well-prepared households. So what, exactly, is involved in senior financial planning? What steps can you take now to help you be prepared...
Read MoreYou’re About to Retire: Here are 7 Tips to Stay Independent
Independence is important in retirement. The more independent retirees are, the more fulfilling their retirement is likely to be. However, living independently as you age isn't always easy and may take some degree of planning well...
Read MoreGet to Know the Rich Relationship Between Your Financial and Social Life
When you think of your financial wellness, you are likely not considering how it may affect your social life or vice versa. While many factors may influence your financial situation, social influence is the component that is given the...
Read MoreHow to Create the Best Personal Finance Spreadsheet
Creating budgets isn’t always the most fun activity, but it can be easy to budget if you take the time to make a template that works for your needs. There are various financial trackers out there, but the most widely used (and...
Read MoreImproving Your Financial Health is Not Very Hard
Some folks think financial planning is very difficult. While certain aspects are hard, such as constructing the right asset allocation to meet your goals, the basic concepts are not. One approach to organizing your finances is the KISS...
Read MoreWhat is Financial Wellness?
Financial wellness is living a healthy economic life for yourself and feeling good about your financial situation. It is also an essential part of taking care of yourself and those around you. Financial wellness can mean different...
Read MoreA Crystal Clear New Year
It’s that time again: the chance to put yourself first and make realistic goals for the year ahead. While it seems like you can only focus on one aspect of your health at a time, that’s not the case. The following...
Read MoreChoosing a Retirement Date
There are only 24 hours of separation between the last day of the year and the first day of the new year. Nevertheless, choosing the official calendar date of your retirement to be in one calendar year over another is not a trivial...
Read MoreGive the Gift of a Lifetime
If you ask someone their favorite part of the holiday season, giving or receiving gifts will likely be their response nine times out of ten. Gift-giving is a huge part of the holidays—it’s why there are entire days...
Read MoreEnd of Year Financial Planning
For some, it’s easy to put personal finances on the back burner during the last few months of the year. However, before the year comes to an end, it’s essential to review your finances. By doing so now, you can make the...
Read MoreTips for Talking to Your Kids About Your Finances
Many parents may find it uncomfortable, or even believe it is unnecessary, to inform their children about personal finance matters. Yet, communicating openly with your family members can help to reassure them about your financial and...
Read MoreA Guide to Cultivating Fulfillment in Retirement
If you have reached or are close to full retirement age, weighing if and when to retire may feel overwhelming. After all, you’ve likely dedicated decades to your work to arrive at this juncture. You’re probably now engaging...
Read MoreBeing Thankful for Financial Wellness
‘Tis the season to give thanks for the many blessings that you have received throughout the year and blessings that help you as you move into the future. One thing to be truly thankful for is financial wellness. When you are...
Read MoreBalancing Work and Family
At one time, the typical American family looked like this: a breadwinner father who commuted a short distance to work and earned a very good living, and a stay-at-home mother who took care of the kids and family home with aplomb.
Read MoreYear-End Tax Planning Basics
The window of opportunity for many tax-saving moves closes on December 31, so it's important to evaluate your tax situation now, while there's still time to affect your bottom line for the 2022 tax year. Timing is everything Consider...
Read More3 Reasons to Rethink Your Retirement Plan
Retirement is a time that many of us look forward to our entire careers. It is the reward for a lifetime of work and the time to indulge in hobbies and enjoy much-needed vacations. While everyone looks forward to this seemingly-magical...
Read MoreUnderstanding 401(k) and IRA Withdrawals for Education Expenses
A student's education expenses may be reduced when a parent uses their tax-advantaged retirement account to help cover tuition and other related costs. With many students graduating with college loan debt, using a 401(k) or IRA may...
Read MoreMoney Matters: Financial Literacy For The Whole Family
Financial literacy is crucial, not only for adults but for everyone in the family. When you have a good foundation of financial literacy, you will have a greater understanding of money and prepare yourself for a brighter financial...
Read MoreThe Financial Planning Process: Why and How
Planning personal finances used to be the worry of the wealthy and their worry—usually preservation of wealth—was attended to by teams of trust officers and lawyers. Many of today’s middle class families have...
Read MoreDecoding Earnings Season: A Cautionary Tale
The hype from Wall Street and the media is very focused on the short-term Earnings season is a period that generates tremendous attention on Wall Street and captivates the media. During this time, companies release their financial...
Read MoreA Fall Financial Checklist
For many, autumn is the best time of year. The return of cool breezes, comforting foods, and pumpkins can be invigorating. It’s also a bookmark of sorts, especially for your finances—a perfect time to take stock of your...
Read MoreDisconnect Between the Markets & the Economy
U.S. stock markets continue to trend up as optimism returns to Wall Street while Main Street USA continues to struggle. For sure there is plenty of social unrest around the country, geopolitical tensions with China, Russia and North...
Read MoreThe Ultimate Downsizing Checklist Before Retiring
By focusing on goals and priorities, you can create a new, simplified lifestyleReflect on Your Goals and PrioritiesBefore you begin the downsizing process, take some time to reflect on your goals and priorities.What do you want to...
Read More5 Ways Senior Citizens Can Invest Their Savings
Even if you are already retired, it doesn't mean you should stop trying to grow your savings. Inflation, unexpected medical bills, and changes to your lifestyle or family may result in the need for additional income than you initially...
Read MoreThe Principles of Financial Literacy
Financial literacy refers to the skills and knowledge that allow an individual to make informed and effective decisions through their understanding of finances. Financial literacy starts by building a basic understanding of 'money...
Read MoreSetting and Targeting Investment Goals
Go out into your yard and dig a big hole. Every month, throw $50 into it, but don't take any money out until you're ready to buy a house, send your child to college, or retire.It sounds a little crazy, doesn't it? But that's what...
Read MoreFive Keys to Investing for Retirement
Making decisions about your retirement account can seem overwhelming, especially if you feel unsure about your knowledge of investments. However, the following basic rules can help you make smarter choices regardless of whether you...
Read MoreFinancial Impacts to Retirement Savings
Many people care for a loved one out of necessity as their family members can no longer care for themselves. More than one in ten people in the United States also care for an adult, spending about three hours each day on caregiving...
Read MoreFinancial Planning Challenges and Strategies
Almost half of all adults are part of the "sandwich generation." These are adults in their 40s and 50s who are helping support or care for a parent while also supporting or caring for a child.1 Being caught between two generations of...
Read MoreCaring for Parents and Children Simultaneously
As the U.S. population continues to age, the “sandwich generation” is caught in the middle, supporting both their parents and their children, whether financially, physically, or emotionally. This...
Read MoreThe Great Wealth Transfer
Over the next twenty years, a wealth transfer will occur that exceeds $30 trillion as the Baby Boomer generation passes the remainder of their wealth to the Millennials and subsequent generations. The Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) are...
Read More5 Ways to Help Your Parents Prepare for Retirement
The sandwich generation is a term commonly used to describe those between the ages of 40 and 59 who are responsible for raising their family and are also often helping their aging parents manage their ongoing needs. Those members of...
Read More5 Life Events That Impact Your Life Insurance Needs
A life insurance policy is part of financial planning. Life insurance is there to help ease the financial trauma that comes with the loss of a spouse, parent, or partner. As you encounter different events in your life, you may need to...
Read MoreAnnuities: Pros, Cons and a Huge Heap of Details
Life insurance buys financial protection against your premature death. Here’s the how-to on another insurance that can protect you from living too long: the annuity.Annuities often secure steady cash flow to you during your...
Read More5 Life Events That Impact Your Life Insurance Needs
A life insurance policy is part of financial planning. Life insurance is there to help ease the financial trauma that comes with the loss of a spouse, parent, or partner. As you encounter different events in your life, you may need to...
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