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Three Key Questions to Answer Before Taking Social Security
Thursday, April 18, 2024Three Key Questions to Answer Before Taking Social Security Social Security is a critical component of the retirement financial strategy for many Americans, so before you begin taking it, you should consider three important questions....
Read MoreTiming your Retirement
Thursday, April 11, 2024Timing Your Retirement This short video illustrates the importance of understanding sequence of returns risk.
Read MoreFour Really Good Reasons to Invest
Thursday, April 4, 2024Four Really Good Reasons to Invest Thirty-nine percent of Americans do not own any stocks or stock-related investments, according to a recent Gallup poll.¹ Individuals may cite different reasons for not investing, but with...
Read MoreWhat's New for Social Security?
Thursday, March 28, 2024What's New for Social Security? Whether you’re applying for Social Security in the future or currently receiving benefits, there are some important changes to earnings limits, Medicare premiums, and other differences to keep in...
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Getting a Head Start on College Savings
Thursday, March 21, 2024Getting a Head Start on College Savings One study estimates the average cost of raising a child to the age of 17 for a middle-income family is about $310,605. As a point of comparison, the median home price in the U.S. was $417,700 at...
Read MoreFive Most Overlooked Tax Deductions
Thursday, March 14, 2024Five Most Overlooked Tax Deductions Who among us wants to pay the IRS more taxes than we have to? While few may raise their hands, Americans regularly overpay because they fail to take tax deductions for which they are eligible....
Read MoreA Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses
Thursday, March 7, 2024A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses Chris Rock once remarked, “You don’t pay taxes – they take taxes.” That applies not only to income but also to capital gains. Capital gains result when an individual...
Read MoreRoth IRA for Kids
Thursday, February 29, 2024Roth IRA for Kids Small business owners may find it challenging to find ways to provide additional benefits to their children who work for the company. One often overlooked choice is including a Roth individual retirement account (IRA)...
Read MoreHow to Bake a Pie-R-A
Thursday, February 22, 2024How to Bake a Pie-R-A Roth IRAs are tax-advantaged differently from traditional IRAs. Do you know how?
Read MoreHow Boomers and Millennials Differ
Thursday, February 15, 2024How Boomers and Millennials Differ We are in the midst of an unprecedented transfer of wealth, with trillions of dollars being moved from one generation to the next. This transfer challenges many commonly held notions as new values and...
Read MoreWhat If Your Kids Decide Against College?
Thursday, February 8, 2024What If Your Kids Decide Against College? As a parent or grandparent, you may have diligently saved money in a 529 account to help fund your child's or grandchild's college education. But what happens if they decide college isn't the...
Read MoreNew Retirement Contributions Limits for 2024
Thursday, February 1, 2024New Retirement Contribution Limits for 2024 The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released new limits for certain retirement accounts for the coming year. Keep in mind that this update is for informational purposes only, so please...
Read MoreImportant Birthdays Over 50
Thursday, January 25, 2024Important Birthdays Over 50 Most children stop being "and-a-half" somewhere around age 12. Kids add "and-a-half" to make sure everyone knows they're closer to the next age than the last. When you are older, "and-a-half" birthdays start...
Read MoreReviewing You Life Insurance Needs
Thursday, January 11, 2024Reviewing Your Life Insurance Needs Life is an ever-evolving journey marked by significant milestones, personal growth, and unexpected changes. As life unfolds, your financial and insurance needs also shift, changing from year to year,...
Read MoreA Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision
Tuesday, January 2, 2024A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision Whether through inertia or trepidation, investors who put off important investment decisions might consider the admonition offered by motivational speaker Brian Tracy, "Almost any decision is...
Read MoreRetirement Realities
Tuesday, December 26, 2023Retirement Realities Expectations vs. Reality Predicting exactly what your retirement will be like is about as possible as a meteorologist predicting the weather correctly every single time. In fact, few retirees find their financial...
Read MoreAnd the Executor Is
Monday, December 18, 2023And the Executor Is U.S. Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger is famous for more than just his time on the bench. When he died in 1995, he left a 176-word will that gave no specific power to his executors. As a result, he reportedly...
Read MoreFinancially Savvy at Six Figures
Monday, December 11, 2023Financially Savvy at Six Figures Reaching six figures is no easy feat. If you’re one of the hard-working few who have made it to this milestone, give yourself a pat on the back and celebrate. It can be tempting to feel like now...
Read MoreMutual Funds vs. ETFs
Monday, December 4, 2023Mutual Funds vs. ETFs The growth of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has been explosive. In 2006, there were less than 1,000; by 2023, there were nearly 10,000 investing in a wide range of stocks, bonds, and other securities and...
Read MoreThree Key Questions to Answer Before Taking Social Security
Monday, November 27, 2023Three Key Questions to Answer Before Taking Social Security Social Security is a critical component of the retirement financial strategy for many Americans, so before you begin taking it, you should consider three important questions....
Read MoreNavigating Retirement Pitfalls
Monday, November 20, 2023Navigating Retirement Pitfalls Much is written about the classic financial mistakes that plague start-ups, family businesses, corporations, and charities. Some classic financial missteps have been known to plague retirees, too. Calling...
Read MoreChoosing a Retirement Plan that Fits Your Business
Monday, November 13, 2023Choosing a Retirement Plan that Fits Your Business If you have yet to develop a retirement plan for your business, or if you're not sure the plan you've chosen is the right one, here are some things to consider. How much can my...
Read MoreData Breach: Your Security To-Do List
Monday, November 6, 2023Data Breach: Your Security To-Do List According to recent statistics, data breaches have become common in today's digital world. In fact, it is estimated that more than 111.7 million Americans have their personal information exposed to...
Read MoreInflation and Your Portfolio
Monday, October 30, 2023Inflation and Your Portfolio Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
Read MoreDeciding When to Take Social Security
Monday, October 16, 2023Deciding When to Take Social SecurityOne of the most common questions people ask about Social Security is when they should start taking benefits. Making the right decision for you can have a meaningful impact on your financial income...
Read MoreTax Rules When Selling Your Home
Tuesday, October 10, 2023Tax Rules When Selling Your HomeHow the gains from the sale of a primary residence are taxed has changed in recent years. If you have recently sold your home or are considering doing so, you may want to be aware of these new rules.Home...
Read MoreTraditional vs. ROTH IRA
Monday, October 2, 2023Traditional vs. Roth IRATraditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA), which were created in 1974, are owned by roughly 36.6 million U.S. households. And Roth IRAs, created as part of the Taxpayer Relief Act in 1997, are owned by...
Read MoreWhy Regular Rebalancing Makes Sense
Monday, September 25, 2023Why Regular Rebalancing Makes SenseEveryone 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 counterintuitive, but it may be possible to have...
Read MoreYour Shifting Risk Tolerance
Monday, September 18, 2023Your Shifting Risk ToleranceWhen you created your investment strategy, your asset allocation should have reflected your goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk.But over time, any of those three factors may have changed, and your...
Read MoreSECURE Act 2.0: An Overview
Tuesday, September 12, 2023SECURE Act 2.0: An OverviewIn the final days of 2022, Congress passed a new set of retirement rules designed to facilitate contribution to retirement plans and access to those funds earmarked for retirement.The law is called SECURE 2.0...
Read MoreNew Retirement Contributions Limits for 2023
Tuesday, September 5, 2023New Retirement Contribution Limits for 2023The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released new limits for certain retirement accounts for the coming year. After months of high inflation and financial uncertainty, some of these...
Read MoreImportant Birthdays Over 50
Monday, August 28, 2023Important Birthdays Over 50Most children stop being "and-a-half" somewhere around age 12. Kids add "and-a-half" to make sure everyone knows they're closer to the next age than the last.When you are older, "and-a-half" birthdays start...
Read MoreFind That Lost Retirement Account
Monday, August 21, 2023Find That Lost Retirement AccountFind That Lost Retirement AccountDo you have a long-lost retirement account left with a former employer? Maybe it’s been so long that you can’t even remember. With over 24 million...
Read MoreEmotional vs. Strategic Decisions
Monday, August 14, 2023Emotional vs. Strategic DecisionsInformation vs. instinct. When it comes to investing, many people believe they have a “knack” for choosing good investments. But what exactly is that “knack” based on? The...
Read MoreCreative Ways to Motivate Your Employees
Monday, August 7, 2023Creative Ways to Motivate Your EmployeesThe common thread that runs through all small businesses, from professional services to manufacturing, is that a motivated workforce is central to the business’s success.Here are some...
Read MoreWhat Can You Buy With 529 Distributions?
Monday, July 31, 2023What Can You Buy With 529 Distributions?Some of the biggest challenges many face when it comes to education are financial. Luckily, a 529 college saving plan can help. And they're not just for college anymore - added to the tuition...
Read MoreAsset Allocation
Monday, July 24, 2023Asset AllocationIf you live in or have visited a big city, you’ve probably run into street vendors – people who sell everything from hot dogs to umbrellas – on the streets and sidewalks. Many of these entrepreneurs...
Read MoreCatch-Up Contributions
Monday, July 17, 2023Catch-Up ContributionsA recent survey found that 28% of workers are very confident about having enough money to live comfortably through their retirement years. At the same time, 27% are not confident.1In 2001 congress passed a law...
Read MoreBull and Bear Go To Market
Monday, July 10, 2023Bull and Bear Go To MarketLearn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!
Read MorePullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets
Monday, July 3, 2023Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear MarketsWhen the market drops, some investors lose perspective that downtrends and uptrends are part of the investing cycle. When stock prices break lower, it's a good time to review common terms that...
Read MoreUnderstanding FDIC Insurance
Tuesday, June 20, 2023Understanding FDIC InsuranceIt's natural to wonder exactly how a bank safeguards your money. Fortunately, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance exists for this very reason: to help protect your funds once deposited...
Read MoreTax Efficiency in Retirement
Monday, June 12, 2023Tax Efficiency in RetirementWill you pay higher taxes in retirement? It’s possible. But that will largely depend on how you generate income. Will it be from working? Will it be from retirement plans? And if it does come from...
Read MoreStarting a Roth IRA for a Teen
Monday, June 5, 2023Starting a Roth IRA for a TeenWant to give your child or grandchild a financial head start? A Roth IRA might be a choice to consider. Read on to learn more about how doing this may benefit both of you.Rules for setting up a Roth IRA...
Read MoreEstate Management Checklist
Tuesday, May 30, 2023Estate Management ChecklistDo you have a will?A will enables you to specify who you want to inherit your property and other assets. A will also enables you to name a guardian for your minor children.Do you have healthcare documents in...
Read MoreA Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses
Monday, May 22, 2023A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and LossesChris Rock once remarked, “You don’t pay taxes – they take taxes.” That applies not only to income but also to capital gains.Capital gains result when an individual sells...
Read More9 Facts About Social Security
Monday, May 15, 20239 Facts About Social SecuritySocial Security's been a fact of retirement life ever since it was established in 1935. We all think we know how it works, but how much do you really know? Here are nine things that might surprise you.The...
Read MoreWhat's So Great About a Rollover?
Monday, May 1, 2023What's So Great About a Rollover?Changing jobs can be a tumultuous experience. Even under the best of circumstances, making a career move requires a series of tough decisions, not the least of which is what to do with the funds in your...
Read MoreRebalancing Your Portfolio
Monday, April 24, 2023Rebalancing Your PortfolioEveryone 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 counterintuitive, but it may be possible to have too much of a...
Read MoreDoes You Child Need to File a Tax Return?
Monday, April 17, 2023Does Your Child Need to File an Income Tax Return?As parents, we encourage our children to work, so they can learn important values about work and independence. At what point, if at all, do children need to file an income tax return...
Read MoreBest-Performing Asset Classes
Monday, April 10, 2023Best-Performing Asset ClassesAccording to Yale University's Crash Confidence Index, only about 24% of investors are confident the stock market will not crash sometime during the next six months.1If fear leads investors to avoid the...
Read MoreCounteracting Capital Gains with Tax-Loss Harvesting
Monday, March 27, 2023Counteracting Capital Gains with Tax-Loss HarvestingTax-loss harvesting means taking capital losses (selling securities for less than what you initially paid for them) to offset any capital gains you may have.While this doesn't get rid...
Read MoreTraditional vs. ROTH IRA
Monday, March 13, 2023Traditional vs. Roth IRATraditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA), which were created in 1974, are owned by roughly 36.6 million U.S. households. And Roth IRAs, created as part of the Taxpayer Relief Act in 1997, are owned by...
Read MoreSocial Security: The 64,000 Dollar Question
Monday, March 6, 2023Social Security: The 64,000 Dollar QuestionOne of the most common questions people ask about Social Security is when they should start taking benefits.This is the $64,000 question. Making the right decision for you can have a...
Read MoreSocial Security: Five Facts You Need to Know
Monday, February 27, 2023Social Security: Five Facts You Need to KnowSocial Security can be complicated, and as a result many individuals don’t have a full understanding of the choices they may have. Here are five facts about Social Security that are...
Read MoreOrchestrating Your Retirement Accounts
Tuesday, February 21, 2023Orchestrating Your Retirement AccountsAn orchestra is merely a collection of instruments, each creating a unique sound. It is only when a conductor leads them that they produce the beautiful music imagined by the composer.The same can...
Read MoreSECURE Act 2.0: An Overview
Monday, February 13, 2023SECURE Act 2.0: An OverviewIn the final days of 2022, Congress passed a new set of retirement rules designed to facilitate contribution to retirement plans and access to those funds earmarked for retirement.The law is called SECURE 2.0...
Read MoreWhat Is a 1031 Exchange?
Monday, February 6, 2023What Is a 1031 Exchange?If you want to add investment real estate to your portfolio, you may want to know what a 1031 Exchange is. While the rules and regulations for this tactic can get complicated, understanding the basic concepts...
Read MoreNew Retirement Contribution Limits for 2023
Monday, January 30, 2023New Retirement Contribution Limits for 2023The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released new limits for certain retirement accounts for the coming year. After months of high inflation and financial uncertainty, some of these...
Read MoreThe Cost of Procrastination
Monday, January 23, 2023The Cost of ProcrastinationSome 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 gets out, and your heart drops.“Are you aware...
Read MoreSaving Early & Letting Time Work For You
Tuesday, January 17, 2023Saving Early & Letting Time Work For YouAs a young investor, you have a powerful ally on your side: time. When you start investing in your twenties or thirties for retirement, you can put it to work for you.The power of...
Read MoreRisk Perspective
Monday, January 9, 2023Risk PerspectiveRisk 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 decisions alongside your trusted financial professional. Your risk tolerance...
Read MoreProblems with Probate
Monday, January 2, 2023Problems with ProbateMany of us hope to leave something behind for our loved ones when we pass away. But the probate process is complex. To understand how to better manage potential probate fees, let’s explore what probate is and...
Read MoreDiversification, Patience, and Consistency
Tuesday, December 27, 2022Diversification, Patience, and ConsistencyRegardless of how the markets may perform, consider making the following part of your investment philosophy:Diversification. The saying “don’t put all your eggs in one...
Read MoreThe A, B, C, & D of Medicare
Monday, December 19, 2022The A, B, C, & D of MedicareBreaking down the basics.Whether your 65th birthday is on the horizon or decades away, understanding the different parts of Medicare is critical, as this government-sponsored program may play a role in your...
Read MoreWhen Should You Take Social Security
Monday, December 12, 2022When Should You Take Social SecurityThe Social Security program allows you to start receiving benefits as soon as you reach age 62. The question is, should you?Monthly payments differ substantially depending on when you start receiving...
Read MoreWhat Can You Buy With 529 Distributions?
Monday, December 5, 2022What Can You Buy With 529 Distributions?Some of the biggest challenges many face when it comes to education are financial. Luckily, a 529 college saving plan can help. And they're not just for college anymore - added to the tuition...
Read MoreUnderstanding Marginal Income Tax Brackets
Monday, November 28, 2022Understanding Marginal Income Tax BracketsBy any measure, the tax code is huge. It is over 2,000 pages long, and even longer with footnotes.1And almost weekly, the Internal Revenue Service publishes a 20- to 50-page bulletin about...
Read MoreSilver Sneakers 101
Monday, November 21, 2022Silver Sneakers 101Once you turn 65, the world of Medicare opens to you, and you also gain access to its offshoot supplemental programs. You likely know about Part A, Part B, Medicare Advantage, and other sections, but you may not know...
Read MoreInflation and the Real Rate of Return
Monday, November 14, 2022Inflation and the Real Rate of ReturnThe real rate of return is an important personal finance concept to understand.It’s the rate of return on your investments after inflation. The real rate of return indicates whether you are...
Read MoreThe Utility of Sector Investing
Monday, November 7, 2022The Utility of Sector InvestingThere is a growing popularity among individuals to broaden their investment strategy beyond conventional allocations and investment styles. Some see sector investing as a way to seek new opportunities for...
Read MoreGetting a Head Start on College Savings
Tuesday, November 1, 2022Getting a Head Start on College SavingsThe U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates the cost of raising a child to the age of 17 for a middle-income family will be about $285,000. That's approaching the median value of a new home in...
Read MoreYour Shifting Risk Tolerance
Monday, October 24, 2022Your Shifting Risk ToleranceWhen you created your investment strategy, your asset allocation should have reflected your goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk.But over time, any of those three factors may have changed, and your...
Read MoreThe SECURE Act Starts the Clock on IRAs
Monday, October 17, 2022The SECURE Act Starts the Clock on Inherited IRAsThe "Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement" Act (SECURE Act) made significant changes to IRAs inherited after January 1, 2020.For those who inherit IRAs after this date,...
Read MoreRetirement Is a Beginning
Tuesday, October 11, 2022Managing the Risk of Outliving Your Money"What is your greatest retirement fear?"If you ask some pre-retirees this question, "outliving my money" may be one of the top answers. In fact, 42% of workers say they fear outliving their...
Read MoreManaging the Risk of Outliving Your Money
Monday, October 3, 2022Managing the Risk of Outliving Your Money"What is your greatest retirement fear?"If you ask some pre-retirees this question, "outliving my money" may be one of the top answers. In fact, 42% of workers say they fear outliving their...
Read MoreConquering Retirement Challenges for Women
Monday, September 26, 2022Conquering Retirement Challenges for WomenWhen it comes to retirement, women may face unique obstacles that can make saving for retirement more challenging. Given that women typically live longer than men, retirement money for women...
Read MoreTypes of Stock Market Analysis
Monday, September 19, 2022Types of Stock Market AnalysisThere is no shortage of analysis for anyone interested in investing. A search for the term "stock market analysis" turned up over one billion results on Google and well over two billion on Yahoo.1The...
Read MoreRetirement Realities
Monday, September 12, 2022Retirement RealitiesExpectations vs. RealityPredicting exactly what your retirement will be like is about as possible as a meteorologist predicting the weather correctly every single time. In fact, few retirees find their financial...
Read MoreGlobal vs. International: What's The Difference?
Tuesday, September 6, 2022Global vs. International: What’s The Difference?With international stock markets comprising about 44.1 percent of the world's capitalization as of 2021, a broad range of investment opportunities exist outside the borders of the U...
Read MoreDo Our Biases Affect Our Financial Choices?
Monday, August 29, 2022Do Our Biases Affect Our Financial Choices?Investors are routinely warned about allowing their emotions to influence their decisions. However, they are not often cautioned about their preconceptions and biases that may color their...
Read MoreManaging an Inheritance
Monday, August 22, 2022Managing an InheritanceInheriting wealth can be a burden and a blessing. Even if you have an inclination that a family member may remember you in their last will and testament, there are many facets to the process of inheritance...
Read MoreEstate Management Checklist
Monday, August 15, 2022Estate Management ChecklistDo you have a will?A will enables you to specify who you want to inherit your property and other assets. A will also enables you to name a guardian for your minor children.Do you have healthcare documents in...
Read MoreBuilding Your Legacy
Monday, August 8, 2022Building Your LegacyCarve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.1Shannon L. AlderThe desire to leave a legacy may be the height of altruism for it is a...
Read MoreBuilding a Solid Financial Foundation
Monday, August 1, 2022Building a Solid Financial FoundationWhen you read about money matters, you may see the phrase, “getting your financial house in order.” What exactly does that mean?To some, when your financial “house is in order...
Read MoreWhy Medicare Should Be Part of Your Retirement Strategy
Monday, July 25, 2022Why Medicare Should Be Part of Your Retirement StrategyMedicare takes a little time to understand.As you approach age 65, familiarize yourself with its coverage options, costs, and limitations.Certain features of Medicare can affect...
Read MoreProtecting Your Home Against Flood Loss
Monday, July 18, 2022Protecting Your Home Against Flood LossIn 2019, the average flood claim payout from the National Flood Insurance Program was $52,000.1The financial loss that comes with flooding can be devastating. Yet, many Americans are not protected...
Read MoreMutual Funds vs. ETFs
Monday, July 11, 2022Mutual Funds vs. ETFsThe growth of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has been explosive. In 2005, there were less than 500; by the latter half of 2021, there were over 8,000 investing in a wide range of stocks, bonds, and other securities...
Read MoreImportant Birthdays Over 50
Tuesday, July 5, 2022Important Birthdays Over 50Most children stop being “and-a-half” somewhere around age 12. Kids add “and-a-half“ to make sure everyone knows they’re closer to the next age than the last.When you are older,...
Read MorePersonal Finance Calendar
Monday, June 27, 2022Personal Finance CalendarWrite down the major financial events you anticipate in the next few years. That will help guide a discussion about whether your portfolio reflects your short- and long-term goals.Update your personal net worth...
Read MoreRetirement Questions That Have Nothing to Do With Money
Monday, June 20, 2022Retirement Questions That Have Nothing to Do With MoneyPreparing for retirement is not entirely financial.Your degree of happiness in your "second act" may depend on some factors that don't come with an obvious price tag. Here are some...
Read MoreBudget Check Up: Tax Time Is the Right Time
Tuesday, February 22, 2022Budget Check Up: Tax Time Is the Right Time Every year, about 140 million households file their federal tax returns.1 For many, the process involves digging through shoe boxes or manila folders full of receipts; gathering mortgage,...
Read MoreBreaking Down the Parts of Medicare
Tuesday, February 15, 2022Breaking Down the Parts of Medicare Generally, the different parts of Medicare help cover specific services. Most beneficiaries choose to receive their Parts A and B benefits through Original Medicare, the traditional fee-for-service...
Read MoreA Bucket Plan to Go with Your Bucket List
Monday, February 7, 2022A Bucket Plan to Go with Your Bucket List John and Mary are nearing retirement and they have a lot of items on their bucket list. Longer life expectancies mean John and Mary may need to prepare for two or even three decades of...
Read MoreThe Most Overlooked Item of Any Home Improvement
Monday, January 31, 2022The Most Overlooked Item of Any Home Improvement If you are like most homeowners, you love selecting the fixtures, fabrics, and paint colors of your home improvement project. But there is one very important item that you may...
Read MoreWhat to Look for in an Extended-Care Policy
Tuesday, January 18, 2022What to Look for in an Extended-Care Policy Extended-care coverage can be complex. Here’s a list of questions to ask that may help you better understand the costs and benefits of these policies. What types of facilities are...
Read MoreWhy Regular Rebalancing Makes Sense
Monday, January 10, 2022Why Regular Rebalancing Makes Sense 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 counterintuitive, but it may be possible to have too...
Read MoreRebalancing Your Portfolio
Monday, January 3, 2022Rebalancing Your Portfolio 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 counterintuitive, but it may be possible to have too much of...
Read MoreInflation & Your Money
Monday, December 27, 2021Inflation & Your Money “If the current annual inflation rate is only 1.4 percent,1 why do my bills seem like they're 10 percent higher than last year?” Many of us ask ourselves that question, and it illustrates the...
Read MoreEstate Management Checklist
Monday, December 20, 2021Estate Management Checklist Do you have a will? A will enables you to specify who you want to inherit your property and other assets. A will also enables you to name a guardian for your minor children. Do you have healthcare documents...
Read MoreStarting a Roth IRA for a Teen
Monday, December 13, 2021Starting a Roth IRA for a Teen Want to give your child or grandchild a financial head start? A Roth IRA might be a choice to consider. Read on to learn more about how doing this may benefit both of you. Rules for setting up a Roth IRA....
Read MoreSaving Early & Letting Time Work For You
Monday, December 6, 2021Saving Early & Letting Time Work For You As a young investor, you have a powerful ally on your side: time. When you start investing in your twenties or thirties for retirement, you can put it to work for you. The power of compounding....
Read MoreRisk Perspective
Monday, November 29, 2021Risk Perspective 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 decisions alongside your trusted financial professional. Your risk tolerance...
Read MoreCaring for Aging Parents
Monday, November 22, 2021Caring for Aging Parents Thanks to healthier lifestyles and advances in modern medicine, the worldwide population over age 65 is growing. In the past decade, the population of Americans aged 65 and older has grown 35%, and is expected...
Read MoreRetirement Seen Through Your Eyes
Monday, November 15, 2021Retirement Seen Through Your Eyes How do you picture your future? Some see retirement as a time to start a new career. Others see it as a time to travel. Still others plan to spend more time with family and friends. With that in mind,...
Read MoreA Checklist for When a Spouse or Parent Passes
Monday, November 8, 2021A Checklist for When a Spouse or Parent Passes When you lose a spouse, partner, or parent, the grief can be overwhelming. In the midst of that grief, life goes on. There are arrangements to be made, things to be taken care of –...
Read MoreManaging an Inheritance
Monday, November 1, 2021Managing an Inheritance Inheriting wealth can be a burden and a blessing. Even if you have an inclination that a family member may remember you in their last will and testament, there are many facets to the process of inheritance that...
Read MoreManaging Money as a Couple
Monday, October 25, 2021Managing Money as a Couple When you marry or simply share a household with someone, your life changes—and your approach to managing your money may change as well. The good news is it’s usually not so difficult. At some...
Read MoreTax Efficiency in Retirement
Monday, October 18, 2021Tax Efficiency in Retirement Will you pay higher taxes in retirement? It’s possible. But that will largely depend on how you generate income. Will it be from working? Will it be from retirement plans? And if it does come from...
Read MoreRetirement Plan Choices for Small Businesses
Tuesday, October 12, 2021Retirement Plan Choices for Small Businesses 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 employees?...
Read MoreNavigating Retirement Pitfalls
Monday, October 4, 2021Navigating Retirement Pitfalls Much is written about the classic financial mistakes that plague start-ups, family businesses, corporations, and charities. Some classic financial missteps have been known to plague retirees, too. Calling...
Read MoreExploring the Federal Student Grant Program
Monday, September 27, 2021Exploring the Federal Student Grant Program You may have heard of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, if you or someone you know has plans to attend a college, career school, or university. Last year, over 60% of...
Read MoreDiversification, Patience, and Consistency
Tuesday, September 21, 2021Diversification, Patience, and Consistency Regardless of how the markets may perform, consider making the following part of your investment philosophy: Diversification. The saying “don’t put all your eggs in one...
Read MoreRetirement Realities
Monday, September 13, 2021Retirement Realities Expectations vs. Reality Predicting exactly what your retirement will be like is about as possible as a meteorologist predicting the weather correctly every single time. In fact, few retirees find their financial...
Read MoreBuilding Your Legacy
Tuesday, September 7, 2021Building Your Legacy Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.1Shannon L. Alder The desire to leave a legacy may be the height of altruism for it is a...
Read MoreUnderstanding Homeowner's Insurance
Monday, August 30, 2021Understanding Homeowner’s Insurance Purchasing homeowner’s insurance is not only critical for protecting your home, your personal property and against any potential liability, but if you have a mortgage, your lender will...
Read MoreWill Power
Monday, August 23, 2021Will Power Only 45 percent of adults have a will or other estate documents in place, which may not be entirely surprising.1 No one wants to be reminded of their own mortality or spend too much time thinking about what might happen once...
Read MoreWhere Will Your retirement Money Come From?
Monday, August 16, 2021Where Will Your Retirement Money Come From? For many people, retirement income may come from a variety of sources. Here’s a quick review of the six main sources: Social Security Social Security is the government-administered...
Read MoreWhat's So Great About a Rollover?
Monday, August 9, 2021What's So Great About a Rollover? Changing jobs can be a tumultuous experience. Even under the best of circumstances, making a career move requires a series of tough decisions, not the least of which is what to do with the funds in...
Read MorePrevent a Rift: Money Tips for Newlyweds
Monday, July 26, 2021Prevent a Rift: Money Tips for Newlyweds Research suggests that 70% of married millennial couples argue about financial decisions more than any other topic. This could explain why some experts say financial problems are one of the top...
Read MorePassword Protection Strategies
Monday, July 19, 2021Password Protection Strategies We all know that the more complicated a password is, the better. They should include a mixture of numbers, punctuation marks and symbols, and uppercase and lowercase letters. Or should they? Recent...
Read MoreOrchestrating Your Retirement Accounts
Monday, July 12, 2021Orchestrating Your Retirement Accounts An orchestra is merely a collection of instruments, each creating a unique sound. It is only when a conductor leads them that they produce the beautiful music imagined by the composer. The same...
Read MoreMutual Funds vs. ETFs
Tuesday, July 6, 2021Mutual Funds vs. ETFs The growth of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has been explosive. In 2002, there were only 102; by 2020, there were over 7,000 investing in a wide range of stocks, bonds, and other securities and instruments.1 At...
Read MoreBuying Auto Insurance for Teen Drivers
Monday, June 28, 2021Buying Auto Insurance For Teen Drivers Driving may be a rite of passage for teenagers, but for parents, having a teenage driver can be stressful and expensive. Your child will need auto insurance coverage as soon as they receive their...
Read MoreThe Anatomy of an index
Monday, June 21, 2021The Anatomy of an Index Did you know that more than $11.2 trillion in assets are benchmarked to the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Index, including $4.6 trillion in index assets?1,2 The S&P 500 is ubiquitous – we see it on...
Read MoreTIPS for Inflation
Monday, June 14, 2021TIPS for Inflation In February 2018, Jerome Powell was appointed as Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. He became the 16th chair to take over the helm of the world’s most influential central bank.1...
Read MorePay Yourself First
Monday, June 7, 2021Pay Yourself First Each month, you settle down to pay bills. You pay your mortgage lender. You pay the electric company. You pay the trash collector. But do you pay yourself? One of the most-basic tenets of sound investing involves the...
Read MoreImportant Birthdays Over 50
Tuesday, June 1, 2021Important Birthdays Over 50 Most children stop being “and-a-half” somewhere around age 12. Kids add “and-a-half“ to make sure everyone knows they’re closer to the next age than the last. When you are older...
Read MoreValue vs. Growth Investing
Tuesday, May 25, 2021Value vs. Growth Investing Looking at their recent track records doesn’t do much to settle the debate. Over the past decade, as a whole, value stocks have not performed as well as growth stocks. But looking at a larger body of...
Read MoreRebalancing Your Portfolio
Monday, May 17, 2021Rebalancing Your Portfolio 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 counterintuitive, but it may be possible to have too much of a...
Read MoreWhat Is a Roth 401(k)?
Monday, May 10, 2021What Is a Roth 401(k)? While many people are familiar with the benefits of traditional 401(k) plans, others are not as acquainted with Roth 401(k)s. Since January 1, 2006, employers have been allowed to offer workers access to Roth...
Read MoreTraditional vs. Roth IRA
Tuesday, May 4, 2021Traditional vs. Roth IRA Traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA), which were created in 1974, are owned by roughly 36.1 million U.S. households. And Roth IRAs, created as part of the Taxpayer Relief Act in 1997, are owned by...
Read MoreFour Really Good Reasons to Invest
Tuesday, April 27, 2021Four Really Good Reasons to Invest Forty-six percent of Americans do not own any stocks or stock-related investments, such as mutual funds, according to a recent Gallup poll.¹ Individuals may cite different reasons for not...
Read MoreEstate Management Checklist
Monday, April 19, 2021Estate Management Checklist Do you have a will? A will enables you to specify who you want to inherit your property and other assets. A will also enables you to name a guardian for your minor children. Do you have healthcare documents...
Read MoreTax Rules When Selling Your Home
Monday, April 12, 2021Tax Rules When Selling Your Home How the gains from the sale of a primary residence are taxed has changed in recent years. If you have recently sold your home, or are considering doing so, you may want to be aware of these new rules....
Read MoreWhen Should You Take Social Security
Monday, April 5, 2021When Should You Take Social Security The Social Security program allows you to start receiving benefits as soon as you reach age 62. The question is, should you? Monthly payments differ substantially depending on when you start...
Read MoreHelpful Retirement Strategies for Women
Monday, March 29, 2021Helpful Retirement Strategies for Women Preparing for retirement can look a little different for women than it does for men. Although stereotypes are changing, women are still more likely to serve as caretakers than men are, meaning...
Read MoreCountering Counterfeit Currency
Monday, March 22, 2021Countering Counterfeit Currency Believe it or not, the agency responsible for protecting U.S. currency is the United States Secret Service. The agency was founded on July 5, 1865 as part of the Department of the Treasury to combat the...
Read MoreAsset Allocation
Monday, March 15, 2021Asset Allocation If you live in or have visited a big city, you’ve probably run into street vendors – people who sell everything from hot dogs to umbrellas – on the streets and sidewalks. Many of these entrepreneurs...
Read MoreAnd the Executor Is
Tuesday, March 9, 2021And the Executor Is U.S. Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger is famous for more than just his time on the bench. When he died in 1995, he left a 176-word will that gave no specific power to his executors.1 As a result, he reportedly...
Read MoreWhat Is a Roth 401(k)?
Monday, March 1, 2021What Is a Roth 401(k)? While many people are familiar with the benefits of traditional 401(k) plans, others are not as acquainted with Roth 401(k)s. Since January 1, 2006, employers have been allowed to offer workers access to Roth...
Read MoreInflation - Back to the Future
Monday, February 22, 2021Inflation - Back to the Future Inflation sometimes seems like one of those afflictions of an era long since passed into the history books. While it’s true that double-digit inflation has been absent for the last 30 years or more,...
Read MoreHow the Federal Reserve Works
Tuesday, February 16, 2021How the Federal Reserve Works Have you ever taken a close look at paper money? Each U.S. bill has the words “Federal Reserve Note” imprinted across the top. But many individuals may not know why the bill is issued by the...
Read MoreWhere Will Your Retirement Money Come From?
Monday, February 8, 2021Where Will Your Retirement Money Come From? For many people, retirement income may come from a variety of sources. Here’s a quick review of the six main sources: Social Security Social Security is the government-administered...
Read MoreProblems with Probate
Monday, February 1, 2021Problems with Probate Many of us hope to leave something behind for our loved ones when we pass away. But the probate process is complex. To understand how to better manage potential probate fees, let’s explore what probate is...
Read MoreImportant Birthdays Over 50
Monday, January 25, 2021Important Birthdays Over 50 Most children stop being “and-a-half” somewhere around age 12. Kids add “and-a-half“ to make sure everyone knows they’re closer to the next age than the last. When you are older...
Read MoreValue vs. Growth Investing
Tuesday, January 19, 2021Value vs. Growth Investing Looking at their recent track records doesn’t do much to settle the debate. Over the past decade, as a whole, value stocks have not performed as well as growth stocks.1 But looking at a larger body of...
Read MoreCatch-Up Contributions
Monday, January 11, 2021Catch-Up Contributions A recent survey found that 23% of people were very confident about having enough money to live comfortably through their retirement years. At the same time, 33% were not confident.1 Congress in 2001 passed a law...
Read MoreWill Power
Monday, January 4, 2021Will Power Only 45 percent of adults have a will or other estate documents in place, which may not be entirely surprising.1 No one wants to be reminded of their own mortality or spend too much time thinking about what might happen once...
Read MoreSocial Security: Maximizing Benefits
Monday, December 28, 2020Social Security: Maximizing Benefits Most understand that waiting to claim Social Security benefits can result in higher monthly payments. However, many don’t know that there are other ways to maximize their benefits, some of...
Read MoreWhen Heirs are Imperfect
Monday, December 21, 2020When Heirs are Imperfect Passing your estate to an heir with credit problems or a gambling or alcohol addiction might not only lead to that wealth being squandered, but the inheritance could worsen the destructive behaviors. Of course,...
Read MoreFive Most Overlooked Tax Deductions
Monday, December 14, 2020Five Most Overlooked Tax Deductions Who among us wants to pay the IRS more taxes than we have to?1 While few may raise their hands, Americans regularly overpay because they fail to take tax deductions for which they are eligible....
Read MoreWhere Will Your Retirement Money Come From?
Monday, December 7, 2020Where Will Your Retirement Money Come From? For many people, retirement income may come from a variety of sources. Here’s a quick review of the six main sources: Social Security Social Security is the government-administered...
Read MoreSocial Security: The Elephant in the Room
Monday, November 30, 2020Social Security: The Elephant in the Room For most Americans, Social Security has represented nothing more than some unavoidable payroll deduction with the positively cryptic initials of “FICA” and “OASDI”...
Read MorePassword Protection Strategies
Monday, November 23, 2020Password Protection Strategies We all know that the more complicated a password is, the better. They should include a mixture of numbers, punctuation marks and symbols, and uppercase and lowercase letters. Or should they? Recent...
Read MorePrescription Drug Benefits Under Medicare (Part D)
Monday, November 16, 2020Prescription Drug Benefits Under Medicare (Part D) Medicare’s prescription drug benefit (Part D) is the part of Medicare that provides outpatient drug coverage. Part D is provided only through private insurance companies that...
Read MoreTax Rules When Selling Your Home
Tuesday, November 10, 2020Tax Rules When Selling Your Home How the gains from the sale of a primary residence are taxed has changed in recent years. If you have recently sold your home, or are considering doing so, you may want to be aware of these new rules....
Read MoreOrchestrating Your Retirement Accounts
Tuesday, November 3, 2020Orchestrating Your Retirement Accounts An orchestra is merely a collection of instruments, each creating a unique sound. It is only when a conductor leads them that they produce the beautiful music imagined by the composer. The same...
Read MoreSocial Security: The $64,000 Question
Tuesday, October 27, 2020Social Security: The $64,000 Question One of the most common questions people ask about Social Security is when they should start taking benefits. This is the $64,000 question. Making the right decision for you can have a meaningful...
Read MoreThe A, B, C, & D of Medicare
Monday, October 19, 2020The A, B, C, & D of Medicare Breaking down the basics. Whether your 65th birthday is on the horizon or decades away, understanding the different parts of Medicare is critical, as this government-sponsored program may play a role in...
Read MoreLesser Known Provisions of the SECURE Act
Tuesday, October 13, 2020Lesser Known Provisions of the SECURE Act The SECURE Act was passed into law in late 2019 and changed several aspects of retirement investing. These modifications included modifying the ability to stretch an Individual Retirement...
Read MoreInflation & Your Money
Tuesday, October 6, 2020Inflation & Your Money “If the current annual inflation rate is only 2.3 percent,1 why do my bills seem like they're 10 percent higher than last year?” Many of us ask ourselves that question, and it illustrates the...
Read MoreRetirement Realities
Wednesday, September 30, 2020Retirement Realities Expectations vs. Reality Predicting exactly what your retirement will be like is about as possible as a meteorologist predicting the weather correctly every single time. In fact, few retirees find their financial...
Read MoreSocial Security: Maximizing Your Benefits
Wednesday, September 23, 2020Social Security: Maximizing Benefits Most understand that waiting to claim Social Security benefits can result in higher monthly payments. However, many don’t know that there are other ways to maximize their benefits, some of...
Read MoreWhen Should You Take Social Security
Wednesday, September 16, 2020When Should You Take Social Security The Social Security program allows you to start receiving benefits as soon as you reach age 62. The question is, should you? Monthly payments differ substantially depending on when you start...
Read MoreCountdown to College
Wednesday, September 9, 2020Countdown to College As a parent, of course you want to give your child the best opportunity for success, and for many, attending the “right” university or college is that opportunity. Unfortunately, being accepted to the...
Read MoreAnd the Executor Is
Wednesday, September 2, 2020And the Executor Is U.S. Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger is famous for more than just his time on the bench. When he died in 1995, he left a 176-word will that gave no specific power to his executors.1 As a result, he reportedly...
Read MoreThree Key Questions to Answer Before Taking Social Security
Wednesday, August 26, 2020Three Key Questions to Answer Before Taking Social Security Social Security is a critical component of the retirement financial strategy for many Americans, so before you begin taking it, you should consider three important questions....
Read MoreIRA Withdrawals that Escape the 10% Tax Penalty
Wednesday, August 19, 2020IRA Withdrawals that Escape the 10% Tax Penalty The reason withdrawals from an Traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) prior to age 59½ are generally subject to a 10% tax penalty is that policymakers wanted to create a...
Read MoreFallen Tree Damage- Who Pays?
Wednesday, August 12, 2020Fallen Tree Damage—Who Pays? As a homeowner, are you responsible for the damage caused by a tree on your property that hits your neighbor’s home or other insured structure, such as a garage or shed? In most cases, the...
Read MoreIs s SEP-IRA Right for Your Business
Wednesday, August 5, 2020Is a SEP-IRA Right for Your Business? If you're like many small business owners, running your own business is an all-consuming endeavor. In the face of everyday demands, choosing a retirement plan for your business can become a...
Read MoreCertain Uncertainties in Retirement
Wednesday, July 29, 2020Certain Uncertainties in Retirement The uncertainties we face in retirement can erode our sense of confidence, potentially undermining our outlook during those years. Indeed, according to the 2017 Retirement Confidence Survey by the...
Read MoreFour Really Good Reasons to Invest
Tuesday, July 21, 2020Four Really Good Reasons to Invest Forty-six percent of Americans do not own any stocks or stock-related investments, such as mutual funds, according to a recent Gallup poll.¹ Individuals may cite different reasons for not...
Read MoreTIPS for Inflation
Wednesday, July 15, 2020TIPS for Inflation In February 2018, Jerome Powell was appointed as Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. He became the 16th chair to take over the helm of the world’s most influential central bank.1...
Read MoreDo Your Kids Know The Value of a Silver Spoon?
Wednesday, July 8, 2020Do Your Kids Know The Value of a Silver Spoon? You taught them how to read and how to ride a bike, but have you taught your children how to manage money? One study households with student loan debt showed that the average amount owed...
Read MoreImportant Birthdays Over 50
Tuesday, June 30, 2020Important Birthdays Over 50 Most children stop being “and-a-half” somewhere around age 12. Kids add “and-a-half“ to make sure everyone knows they’re closer to the next age than the last. When you are older...
Read MoreHow to Make the Tax Code Work for You
Wednesday, June 24, 2020How to Make the Tax Code Work for You By April 19, 2019, 137 million taxpayers had dutifully filed their federal income tax returns.1 And they all made decisions about deductions and credits – whether they realized it. When you...
Read MoreHealthy Body, Healthy Pocketbook
Wednesday, June 17, 2020Healthy Body, Healthy Pocketbook Many people have a clear vision of what their ideal retirement looks like. Some desire vacation homes in tropical destinations, while others plan to spend quality time with their grandchildren and...
Read More9 Facts About Retirement
Wednesday, June 10, 20209 Facts About Retirement Retirement can have many meanings. For some, it will be a time to travel and spend time with family members. For others, it will be a time to start a new business or begin a charitable endeavor. Regardless of...
Read More"Dirty Dozen" Tax Scams to Watch For
Wednesday, June 3, 2020“Dirty Dozen” Tax Scams to Watch For Every year the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) releases its list of tax scams, spotlighting the myriad ways that people try to separate you from your money.¹ The “Dirty...
Read MorePassword Protection Strategies
Wednesday, May 27, 2020Password Protection Strategies We all know that the more complicated a password is, the better. They should include a mixture of numbers, punctuation marks and symbols, and upper- and lower-case letters. Or should they? Recent research...
Read MorePrevent a Rift: Money Tips for Newlyweds
Wednesday, May 20, 2020Prevent a Rift: Money Tips for Newlyweds In a recent study, 88% of millennials admitted that financial decisions are a source of tension in their relationship with a spouse or partner. This could help explain why some experts say...
Read MoreHow Women Can Prepare for Retirement
Wednesday, May 13, 2020How Women Can Prepare For Retirement When our parents retired, living to 75 amounted to a nice long life, and Social Security was often supplemented by a pension. The Social Security Administration (SSA) estimates that today’s...
Read MoreSocial Security Benefits: How Much Will I Receive
Wednesday, May 6, 2020Social Security Benefits: How Much Will I Receive Next to “When should I claim Social Security benefits?”, one of the more common questions people have is “How much will I receive?” Calculating your potential...
Read MoreThe Anatomy of an Index
Wednesday, April 29, 2020The Anatomy of an Index Did you know that more than $9.9 trillion in assets are benchmarked to the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Index, including $3.4 trillion in index assets?1,2 The S&P 500 is ubiquitous – we see it on...
Read MoreMortgages in Retirement
Wednesday, April 22, 2020Mortgages in Retirement Anyone who has gone through the process of mapping out their retirement knows there can be a lot to keep in mind. Saving, investing, anticipating medical costs, and making sure you have enough tucked away for...
Read MoreRebalancing Your Portfolio
Thursday, April 16, 2020Rebalancing Your Portfolio 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 counterintuitive, but it may be possible to have too much of a...
Read MorePullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets
Tuesday, April 7, 2020Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets The COVID-19 outbreak has put tremendous pressure on stock prices, prompting some investors to blindly and indiscriminately sell positions at a time when the entire market is trending lower....
Read MoreWhat Do Your Taxes Pay For?
Tuesday, March 31, 2020What Do Your Taxes Pay For? Taxes are one of the biggest budget items for most taxpayers, yet many have no idea what they’re getting for their money. In 2017, as in recent years, Americans spent more on taxes than on groceries,...
Read MoreCreative Ways to Motivate Your Employees
Monday, March 23, 2020Creative Ways to Motivate Your Employees The common thread that runs through all small businesses, from professional services to manufacturing, is that a motivated workforce is central to the business’s success. Here are some...
Read MoreBudgeting After a Divorce
Tuesday, March 17, 2020Budgeting After a Divorce Full Size Version Download the Worksheet
Read MoreFour Reasons Millennials Need an Estate Strategy
Thursday, March 12, 2020Four Reasons Millennials Need an Estate Strategy You’re young, have little in savings, and might not have anyone relying on you, financially. So, why do you need to think about estate management?1 Here are four great reasons:...
Read MoreThe SECURE Act
Friday, March 6, 2020The SECURE Act 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...
Read MoreAsset Allocation
Monday, March 2, 2020Asset Allocation If you live in or have visited a big city, you’ve probably run into street vendors – people who sell everything from hot dogs to umbrellas – on the streets and sidewalks. Many of these entrepreneurs...
Read MoreA Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision
Monday, February 24, 2020A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision Whether through inertia or trepidation, investors who put off important investment decisions might consider the admonition offered by motivational speaker Brian Tracy, “Almost any decision...
Read MoreBudget Check Up: Tax Time is the Right Time
Friday, February 14, 2020Budget Check Up: Tax Time Is the Right Time Every year, about 140 million households file their federal tax returns.1 For many, the process involves digging through shoe boxes or manila folders full of receipts; gathering mortgage,...
Read MoreThe Lowdown on Those Free Credit Scores
Thursday, February 6, 2020The Lowdown on Those Free Credit Scores The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act of 2003 provided individuals with valuable rights to the credit information that companies keep on them, but did you know the credit score provided to...
Read MoreBuying vs. Leasing a Car
Thursday, January 30, 2020Buying vs. Leasing a Car Some people approach buying a car like they approach marriage, “‘til death do us part.” Others prefer to keep their options open, trading in every few years for the latest make and model, the...
Read MoreFour Steps to Valuing an Estate
Wednesday, January 22, 2020Four Steps to Valuing an Estate Determining the value of an estate is a fundamental first step in estate management and a critical requirement for settling a decedent’s estate.1 How to Assess the Value of an Estate Select the...
Read MoreA Brief Guide to Condo Insurance
Thursday, January 16, 2020A Brief Guide To Condo Insurance The ownership structure of a condominium unit is different from that of a single family house. Here’s what you need to know when purchasing insurance for your condo.1 Understand the Master Policy...
Read More5 Benefits of Working in Retirement
Thursday, January 9, 20205 Benefits of Working in Retirement In the past, retirement has been portrayed as an ending, a grand exit from your years in the workplace. But the rules are shifting. Labor force participation among those aged 65-74 is predicted to...
Read MoreThe Three Keys to a Great Password
Thursday, January 2, 2020The Three Keys to a Great Password
Read MoreA Penny Saved is Two Pennies Earned
Friday, December 27, 2019A Penny Saved is Two Pennies Earned This modern twist on the Ben Franklin maxim reflects the multiplicity of taxes to which earnings are subject in today’s world.¹ Finding ways to manage expenses is one of the cornerstones...
Read MoreUnderstanding Long-Term Care
Thursday, December 19, 2019Understanding Long-Term Care Addressing the potential threat of long-term care expenses may be one of the biggest financial challenges for individuals who are developing a retirement strategy. The U.S. Department of Health and Human...
Read MoreCaring for Aging Parents
Tuesday, December 10, 2019Caring for Aging Parents Thanks to healthier lifestyles and advances in modern medicine, the worldwide population over age 60 is growing. The United Nations estimates that by 2050 the number of people aged 60 and older will have more...
Read MoreDebt Stress
Wednesday, December 4, 2019Debt Stress The average American household with debt owes $132,158. And credit card debt accounts for $15,675 of that.¹ Little wonder that money worries are a major cause of stress. The Link Between Stress and Health Humans have...
Read MoreAll Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal
Monday, November 25, 2019All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal The city of Detroit emerged from bankruptcy in 2014. Still, its previous inability to pay investors left some questioning their long-held assumption about the relative safety of municipal bonds...
Read MoreTraditional vs. Roth IRA
Wednesday, November 20, 2019Traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA), which were created in 1974, are owned by roughly 33.2 million U.S. households. And Roth IRAs, created as part of the Taxpayer Relief Act in 1997, are owned by nearly 22.5 million...
Read MoreFinancial Aid for Students 101
Thursday, November 14, 2019Financial Aid for Students 101 Preparing for college while still in high school can be difficult for even the most academically minded student. These days, you need to excel in the classroom, make sure you’re involved in...
Read MoreEight Mistakes That Can Upend Your Retirement
Wednesday, November 6, 2019Eight Mistakes That Can Upend Your Retirement 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,...
Read MoreCritical Estate Documents
Monday, October 28, 2019Critical Estate Documents Financial Documents Joint Ownership Durable Power of Attorney Living Trust What does it do? Enables you to own property jointly with another person Authorizes someone to handle legal and financial decisions if...
Read MorePlease Leave Home Without It
Wednesday, October 23, 2019Please Leave Home Without It Concerns over identity theft continue to grow, especially with the news of data breaches at major companies and financial institutions. Unfortunately, you have little control over when a company is hacked,...
Read MoreSocial Security: Five Facts You Need to Know
Wednesday, October 16, 2019Social Security: Five Facts You Need to Know Social Security can be complicated and, as a result, many individuals don’t have a full understanding of the choices they may have. Here are five facts about Social Security that are...
Read MoreGetting a Head Start on College Savings
Wednesday, October 9, 2019Getting a Head Start on College Savings The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates a middle-income family with a child born today can expect to spend about $285,000 to raise that child to the age of 17.¹ That’s roughly...
Read MoreCatch-Up Contributions
Tuesday, October 1, 2019Catch-Up Contributions A recent survey found that 23% of people were very confident about having enough money to live comfortably through their retirement years. At the same time, 33% were not confident.1 Congress in 2001 passed a law...
Read MoreA Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses
Tuesday, September 24, 2019A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses Chris Rock once remarked, “You don’t pay taxes – they take taxes.”1 That applies not only to income, but also to capital gains. Capital gains result when an individual...
Read MoreA Brief History of Estate Taxes
Friday, September 20, 2019A Brief History of Estate Taxes Tip: Regardless of your net worth, it’s critical to understand your choices when developing an estate strategy. Federal estate taxes have been a source of funding for the federal government almost...
Read More9 Facts About Retirement
Wednesday, September 18, 20199 Facts About Retirement Retirement can have many meanings. For some, it will be a time to travel and spend time with family members. For others, it will be a time to start a new business or begin a charitable endeavor. Regardless of...
Read MoreWhy Wealth Management & Financial Advice Differs for Men and Women
Sunday, March 3, 2019The goal of financial advising is to help your clients develop financial plans that help them meet their life goals. There is not a one-size-fits-all approach to financial planning. Financial advice and wealth management should be...
Read MoreA Guide To Estate Planning For 2019
Saturday, February 16, 2019If you’re like most everyone else, estate planning is probably nowhere to be found on your to-do list. You’re relatively young and healthy. You go to the doctor every year for your physical exam. You exercise regularly, and...
Read MoreWomen Are Finally A Bigger Priority In The Financial Landscape
Friday, February 8, 2019Until recently, it seemed that the world of finance and financial advising had missed the women’s liberation movement entirely. Matters of money were still considered to be reserved for men, and women were taught to marry well...
Read MoreQuestions to Ask Before Hiring a Financial Advisor
Saturday, February 2, 2019The good news for people who want to manage their own finance is that there is an extraordinary amount of information available online about a wide variety of investments. The bad news is that there is an extraordinary amount of...
Read MoreA Summary of 2018 Tax Changes
Thursday, July 19, 2018The Trump administration’s new tax reform bill was signed into law in December of 2017, representing the first major tax change in over 30 years. The changes are significant and are likely to affect nearly everyone in some...
Read MoreHealth Insurance 101
Thursday, June 21, 2018Health insurance used to be a fairly simple process. But today, whether obtaining health insurance privately or through an employer, we’re being offered a variety of insurance plans with varying benefit levels, making the choice...
Read MoreInformed Donating: 6 Things to Know Before Donating to Charities
Thursday, June 7, 2018The U.S is considered the most generous country in the world, with two-thirds of Americans giving to charities annually. And this number continues to grow, with giving levels increasing every year since 2009. In 2016, an estimated $390...
Read More4 Credit Score Myths and Their Truths
Thursday, May 24, 2018Credit Management in the 21st Century In today’s world, good credit is a necessity. Today, our credit score affects much more than our ability to buy a house or finance a car. Our credit score can also affect our insurance...
Read MorePay Yourself First - The Holy Grail of Personal Finance
Thursday, April 12, 2018Remember way back to your first paycheck. The moment you open the envelope anticipating the windfall when all your hard work pays off. Then, like a swift kick to your gut, realty hits. Your takeaway earnings are almost always way lower...
Read MoreBusiness Owners’ Personal and Family Security Risks
Thursday, March 29, 2018Accumulating wealth turns out to be a double-edged sword for business owners. It certainly has its privileges, but it also comes with additional risk exposures. In a 2011 Zogby survey, 92 percent of people with a high new worth...
Read MoreThe Tricky Truth of Inheritance in the 21st Century
Thursday, March 15, 2018Inheritances are a complicated thing. Not only are there often strings attached in the eyes of the government, unexpected taxes, and complicated bequeathments, but there are also potential conflicts within families. And not to mention...
Read MoreLife Insurance and the Single Parent
Thursday, March 1, 2018The decision making process for single parents begins with the traditional question of determining how much life insurance is the right amount. The simple answer to how much life insurance is enough is quite simple. It depends. So, the...
Read MoreFinancial Planning for Newlyweds
Thursday, February 15, 2018Congratulations Newlyweds! Your fresh union symbolizes a new beginning facing the world. But before the glow of wedded bliss wears, it’s crucial to talk about finances. Financial planning for newly married couples is a must, but...
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know About the Market Sell off
Tuesday, February 6, 2018In light of Friday’s dramatic drop in the Dow Industrials and the other broad indices in the US many retail investors are concerned and looking for guidance. People have become very comfortable with the bull market in equities...
Read MoreProtecting Your Intellectual Capital
Thursday, February 1, 2018Many people, who have achieved success and wealth through their business, have done so with their intellectual capital. What exactly is intellectual capital? This is the sum of the business’ hidden assets, such as its human...
Read MoreBuy vs Lease - Tips to Stretch Your Car Budget As Far As It Can Go
Thursday, January 18, 2018Read More
Get In shape - Financial Fitness 101
Thursday, January 4, 2018We’re all familiar with fitness fanatics, raving about life changing workouts guaranteed to get you into tip top shape. While there is a new fitness craze in the air, it’s time to exercise your wallet. Financial Fitness is...
Read More5 Ways to Make Your Budget Go Further
Thursday, December 21, 2017I don’t know about you, but for me every paycheck is like a mini Christmas that ends nearly immediately when reality sets in. Bills, rent and saving for retirement makes every payday a budgeting reality. So in these times,...
Read MoreAn Estate Planning Primer for Business Owners
Thursday, December 7, 2017As if business owners didn’t have enough to contend in managing their business and personal finances, there is one particular aspect of their financial lives that is often neglected until it’s too late, and that is the...
Read MoreFinancial Planning in Your 30s: The 3 Goals Every 30-Something Year Old Should Have
Thursday, November 23, 201730 is a divisive number. To the young, it’s the time when you’re thrust into full blown adulthood, whether you’re ready or not. To the young at heart, 30 may be considered the early years before your true confidence...
Read MoreHow to Save Money, When Saving Seems Impossible
Thursday, October 26, 2017Nearly every day, we’re told that saving is the key to financial success. But for many, living paycheck to paycheck isn’t just unavoidable but a reality faced every month. But there is hope, and there are many easy to use...
Read MoreFinTech - What Apps You Should Know
Thursday, October 12, 2017Smart-phones are less of an option these days and more of an extension of everyday life. Your phone is there for you when you need to know the weather, connect with your friends and colleagues, and when you just have to post that...
Read MoreFinancial Planning for Young Professionals
Thursday, September 28, 2017You’re 25 and feeling alive. You’re settling into life after university, paying off your debts and slowly figuring how to “adult”. But with the responsibility of bills, rent, and even keeping up social...
Read More5 Common Financial Terms - You Probably Should Know
Thursday, September 14, 2017If you’re just starting to take charge of your financial future, it can be stressful approaching financial planning with confidence. Do you ever talk to your bank or financial manager and think that they’re speaking a...
Read MoreThe Power of Compound Interest
Thursday, August 31, 2017Remember your mid-twenties when retirement seemed like a lifetime away, and living paycheck to paycheck was not only the norm, but your reality. ‘If only I knew then what I know now’ can be heard echoing throughout offices...
Read More8 Tips for Finding Balance Between Work and Life
Thursday, August 17, 2017It is no secret that the typical American is working long hours with little respite compared to other countries with large economies. Full-time employees report an average work week of 47 hours and four out of 10 American workers say...
Read MoreIs 'Freedom 55' an Option Anymore?
Thursday, August 3, 2017Have you ever stopped to wonder why 60 is considered retirement age? Some public services - like the police force in certain countries - require you to stop working at 60. For most, retirement age, which traditionally varies from 60 -...
Read MoreDemystifying Auto Insurance Rates and How to Lower Them
Thursday, July 20, 2017For some people, getting an auto insurance quote is a lot like spinning a roulette wheel; you don’t know what will come up, and each time you spin it (getting quotes from different companies) it’s always different. Worse,...
Read MoreHabits of a Savvy Saving Family
Thursday, July 6, 2017When people warn you that having kids is expensive, it’s no joke. From diapers to food, braces to sports activities the costs add up quick. For a middle-income family in the U.S. raising a child up until age 18, costs an...
Read MoreYour Emergency Fund and You
Thursday, June 22, 2017Summer’s finally here. The sun is out, it’s warm, the days are longer, and your worries seem just a little bit further away. But, folks, I’m sorry to say, sometimes storms roll in on the sunniest of days. And if...
Read MoreGame of Life: Financial Planning At Every Age
Thursday, June 8, 2017If you’ve ever played the Game of Life board game, it becomes clear that compressed into the colorful path there are various stages of life. Each stage holds its own major financial challenges as well as prospective profits in...
Read MoreSmart Taxes: Roth IRA
Thursday, May 11, 2017Without fail as Tax Day approaches every year, the mind whirls while you check boxes and fill in numbers about everything you could have, should have, would have done to save more money on taxes. Could you have saved more? Invested...
Read MoreHow to Protect Your Finances While Traveling On Vacation
Thursday, April 27, 2017Vacation season is almost upon us and, for many Americans who haven’t traveled abroad in several years, their vacations have been years in planning. However, even the best laid plans can quickly come unraveled if you don’t...
Read MoreBeneficiary Benefits—Keeping Designees Updated Matters Big Time
Thursday, April 13, 2017The term beneficiary crops up every now and again. Usually you’ll see it on an insurance form or hear about it in relation to a will, but despite the nonchalance we toss the term around with, beneficiaries are incredibly...
Read MoreFinancial Resolutions: 6 Tips to keep you Accountable
Monday, March 13, 2017After the ball drops on New Year’s Eve, we dig up our hopes and dreams and make some resolutions. Getting back in the gym, losing weight, and eating clean, are usually at the top of the list, but what about your finances? The...
Read MoreFinancial Win-Win: Give to Charity and Avoid the Income Taxes on $100k
Monday, February 27, 2017The tax code, with all of its hundreds of pages of regulations, stipulations, and loopholes always leave something be learned. Not only is the U.S. Internal Revenue Code massive, different write-offs and deductions occur at different...
Read More6 Tips for a Cheap Valentine’s Date
Monday, February 13, 2017Roses are red, violets are blue, Valentine’s Day can be cheap, hooray for you! Right after New Year’s the red, pink, and white move in to the shopping aisles to serve as a perpetual reminder that Valentine’s Day is...
Read MoreFinance 101: A Lesson in Helping your Student Pay for College
Wednesday, January 25, 2017You think back fondly on those halcyon collegiate days--studying in the quad, late-night pizza, tailgating for the big tailgating game, dorm living, tossing your graduation cap in the air...beyond the lifelong friends and the parties...
Read MoreLeave your Legacy through Planned Giving
Tuesday, October 18, 2016There comes a point in life where you want to begin sharing or gifting all the things you’ve collected over the years—stories, wisdom, financial wealth. And unlike the Ancient Egyptians believed, you cannot take your...
Read MoreWhen Filing for a Tax Extension Makes Sense
Tuesday, October 18, 2016The annual meeting is rescheduled to sometime later this quarter and the family reunion is sometime next summer, but like certain holidays and your birthday you know you can always count on a few specific dates. It’s reassuring....
Read MoreRetire to Happiness: Tips to Thrive in the Next Chapter of Life
Tuesday, September 20, 2016Here’s a thought: retirement doesn’t mean the end. It doesn’t mean an end of self-importance or purpose, it just means a new chapter—a paradigm shift of what life is beyond long days and meetings and bosses....
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