Blog
Year-End Donations and Giving Tuesday
In the U.S. alone, giving totaled $2.7 billion to nonprofits and community organizations on #GivingTuesday in 2021, so here is a list of things for you to think about as you consider your year-end charitable donations.
Read MoreRetiring as a Small-Business Owner: What to Know Before You Go
The thought of retiring may be intimidating for anyone—but if you own your own business, handing your "baby" to new owners might be enough to stop you in your tracks. What might you do to set your successor up for success? We have answers
Read MoreCaregiving: A Decision That May Impact Your Retirement Savings
Becoming a caregiver is a life-changing decision and remember to plan for yourself. Your financial plan may want to include life insurance with a long-term care insurance rider so that when you need care, you have the financial resources to
Read MoreYour 2022 Year-End Planning Checklist
What can you do now to potentially improve and streamline your 2023 budget? Below, we discuss three year-end planning steps that may make your 2023 finances run more smoothly.
Read MoreBasic Strategies with Exchange-Traded Funds
If you're interested in a sector but don't want to commit your entire investment to one company, an ETF that is based on a relevant index can help spread your risk within that sector. Here are some basic strategies that you can use to...
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Little Known Tax Credits for Business Owners
Did you know the federal government offers incentives that can support and reward diverse hiring? Beyond the satisfaction of providing jobs and supporting community members, there are tangible financial incentives available for businesses
Read MoreMoody’s Downgrades U.S. Banks: What Does This Mean for Investors?
Moody’s Investors Service cut the credit ratings of 10 U.S. regional, midsized banks by one notch and put six large banks under review for possible downgrades. Here’s what investors need to know about the recent bank downgrades.
Read MoreA Generational Divide Among Retirement Savers
As the global economy grapples with uncertainty, investors' perceptions of a financial crisis diverge significantly along generational lines. This generational divide in crisis perception offers insightful reflections on market sentiment...
Read More5 Must-Have Items for Your Financial First Aid Kit
Do you have the documents you need if you find yourself required to leave suddenly? Do you know how to get in touch with your financial providers? Here are five items you want to keep in a safe place as your financial first-aid kit...
Read MoreTreating Yourself Can Be Beneficial to Pursuing Your Financial Goals
The phrase “treat yourself” has been trending for a while, and the good news is there’s some benefit to it! Placing money in your budget for splurges is important, but setting aside too little or too much can set you off the path of your...
Read MoreComparing Life Insurance Policies
How do you find the right policy when there are so many to choose from and many of them seem so similar? The key is knowing how to compare policies and evaluate the results.
Read MoreGifting for Education Savings
In the context of education planning, gifting is usually implemented as a strategy when parents want to shift income to their child and reduce taxes, while also using them as a college savings strategy.
Read MoreEducation Tax Credits and Deductions
For parents and students trying to manage college bills and student loan payments, the federal government offers education-related tax benefits. The requirements for each are different, so here's what you need to know.
Read MoreThe Facts of LIFE (Living Independently For Elders): Financial Planning and Senior Independence
Navigating elder care and elder care finances in the U.S. can be a challenge even for the most well-prepared households. Here we discuss a few of the options that can allow elders to maintain their independence while still accessing...
Read MoreGrowth vs. Value - What's the Difference
With the wide variety of stocks in the market, figuring out which ones you want to invest in can be a challenging task. Here we look at the schools of thought, revolving around growth, value, and momentum investing...
Read MoreAll About Credit Scores
It's difficult to imagine functioning in today's world without credit. Whether buying a car or purchasing a home, credit has become an integral part of our everyday lives. Having easy access to credit goes hand in hand with having a good...
Read MoreStars, Stripes, and Stocks: 3 Ways Investors May Pursue Financial Freedom
Consider these three strategies that may help investors pursue financial independence on this Independence Day
Read More6 Retirement Tips for Surviving the Sandwich Generation Squeeze
While each generation comes with its own array of financial challenges, the sandwich generation often feels a tight financial squeeze as they juggle the cost of care for their elderly parents with care for their children. Follow these six..
Read MoreWhich Internal Audit is Best for Your Business?
Internal audits play a crucial role in the proper functioning and success of a business. There are several types of internal audits, each with a specific focus and purpose. Here are the main types of internal audits that business owners...
Read MorePlanning 101: Implementing a Family Debt Ceiling
The concept of a debt ceiling has been a topic of significant discussion lately. Families can benefit from adopting their own debt ceiling as a vital tool in creating a sound financial plan.
Read MoreAnnuities: Pros, Cons and a Huge Heap of Details
In many cases, annuities are the wrong vehicle for people, though in some cases an annuity makes sense. Annuities come with pros, cons and a huge heap of details...
Read MoreA Few Red Flags in the Stock Market to Watch
As an investor, it's important to keep a close eye on the stock market indicators. Currently, the indicators are showing a concerning trend that investors should pay attention to.
Read More529 Plans and Alternatives: Making an Educated Decision about Education Savings Options
Education investments can be more complicated than initially thought. Which plan should you choose and how do you decide? Here are some key details about 529 plans and other education savings options to help you decide which plan is...
Read MoreCorporate Wellness Perks to Look Out For
If you’re looking for a new job or if you haven’t investigated your current job’s perks, these are the free, money-saving wellness bonuses you should consider for your mental and physical well-being.
Read MoreMaking Changes to Your 529 Account
529 plans are designed to accommodate the account changes that you may need to make over the years. Whether you need to change the account owner or beneficiary, your investment options, or your monthly contributions, here's what you'll need
Read MoreWhat Is the Right Setting for Your Retirement Story?
Whether you’re planning to start a long-delayed new business, go back to school, or perfect your golf swing, there is a retirement option out there for you. There are truly no limits to the places you can go as you begin this new phase of..
Read MoreDon't Bank Your Retirement on Your Business
Investing in your own business makes sense; many businesses achieve significant growth each year. However, when you consider that many small businesses fold every year, it becomes clear that banking your retirement solely on the success of.
Read MoreHow to Develop a Money Mindset That Aligns with Your Goals
Financial goals are essential. Setting them will help you to obtain the things you want out of life as well as live the lifestyle you desire, both during your working years and in your retirement.
Read More4 Tips for Teaching Children the ABCs of Money Management
Teaching your children about finances may seem like a weighty topic; however, it does not have to be challenging. By opening the lines of communication early and demonstrating good financial decisions of your own, you may set your...
Read More3 Ways Life Insurance Can Help Small Business Owners
For small business owners, ensuring your investment is covered is critical to ensuring the survival of your business after you are gone. One of the ways in which small business owners do this is by applying for life insurance in the event..
Read MoreVolunteering Tips for Families
So, you’re interested in volunteering as a family this season. That’s wonderful—and we commend you for your service! It’s always rewarding to donate your time to a charity that’s important to you.But...
Read More5 Handy Tools and Resources for Building Financial Literacy
Increasing your financial literacy may allow you to make better decisions about your money and your financial future. Many great resources are available to get you started on the path to financial literacy and to expand your current...
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...
Read MoreThe History of Mom-and-Pop Shops and How To Support Them Today
Mom-and-pop businesses have held a special place in the hearts of American consumers since the beginning of retail commerce in the USA. These family-owned, small businesses were America’s backbone before larger corporations began...
Read MoreTake Time for a Credit Checkup
The Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970 has stood the test of time, and the Consumer Credit Reporting Reform Act has provided additional protection to the American consumer. If you take the time to understand the credit reporting system...
Read MoreThe Gender Investing Gap: How Do We Bridge It?
In the U.S., men are investing and accumulating wealth at a greater pace than women, fueling the gender investing gap. Closing the investing gap is essential so that women accumulate enough retirement assets for their entire lives. On...
Read MoreProtect Financial Information from Prying Eyes on the Web
As more and more consumers search for financial information on the Internet, they may inadvertently leave themselves open to being “tracked” by certain companies and individuals. Visitors to financial websites have created...
Read MoreA Penny Saved is a Penny Earned
There are many reasons why people save money. For some, it is so they can enjoy a certain amount of financial confidence and freedom, while others squirrel away money for emergencies or future plans like the down payment for a home,...
Read More8 Tips for Becoming a Wise Consumer of Healthcare
With healthcare costs continuing to rise, there are ways to help lower the cost of healthcare for yourself by becoming a wise consumer of healthcare. February is National Wise Health Care Consumer Month and a great time to empower...
Read MoreBusiness Assets: Lease Versus Buy
What are business assets, and how do you decide whether to lease or buy them?In the context of the lease versus buy decision, "business assets" refers to fixed assets (such as buildings, machinery, and office equipment) that can...
Read MoreCelebrating Black History Month: Be Financially Healthy
Your life should run your money – your money should not run your life Every February, we celebrate Black History Month by reflecting and honoring the contributions and achievements that African Americans have made throughout...
Read MoreSteps to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft
Identity theft hits your finances, but also can affect your taxes too Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States, with as many as 10% of Americans over age 16 becoming victims last year, according to a...
Read MoreTax Prep Checklist: Everything You Need to Be Ready for Tax Season
Regardless of whether you prepare your taxes yourself or use a professional's services, it's a good idea to gather the information and documentation you need well in advance of your actual tax filing date. Below, we've listed some key...
Read MoreGive 6 Old Items New Life to Organize on a Budget
Introducing structure to the chaos that tends to overtake your home will save you time and stress. You have items in your home right now that are not being used; these items can be repurposed into time- and money-saving projects. This...
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 MoreThe Resolutions You’ll Actually Want to Keep Up With This Year
New Year’s resolutions tend to come with a lot of hype, but sometimes little return. Our lives get busier, and the promises we made to ourselves at the beginning of the year can lose their luster. But putting that energy into...
Read MoreA Business Plan Can Be Your Guide to Growth
A business plan can help raise money and rally your leadership team around common objectives.Whether you're a current business owner or a budding entrepreneur burning with the next great idea, one of the most important steps you can...
Read More8 Tips to Stay on Track with Your Holiday Budgeting
It’s hard to believe we are already approaching the end of another year, and holiday season will soon be here. Since holiday spending doesn’t include just gifting, it’s essential to set your budget now. You may likely...
Read MoreThe 12 Days of Year-End Planning
Things to Consider Going into “The New Year" (Year-End Planning Checklist) 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...
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 MoreMake a Positive Impact This Giving Tuesday With Impact Investing
While Black Friday and Cyber Monday center on consumer deals, Giving Tuesday—the Tuesday after Thanksgiving—has a different focus. Each year, individuals and corporations are encouraged to use the day to support charities...
Read MoreTips for Leaving an Inheritance to Family
Make sure you think about potential disruptions and plan ahead of time Families inherit money and sometimes make the right moves investing and spending. Inheritances can also ignite disruption, divorce and a host of bad behavior...
Read MoreEntrepreneurship and Financial Risk: What You Need to Know
Entrepreneurs tend to be natural risk-takers but this doesn't mean committing to uncompensated risk. A wise entrepreneur considers their potential exposure before leaping into a new business venture, moving forward only on those...
Read MoreSteps to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft
Identity theft hits your finances, but also can affect your taxes too Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States, with as many as 10% of Americans over age 16 becoming victims last year, according to a...
Read MoreHelpful Tax Tips before Year End
Tax planning can be more advantageous when done during the year and well in advance of year’s end. Opportunities may exist for you to minimize tax liability, which could leave more income for you and/or your family...
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 MoreUnderstanding the Estate Planning Process
A well-structured estate plan can be invaluable to you and your familyIt is common for people to put off planning their estates. After all, no one wants to anticipate their death. In addition, many may believe that only the wealthy...
Read MoreTreat Yourself to These 5 Retirement Savings Tricks
Your retirement is the reward after years of hard work and saving. You might dream of traveling, want to invest in a vacation home, or want to take up a new hobby. For an enjoyable retirement, saving is critical. Take charge of your...
Read More5 Key Steps To Help Women Strengthen Their Business and Their Retirement
As a female entrepreneur, you may face different challenges than your male counterparts. For example, women were disproportionately affected by the COVID pandemic. 1 They also tend to earn less than their male peers—largely in...
Read More3 Ways To Improve Your Finances for Self-Improvement Month
September is self-improvement month and a great time to work on your financial health. When you think of self-improvement, you likely think of your health or career but may pay little attention to your finances. Getting your financial...
Read MoreFinancial Planning for Female Entrepreneurs
Women own nearly 20% of the businesses that employ people in the United States, and countless more women run their businesses without employees. There are over one million women-owned firms. They employ over 10 million people and...
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 MoreFiguring Out a 401(k) Strategy That Works for You
Matching your tolerance for risk with your investment objectivesEveryone 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...
Read MoreWomen and Money: Taking Control of Your Finances
As a woman, you have financial needs that are unique to your situation in life. Perhaps you would like to buy your first home. Maybe you need to start saving for your child's college education. Or you might be concerned about planning...
Read More5 Common Financial Planning Challenges of Nonprofit Organizations
Many nonprofit organizations set out to help others. They provide services, guidance, support, or other resources to a specific group or cause. Yet, to do the work they do, they often need financial strength. Nonprofit organizations...
Read MoreStaying on Track with Your Retirement Investments
Investing for your retirement isn't about getting rich quick. More often, it's about having a game plan that you can live with over a long time. You wouldn't expect to be able to play the piano without learning the basics and...
Read MoreResearch Tips When Choosing a College
It seems like only yesterday you were bandaging scraped knees and waving at the school bus, and now it's time for your child to choose a college. You may think a hands-off approach is best to avoid interfering, but it's important to...
Read MoreBusting Common Credit Myths
Anyone who has purchased a home or is currently looking to buy can tell you that credit score is one of the most important factors in securing a loan. It can affect a lot of other areas of your life, too, but it’s particularly...
Read MoreThe Importance of Financial Independence for Adults with Disabilities
Disabilities may make it challenging to secure a job or stay financially stable. Luckily, there are now more ways than ever for adults with disabilities to gain their financial independence. Here are some important reasons adults with...
Read MoreShould You Be in Business With Your Spouse?
Determine who is best suited and motivated to ask you tough questionsYou tie your life to another’s in many ways with that ring on your finger: family, friends, jobs and where you live, to name a few. You also certainly combine...
Read More5 Financial Facts About the Sandwich Generation
The "sandwich generation" is the descriptive term for adults generally between the ages of 40 and 59 who are raising a minor child (or supporting a grown child) while also caring for a retirement-age or older parent. With financial...
Read MoreSaving Tips for Younger Adults
Today, younger adults face a variety of challenges in their pursuit of financial independence. Some of these challenges are similar to those faced by previous generations, while others are unique to the times. Here are five financial...
Read MoreSmall-business Owners and the Value of Insurance in Your Financial Plan
A solid financial plan for small businesses is vital, and part of that financial plan should be insurance. Insurance is essential to preserve small businesses, cover their assets, and safeguard their employees. Here are some types of...
Read MoreAn Annuity Can Help Restore Your Confidence in Retirement
Sometimes we forget just how fragile a nest egg can be.When the economy tanked in 2008, retirees watched in horror as U.S. markets suffered historic losses. The Dow declined by more than 50%, its biggest drop since the Great Depression...
Read MoreHow Fuel Costs Could Impact Summer Travel Plans
If you are planning a trip this summer that involves flying, not driving, you may incorrectly assume it is possible to avoid the effects of rising fuel prices. Unfortunately for flying travelers, airlines also face the pressure of...
Read More4 Economic Benefits of Homeownership
Even though housing prices throughout much of the U.S. are at or near all-time highs, there are still many distinct financial advantages to owning a home.1 From tax benefits to capital gains exclusions and guaranteed rates of return,...
Read More4 Costly 529 Plan Mistakes To Avoid
With the average cost of tuition and fees at private colleges exceeding $43,750 in 2021-22—while out-of-state public college students are paying nearly $30,000 per year—saving for college might feel like a monumental task...
Read MoreSix Uses for Life Insurance You May Not Know About
When people think of life insurance, what usually comes to mind is settling the deceased's final expenses and providing financial support for their beneficiaries. Although these are the most common uses of life insurance, cash value,...
Read MoreA Look at Your Portfolio Mix
With the onset of higher taxes, taxpayers in the upper brackets may want to reposition their portfolios. Even those in lower tax brackets may benefit from portfolio review and reallocation of funds. Consider the following: For a...
Read MoreThe Big World of Small Business: 4 Statistics Every Small-Business Owner Should Know
News headlines are often dominated by some of the world's largest businesses—from FAANG stocks soaring to new heights to Space X planning to send rockets to Mars. But the makeup of American companies includes more than just the...
Read MoreHow to Beat the Retirement Blues
Retirement is an exciting change in your life, but not one that doesn't come with some ups and downs. When you no longer have as much responsibility for family and the daily challenges of work, it’s likely you may feel blue from...
Read More4 Tips for Teaching Children the ABCs of Money Management
Teaching your children about finances may seem like a weighty topic; however, it does not have to be challenging. By opening the lines of communication early and demonstrating good financial decisions of your own, you may set your...
Read More7 Retirement Considerations: Thoughts from a financial professional
When helping people get ready for retirement, financial professionals find the same issues come up over and over. Thinking ahead can spell the difference between a retirement with enough money and a stressful one with difficult...
Read MoreWhat role does Social Security play in your retirement income strategy?
As you near retirement, it's likely you'll have many questions about Social Security. How much will your retirement benefit be? When should you apply? Will earnings from a part-time job affect your benefit? Social Security has always...
Read MoreInvest in Your Financial Education During Financial Literacy Month
April brings more than possible rain showers. It also marks Financial Literacy Month in the U.S. Whether you’re interested in a quick refresher or seeking to learn something new, it may be worth the effort to brush up on some...
Read MoreMarket Volatility Can Stir Your Loss Aversion
At the foundation of your financial well-being lies your behavior Here is a statement that is bound to cause you to raise your eyebrows: Your long-term financial success may depend less on the structure of your portfolio than on your...
Read MoreHow Does an Interest Rate Hike Impact Investors?
The Federal Reserve plans to unwind its bond borrowing since inflation has hit the highest level since 1980. While interest rates will stay near zero, for now, the Fed will start raising interest rates as early as March 2022. With a...
Read MoreCredit Education Month: 4 Ways to Boost Your Credit IQ
March is National Credit Education Month in the U.S., which makes it the perfect opportunity to brush up on your credit basics.1 Whether you're a credit novice or well-versed in the art of the FICO score, below are four ways to...
Read MoreBuyer Beware: 4 Educational Tips for National Consumer Protection Week
This year's National Consumer Protection Week is March 6th through March 12th. It's a time to educate people about their rights as consumers and how to make informed decisions about their money. Whether it's taking a hard look at your...
Read More4 Reasons to Get Fired Up About 'Refired' Not Retired Day
March 1st is Refired, Not Retired Day. It is a day for those retired or close to retirement to start thinking about their next stage in life. It is a day not to reinvent, rekindle, and refire your life, focusing on what is ahead...
Read MoreAchieving Life’s Goals with Cash Flow Alternatives
Developing effective strategies for pursuing your goals within the limits of your particular financial circumstances can be difficult. Each stage of your life may create new financial challenges. Sending your child to college,...
Read MoreSupport These Black-Owned Home-Based Businesses
February is Black History Month, which is a time to celebrate achievements by those of Black or African American heritage and recognize their central role in United States history. While it is important to celebrate Black History in...
Read MoreEmpower Your Loved One: Encourage Independence
Regardless of age, we all value our independence. We like to come and go as we please, running errands, going grocery shopping, and driving to appointments. But what happens when an aging parent, spouse, or relative is no longer...
Read MoreHoping that 2022 is When You Retire Early?
A pre-retirement checklist to make early (or earlier) retirement a reality As we make our way through 2022, maybe the dream of early retirement has begun to take shape in your mind. Maybe you’re researching when you might...
Read MoreHow to Recognize and Protect Yourself Against Tax Identity Theft
When you hear the term identity theft, the first thought that comes to mind may involve a data breach or opening a credit card in someone else's name. But another common type of identity theft involves the use of someone's Social...
Read MoreFive Wealth-Building New Year's Resolutions
Financial stress can have a direct negative impact on a person's health and happiness. Unfortunately, this may lead to a downward spiral. The more stress you're feeling, the larger your financial hurdles may seem, and the more you...
Read MoreTax Prep Checklist: Everything You Need to Be Ready for Tax Season
Regardless of whether you prepare your taxes yourself or use a professional's services, it's a good idea to gather the information and documentation you need well in advance of your actual tax filing date. Below, we've listed some key...
Read MoreFive Wealth-Building New Year's Resolutions
At the beginning of each year, and regularly after that, it may be a wise idea to take stock of finances and make some changes to help improve your financial life. Here are five resolutions you may make to increase financial...
Read MoreAvoid the Pain Trade When Stocks Hit New Highs
The pain of losing money is worse than the pain of missing out on gains Right now, stock markets are up smartly for the year, but this might not be the time to start buying. Remember that it can be dangerous to start investing at the...
Read MoreWhat Should Financial Professionals Know About Required Minimum Distributions Before Year-End?
The SECURE Act made some lasting changes to how required minimum distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts work. There is a 50% penalty on any RMDs not withdrawn on time. Because of the changes, investors and financial...
Read MoreOutlook 2022: Passing the Baton
LPL Research Outlook 2022: Passing the Baton is designed to help you navigate the risks and opportunities over the rest of 2021 and beyond. While the economy continues to move forward, we’re still feeling some aftershocks of...
Read MoreEnd of Year Financial Planning
For some, it’s easy to put personal finances on the back burner during the last few months of the year. However, before the year comes to an end, it’s essential to review your finances. By doing so now, you can make the...
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 MoreYour 2021 Year-End Planning Checklist
It may be easy to forget we're nearing the end of the year. Even during the busy end of year rush, it's a good time to reevaluate your 2021 finances and turn an eye toward 2022. What can you do now to potentially improve and streamline...
Read MoreThe Many Faces of Risk
Knowing the different types of investment risk can help you cope with market volatility. When was the last time you checked your retirement plan balance? If your balance was less than it was the last time you checked, you probably felt...
Read MoreCatch the Spirit: Start Your Own Business!
One of the cornerstones that helped build America is the opportunity for free enterprise. While successive generations of Americans have been following the spirit of their forefathers by building their own businesses, the recent and...
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know about Financial Fraud
Many of us grew up in a world where it was customary to be friendly, courteous, and trusting. Unfortunately, assumptions concerning these standards of conduct can sometimes get us into trouble. Con artists offering a variety of...
Read MoreAn Aging Parent’s Guide to Long-Term Care
Remember when your children were little and they came down with the flu? You lovingly nursed them back to health. You nursed them through colds, the measles, and chicken pox. You kissed their boo-boos and bandaged their scraped knees....
Read MoreHow Secure Is Your Data When It’s Stored in the Cloud?
As cloud storage becomes more common, data security is an increasing concern. Companies and schools have been increasing their use of services like Google Drive for some time, and lots of individual users also store files on Dropbox,...
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 MoreAlternative Savings Options: When You Already Have A Knack for Budgeting and Saving
If you've moved beyond basic financial advice—live below your means and set aside funds for a rainy day—you may be wondering what to actually do with these rainy-day funds. With inflation on the rise, keeping excess cash in...
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 MoreRetiring Business Owners - Plan for Succession
If you’re a small business owner, you’ve invested a great deal of time and effort into building your company. With day-to-day demands, it may be difficult to imagine your eventual transition into retirement. Yet, if you...
Read MoreLife Insurance: Changing Times, Changing Needs
Changing Times, Changing Needs When Judy purchased her life insurance policy 10 years ago, she thought her insurance planning was complete. She assumed that if she paid her premiums on time, she could sit back and not think about life...
Read MoreChoosing the Right 401(k) for Your Employees & Your Business
Implementing a 401(k) plan for your employees is good business. It means you're thinking strategically, that you care for your employees, and are focused on the long-term health of your company. Implementing a retirement plan: Can help...
Read MoreCreative Solutions for College Sticker Shock
Imagine your reaction to the following scene: You return home from work one night to find your teenage daughter running gleefully about with a letter in her hand. When you calm her down, she tells you that she has just been accepted to...
Read MoreUsing Trusts to Manage Wealth: What Investors Should Know
Whether you manage a trust for someone else, are the beneficiary of a trust, or are thinking of creating a trust, you probably have some questions about the "best practices" of trust management. A well-managed trust can help preserve...
Read MoreThree Sobering Thoughts Hurting Your Retirement
Stagnant wage growth, rising inflation and low interest rates are real issues The idea of retiring at age 65 with a gold watch and a fully-funded retirement account is a quaint notion for many Americans. Amid stagnating real wages,...
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 MoreJust Married: Newlywed Estate Planning Cheat Sheet
You’re already sharing a life, now it’s time to share some important info to get your matrimonial journey off to a great start. Congrats on your recent nuptials! Now that you’ve said the vows and enjoyed a relaxing...
Read MoreTax Implications of Monthly Child Tax Credit Payments
In July 2021, nearly 40 million U.S. families are set to begin receiving $250 or $300 per month in child tax credit payments through the end of the year.1 But what could you expect at tax time in 2022? Could you end up owing the IRS if...
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 MoreBetter Understanding Employee Benefit Planning
Cafeteria plans present bewildering (but personal) choices for your family In the past, employee benefits were selected from a “fixed menu” with no choices available. If you were fortunate, your employer provided a...
Read MoreDo You Have FOMO When it Comes to Investing?
Fear-of-missing-out is a very real emotion – but it can derail your portfolio Every day we’re bombarded with reports of what’s hot and what’s not – fueling a fear-of-missing-out (FOMO) on some great...
Read MoreWhy the Inflation Rate Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story
Why the inflation rate doesn’t tell the whole story – all it takes is a spike in a category like used cars to cause consumer prices to soar Markets, economists and policymakers have been fretting about inflation for months,...
Read MoreDo You Need Financial Wellness?
Financial wellness is the ability to have a healthy financial life and feel good about your financial situation. Financial wellness doesn't have just one meaning because it can mean something different to each person. Financial...
Read MoreAre You Stressed About Money? You’re Not Alone.
Many Americans are stressed over money issues related to COVID-19, according to a 2020 Survey by The National Endowment for Financial Education. The media may report a strong U.S. economy is emerging, but many people experience stress...
Read MoreYour Retirement Portfolio: Five Things to Consider Before Market Turbulence
It is human nature to seek advice when things aren't going well or when an unforeseen event occurs. Often, people seek financial advice from a professional only when the stock market and their investments are experiencing turbulent...
Read MoreWealth Preservation in America: Portfolios Including Alternative Types of Investments
After the financial crisis, and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans examined how and why they invest. Many investors that had their entire wealth tied to the stock market proved to be more destructive than having alternative...
Read MorePhysicians: Why You Need a Financial Professional Who Understands Your Industry
As a physician, you've devoted a lot of time to educating yourself, building a career, and providing top notch care that enriches your patients lives, and in the midst of all that, it can be easy to overlook your finances. To ensure...
Read MoreWhat Should Grandparents Know About 529 Savings Accounts?
Grandparents can often find themselves in a better financial position to save for their grandchildren's education than their own children are. The parents of prospective students may still be contending with competing priorities like...
Read MoreWhen’s the Right Time to Retire?
Retirement is inevitable, but knowing exactly when to do so is often unclear. No matter when you actually begin your retirement, you’ll benefit from planning your post-work life as early as possible. According to Gallup, the...
Read MoreHow to Tally Your Social Security Benefits
In an effort to save money, the Social Security Administration (SSA) stopped mailing annual statements nearly a decade ago. The yearly statements were helpful, as they helped workers estimate their Social Security benefits. Despite...
Read More5 Investment Considerations for Small Business Owners
If you're a small business owner, many of the best practices employed by individual investors are also available to you (of course!), but you also have some additional options and factors to weigh while creating your investment plans....
Read MoreThree Key Components of Financial Literacy
Financial feats that were once unheard of—from investing in cryptocurrency to instantly paying someone through an online payment system—have now become commonplace in many parts of the country. But these sophisticated tasks...
Read MoreCreating an Income Plan While in Retirement
You‘ve saved for years. Now that you are retired, did you create an income plan from your savings? The financial industry and media constantly talk about the need to save for retirement. Put money into your 401(k), contribute to...
Read MoreThe 3 Components of Social Security
Many have heard Social Security retirement benefits referred to as part of the "three-legged stool" of retirement: Social Security, a pension or defined benefit plan, and personal savings.1 The idea is that with these three sources of...
Read MoreHow Financial Asset Management May Help Investors Stay the Course
Most people who decide to purchase stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or other investment vehicles do so understanding that there are risks associated with investing, but believing that the potential growth they may realize over time...
Read MoreWomen, Wealth, and Legacy Planning
Women play a central role in establishing and preserving family wealth -- whether nurturing the values of children, fulfilling charitable goals, or making investment decisions that affect the financial security of themselves or their...
Read MoreTips for Growing (and Preserving) Your Family Business
When you're first starting out with your own business, you're likely to be focused more on staying afloat than on contingency planning. But as your family business expands and grows, it's important to ensure that this is done in a...
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