Blog
When Should I Start Taking Social Security: 5 Factors to Consider
Social Security decisions are often framed as a single question: “When should I start drawing benefits?” That question matters, but it can also be limiting. The better question is: how does Social Security fit into my overall...
Read More
Teaching Teens and Young Adults Financial Literacy Through Real-Life Decision Making
If you are a parent of a teen or young adult, how do you teach them to make confident money decisions before the stakes are high? Teaching teens and young adults about money is less about formal instruction and more about repeated...
Read MoreHelping Adult Children Buy a Home: How to Gift a Down Payment The Smart Way
Key TakeawaysHere are some questions this blog aims to answer:How can parents or grandparents help with a down payment for adult children?What are ways to gift a down payment, and how do the annual gift tax exclusion and lifetime...
Read MoreThree Numbers Every Woman Should Know
Key TakeawaysHow much wealth are women on track to control in the next decade, and why does that matter?What does the life expectancy gap between women and men mean for how long money needs to last?How common is it for women to be...
Read MoreShow All
Tax Prep vs. Tax Strategy: The Difference Matters More Than You Think
Key TakeawaysTreat tax strategy as a continuous process, not a once-a-year filing exercise.Coordinate with financial and tax professionals throughout the year to identify opportunities for efficiency.Review contribution limits,...
Read MoreUnderstanding the Emotions Behind Financial Decisions
Key TakeawaysEmotions and biases might influence financial choices more often than most people realize.Behavioral patterns, such as loss aversion, familiarity bias, and herd mentality, can impact long-term results.Recognizing emotional...
Read MoreAI and the New Face of Fraud: How to Protect Your Identity and Finances in 2026
Artificial intelligence (AI) may be the most revolutionary technology of our time, with industries scrambling to embrace its possibilities. AI’s early influence seems similar to the positive disruptions brought about by past...
Read More
Q1 2026 Market Update
Q1 2026 economic market update summarizing recent economic and financial market events and outlook.
Read More2025 in Review and What You Should Know
As we begin a new year and consider the opportunities ahead, reflecting on the past year helps put today’s financial landscape into perspective and informs the strategies that can move us closer to our goals. 2025 was a year marked by...
Read MoreGoal Setting That Sticks: Simple Ways to Turn January Motivation into Lasting Wins
Key Takeaways and Suggestions for Successful Goal Setting Use SMART Goals for Clarity and FocusSet goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This proven method helps break big ambitions into manageable...
Read MoreYear-End Giving Strategies: Tax-Smart and Impactful
Key Takeaways A third of annual donations: About one-third of all charitable contributions are made in December. Donating before December 31 may offer tax advantages. New rules starting in 2026 (via the OBBB Act) may affect deductions...
Read MoreThe True Costs of Caring for Aging Parents
Key Takeaways Caring for aging parents is a growing reality for many Americans. The number of family caregivers in the U.S. has jumped to 63 million, a 45 percent increase over the past decade, making 1 in every 4 Americans a...
Read MoreMoney Talks: How to Use Holiday Gatherings to Start Family Financial Conversations
Key Takeaways Year-end holidays may be a good time to initiate a discussion about financial matters that may impact your family. If you have adult children, you may want to discuss your financial situation, estate strategy, and legal...
Read MoreShould You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?
Receiving a bonus, inheritance, or an increase in income often prompts a key financial question: Should I use this money to pay off my mortgage, or invest it? At first glance, the answer might seem simple. But in reality, it requires...
Read More
Q4 2025 Market Update
Q4 2025 economic update discussing current state of financial markets and investing landscape.
Read MoreA 2025 Guide to Protecting Seniors from Fraud
If you’ve found yourself stepping into a more active role in your parents’ financial lives, you’re not alone. Some of us are helping aging parents navigate everything from healthcare decisions to bill payments—and increasingly, we’re...
Read MoreSmart Moves to Consider Before Year-End
The final months of the year can sneak up quickly, and with them come deadlines, decisions, and distractions. Before the holiday season takes over your calendar, fall can be a valuable window to revisit your financial strategy and...
Read MoreBreaking Down the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: What You Need to Know
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) included lower federal income tax brackets, bigger standard deductions, and higher gift and estate tax exemptions, among other provisions. The law stipulated that some of those tax breaks would...
Read More
One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) Infrastructure, Defense, Immigration, Border Security Summary
Summary of Infrastructure, Defense, Immigration, Border Security provisions included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
Read MoreWhy More Families Are Choosing to Gift Wealth Earlier—and How to Do It
Estate management isn’t just about what happens after you’re gone— it’s also about what you can do now to help manage future estate taxes, transfer wealth strategically, and attempt to create a meaningful impact during your lifetime....
Read More
One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) Education Summary
Summary of education policy provisions included in One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
Read More
One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) Entitlements Summary
Summary of entitlement policy changes included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know About the 2025 Changes to Inherited IRA Rules
The rules regarding inherited IRAs have changed in the last five years, and failing to comply with the new requirements may result in IRS penalties. These changes affect people inheriting IRAs and those looking to leave retirement...
Read More
One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) Energy Summary
Summary of energy policy provisions within the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) recently passed.
Read More
One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) Tax Summary
Summary of individual and business tax provisions included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). High level summary of individual and business tax provisions.
Read MoreBeyond Salary: Understanding Your Total Compensation
Compensation is more than just a number on a paycheck. Whether you're exploring new opportunities, preparing for a promotion, or evaluating your current benefits, it’s important to understand the full value of your total...
Read MoreHow Much Do You Really Know About Stock Market Indexes?
While you may follow the various stock indexes on the nightly business news, how much do you know about their histories, how they work, and why they're important? We pulled together some information and interesting facts about some of...
Read MoreHow Do You Turn Retirement Savings into a Reliable Income Strategy?
You’ve likely spent years building your retirement nest egg—saving diligently, investing wisely, and contributing to retirement accounts along the way. But transitioning from earning a paycheck to relying on your savings can feel...
Read More“The Four Most Dangerous Words In Investing Are: ‘This Time It’s Different.’” – Sir John Templeton
Despite those who say the conventional wisdom that has guided investor actions over the years is no longer valid in 2025, remember the famous quote from legendary investor Sir John Templeton: "The four most dangerous words in...
Read MoreWhat’s the Job Market Look Like for 2025 Graduates?
It’s graduation season—a time of celebration and new beginnings. For families with college seniors, this time can bring both excitement and uncertainty. While some graduates have jobs lined up, many others still are navigating job...
Read MoreIs It Smarter to Buy or Rent a Second Home?
5/14 As summer approaches, your thoughts may drift toward escaping your daily routine. Whether your idea of a perfect vacation is sitting on a pristine beach, fishing in a mountain lake, or playing the back nine between pickleball...
Read MoreFrom College Acceptances to Affordability: Considerations for Families in the Final Stretch
From College Acceptances to Affordability: Considerations for Families in the Final Stretch April is a pivotal time in the college admissions process. After years of preparation, saving, and investing—not to mention the countless hours...
Read MoreQ2 2025 Market Update
Q1 2025 Quarterly Financial Market Update and Commentary
Read MoreSpring Into Financial Wellness: Actionable Steps for Financial Literacy Month
Spring Into Financial Wellness: Actionable Steps for Financial Literacy Month April isn’t just about filing taxes—it’s also Financial Literacy Month, a perfect opportunity to reflect on your financial habits, expand your knowledge,...
Read More10 Things You Can Do Now to Help Simplify Your Estate for Your Heirs
One of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones is a thoughtful estate strategy that outlines your wishes after you are gone. Discussing estate details with your team of professionals is another way to help manage your legacy...
Read MoreThe Evolving Role of Women in Family Finances
March is Women’s History Month, and according to a recent survey, 49% of women consider themselves to be the chief financial officer of their households, up from 41% in 2021.1 Those numbers are even more impressive when you consider...
Read MoreDon’t Leave Money Behind: Finding Your Missing 401(k)s
You've worked hard throughout your life to build assets to support your retirement. As financial professionals, one of the most critical functions we provide is helping clients determine their retirement income needs and structuring a...
Read MoreTax season brings a new wave of identity theft risks
Tax season brings a new wave of identity theft risks, with criminals ready to exploit your personal data to file fraudulent tax returns in your name. Imagine the shock of discovering that a criminal beat you to filing your...
Read More10 Facts You May Not Know About Social Security
Social Security is often misunderstood or underestimated in retirement strategy. However, as financial professionals, we've seen how it can play a crucial role in our clients' overall financial strategy, regardless of their income...
Read MoreInnovative New Year's Resolutions: Financial and Personal Growth Strategies for 2025
Looks like New Year's resolutions are still going strong in 2024! A recent Pew survey found that about a third of Americans kicked off the year with at least one resolution, and many people actually went for multiple goals. It's...
Read MoreKey Financial Insights from 2024 and Looking Ahead to 2025
As we approach the end of 2024, it's an opportune time to reflect on the year's financial developments and consider what 2025 may bring. We believe in understanding both the past and potential future of our economic landscape, which...
Read MoreNavigating Healthcare Costs in Retirement: Life After Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance
As you approach retirement, a critical aspect of your retirement strategy can catch even the most financially savvy individuals off guard: healthcare costs. For decades, you may have enjoyed employer-sponsored health insurance. As...
Read MoreA Different Kind of Year-End Review: 10 Steps to Reflect and Recharge
Financial professionals typically have a year-round focus on monetary goals and wealth management strategies. However, we also believe that true financial well-being is intrinsically linked to your overall life satisfaction and...
Read MoreYear-End Giving Strategies: Maximizing Your Impact
America is a generous country. People with diverse backgrounds can unite for a good cause, whether to benefit their local communities or the broader world. As we enter the holiday season, now is a great time to think about your giving...
Read MoreQ4 2024 Market Update
Quarterly market update to keep you abreast of changes and events in the current market environment.
Read MoreQ2 2024 Market Update
The first quarter of 2024 has largely maintained the momentum of Q4 within the financial markets. Much of this seems to be related to enthusiasm surrounding guidance the Federal Reserve has provided that they are done with raising...
Read MoreImportant Information Regarding Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Reporting Requirements
Enacted as part of the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act and amending the Bank Secrecy Act, the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), beginning on January 1, 2024, many companies in the United States will have to report information...
Read MoreHow Much Money Do I Need to Retire?
One of the age old questions of financial planning is: How Much Money Do I Need to Retire? In the past, people commonly thought of having $1 million as being the appropriate amount to have for retirement. At the end of the day the...
Read MoreHow to Choose Your Investment Risk Profile
What is the right investment risk for me? What is my risk profile or risk tolerance? This is one of the most important topics for any investor as they formulate and implement their investment strategy. Even if you are working with a...
Read MoreQ1 2024 Market Update
Happy New Year 2024! My, what a difference three months can make. From the beginning of Q4 to where we sit now, we have seen quite a few changes as it relates to the Fed, interest rates, and the overall sentiments of the market. 2023...
Read MoreQ1 2023 Market Update
Happy New Year 2023! Coming off a tough investing environment in 2022, it is safe to say the investment world is ready to move on to a new year. Very few areas held up last year with both stocks and bonds generally putting up negative...
Read MoreQ2 2023 Market Update
Last quarter we anticipated continued volatility in the markets going forward, and our thrill seekers were not disappointed. The first quarter brought multiple ups and downs as we continue on the monetary policy adjustment roller...
Read MoreQ3 2023 Market Update
Is inflation truly on a path back to the Fed’s target of 2% or is there still more work to do? That is the big debate in Fed policy circles as well as among economists of all stripes. The implications are important due to the outsize...
Read MoreQ4 2023 Market Update
And the roller coaster continues… Earlier this year, we suggested that we are likely to see a choppy market with a lot of ups and downs. Outside of a handful of technology names this has largely born out through the first three...
Read MoreQuality Attributes of Municipal Bonds
Spring is upon us! It’s hard to believe that we are entering Q2 for the 2023 calendar year. Spring is normally an exciting chapter of each year. Children are in the last few months of school and are getting excited about the prospects...
Read More