Blog
When Should I Start Taking Social Security: 5 Factors to Consider
Social Security decisions are often framed as a single question: “When should I start drawing benefits?”That question matters, but it can also be limiting. The better question is: how does Social Security fit into my overall retirement...
Read MoreTeaching Teens and Young Adults Financial Literacy Through Real-Life Decision Making
If you are a parent of a teen or young adult, how do you teach them to make confident money decisions before the stakes are high?Teaching teens and young adults about money is less about formal instruction and more about repeated...
Read MoreHelping Adult Children Buy a Home: How to Gift a Down Payment The Smart Way
Key TakeawaysHere are some questions this blog aims to answer:How can parents or grandparents help with a down payment for adult children?What are ways to gift a down payment, and how do the annual gift tax exclusion and lifetime...
Read MoreThree Numbers Every Woman Should Know
Key TakeawaysHow much wealth are women on track to control in the next decade, and why does that matter?What does the life expectancy gap between women and men mean for how long money needs to last?How common is it for women to be...
Read MoreTax Prep vs. Tax Strategy: The Difference Matters More Than You Think
Key TakeawaysTreat tax strategy as a continuous process, not a once-a-year filing exercise.Coordinate with financial and tax professionals throughout the year to identify opportunities for efficiency.Review contribution limits,...
Read MoreShow All
Understanding the Emotions Behind Financial Decisions
Key TakeawaysEmotions and biases might influence financial choices more often than most people realize.Behavioral patterns, such as loss aversion, familiarity bias, and herd mentality, can impact long-term results.Recognizing emotional...
Read MoreAI and the New Face of Fraud: How to Protect Your Identity and Finances in 2026
Artificial intelligence (AI) may be the most revolutionary technology of our time, with industries scrambling to embrace its possibilities. AI’s early influence seems similar to the positive disruptions brought about by past...
Read More2025 in Review and What You Should Know
As we begin a new year and consider the opportunities ahead, reflecting on the past year helps put today’s financial landscape into perspective and informs the strategies that can move us closer to our goals. 2025 was a year marked by...
Read More
Horizontal Networking: A Smarter Wealth Strategy for the Black Community
Horizontal networking helps the Black community by combining skills, sharing resources, and reducing reliance on unequal systems. Learn why building side-by-side creates stronger, sustainable growth.
Read MoreGoal Setting That Sticks: Simple Ways to Turn January Motivation into Lasting Wins
Key Takeaways and Suggestions for Successful Goal Setting Use SMART Goals for Clarity and FocusSet goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This proven method helps break big ambitions into manageable...
Read MoreYear-End Giving Strategies: Tax-Smart and Impactful
Key Takeaways A third of annual donations: About one-third of all charitable contributions are made in December. Donating before December 31 may offer tax advantages. New rules starting in 2026 (via the OBBB Act) may affect deductions...
Read MoreThe True Costs of Caring for Aging Parents
Key Takeaways Caring for aging parents is a growing reality for many Americans. The number of family caregivers in the U.S. has jumped to 63 million, a 45 percent increase over the past decade, making 1 in every 4 Americans a...
Read MoreMoney Talks: How to Use Holiday Gatherings to Start Family Financial Conversations
Key Takeaways Year-end holidays may be a good time to initiate a discussion about financial matters that may impact your family. If you have adult children, you may want to discuss your financial situation, estate strategy, and legal...
Read MoreShould You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?
Receiving a bonus, inheritance, or an increase in income often prompts a key financial question: Should I use this money to pay off my mortgage, or invest it? At first glance, the answer might seem simple. But in reality, it requires...
Read MoreA 2025 Guide to Protecting Seniors from Fraud
If you’ve found yourself stepping into a more active role in your parents’ financial lives, you’re not alone. Some of us are helping aging parents navigate everything from healthcare decisions to bill payments—and increasingly, we’re...
Read MoreSmart Moves to Consider Before Year-End
The final months of the year can sneak up quickly, and with them come deadlines, decisions, and distractions. Before the holiday season takes over your calendar, fall can be a valuable window to revisit your financial strategy and...
Read MoreBreaking Down the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: What You Need to Know
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) included lower federal income tax brackets, bigger standard deductions, and higher gift and estate tax exemptions, among other provisions. The law stipulated that some of those tax breaks would...
Read MoreWhy More Families Are Choosing to Gift Wealth Earlier—and How to Do It
Estate management isn’t just about what happens after you’re gone— it’s also about what you can do now to help manage future estate taxes, transfer wealth strategically, and attempt to create a meaningful impact during your lifetime....
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know About the 2025 Changes to Inherited IRA Rules
The rules regarding inherited IRAs have changed in the last five years, and failing to comply with the new requirements may result in IRS penalties. These changes affect people inheriting IRAs and those looking to leave retirement...
Read MoreBeyond Salary: Understanding Your Total Compensation
Compensation is more than just a number on a paycheck. Whether you're exploring new opportunities, preparing for a promotion, or evaluating your current benefits, it’s important to understand the full value of your total...
Read MoreHow Much Do You Really Know About Stock Market Indexes?
While you may follow the various stock indexes on the nightly business news, how much do you know about their histories, how they work, and why they're important? We pulled together some information and interesting facts about some of...
Read MoreHow Do You Turn Retirement Savings into a Reliable Income Strategy?
You’ve likely spent years building your retirement nest egg—saving diligently, investing wisely, and contributing to retirement accounts along the way. But transitioning from earning a paycheck to relying on your savings can feel...
Read More“The Four Most Dangerous Words In Investing Are: ‘This Time It’s Different.’” – Sir John Temple
Despite those who say the conventional wisdom that has guided investor actions over the years is no longer valid in 2025, remember the famous quote from legendary investor Sir John Templeton: "The four most dangerous words in investing...
Read MoreWhat’s the Job Market Look Like for 2025 Graduates?
It’s graduation season—a time of celebration and new beginnings. For families with college seniors, this time can bring both excitement and uncertainty. While some graduates have jobs lined up, many others still are navigating job...
Read MoreIs It Smarter to Buy or Rent a Second Home?
Is It Smarter to Buy or Rent a Second Home? As summer approaches, your thoughts may drift toward escaping your daily routine. Whether your idea of a perfect vacation is sitting on a pristine beach, fishing in a mountain lake, or...
Read MoreFrom College Acceptances to Affordability: Considerations for Families in the Final Stretch
April is a pivotal time in the college admissions process. After years of preparation, saving, and investing—not to mention the countless hours spent on exam prep, campus visits, and perfecting applications and essays—the finish line...
Read MoreSpring Into Financial Wellness: Actionable Steps for Financial Literacy Month
April isn’t just about filing taxes—it’s also Financial Literacy Month, a perfect opportunity to reflect on your financial habits, expand your knowledge, and take meaningful steps toward improving your financial well-being. Whether...
Read More10 Things You Can Do Now to Help Simplify Your Estate for Your Heirs
One of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones is a thoughtful estate strategy that outlines your wishes after you are gone. Discussing estate details with your team of professionals is another way to help manage your legacy...
Read MoreThe Evolving Role of Women in Family Finances
March is Women’s History Month, and according to a recent survey, 49% of women consider themselves to be the chief financial officer of their households, up from 41% in 2021.1 Those numbers are even more impressive when you consider...
Read MoreDon’t Leave Money Behind: Finding Your Missing 401(k)s
You've worked hard throughout your life to build assets to support your retirement. As financial professionals, one of the most critical functions we provide is helping clients determine their retirement income needs and structuring a...
Read MoreTax season brings a new wave of identity theft risks
Tax season brings a new wave of identity theft risks, with criminals ready to exploit your personal data to file fraudulent tax returns in your name. Imagine the shock of discovering that a criminal beat you to filing your...
Read More10 Facts You May Not Know About Social Security
Social Security is often misunderstood or underestimated in retirement strategy. However, as financial professionals, we've seen how it can play a crucial role in our clients' overall financial strategy, regardless of their income...
Read MoreInnovative New Year's Resolutions: Financial and Personal Growth Strategies for 2025
Looks like New Year's resolutions are still going strong in 2025! A recent Pew survey found that about a third of Americans kicked off the year with at least one resolution, and many people actually went for multiple goals. It's...
Read MoreKey Financial Insights from 2024 and Looking Ahead to 2025
As we approach the end of 2024, it's an opportune time to reflect on the year's financial developments and consider what 2025 may bring. We believe in understanding both the past and potential future of our economic landscape, which...
Read MoreNavigating Healthcare Costs in Retirement: Life After Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance
As you approach retirement, a critical aspect of your retirement strategy can catch even the most financially savvy individuals off guard: healthcare costs. For decades, you may have enjoyed employer-sponsored health insurance. As...
Read MoreA Different Kind of Year-End Review: 10 Steps to Reflect and Recharge
Financial professionals typically have a year-round focus on monetary goals and wealth management strategies. However, we also believe that true financial well-being is intrinsically linked to your overall life satisfaction and...
Read MoreYear-End Giving Strategies: Maximizing Your Impact
America is a generous country. People with diverse backgrounds can unite for a good cause, whether to benefit their local communities or the broader world. As we enter the holiday season, now is a great time to think about your giving...
Read MoreExploring the Financial Impact of Electric Vehicles
As financial professionals, we’ve noticed a trend among our clients: an increasing interest in electric vehicles (EVs). To help address some of your questions, we’ve compiled this high-level guide to provide insights into the...
Read MoreSafeguarding Your Identity: Essential Tips for Financial Security
Statistics show that nearly 33% of Americans have faced some identity theft attempts in their lives, and experts estimate there is a new case of identity theft every 22 seconds. As financial professionals, one of our primary goals is...
Read MoreNavigating the Recent Federal Reserve Rate Cut: Implications and Reassurances
The Federal Reserve's recent decision to cut interest rates by 50 basis points has sent ripples through financial markets. While this move is intended to stimulate economic growth, it may also have implications for various aspects of...
Read MoreThe Impact of Elections on the Markets and Tax Policy
The Impact of Elections on the Markets and Tax Policy With Labor Day behind us, we're in the final stretch of the 2024 presidential election race. As we follow the news and parse the most recent polls, some may ask, "How might what...
Read MoreDon’t Be A Victim Of The Retirement Crisis
Don’t Be A Victim Of The Retirement Crisis If you think the United States has a retirement crisis, you are not alone. A recent survey found that 79% of working-age Americans believe the same thing. That percentage is up from 67% in...
Read MoreArtificial Intelligence’s Influence on the Investing Landscape
In 1999, Bill Gates wrote, “How you gather, manage, and use information will determine whether you win or lose.” Companies looking to be successful in the future should heed these words when making decisions about implementing...
Read MorePreparing to Send a Child Off to College? Don't Forget These Important Topics
Sending a child off to college is a major milestone for any family, whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or close friend. It’s an exciting time, filled with anticipation and perhaps a bit of trepidation. There’s so much to do, and...
Read MoreDo You Know About the New Filing Requirements for Small Business Owners?
If you are a small business owner—or plan to be one—you should be aware of a new reporting requirement. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), passed in 2021, changed beneficial ownership rules, which is expected to impact 32 million...
Read MoreTen Common Estate Strategy Mistakes You Should Avoid
Legacy preparation can play a key role in any financial strategy. Legacy management lets you consider what happens to everything you’ve accumulated—and may continue to accumulate—throughout your lifetime. But far too often, we’ve seen...
Read MoreFinancial Wedding Tips for a Memorable “I Do”
As we enter the traditional wedding month of June, we wanted to explore the range of expenses that can be related to this special event. The average US wedding costs $35,0001 According to The Knot Real Weddings Study of nearly 10,000...
Read MoreThe Evolving Relationship Between Stocks and Bonds
Sir John Templeton once said, “The four most expensive words in investing are: ‘This time it’s different.'” And normally, we would agree. But the phrase “This time it’s different” may apply to what's happened in financial markets in...
Read MoreHow Much Do You Need To Retire?
A few years ago, there were ads from financial services companies asking, “What’s your number?” The number was the money you needed to retire comfortably. This was an effective way for financial services companies to get people...
Read MoreIdentity Protection Strategies – Are You Doing Enough To Keep Your Information Safe?
There isn’t a week that goes by when you don’t read about some data breach. Safeguarding your personal information starts with understanding cybersecurity risks, knowing what to look for, and doing everything you can to help protect...
Read MoreCreate a Strategy to Protect Your Wealth with Potential Estate Tax Changes Looming
At the end of 2025, portions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) are set to expire. Many changes will come with the sunsetting of many rules, including the possibility that federal estate and gift tax exemption levels will revert to...
Read MoreGive Your Children the Gift of Financial Literacy
Give your children the gift of financial literacy. They’ll thank you later! As a parent, you are well aware of your responsibility in helping your children grow up happy and healthy. Once they enter their teen years, the pressure can...
Read MoreInvesting in a Presidential Election Year
As the presidential election race heats up, a common question on investors’ minds is, “How might the looming White House vote impact the markets?” Some may wonder if they should tweak their portfolios or sit tight with uncertainty...
Read MoreSECURE Act 2.0 Includes New Provision On Special Needs Trusts
Experts estimate there are more than 44 million people with disabilities in the U.S., representing 13.4% of the population.1 Many parents of children with disabilities choose to establish a special needs trust. This can help provide...
Read More
Helping Minors after Receiving a Settlement Award
Description of Problem/Opportunity Sometimes as parents or guardians we find our families in a position where our children have received a large amount money. Often this money is preceded by an unfortunate occurrence such as a...
Read More
New Money New Problems?
Coming into a large sum of money can be a life changing moment for many of us. No matter what the source of the money or the circumstance in which you received it, your life has quite possibly changed forever. Here are some of the...
Read More
Living the Good Life Permanently
Cumulative Approach Rather than Spartan Approach What does it take to be a millionaire? It really is not difficult to accomplish that financial goal. All it requires is a combination of skill, luck, and discipline. How each of these...
Read MoreYour Year-End Financial Checklist
Aspects of your financial life to review as the year draws to a close. The end of the year can help remind us of last-minute things we need to address and the goals we want to accomplish. To that end, here are some aspects of your...
Read MoreThe Social Security Administration Announces 2021 COLA
What you should know about the most recent cost-of-living adjustment. On October 13, 2020, the Social Security Administration (SSA) officially announced that Social Security recipients will receive a 1.3 percent cost-of-living...
Read MoreElection 2020
A Dose of Patience. The upcoming election is prompting some people to reconsider their investment strategy. In fact, 45% of consumers with $100,000 or more investable assets expect to make changes to their portfolio due to the upcoming...
Read MoreDow 30 Changes Its Starting Lineup
What you should know about the change. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), one of the most widely followed stock market indices, has made some key changes to its starting lineup. Salesforce.com, Amgen Inc., and Honeywell...
Read MoreConquering Retirement Challenges for Women
Looking ahead can help you conquer these unique obstacles. When it comes to retirement, some women face obstacles that can make saving for retirement a challenge. Women typically earn less than their male counterparts and often take...
Read MoreWhy Regular Rebalancing Makes Sense
Your investment portfolio may be off-kilter, and you may not even know it. Everyone loves a winner. If an investment is successful, most people naturally want to stick with it. But is that the best approach? It may sound...
Read MoreHow Much Money Will You Need for Retirement?
It depends on your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. "Will I outlive my retirement money?" That's one of the top fears for people who are starting to prepare for their retirement years. So I have to chuckle a bit when I see...
Read MoreStrategic vs. Tactical Investing
How do these investment approaches differ? Ever heard the term “strategic investing”? How about “tactical investing”? At a glance, you might assume that both these phrases describe a similar investment approach....
Read MoreWill Political Changes Affect the Economy?
Election years cause some anxiety. With all of the storm and stress of the year 2020, you’d be forgiven if you momentarily forgot that we’re due for another national election in November. Many states will be selecting...
Read MoreStarting a Roth IRA for a Teen
This early financial decision could prove helpful over time. Want to give your child or grandchild a great financial start? A Roth IRA might be a choice to consider. There are many reasons why starting a Roth IRA for a teenager may be...
Read MoreKeep Your Life Insurance When You Retire
Some good reasons to retain it. Do you need a life insurance policy in retirement? One school of thought says no. The kids are grown, and the need to financially insulate the household against the loss of a breadwinner has passed. If...
Read MoreWhat Is Earnings Season?
Financial results are reported each quarter. Every few months, you may hear the phrase “we’re entering earnings season” as you read financial news. But what exactly is “earnings season” and why is it...
Read MoreBusiness Continuity Plans
Prepare now to better protect your business in the future. As a business owner, you’ve worked hard for your success. The long hours, the difficult decisions, and the sacrifices you have made have led to where you are today. The...
Read More“Backdoor” Roth IRAs
If you make too much money to open a Roth IRA, you could create one this way. You can sum up the appeal of a Roth IRA in three words: federal tax benefit. Potential earnings in a Roth IRA grow tax free as long as the owner abides by...
Read MoreThe Pros and Cons of Early Retirement Plan Rollovers
Should you withdraw and reinvest your retirement plan money while you are still on the job? Did you know you might be able to take some or all of the money in your 401(k), 403(b), or 457 plan and roll it over into another type of...
Read MoreWhat is an Annuity?
What you should know about them. Individuals hold about $2.2 trillion in annuity contracts; a tidy sum considering an estimated $9.2 trillion is held in all types of IRAs.1 Annuity contracts are purchased from an insurance company. In...
Read MoreCollege Funding Options
You can plan to meet the costs through a variety of methods. How can you cover your child’s future college costs? Saving early (and often) may be key for most families. Here are some college savings vehicles to consider. 529...
Read MoreBefore You Claim Social Security
A few things you may want to think about before filing for benefits. Whether you want to leave work at 62, 67, or 72, claiming the retirement benefits you are entitled to by federal law is no casual decision. You will want to consider...
Read MoreRetirement Plan Options for Small Businesses
The SECURE Act and CARES Act may complicate the decision. As a small-business owner, figuring out retirement choices can be a little intimidating. How do you pick the most appropriate retirement plan for your business as well as your...
Read MoreA Stock Market Lesson to Remember
Confidence can quickly erode, but it can also quickly emerge. Undeniably, spring 2020 has tried the patience of investors. An 11-year bull market ended. Key economic indicators went haywire. Household confidence was shaken. The...
Read MoreRoth IRA Conversion in the Era of COVID-19
Is it right for you? The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken up nearly every aspect of American life. To say it’s been a difficult time would be an understatement. However, difficult times may open doors to new possibilities. Businesses...
Read MoreNew I.R.S. Contribution Limits
A look at the maximum amounts you can put into retirement accounts this year. The I.R.S. just announced the annual contribution limits on IRAs, 401(k)s, and other widely used retirement plan accounts for 2020. Here’s a quick look...
Read More2019 IRA Deadlines Are Approaching
Here is what you need to know. Financially, many of us associate April with taxes – but we should also associate April with important IRA deadlines. April 1, 2020 is the deadline to take your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)...
Read MoreCreating a Retirement Strategy
Most people just invest for the future. You have a chance to do more. Across the country, people are saving for that “someday” called retirement. Someday, their careers will end. Someday, they may live off their savings or...
Read MoreReducing the Risk of Outliving Your Money
What steps might help you sustain and grow your retirement savings? “What is your greatest retirement fear?” If you ask any group of retirees and pre-retirees this question, “outliving my money” will likely be...
Read MoreOverlooked Tax Deductions for Small-Business Owners
Helpful tips for tax time. Being a small-business owner isn’t easy. After all, balancing payroll, managing employees, drawing up marketing plans, and handling the bookkeeping can be stressful! Luckily, the Internal Revenue...
Read MoreEnd-of-the-Year Money Moves
Here are some things you might consider before saying goodbye to 2019. What has changed for you in 2019? Did you start a new job or leave a job behind? Did you retire? Did you start a family? If notable changes occurred in your...
Read MoreThe Sequence of Returns
A look at how variable rates of return do (and do not) impact investors over time. What exactly is the “sequence of returns”? The phrase describes the yearly variation in an investment portfolio’s rate of return....
Read MoreAvoiding Large Losses in Your Portfolio
"Rule No.1: Never lose money. Rule No.2: Never forget rule No.1." – Warren Buffett1 Risk is a factor in any investment decision that you make. Your tolerance for risk is something that you will want to consider when you make...
Read MoreAnnual Financial To-Do List
Things you can do for your future as the year unfolds. What financial, business, or life priorities do you need to address for the coming year? Now is a good time to think about the investing, saving, or budgeting methods you could...
Read MoreThat First RMD from Your IRA
What you need to know. When you reach age 70½, the Internal Revenue Service instructs you to start making withdrawals from your traditional IRA(s). These withdrawals are also called Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). You...
Read MoreGlobal vs. International: What’s the Difference?
Global mutual funds vs. international mutual funds. For investors who are looking to diversify their portfolio with exposure to companies located outside the U.S., there exist two basic choices: a global mutual fund or an international...
Read MoreTypes of Stock Market Analysis
Three different approaches. The majority of stock market analysis can be lumped into three broad groups: fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a closer look at each. Fundamental Analysis. The goal of fundamental...
Read MoreCash Balance Plans
More professional practices (and practice groups) should look into them. In corporate America, pension plans are fading away. Only 16% of Fortune 500 companies offered them to full-time employees in 2018, according to Willis Towers...
Read MoreYour Changing Definition of Risk in Retirement
Some things to consider. During your accumulation years, you may have categorized your risk as “conservative,” “moderate,” or “aggressive,” and that guided how your portfolio was built. Maybe you...
Read MoreWhy Having a Financial Professional Matters
A good professional provides important guidance and insight through the years. What kind of role can a financial professional play for an investor? The answer: a very important one. While the value of such a relationship is hard to...
Read MoreA Retirement Fact Sheet
Some specifics about the “second act.” Does your vision of retirement align with the facts? Here are some noteworthy financial and lifestyle facts about life after 50 that might surprise you. Up to 85% of a retiree’s...
Read MoreShould You Choose a Fixed or Variable?
Thinking about your mortgage. Buying a home is the single largest financial commitment most people ever make. And sorting through mortgages involves a lot of critical choices. One of these is choosing between a fixed- or...
Read MoreGetting a Head Start on College Savings
The hows and whys of college savings. The American family with a child born today can expect to spend about $233,610 to raise that child to the age of 18. And if you’ve already traded that supercharged convertible dream for a...
Read MoreWill You Avoid These Estate Planning Mistakes?
Too many wealthy households commit these common blunders. Many people plan their estates diligently, with input from legal, tax, and financial professionals. Others plan earnestly but make mistakes that can potentially affect both the...
Read MorePut it in a Letter
Express your wishes. Actor Lee Marvin once said, “As soon as people see my face on a movie screen, they [know] two things: first, I’m not going to get the girl, and second, I’ll get a cheap funeral before the picture...
Read MoreEight Mistakes That Can Upend Your Retirement
Avoid these situations, if you can. Pursuing your retirement dreams is challenging enough without making some common, and very avoidable, mistakes. Here are eight big mistakes to steer clear of, if possible. No Strategy. Yes, the...
Read MoreWhat the SECURE Act Could Mean for Retirement Plans
If passed, it would change some long-established retirement account rules. If you follow national news, you may have heard of the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act. Although the SECURE Act has yet to...
Read MoreTax Moves to Consider in Summer
Now is a good time to think about a few financial matters. Consider making tax moves earlier rather than later. If you own a business, earn significant investment income, are recently married or divorced, or have a Flexible Savings...
Read MoreDiversification, Patience, and Consistency
Three important factors when it comes to your financial life. Regardless of how the markets may perform, consider making the following part of your investment philosophy: Diversification. The saying “don’t put all your...
Read MoreInvestment Policy Statements
What are they? Why are they important? A self-fulfilling policy. An investment policy statement (IPS) is a document which helps the client and advisor stay “on the same page” by clearly stating the expectations and...
Read MoreThe SECURE Act and Traditional IRA Changes
What is it? How might it affect retirement strategy? If you follow national news, you may have heard of the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act. Although the SECURE Act has yet to clear the Senate, it...
Read MoreHelping Your Parents Manage Financial Tasks
How can you make things easier on them later in life? Worldwide, the number of people aged 60 and older is growing. By 2050, this demographic will be more than twice as large as it was in 2015.¹ Some of these seniors could face a...
Read MoreSmart Financial Moves in Your 20s, 30s, 40s, & 50s
The right moves for every age. Have you ever mapped out your financial timeline? If you’re like many Americans, it may have been more difficult than anticipated. One of the most helpful ways to achieve your financial goals is to...
Read MorePreparing to Sell Your Business
What is your exit strategy? Your company is ripe for sale. Now what? These days, your children or employees may not necessarily want to take over your business, but you still want to sell your business. So, what’s a successful...
Read MoreFinancial Strategy for Athletes
Step One: Find a trusted financial coach; Step Two: Listen to your coach. Whether you are a professional athlete, a college amateur, or an aspiring Olympian, you probably know what success feels like. You also know a thing or two about...
Read MoreThe Cost of Procrastination
Don't let procrastination keep you from pursuing your financial goals. Some of us share a common experience. You’re driving along when a police cruiser pulls up behind you with its lights flashing. You pull over, the officer...
Read MoreInvestment Challenges of the Affluent Investor
Affluent investors face unique challenges when putting together an investment strategy. High net worth investors face investment challenges that some would consider unique to their financial status. The fundamental tenets of investing...
Read MoreTaking Charge of Your Financial Life
Delegating responsibilities to others may lead to problems down the road. When you are putting together a household, it isn’t unusual to delegate responsibilities. One spouse or partner may take on the laundry, while another...
Read MoreDo Your Investments Match Your Risk Tolerance?
When was the last time you looked at the content of your portfolio? From time to time, it is a good idea to review how your portfolio assets are allocated – how they are divided among asset classes. At the inception of your...
Read MoreTen Years, Tremendous Gains
A look at where stocks were in 2009 and how they have performed since. Where were you on March 9, 2009? Do you remember the headwinds hitting Wall Street then? When the closing bell rang at the New York Stock Exchange that Monday...
Read MoreDo Our Biases Affect Our Financial Choices?
Even the most seasoned investors are prone to their influence. Investors are routinely warned about allowing their emotions to influence their decisions. They are less routinely cautioned about letting their preconceptions and biases...
Read MoreThe Retirement We Imagine, the Retirement We Live
Examining the potential differences between assumption and reality. Financially speaking, retirement might differ from your expectations. Just as few weathercasters can accurately predict a month’s worth of temperatures and...
Read MoreThe Investment Risk You May Not Know About
What can you do to allay this risk? Knowledgeable investors are aware that investing in the capital markets presents any number of risks – interest-rate risk, company risk, and market risk. Risk is an inseparable companion to the...
Read MoreReducing the Risk of Outliving Your Money
What steps might help you sustain and grow your retirement savings? “What is your greatest retirement fear?” If you ask any group of retirees and pre-retirees this question, “outliving my money” will likely be...
Read MoreMidlife Money Errors
If you are between 40 & 60, beware of these financial blunders & assumptions. Mistakes happen, even for people who have some life experience under their belt. That said, your retirement strategy is one area of life where you want to...
Read MoreHave You Budgeted for Retirement?
Have You Budgeted for Retirement? Creating a strategy for success. Run the numbers. There is a rule of thumb for retirees suggesting that retirement income has a target of 70-80% of the household’s end salary, though this can...
Read MoreHow Women Can Narrow the Retirement Saving Gap
Steps toward saving more & revitalizing your retirement strategy. When it comes to retirement saving, many women lag behind many men. Historically, that has been the case. A recent study by Student Loan Hero offers more evidence of the...
Read MoreYour Financial Strategy
Like a chess grandmaster, it’s worth thinking a few moves ahead. Thinking about retirement might seem unpleasant. As you budget your monthly bills, you might feel as if you simply don’t have enough to handle both your...
Read MoreQualified Charitable Distributions
When you reach age 70½, they can be a new way of giving. As the owner of a traditional IRA, you are likely aware that you are obligated to make required minimum distributions (RMDs) once you reach age 70½. However, you...
Read MoreCould Assumptions Harm Your Retirement Strategy?
Three common misconceptions to think about. 1 – Assuming retirement will last 10-15 years. When Social Security was created in the 1930s, the average American could anticipate living to age 58 as a man or 62 as a woman. By 2014,...
Read MoreValue vs. Growth Investing
There are those who favor value and those who favor growth. You might be initially confused by these terms or even suspect they aren’t that different in terms of what each model offers you as an investor, but they are very...
Read MoreIs America Prepared to Retire?
A look at some ways to get ready. Are Americans saving enough? Only 19% of U.S. adults describe themselves as “very confident” when asked about their savings. Worry spots include retiring without enough money saved (16%)...
Read MoreBad Money Habits to Break
Behaviors worth changing. Do bad money habits constrain your financial progress? Many people fall into the same financial behavior patterns, year after year. If you sometimes succumb to these financial tendencies, now is as good a time...
Read MoreSocial Security by the Numbers
Facts about the federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) program. Social Security has been a pillar of retirement life for several decades, but how much do you really know about it? Here are some facts that might...
Read MoreStrategic vs. Tactical Investing
How do these investment approaches differ? Ever heard the term “strategic investing”? How about “tactical investing”? At a glance, you might assume that both these phrases describe the same investment approach....
Read MoreYours, Mine and Ours: Estate Strategies for Second Marriages
If you are one of the many Americans who are in a second marriage, you may need to revisit your estate strategy.¹ Unlike a typical first marriage, second marriages often require special consideration that should address children...
Read More