Blog

Monday, May 1, 2023

For many, the thought of retiring and whether or not you are ready to take those first steps might be overwhelming or intimidating.

Monday, May 1, 2023

The ability to enjoy a secure retirement is an objective that many teachers and their colleagues pursue years before they leave their jobs.

Monday, May 1, 2023

529 funds are tax-free when spent on qualified expenses, such as tuition, books, fees, and room and board.

Monday, May 1, 2023

Optimizing your Social Security retirement benefits means getting the best return possible on each dollar you've contributed to the system.

Thursday, March 30, 2023

7 retirement considerations that every investor should think about

Show All

Thursday, March 30, 2023

6 myths that tend to restrict people’s thinking regarding their money

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Ensure You Understand The Deductions And Credits That May Benefit You

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

A few questions that may help you determine if it is time to make a claim or if you should delay a little longer.

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

When you start to consider if investing is an appropriate option for you, you may have questions. You might want to ask. . .

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Spring can be a fantastic time to refresh your retirement plan and savings habits. With 2023 bringing increased limits for 401(k)s, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and other. . .

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

After-tax funds can be segregated from other funds in the account and transferred directly to a Roth IRA. In fact, it would be a mistake not to. (Don't confuse after-tax contributions to a regular. . .

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Financial markets have experienced quite a bit of change this year in just two short months. We started the year hopeful that stocks would benefit from a better economic and monetary policy environment by the spring, but. . .

Monday, March 6, 2023

When it comes to personal finance, there are a number of competing priorities that can make it difficult to determine where to focus your efforts. For many people, the choice between building emergency savings and working towards their reti

Monday, February 6, 2023

Whether you’re one to set ambitious New Year’s resolutions or simply use the beginning of the year to reset on a few habits, there’s almost always some value in reflecting on the past year before looking ahead.

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

February is American Heart Month and the perfect time to get serious about your heart health. Heart disease is the number one killer of Americans and a disease that may be prevented and treated with proper health and screening. Take a...

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Are you thinking about bailing out of stocks because you are worried that the capital gains tax structure might...

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

The SECURE Act 2.0 was signed into law on December 29, 2022, which will work to close the retirement savings gap with over 90 new retirement provisions. The bill includes a few specific changes that are significant for small...

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Tax time can be stressful, and often means a lot of time and paperwork, but you can reduce some of the stress by going paperless with your tax documents. You can receive tax documents (and many additional mailings) electronically by...

Sunday, January 1, 2023

What if you focused on your system instead of just your goals?Setting goals for a new year can feel overwhelming.  We all know that resolutions don’t last, but we also feel the energy that comes with a new year of...

Sunday, January 1, 2023

After years of saving and planning for their golden years, many people nearing retirement fail to consider the tax burden they may face on income they receive after they stop working. While you will likely see a reduction in the amount...

Sunday, January 1, 2023

Whether you're hoping to retire soon or are just beginning to explore the idea of stepping back from your job, you're probably wondering how to make it happen. Will you have enough money? How will you spend your time? What will you do...

Sunday, January 1, 2023

Financial wellness studies over the past few years indicate that investors desire financial wellness. The recent pandemic, economic and inflationary conditions, changes in work-life balance, and more responsibility for financial...

Sunday, January 1, 2023

Identity theft runs rampant during tax seasonHere’s what to know and how you can help protect yourself.Identity thieves often swipe your bank or credit card account numbers, birth date information or Social Security Number (SSN)...

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Through all the challenges, newfound opportunities, and every high and low we’ve experienced during the last couple of years, it’s no surprise why we might be striving for more balance. Whether it’s about the markets...

Thursday, December 1, 2022

At the end of the year, it is necessary to reflect on your financial picture, review the last 12 months, and plan for the future. With all that is involved, it can seem overwhelming. Consider breaking up the responsibilities over...

Thursday, December 1, 2022

Just as it is important to be physically and mentally fit, it is also important to be fiscally fit. Fiscal fitness is not only about how much money you earn or the balance in your savings or retirement accounts. Instead, it is...

Thursday, December 1, 2022

Finding the perfect gift for those on your list can be difficult, but you can make your holiday shopping easier by gifting subscription boxes. These packages of hand-selected goodies can be arranged and mailed for you, and if you...

Thursday, December 1, 2022

It can be difficult to put time aside for fitness at this time of year; your household’s or family’s calendar can fill up with get-togethers and to-dos. “These days, it seems like a struggle to keep our family moving...

Thursday, December 1, 2022

Change may be difficult, especially when you try to change your financial habits. The process might be easier if you take an incremental approach. Do you want to get on top of your finances this year? Are you looking for ways to...

Thursday, December 1, 2022

For many investors, this year has been a wild ride—with interest rate increases, a crypto implosion, and whipsawing values in the major market indices. It might be tough to catch one's breath and look ahead to next year. But the...

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

The vast majority of Americans need long-term care. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 70% of people over age 65 may need some long-term care during their lives.1 Unfortunately, planning for long-term care...

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

If you're considering giving back to society or a cause as part of your financial planning, there are many ways you can do so. You can make an impact while receiving tax benefits by including philanthropic giving as part of a holistic...

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

As we approach the end of the year, you may want to review areas that may impact your wealth and estate planning next year. In this year-end planning guide, we examine four critical areas to consider that may affect your finances:...

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

American Express created Small Business Saturday in 2010 to provide small businesses with a holiday season boost on the heels of Black Friday. The day comes after one of the biggest shopping sales events and serves as a reminder to...

Monday, October 17, 2022

With the cost of long-term care (LTC) increasing year over year, considering how the costs of long-term LTC will impact your financial plan is essential. According to insurance company Genworth, the price of LTC services increased...

Monday, October 17, 2022

No matter how much money you make, completely mastering money early on in life can help you pursue what everyone wants: a financially comfortable today and a financially secure tomorrow. Mastering money in our society can be a...

Monday, October 17, 2022

Investing can be a roller coaster—and, when the market starts dropping, it may even feel more like a haunted house. With recession fears mounting, what can investors do to stay the course and escape unscathed? Here we discuss...

Saturday, October 15, 2022

Basic estate planning is something that everyone should do, regardless of your age, marital status, the value of your assets, and if you’re a parent or not.  According to a 2021 poll by Gallup, less than half of U.S. adults...

Friday, October 14, 2022

Heading into your retirement years brings a slew of new topics to grapple with, and one of the most maddening may be Medicare. Figuring out when to enroll, what to enroll in and what coverage will be best for you can be daunting. To...

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

When it comes to creating your own monthly budget, sometimes planning is easier than the practice. Keeping track of finances can be tricky, but, with a few guidelines and time, you can take charge of your bank account once and for all...

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Financial planning is unique for each person; no two financial plans look the same because everyone's life and personal goals are different. Regardless of what your goals are, financial planning can help you work towards achieving them...

Friday, September 23, 2022

Life insurance has come a long way since the days when it was known as burial insurance and used mainly to pay for funeral expenses. Today, life insurance is a crucial part of many estate plans. You can use it to leave much-needed...

Thursday, September 15, 2022

As you near age 65, you may start to think about Medicare. How do you sort through your coverage options? When (and how) do you enroll? And what if you have other health insurance? Here is some information to help you when it's time to...

Thursday, September 8, 2022

Matching your tolerance for risk with your investment objectives Everyone wants a comfortable retirement, but the road you take there will depend on your specific situation. When you invest, you assume a certain level of risk (but like...

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

The difficult 2022 for stocks may not get much easier because as we now wait for better news on the inflation front, we have to contend with a seasonally weak month of September. While we got some welcome news in Friday’s jobs...

Thursday, August 18, 2022

In 2022, U.S. inflation hit a 40-year high, with prices for food, housing, gasoline, and other key staples increasing by nearly 10% over the previous year.1 During these uncertain times, stocks have continued a roller-coaster ride...

Monday, August 15, 2022

Making decisions about your retirement account can seem overwhelming, especially if you feel unsure about your knowledge of investments. However, the following basic rules can help you make smarter choices regardless of whether you...

Thursday, August 11, 2022

It’s not that different from picking the right financial professionalHave you ever thought about what kind of golf partner best suits your game? Maybe you have an upcoming member guest or are considering joining a local four-ball...

Thursday, July 21, 2022

Getting old is hard. Your parents’ ability to manage their own finances may decline as they age. Helping them with money matters is a sensitive issue you need to approach carefully.When you hit a certain age of your life, you may...

Thursday, July 14, 2022

Markets rarely give us clear skies, and there are always threats to watch for on the horizon, but the right preparation, context, and support can help us navigate anything that may lie ahead. So far, this year hasn’t seen a...

Thursday, July 7, 2022

Adults caring for aging parents and children simultaneously have now become known as the "sandwich generation."  While each generation comes with its own array of financial challenges, the sandwich generation often feels...

Thursday, June 30, 2022

The golden rule of financial planning: if you can plan it, you can pursue it Over the past July 4th, we celebrated our country’s history of declaring independence and guaranteeing basic human freedoms. But true freedom includes...

Thursday, June 30, 2022

Working towards financial independence can often be a lifelong process. But for many, financial freedom may come far sooner—and include some fun along the way. What are the differences between financial independence and financial...

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

The bear market that started on June 13 has left the S&P 500 Index 23.5% below its January 3 high. After the initial positive reaction to the Federal Reserve’s first 0.75% rate hike since 1994 and tough talk on inflation,...

Wednesday, June 8, 2022

There is a common misconception that estate planning is something only the affluent need to do before they die. However, estate planning is important for everyone, regardless of income level or net worth. Planning for the disposition...

Wednesday, June 8, 2022

Many pundits are issuing recession warnings and saying the economy is heading for a hard landing. Amid the cacophony of voices, we think the economy is slowing just like central bankers want but not shrinking. Further, we argue that a...

Thursday, June 2, 2022

College is expensive for many people. The average tuition and fees at a college or university for the 2019 to 2020 academic year at a four-year institution was $9,4001. This may include the cost of tuition, books, and housing. For some...

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Annuity products have grown more sophisticated over the years to meet the demands of today's more sophisticated investors.Just as mutual funds grew in popularity as an alternative to certificates of deposit, the variable annuity was...

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

A regular program of disciplined financial practices can help you in the long-run Many people realize that the best way to stay in shape is to develop an appropriate fitness regimen and then stick with it. If you start a fitness...

Tuesday, May 3, 2022

Monday, May 2, 2022

Friday, April 29, 2022

Monday, April 25, 2022

Monday, April 25, 2022

Monday, April 25, 2022

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Thursday, April 14, 2022

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Friday, April 8, 2022

Thursday, April 7, 2022

Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Thursday, March 31, 2022

Monday, March 28, 2022

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Friday, March 18, 2022

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Friday, March 11, 2022

Thursday, March 10, 2022

Friday, February 25, 2022

Friday, February 25, 2022

Monday, February 14, 2022

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Thursday, January 27, 2022

Thursday, January 27, 2022

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Friday, January 7, 2022

Tuesday, January 4, 2022

Friday, December 31, 2021

Monday, December 6, 2021

Monday, December 6, 2021

Monday, December 6, 2021

Monday, December 6, 2021

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

American Express created Small Business Saturday in 2010 to provide small businesses with a holiday season boost on the heels of Black Friday. The day comes after one of the biggest shopping sales events and serves as a reminder to...

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

What do you think of when you hear the words long-term care (LTC)? If you are like most people, the first image that may come to mind is a bedridden, elderly individual who requires constant care, along with various medical treatments...

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

For many people, entrepreneurship is the ultimate American dream. Five years ago, there were already more than 25 million Americans running their own businesses.1 And with the COVID-19 pandemic leading many W-2 workers to reevaluate...