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Business Succession Planning: Protect Today, Prepare for Tomorrow
Succession planning is not only about stepping away. It helps you strengthen operations now, reduce key‑person risk, and create more choices later. Whether you plan to work another two years or ten, a clear plan supports your team and...
Read MoreFinancial Wellness Checklist for Small Business Owners
Financial wellness is easier to work toward when a business owner understands their economic outlook and has set financial goals to take them through the next 5 to 10 years. Striving toward financial wellness is vital for any small business
Read MoreOvercoming Market Uncertainty: Financial Strategies for Retirement Savers
Market uncertainty occurs when investors find it challenging to analyze current and future market conditions due to market volatility. Various factors, such as inflation, and interest rate fluctuation can cause market volatility.
Read MoreCreating a Thoughtful Withdrawal Plan for Your Retirement
Retirement presents a new chapter—one that shifts you from saving to spending. The challenge isn’t deciding when to retire; it’s ensuring your money lasts as long as you do. That’s where a thoughtful withdrawal strategy aligns your...
Read MoreSmall Businesses and the Case for Annuities
Annuities are a well-kept secret in the small business financing world. Businesses can use these products in various ways, both to meet their own financial goals and to provide retirement benefits to owners and employees. Below, we...
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The Sandwich Generation and Retirement: Overcoming the Dual-Caregiving Dilemma
The "Sandwich Generation" is composed of adults who are ‘sandwiched’ between competing financial responsibilities. Many Sandwich Gen members support their aging parents while also providing for their children (or even grandchildren)...
Read MoreAnnuities: The Key to Women’s Financial Empowerment and Independence
In today's world, financial independence is a stepping stone to women's empowerment. A critical path to pursuing this independence is having a suitable retirement income. One retirement strategy that may be appropriate is purchasing an...
Read MoreSafeguarding Your Finances as You Near Retirement
Protecting your finances is always important. But as you approach retirement, with less time to bounce back from any missteps, it becomes even more critical to avoid fraud, identity theft, and other threats. Below, we discuss a few...
Read MoreFive Planning Strategies for Turbulent Markets
In times of economic upheaval, the natural reaction for many investors is to react with fear and anxiety. Market volatility can unsettle the most seasoned of investors, but with strategic planning and a calm approach, it's possible to...
Read MoreTurning Profits into Wealth: A Guide for High-Earning Business Owners
Growing a business is impressive, but it takes more than just turning a profit to build wealth: It requires a mind shift from short-term gains to long-term prosperity. A business owner must focus on the company's financial confidence...
Read More529 Plans Demystified: What Affluent Families Need to Know
As an affluent family, planning for your children's education is likely a top priority. You want to ensure that they have access to the best education possible without worrying about the high cost of tuition; this is where 529 plans...
Read MoreEmpowering Women Through Investment: CSW68
A call to action from the 68th annual Commission on the Status of Women As the world gears up for the 68th annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68), the spotlight turns to an urgent global agenda: accelerating gender equality...
Read MoreDOL’s Mandate for Employers to Monitor 401(k)s
Ensuring compliance when it comes to monitoring fees and services In the realm of retirement planning, 401(k) accounts stand as one of the primary vehicles for millions of Americans to save for their golden years. These...
Read MoreImproving Your Financial Literacy Can Improve Your Business
Financial literacy is essential for your personal financial health and even more crucial for the financial health of your small business. Being a small business owner comes with many responsibilities, one of which is maintaining the...
Read MorePearls of Wisdom: Wealth Preservation for High-Net-Worth Women
Wealth preservation is essential for high-net-worth (HNW) individuals, but it warrants a gender-specific focus, too. Particularly for HNW women, understanding the complexities of wealth preservation is crucial. Whether due to...
Read MoreThe Business Owner’s Guide to Social Security: Planning for Your Future
Yes, even if you are a business owner or self-employed, you can receive Social Security benefits as long as you have been paying Social Security tax each year. The Social Security Administration defines you as self-employed if you...
Read MoreHow to Prepare Your Finances for an Election Year
Election years create a certain level of uncertainty regarding your finances and investments. During continued market volatility, an imminent election can make investors tense. All followers of political parties believe their party...
Read MoreHow to Prepare Your Finances for an Election Year
Election years create a certain level of uncertainty regarding your finances and investments. During continued market volatility, an imminent election can make investors tense. All followers of political parties believe their party...
Read MoreThe Ultimate Guide to Navigating Tax Filing Season
The federal income tax filing deadline isn’t until April. However, the start of tax season is nearly upon us. Here are some tips for navigating the tax filing process to help lessen some of the stress you may feel as Tax...
Read MoreThe Rise of ICHRAs for Small Business Owners
Understanding Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements As the ominous cloud of rising healthcare costs continues to cast a shadow over small businesses, savvy entrepreneurs are exploring innovative solutions to navigate...
Read MoreWhy Your Credit Score Matters in Retirement
Regardless of the stage of life, your credit score is an essential component of your financial health when you're in retirement. A consistently strong credit score can pave the way for greater confidence, easy loan access, and lower...
Read MoreMusing on Munger: 7 Time-Tested Traits of Savvy Business Mogul, Charlie Munger
Charlie Munger was a Harvard-educated lawyer, billionaire investor, money manager, and partner to legendary investor and investment manager Warren Buffett, the Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. By following certain traits, Munger...
Read MoreThe Biggest Issue Facing Your Employees Today
Immediate financial pressures eclipse retirement savings as top concern The current economic landscape, with its rising living costs and lingering student debt, has shifted employees' financial stress points. Recent studies, including...
Read MoreRetirement Planning: A Map to Changes in 2024
Navigating these demands an adaptable approach to planning your finances As we kick off 2024, the world of retirement planning is undergoing a fairly significant transformation, as tax brackets, retirement contribution limits, estate...
Read MoreWomen Are Navigating the Great Wealth Transfer
Women are taking charge and outperforming men in aspects of investing The financial landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as the "Great Wealth Transfer" approaches, ushering in a new era of prosperity for younger...
Read MoreSECURE Act 2.0: What Business Owners Need to Know for 2024
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act, passed into law in December 2019, had significant implications for business owners and employees regarding retirement savings and tax rules. With some...
Read MoreFinancial Planning for Private Business Owners
A necessity that underpins stability and growth for your business and you Financial planning is a critical element for the success of any private business owner. It provides a roadmap for working toward both short-term and long-term...
Read MoreHealthy Financial Behaviors for High-Net-Worth Individuals
For high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), implementing healthy financial behaviors is crucial to maintaining their assets and growing wealth. Regardless of having significant financial means, embracing healthy financial behaviors must...
Read MoreIRS Announces New 2024 Income Tax Brackets
Your financial professional can help leverage these changes to impact your tax liabilities It is crucial for individuals to engage in strategic tax planning with their financial professionals, particularly considering the changes to...
Read MoreSmall Business, Big Moves: How to Write a Business Growth Plan
Starting a small business is undoubtedly rewarding. It creates a sense of accomplishment and the potential for financial freedom and gives you, the business owner, a certain autonomy. But just having your business up and running...
Read MorePlanning for Succession of a Business Interest
Business succession planning — what is it? One of the important decisions a business owner must face is when and how to step out of the business — in other words, business succession planning. Do you expect to retire from...
Read MoreWomen and Philanthropy: A Guide to Giving
Women have been givers since ancient times. They often give with their heart and soul to support projects that improve society. In our modern times, successful women are now finding themselves in positions that allow them to...
Read MoreSocial Security Benefits Set to Increase in 2024
Proper financial planning includes forecasting future Social Security benefits In a welcome development for millions of Americans relying on Social Security, the Social Security Administration has recently announced a substantial...
Read More6 Business Goals for a Prosperous New Year
The new year is fast approaching, and it is the perfect time to set up resolutions for your business. Whether you want to increase your sales, gather a more extensive customer base, or just accomplish needed business improvements,...
Read More5 Year-End Tax Planning Tips for Small Business Owners
Tax planning preparations include small-business owners taking necessary measures to optimize their taxes by taking advantage of deductions and benefits. Here is a brief tax planning overview for small-business owners preparing for tax...
Read MoreSuccession Planning for Women Business Owners
Women entrepreneurs face a unique set of hurdles when it comes to starting new businesses, particularly in a post-pandemic world. In 2021, women started about 40 percent of all new businesses, and this figure has remained fairly steady...
Read More7 Estate Planning Topics to Discuss with the Family over Thanksgiving Dinner
One of the more difficult conversations for family members to have is talking about estate planning. There are several reasons for this, including the reality of our own mortality and that of our loved ones. In some families, it is an...
Read MoreA Year-End Wealth Planning Guide
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:...
Read MoreYour Traditional 401(k) Year-End Review Checklist
A 401(k) plan is one of the most popular and effective techniques for saving for your retirement. A company will automatically withdraw and contribute money from each paycheck to your 401(k) plan. Some employers will even match a...
Read MoreGot Investophobia? Here are 6 Steps to Overcome Your Investing Fears
Investing your money for the future might be one of the quickest ways to grow your wealth, whether saving for retirement or making a large purchase. While most people know investing is a potential way toward a more manageable financial...
Read MoreA Fall Financial Checklist
For many, autumn is the best time of year. The return of cool breezes, comforting foods, and pumpkins can be invigorating. It’s also a bookmark of sorts, especially for your finances—a perfect time to take stock of your...
Read More7 Changes to the FAFSA and How They Could Impact You
Deciding on which college to attend is an exciting time. Still, it can also be stressful. The Department of Education has been working to simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application process with a few...
Read More7 Financial Planning Tips for Single Parents
For decades the number of single-parent households has been rising worldwide, with the U.S. having the highest rate of children living in single-parent households. Economic well-being for these households is concerning since it is up...
Read MoreWhat Should Women Entrepreneurs Know About Small Business Grants?
One of the biggest challenges for any new business involves maintaining liquidity and consistent cash flow. Many entrepreneurs take only a minimal salary—if any at all—during the first few years their business operates,...
Read MoreA Growing Trend: Women Entrepreneurs
The business landscape is continually changing—technological advances, corporate downsizing, restructuring, and telecommuting have reshaped the marketplace. Although these improvements and modifications have a great impact...
Read More5 Tips for Navigating Medicare in Retirement
One of the main concerns about retirement is health care. As healthcare costs continue to rise, medical bills may quickly derail your retirement plan. The good news is when you turn 65, you will be able to apply for Medicare, which...
Read More5 Homeowner Estate Planning Tips to Consider
Estate planning helps disperse your assets according to your wishes. The effort may seem daunting at first, but estate planning does not have to be overly complicated. With the proper planning, you may find yourself resting a little...
Read MoreCan ChatGPT Make Better Investment Decisions?
Investing can be a tricky business, even for seasoned professionals. With a plethora of investment options available and constantly changing market trends, it can be difficult to make informed investment decisions.However, with the...
Read MoreHigh Earning Women and Wealth Management
In the U.S., women control a third of household assets. But by 2030, U.S. women are expected to control much of the assets that the baby boomer generation will pass to heirs, roughly 30 trillion in assets. High-earning women have...
Read MoreThe Stealth Move by the IRS & Kids’ Inheritance
One recent development that has stirred conversations among investors and advisors alike is the issuance of the IRS Revenue Ruling 2023-2.This ruling has presented a unique set of challenges and opportunities for estate planning,...
Read MoreThe Complex Waters of Aging Parents’ Finances
As professionals, managing our own finances can be a challenge. However, one area that we often overlook, yet is vitally important, is understanding and navigating our aging parents' finances. As they move into retirement and beyond,...
Read MoreCongress Tells Treasury to Expect SECURE 2.0 Technical Fixes
In late May 2023, Congress sent a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel saying that it will introduce legislation to correct several technical errors in the SECURE 2.0 Act. The letter, signed...
Read MoreThe Challenges Facing Women Entrepreneurs
While the future seems brighter than ever for women entrepreneurs, a myriad of financial challenges continue to cast shadows over their journey. The increasing presence and contributions of women-owned businesses to the American...
Read MoreBroadening Your Annuity Horizons with Details
While fixed annuities are generally considered to be conservative instruments, variable annuities are investments with the growth potential necessary to outpace inflation, but generally carry a higher degree of risk.
Read MoreRethinking Social Wellness for Your Employees
Corporate wellness programs have been key tools in improving productivity, employee retention, and creating a more desirable corporate culture. While many companies have put a strong focus on physical wellness plans, many are just...
Read MoreUtilizing a 529 Plan as a Wealth Transfer Tool
529 plans are designed for saving for education and are beneficial since contributions accumulate and grow tax-free as long as withdrawals are used for qualified education expenses.
Read More5 Ways Whole Life Insurance Provides Tax Advantages
Life insurance is essential in providing for beneficiaries upon your death, but it can also offer other tax advantages you may not know.
Read MoreHow to Teach Your Children Financial Wellness
Teaching children about financial wellness should start at an early age. Learning how making money, saving, and spending is related and the first step in teaching your child how to understand the value of money. Children learn from...
Read More5 Social Security Benefits You Might Be Missing Out On
Most people know that once they approach retirement age, their reward for years of work comes from Social Security payments they put money towards during their employment. Deciding when to file for your Social Security payments is likely...
Read MoreMaking The Best of the Rest of Your Life
While retirement is a time to enjoy the things you have worked hard for in life, the next chapter may leave some a little anxious. Retirement doesn't mean you have to retire from the excitement in life. In fact, it is the perfect time...
Read MoreThe Challenge of Financial Wellness and Why We Need Women’s History Month
March is Women’s History Month, a month-long celebration of female empowerment. This effort includes advocating for better representation in the workforce, pay parity and improved work-life balance. There are some specific steps...
Read MoreQuestions to Ask A Prospective Financial Professional
If you are shopping for a financial professional, you need a good checklist of questions to ask. What you are looking for is someone who handles clients like you – and who is financially wise.
Read MoreWhat To Know About The Secure Act 2.0
With the signing of the Omnibus Appropriations package into law, both employees and employers can take advantage of more than 90 new provisions aimed at creating opportunities in workplace retirement plans...
Read MoreCelebrating Black History Month
Do you know why we celebrate for the entire month of February? Every February, we celebrate Black History Month by reflecting and honoring the contributions and achievements that African Americans have made throughout history...
Read MoreHow to Increase Household Cash Flow
Cash flow is the amount of cash you receive each month. This includes your take-home pay plus other items, such as child support, tips, rental income, etc. If you're looking to increase your cash flow, read our tips!
Read MoreMedicaid Planning Goals and Strategies
Why is Medicaid planning important? Aging is inevitable, and a gradual (or not so gradual) inability to function independently is a great concern for many people. While the prospect of entering a nursing home is a daunting one...
Read MoreLove Your Heart Back
Do you spend enough time focusing on its importance to your physical health? Read this guide for insight into the importance of heart health and what you can do every day to keep your heart beating strong throughout your life.
Read MoreWays to Minimize Tax on an Investment Portfolio
April 15 will be upon us sooner than you think! Set aside your tax forms from last year, W2 and 1099 forms, and any receipts, charitable donations, or financial paperwork. Get organized for tax season. Make sure you gather the paperwork
Read MoreWhy Plan Sponsors Are Feeling More Responsible for Employee Financial Wellness
You work for your money, but your money needs to work for you. Start to get financially fit by outlining your financial goals and deciding where to focus your efforts. Take the first steps toward a better understanding of your financial...
Read MoreConsiderations for Your Charitable Giving
Points to think about as you contemplate giving to others and causes. Any endeavor worth undertaking, especially one that may affect others, deserves our careful consideration before we begin.When contemplating charitable giving,...
Read More6 Ways to Minimize Your Tax Liability Throughout the Year
You don't need to wait until the end of the year to look for ways to minimize your tax liability. Tax planning should take place throughout the year to have you prepared well ahead of tax season. Here are six ways to minimize your tax...
Read MoreA Guide to Incorporating Philanthropy into Your Financial Planning
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...
Read MoreA Year-End Wealth Planning Guide
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
Read MoreTen Things You Must Know About Medicare
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.
Read MoreFinancial Planning Tips for High-Earning Women
When it comes to saving for retirement, women may have extra challenges, even those with a higher-than-average income. For retirement planning, CNBC reports that women save less than men. The pandemic worsened matters
Read MoreSix Potential 401(k) Rollover Pitfalls
You're about to receive a distribution from your 401(k) plan, and you're considering a rollover to a traditional IRA. While these transactions are normally straightforward and trouble-free, there are some pitfalls you'll want to avoid...
Read MoreDesignating a Beneficiary for Life Insurance
A beneficiary is the person or entity you name (i.e., designate) to receive the death benefits of a life insurance policy. Some states require that your beneficiary have an insurable interest in your life or be related to you (at least...
Read MoreTax-Advantaged 529 Accounts: What Families Need to Consider
According to the College Board, the most recently published figures of the average annual cost of tuition and fees at a public university for the 2021-2022 school year was $10,740 for in-state students and $27,560 for out-of-state...
Read MoreHow to Help Aging Parents
Financial capacity – the ability to manage your finances in your own best interest – involves everything from paying bills to reading a brokerage statement and weighing an investment's potential risks and rewards. And...
Read MoreBig Week For Market Watchers
Last week was epic for market-watchers. A Federal Reserve (Fed) rate hike, a much anticipated gross domestic product (GDP) report, and the busiest week of earnings season got most of the headlines. There was even a surprise out of...
Read MoreStaying on Track with Your Retirement Investments
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal, and there can be no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful. And asset allocation and diversification alone cannot guarantee a profit or eliminate...
Read More3 Golf Tips to Keep Your Retirement Plan on Course
In golf, as in finances, there are a few rules of thumb that may improve your game: keep a level head, avoid traps, practice before trying something new and stay the course. Applying lessons from the golf course to your financial life...
Read MoreSecuring Your Future With Life Cycle Planning
The need for regular saving and investing spans many life stages. Through the years, your goals will change and your strategies will shift, but don’t be alarmed. You’re just progressing through the normal stages of life,...
Read MoreMindful Questions to Ask Yourself at Work
It’s important to be task driven at work, but your mental and physical well-being should never suffer because of your daily tasks. Here are some questions worth asking yourself during a work day.How are you fueling your body?A...
Read MoreWhat Homeowners Should Know About Estate Planning
If you have always thought estate planning was just for those nearing retirement or already retired, think again. If you own a home, it is important to have a plan in place. Without a will or other arrangements that allow your home to...
Read MoreThe Resolutions You’ll Actually Want to Keep Up With This Year
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Tax Prep Checklist: Everything You Need to Be Ready for Tax Season
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6 Holly Jolly Green Monday Facts and Tips
The holiday season means shopping is at its peak, and while many consumers are familiar with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, they may be less familiar with Green Monday. Held on the second Monday of December, Green Monday is another...
Read MoreA Season of Giving: 5 Different Ways To Give During the Holidays
With the holidays here, now is the time to get into the giving spirit and help to change others' lives for the better. Whether you are looking to make a difference in a specific person's life or the life of many, there are many ways to...
Read MoreBuilding a Search Engine-Friendly Website
Creating an online presence that stands out from the countless websites jostling for space on search engine results can be a daunting challenge for small business owners. Unlike their big competitors, most smaller companies may not be...
Read MoreThanks and Giving: How You Make a Difference on Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is a day to extend the goodwill that the holiday season may bring to help others. With so many in need, the holiday season is a reminder to help those less fortunate. Whether you want to donate your time or contribute...
Read MoreInvesting in Your Family: Creating a Family Business Succession Plan
No matter how successful your family business is today, at some point in the future, its ownership may need to change hands. Without a business succession plan, this transition can be fraught with hurt feelings, internal strife and...
Read MoreA Financial Review Can Pay Off at Year End
Today, many people find themselves bombarded by a constant stream of financial news from television, radio, and the Internet. Yet, does all this “information age” data really help you manage your finances any better now...
Read MoreMid-November Means Open Enrollment Time
Open enrollment for employee benefits kicks off this month. While you plan your Thanksgiving menu, review your benefit choices. Even if little changed in your life this past year, maximize what your employer offers. Here are some...
Read MoreFinancial Planning at Every Age
In 2013, a Gallup poll found that only about one in every three U.S. households maintained a budget.1 A 2021 survey of 1,000 Americans found that 80% now say they have a budget.2 Americans are budgeting more due to the pandemic....
Read MorePaving Your Road to Retirement
Whatever your age, it’s never too soon to look ahead and begin giving thought to your retirement. With proper planning, you can make the transition to retirement a smooth, comfortable and confident ride. Today, more than ever,...
Read MoreBusiness Women and Leadership: What Female Bosses May Teach Us
As more and more women assume leadership roles in businesses, it is changing the attitude and sometimes even the future of the workplace. Female bosses may teach business leaders a lot about engaging with employees, promoting their...
Read MoreFinancial Planning Tips for Young Adults
Whether you're still living at home, in school, or starting your career, your late teens and twenties present a prime opportunity to think about your financial future. Though you may not hit your peak earning years until your 40s or...
Read MoreEverything You Need to Know about the FAFSA for 2021
One of the most important pieces of the college financing puzzle is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Without the FAFSA, a college student is unlikely to be able to apply for or receive certain types of federal...
Read MoreA “Recipe” for Retirement Savings
Do you ever dream of the day when you can retire and pursue your interests, travel, or simply relax from the pressure of the daily grind? In the past, retirement planning was a simpler process. Many retirees could count on...
Read MoreThe Bull Market Continues
The bull market continues, with the S&P 500 Index now up seven months in a row. Stocks have impressively gained 20% year-to-date, with the S&P 500 making 53 new all-time highs before the end of August—another new record. All of...
Read MoreAmerican Business Women's Day
September 22nd is American Business Women's Day, and it may be the perfect day to celebrate women who have surpassed the glass ceiling and gone on to be leaders and inspirations for businesswomen everywhere. In honor of American...
Read MoreThe Advantages & Disadvantages of 401(k) Loans
Sometimes a 401(k) loan makes sense, but there are a lot of considerations Tapping your tax-advantaged retirement savings seems like a desperate financial move (because it is), yet also a sound one in specific circumstances. Best know...
Read MoreWhy Save for Higher Education?
In 2021, 44.7 million Americans are facing the burden of student loan debt. They owe more than $1.53 trillion in student loans. These alarming statistics prove the importance of saving for higher education. In the past, many parents...
Read MoreSome Key Uses of Life Insurance
Have you ever thought about the important role life insurance can play in helping you manage a variety of important financial objectives? Let’s look at some “slice of life” hypothetical examples and you’ll see...
Read MoreLabor Day 2021: The Pandemic's Impact
2020 was one of the most disruptive years ever for the U.S. job market, almost as significant as the unemployment during the Great Depression in 1933 and surpassing joblessness during the Great Recession from 2006 to 2008. Many...
Read MoreEducation: One of the Best Investments You Can Make
It wasn’t long ago when an individual went to college, got an education, and embarked on one career that usually lasted a lifetime. Many companies provided on-the-job training, and little emphasis was put on the idea of going...
Read MoreSix Months and Counting
Six months and counting. That is the current monthly winning streak for the S&P 500 Index. To take that a step further, this key equity benchmark has posted gains in 13 of the last 16 months—dating back to the March 2020 low....
Read MoreWhat Can A Financial Professional Do for Non-Profits?
As of 2017, about two-thirds of all nonprofit organizations in the U.S. had annual budgets of less than $1 million.[1] For these non-profit organizations where every penny has a purpose, having the services of a financial professional...
Read MoreTaxpayer Appreciation Day—Recognizing Taxpayers' Contributions
Though U.S. taxpayers received an extra month to file and pay their federal income taxes in 2021, some are still smarting from having to write a check to the IRS.[1] For many, it can be tough to make the connection between those...
Read MoreRevisit Your Investment Strategy at Each Age Milestone
As the saying goes, "50 is the new 40"—and with Americans living longer than ever before, it's not unusual for those in their 50s, 60s, or even 70s to be in their peak earning years.1 But for those who would prefer the option of...
Read MoreChanges to Student Loans and Payments in 2021
The student loan landscape has changed dramatically since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. From the suspension of interest payments on federal student loans to tax incentives for employers who pay their employees' student loans,...
Read MorePicking Up Speed
In the first half of 2021, the U.S. economy powered forward faster than nearly anyone had expected. Speed can be exhilarating, but it can also be dangerous. In our view, the overall economic picture remains sound and will likely...
Read MoreThe Best Money-Saving Travel Tips for 2021
If 2020 made you fantasize about a trip as soon as travel restrictions were lifted—and you’re still waiting—you aren’t alone. Although 2021 was poised to be a comeback year, it is shaping up to be another summer...
Read MoreChanges to Medicare in 2021: What Recipients Should Know
For many people, turning 65 provides one of the keys to retirement: access to affordable healthcare. Whether you're enrolling in the Medicare program for the first time or have been a Medicare enrollee for years, it's important to stay...
Read MoreFinancial Wellness Considerations for Those with Disabilities
Many people associate the term "financial wellness" with things like saving for retirement, paying down high-interest debt, or creating an emergency fund. But when you're living with a disability (or caring for a loved one who is...
Read MoreWhat's the Best Way to Give Money to Children and Grandchildren?
There are several ways you might consider gifting money to your loved ones. In 2017, the IRS allows you to give up to $14,000 annually (or $28,000 if you give jointly with your spouse) in cash, investments, and/or property to each of...
Read MoreGearing up for Summer
As we move into June, a path to normalcy is coming quickly with stadiums allowing full capacity, restaurants filling up, and summer vacations in full swing. Meanwhile, the U.S. economy continues to recover remarkably quickly and the...
Read MoreOut of the Shadows
As the calendar has turned to May, the popular “Sell in May and Go Away” stock market cliché is getting a lot of airtime. This is the idea that the stock market tends to be weakest between May and October (and...
Read More10 Tips for Small Business Owners
Small business owners should conduct an annual assessment of their personal finances. Owners of small businesses have much the same concerns as everyone else, except they are personally responsible for the fortunes of their enterprise....
Read MoreHow Much Life Insurance Do You Need?
Your life insurance needs change as your life changes. When you are young, you may not have a need for life insurance. However, as you take on more responsibility and your family grows, your life insurance needs increase. Your needs...
Read MoreContribute to an IRA Before the May 17th Deadline
Your financial professional can help you navigate the ever-changing IRS rules... Taxpayers of all ages may be able to claim a deduction on their 2020 tax return for contributions made to their Individual Retirement Account made...
Read MoreSpring Into A Positive Outlook
“The real key to making money in stocks is not to get scared out of them.” - Peter Lynch They say April showers bring May flowers. Well, after a lot of showers and storms over the past year, flowers are starting to bloom...
Read MoreSpring Clean Your Finances
As temperatures warm up, trees begin budding, and the days get longer, you probably throw open your windows and think about spring cleaning your home. As you tackle washing windows, cleaning carpets, and sorting out the garage,...
Read MoreEnd of Year (EOY) Deadlines Checklist
2020 has been one of the most unprecedented years in recent history, but some things—like tax contributions and retirement deadlines—don't change much, if at all. And with the uncertainty surrounding just about everything,...
Read MoreSurviving the Holiday Season Debt-Free
With the holiday season just around the corner, you may be ready to get a jump on your holiday shopping. Unfortunately, for many, holiday shopping easily gets out of control. When you are in the giving spirit, you may find yourself...
Read More30,000 Reasons To Be Thankful
As 2020 winds down, it has been an extremely tough year on all of us. Still, there are many reasons to be thankful and today we will share some reasons investors should be thankful. Stocks have had one of the largest reversals ever in...
Read MoreWeekly Market Performance – Economic and Market Data Does Not Always Mix
Index Performance US and International Equities This week, as some of the economic news was pointing to worries of a potential economic slowdown, some areas of the stock market are looking ahead to a potential economic recovery. Stocks...
Read MoreBenefits of HSA and FSA Accounts
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are designed to help you save money on medical costs by giving you access to a special savings account with tax benefits. Although these plans are very similar, they...
Read MoreEnd of Year Planning: Set Goals and Reduce Taxes
By the last third of the calendar year, you're likely to have a pretty good idea of what your annual income will be and whether any major expenses or big life changes await you. This can allow you to engage in more robust tax planning,...
Read MoreWhy Munis May Want Joe Biden to Win
Historically it has been unwise to attempt to “play” the stock market ahead of an election in an attempt to position based on perceived implications of a president’s policies, but the municipal bond market may be...
Read More5 Charts We Are Watching
There are many charts that caught our attention this week, and today we share the top 5 charts we’re watching. The S&P 500 Index recently had a four-week losing streak and fell nearly 10% along the way, while the Nasdaq and many...
Read MoreInvesting in an Election Year
The world's events always affect the markets, and making smart investment choices requires you to look at what's happening around the world. But what about during an election year? How should you invest while the country is deciding...
Read MoreWhat Gen Xers, Millennials, and Baby Boomers Need to Know About Financial Planning?
Financial planning is an important part of securing your current lifestyle as well as preparing yourself for what you wish to do in your eventual retirement. And while this importance may look different during each stage of your life,...
Read MoreHow Corporate Bond Spreads Respond to Equity Market Volatility
An old Wall Street adage says bond markets are smarter than equity markets, so when stocks encounter volatility, investors often look to the bond market for clues about the potential severity of equity market weakness. The...
Read MoreHow Bonds May Perform When Rates and Stocks Fall
A few weeks ago we looked at how different bond sectors performed during rising rate periods during the last economic cycle (2009–2020). Today we look at falling rate periods—not the outcome we expect, but it can still be...
Read MoreYear-End Tax Planning
As the end of the year approaches, it's time to consider strategies that could help you reduce your tax bill. But most tax tips, suggestions, and strategies are of little practical help without a good understanding of your current tax...
Read MoreHow Financial Planning Helps You Work Towards Your Self-Improvement Goals
Many self-improvement goals focus on stability and personal growth — and financial goals are often no different. From buying your first home to saving for retirement, planning your finances can also help you work toward your...
Read MoreMarket Update: Friday Aug 28, 2020
Markets moving higher. US markets opened higher, looking for a seventh consecutive higher close. Continued positive trends in COVID-19 progress helped, but the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) change in its views on inflation (more...
Read MoreAt Mid-Year, Keep Your January 1st Pledges
Amid the heat of mid-summer, do you remember your New Year’s resolutions regarding your personal financial planning? How are you coming with your to-do list? It seems like only yesterday that, in late 1999, the worry du jour was...
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