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Beyond 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Despite those who say the conventional wisdom that has guided investor actions over the years is no longer valid in 2025, remember the famous quote from legendary investor Sir John Templeton: "The four most dangerous words in...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...
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Is It Smarter to Buy or Rent a Second Home?
As summer approaches, your thoughts may drift toward escaping your daily routine. Whether your idea of a perfect vacation is sitting on a pristine beach, fishing in a mountain lake, or playing the back nine between pickleball matches,...
Read MoreFrom College Acceptances to Affordability: Considerations for Families in the Final Stretch
April is a pivotal time in the college admissions process. After years of preparation, saving, and investing—not to mention the countless hours spent on exam prep, campus visits, and perfecting applications and essays—the finish line...
Read MoreSpring Into Financial Wellness: Actionable Steps for Financial Literacy Month
April isn’t just about filing taxes—it’s also Financial Literacy Month, a perfect opportunity to reflect on your financial habits, expand your knowledge, and take meaningful steps toward improving your financial well-being. Whether...
Read More10 Things You Can Do Now to Help Simplify Your Estate for Your Heirs
One of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones is a thoughtful estate strategy that outlines your wishes after you are gone. Discussing estate details with your team of professionals is another way to help manage your legacy...
Read MoreThe Evolving Role of Women in Family Finances
March is Women’s History Month, and according to a recent survey, 49% of women consider themselves to be the chief financial officer of their households, up from 41% in 2021.1 Those numbers are even more impressive when you consider...
Read MoreDon’t Leave Money Behind: Finding Your Missing 401(k)s
You've worked hard throughout your life to build assets to support your retirement. As financial professionals, one of the most critical functions we provide is helping clients determine their retirement income needs and structuring a...
Read MoreTax Season Brings a New Wave of Identity Theft Risks
Tax season brings a new wave of identity theft risks, with criminals ready to exploit your personal data to file fraudulent tax returns in your name. Imagine the shock of discovering that a criminal beat you to filing your...
Read More10 Facts You May Not Know About Social Security
Social Security is often misunderstood or underestimated in retirement strategy. However, as financial professionals, we've seen how it can play a crucial role in our clients' overall financial strategy, regardless of their income...
Read MoreInnovative New Year's Resolutions: Financial and Personal Growth Strategies for 2025
Looks like New Year's resolutions are still going strong in 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 MoreExploring the Financial Impact of Electric Vehicles
As financial professionals, we’ve noticed a trend among our clients: an increasing interest in electric vehicles (EVs). To help address some of your questions, we’ve compiled this high-level guide to provide insights into the...
Read MoreSafeguarding Your Identity: Essential Tips for Financial Security
Statistics show that nearly 33% of Americans have faced some identity theft attempts in their lives, and experts estimate there is a new case of identity theft every 22 seconds. As financial professionals, one of our primary goals is...
Read MoreThe Impact of Elections on the Markets and Tax Policy
The Impact of Elections on the Markets and Tax Policy The Impact of Elections on the Markets and Tax Policy With Labor Day behind us, we're in the final stretch of the 2024 presidential election race. As we follow the news and parse...
Read MoreDon’t Be A Victim Of The Retirement Cris
Don’t Be A Victim Of The Retirement Crisis If you think the United States has a retirement crisis, you are not alone. A recent survey found that 79% of working-age Americans believe the same thing. That percentage is up from 67% in...
Read MoreArtificial Intelligence’s Influence on the Investing Landscape
In 1999, Bill Gates wrote, “How you gather, manage, and use information will determine whether you win or lose.” Companies looking to be successful in the future should heed these words when making decisions about implementing...
Read MorePreparing to Send a Child Off to College? Don't Forget These Important Topics
Sending a child off to college is a major milestone for any family, whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or close friend. It’s an exciting time, filled with anticipation and perhaps a bit of trepidation. There’s so much to do, and...
Read MoreDo You Know About the New Filing Requirements for Small Business Owners?
If you are a small business owner—or plan to be one—you should be aware of a new reporting requirement. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), passed in 2021, changed beneficial ownership rules, which is expected to impact 32 million...
Read MoreTen Common Estate Strategy Mistakes You Should Avoid
Legacy preparation can play a key role in any financial strategy. Legacy management lets you consider what happens to everything you’ve accumulated—and may continue to accumulate—throughout your lifetime. But far too often, we’ve seen...
Read MoreA (Golden) Nugget of Wisdom
This week, I've seen more than a few outlets covering gold's increase in value. Although it's true that the commodity recently reached a record high, it's essential to understand what factors are driving the most recent rally that...
Read MoreFinancial Wedding Tips for a Memorable “I Do”
As we enter the traditional wedding month of June, we wanted to explore the range of expenses that can be related to this special event. The average US wedding costs $35,0001 According to The Knot Real Weddings Study of nearly 10,000...
Read MoreThe Evolving Relationship Between Stocks and Bonds
Sir John Templeton once said, “The four most expensive words in investing are: ‘This time it’s different.'” And normally, we would agree. But the phrase “This time it’s different” may apply to what's happened in financial markets in...
Read More5/22 How Much Do You Need To Retire?
A few years ago, there were ads from financial services companies asking, “What’s your number?” The number was the money you needed to retire comfortably. This was an effective way for financial services companies to get people...
Read MoreIdentity Protection Strategies – Are You Doing Enough To Keep Your Information Safe?
There isn’t a week that goes by when you don’t read about some data breach. Safeguarding your personal information starts with understanding cybersecurity risks, knowing what to look for, and doing everything you can to help protect...
Read MoreCreate a Strategy to Protect Your Wealth with Potential Estate Tax Changes Looming
At the end of 2025, portions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) are set to expire. Many changes will come with the sunsetting of many rules, including the possibility that federal estate and gift tax exemption levels will revert to...
Read MoreGive Your Children the Gift of Financial Literacy
Give your children the gift of financial literacy. They’ll thank you later! As a parent, you are well aware of your responsibility in helping your children grow up happy and healthy. Once they enter their teen years, the pressure can...
Read MoreInvesting in a Presidential Election Year
As the presidential election race heats up, a common question on investors’ minds is, “How might the looming White House vote impact the markets?” Some may wonder if they should tweak their portfolios or sit tight...
Read MoreSECURE Act 2.0 Includes New Provision On Special Needs Trusts
Experts estimate there are more than 44 million people with disabilities in the U.S., representing 13.4% of the population.1 Many parents of children with disabilities choose to establish a special needs trust. This can help provide...
Read MoreThe Psychology of Love and Money
Money can be a touchy subject, especially regarding our closest relationships. Whether we like it or not, finance plays an integral role in our partnerships, families, and friendships. So, how can we foster healthy attitudes and...
Read MoreRules and Regulation Changes That Could Impact Your Finances in 2024
In the ever-evolving financial landscape, staying informed about the latest changes and potential implications for your retirement savings is crucial. Shifts in retirement regulations define 2024, and we’re committed to keeping...
Read MoreThe Big Game Indicator and Other Unusual Economic Theories
It’s a fun time of year for football fans. The NFL playoffs are starting, and the Big Game is just around the corner. While football fans will tune in for the matchups, commercials, and Usher’s Big Game halftime show, you...
Read MoreMajor Tax Changes Looming: Are You Ready?
With the start of the new year, we wanted to discuss a topic that will likely garner attention throughout 2024: the potential sunsetting of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in 2025. Although some of the provisions within the TCJA are...
Read MoreWhat to Know When Your Child Turns 18
Your Child is Turning 18: Handling Healthcare, Academics, and Finances Together As your child blows out the candles on their 18th birthday, you may still see your baby girl or boy. But in the eyes of the law your child is considered a...
Read More2023 Recap and 2024 Outlook: Key Events and What May Be in Store
As we get ready to turn the page on 2023 and welcome the new year with all its possibilities, we’d like to take some time to reflect on the year that was—the notable events, trends, and developments that defined our...
Read MoreTechnology Guide for Dementia Patients and Their Caregivers
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or any other form of dementia, this can be an extremely challenging time. While promising new treatments are developing and research continues, a cure remains elusive....
Read More10 Financial Missteps to Avoid During a Divorce
Divorce is one of the most stressful life events. Even the most amicable splits can be complicated and emotionally draining. We likely all know couples who have gone through divorce, and it can be a trying time for everyone involved....
Read MorePreparing for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Sunset at the End of 2025
While we haven’t yet said goodbye to 2023, it’s not too early to begin thinking about any tax changes that may be on the horizon. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 was designed to overhaul the federal tax code by...
Read More10 Ideas for a Virtual Holiday Party
Many of us have adapted to a world with remote team members and back-to-back Zoom calls with customers spread across the country, which certainly has its benefits. Nevertheless, one drawback is the difficulty of getting together in...
Read MoreThe Impact of SECURE 2.0 in 2024 and Beyond
SECURE 2.0: Changes Going Into Effect in 2024 Passed in 2019, the SECURE Act was the most substantial retirement legislation in over a decade. It contained important changes designed to help investors save more and be better prepared...
Read MoreA Year-End Financial Checklist
Time to Think About Year-End Financial Strategies As we roll into fall and the fourth quarter, now is a good time to pause and reflect on proactive ways to set up your finances for 2024. Economically speaking, we are now in a much...
Read MoreAI's Role in Shaping Our Tomorrow: A Look Ahead
While artificial intelligence (AI) is making headlines today, the concept of "thinking machines" can be traced back to ancient philosophers and mathematicians. The phrase artificial intelligence was first used in the mid-20th century,...
Read MoreTop 10 Questions High Net Worth Individuals Ask About Social Security
Social Security, the program you may have spent a lifetime paying into, is designed to offer stability, supplemental income, and other valuable benefits that can play a role in your overall financial strategy after you retire. We've...
Read MoreUnderstanding the September Effect: What It Is and Why It Happens
If you ask the average investor which month is the most volatile for the stock market, they will probably say October. It's a reasonable answer, but it's incorrect. Despite October's reputation for market-defining events like the...
Read MoreDon't Get Hooked: A Guide to Recognizing and Avoiding Phishing
As financial professionals, we understand how vital it is to safeguard your personal and financial information. Unfortunately, in our increasingly digital world, cybersecurity risks, such as phishing attacks, have become a prevalent...
Read MoreMoney Tips for Parents Sending Children Off to College
You’ve done a great job teaching your children vital life lessons and instilling values that will last a lifetime. As summer ends and a new school year begins, one thing that shouldn’t be overlooked, especially for...
Read MoreAttention Parents and Grandparents of College-Bound Students: FAFSA Gets an Overhaul
Changes are coming to the complicated form that students must submit to qualify for college financial aid, known as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Department of Education is calling it the “most...
Read MoreThe 6 Biggest Mistakes DIY Investors Make and How to Avoid Them
IntroductionOver the last several months, I have met with quite a few self-proclaimed do-it-yourself (DIY) investors who, after struggling with the markets in 2022, approached me asking for a second opinion. Interestingly, almost every...
Read MoreHow the SECURE 2.0 Act Changed 529 Plans
Changes to 529 plans in the SECURE 2.0 ActThe SECURE Act was initially passed by Congress at the end of 2019 and was intended to improve retirement savings opportunities. It was a big deal at the time and the most significant piece of...
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