Blog
New Retirement Contribution Limits for 2024
The Internal Revenue Service has released new limits for the coming year. After months of high inflation and financial uncertainty, some of these cost-of-living-based adjustments have reached near-record levels. Individual Retirement...
Read MoreStaying Upbeat in a Down Market
Investors know that the stock market moves in cycles, but few are comfortable when the cycle takes stock prices lower. And since late August, the cycle has been decidedly lower. If you’re looking for reasons to worry, you...
Read MoreCheck Your Withholding This Fall
How much are you withholding per paycheck?Is the amount too little? (Or too much?) Find out the answer before the year ends. You may not want to discover next year that your withholding amount for this year was too small. The IRS...
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Considerations During Medicare’s Open Enrollment
How long has it been since you’ve reviewed your Medicare policy? With open enrollment fast approaching, there are a few questions you may want to ask yourself before you renew, add, drop, or switch coverage. Have you switched...
Read MoreSocial Security Announces 2024 COLA
The Social Security Administration has announced a 3.2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2024. This adjustment means the average Social Security retiree beneficiary will see their monthly check increase by about $57 to $1,849,...
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Unwrapping Halloween's Candy Economy
I hope this email finds you in high "spirits" as we approach the spookiest time of the year. As the days creep closer to Halloween, confectioners weave a sweet web in preparation for this enchanting holiday. Did you know that the...
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Will Middle East Tensions Push Rates Higher?
The Fed’s ongoing pledge of “higher interest rates for longer” has rattled financial markets and raised the cost of everything from mortgages to credit cards. Now adding to tensions are the recent events in the...
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How to Start Saving for College Now
According to the Education Data Initiative, the average annual cost of college per student, per year in the U.S., including books, supplies and living expenses is $36,436.1 The average cost of college has risen over 2% over the last...
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Your Quarterly Medicare Newsletter
Are you already planning for the end of the year? Where did the time go? In this edition, we’ll be looking into navigating Medicare for the first time, particularly if you are under the age of 65. Don’t forget Medicare...
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Warren Buffett Says, "Don't Watch."
Have you ever heard the expression, "If you love sausages, never watch how they're made?" The same is true of stock prices. Warren Buffett once said, "I would tell [investors], don’t watch the market closely." In recent weeks,...
Read MoreIs your investment strategy up to date??
There are two primary risks you may face when you don’t invest: inflation risk, or loss of purchasing power, and longevity risk, which is when you outlive your money. In fact, the risk of not investing often outweighs the risk...
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Social Security Survivor Benefits
Just as it’s important to prepare for what happens if you pass away, you should consider the Social Security benefits that may be available if you are the survivor — the spouse, child or parent — of a worker who dies...
Read MoreDollars and Degrees: The Cost of Education
As we approach the back-to-school season, I wanted to discuss an important topic that might be on your mind: the cost of education. Whether you have children or grandchildren preparing for college or considering furthering your...
Read MoreThe Importance of Good Credit
Did you know that it wasn’t so long ago that women faced challenges in obtaining credit? In the 1960s and 1970s, legislation provided women with equal access to credit opportunities, paving the way for their independence and...
Read MoreWhy a Roth IRA May Be Particularly Beneficial
Many are aware that tax-free earnings growth and the ability to pass assets to beneficiaries on a tax-free basis make Roth IRAs a popular retirement savings strategy. But did you know Roth IRAs can be particularly beneficial to women...
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Talking About Finances with Your Partner
Conversations about money can be tense and uncomfortable, especially when it’s a conversation with your long-term partner or spouse. Money problems and miscommunications about finances can cause tension and lead to larger issues...
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Easing Into a Retirement Lifestyle
How to Prepare for Retirement Living Transitioning into retirement can be both exciting and challenging. After years of hard work, you finally have the opportunity to relax and enjoy what are often called your “golden years...
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Why the Drop in Inflation Was Such a Big Deal
Sometimes, a picture is worth 1,000 words. So I decided to include an image of the June Consumer Price Index (CPI) report to help put inflation in better perspective: Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, rose just...
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Avoid Common Missteps When Naming Beneficiaries
You already know that naming beneficiaries for your retirement accounts, life insurance policies and other assets is a critical component of estate planning. We want to call out a few common gaps we see in this process so you can avoid...
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Find New Ways to Build a Lasting Legacy
Did you know an estimated 70% of wealth passed down doesn’t make it past the second generation? Up to 90% disappears by the third generation.1 This is why proper financial education, and an established estate plan are important....
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Happy Fourth of July!
Fourth of July is a day to celebrate our liberty, freedom and independence.Enjoy your time celebrating with loved ones. Wishing you a happy and safe Fourth of July!
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Your Quarterly Medicare Newsletter
Spring is about new beginnings, and that applies to Medicare as well. Whether you are a first-time recipient or looking to update your plan for the year, you can read about some of your coverage here.What screenings does Medicare...
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Fed Hits Pause Button on Rate Hikes
Jerome Powell skipped an interest rate hike at the Fed’s June meeting, but the market isn’t buying what the Fed Chair is selling about what’s next with short-term rates.Powell signaled that two more rate increases may...
Read MoreReduce Portfolio Risk with Nobel Prize-winning Research
Investing can be overwhelming, and there is no shortage of online content to add to the confusion. As your advisor, I can help reduce the noise by providing you to Portfolio Advisory Services, a program that employs highly diversified,...
Read MoreIs your investment strategy up to date??
There are two primary risks you may face when you don’t invest: inflation risk, or loss of purchasing power, and longevity risk, which is when you outlive your money. In fact, the risk of not investing often outweighs the risk of...
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Term and Permanent Life Insurance Options
Choosing a life insurance plan that works for your circumstances can feel like choosing from a seemingly endless array of options. Two of the biggest life insurance categories are “term” and “permanent” life...
Read MoreA Smaller Social Security Bump May Be On the Way
I wanted to take a moment to update you on the potential changes to Social Security benefits for 2024. As I'm sure you know, the Social Security Administration calculates annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) based on the Consumer...
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Your Quarterly Medicare Newsletter
Spring is about new beginnings, and that applies to Medicare as well. Whether you are a first-time recipient or looking to update your plan for the year, you can read about some of your coverage here.What screenings does Medicare...
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Should You Pay Your Mortgage Off Early?
We all know there are various tactics for building long-term wealth. Paying off your mortgage early may be an option for some. However, focusing on investing money or paying off other debts first could be more beneficial than early...
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Take Control of Your Finances
Feel like your finances have more control over you than you have over them? Or like you're in a financial hole and just keep sinking? There are ways to take back control of your spending and regain control of your finances.Explore...
Read MoreThe best laid plans…
Even the most thought-out financial strategy may need to be adjusted for unexpected events, such as changes to your family life or career, or shifts in your family priorities. These are important opportunities for us to connect and...
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Market Timing Is Exhausting
Market timing must be exhausting. Always moving in and out of the markets based on economic analysis or business headlines must be so challenging.The accompanying chart shows that money held in money market mutual funds rose to $5.1...
Read MoreContribution Deadline Fast Approaching
Just a quick reminder that the last day to make 2022 contributions to certain retirement accounts is fast approaching. In most cases, the contribution deadline is the same as your tax return filing deadline. For instance, you can make...
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Has Your Student Filled Out the FAFSA?
As you’re getting your student ready for college, there’s probably a lot on your mind. However, there’s one deadline you cannot afford to miss.In some states, deadlines may be even sooner, so plan ahead if you can.To...
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Managing Your Finances in Your 70s and Beyond
The financial situation you were in thirty years ago is far different from the financial situation you’re in now. You likely have different concerns and priorities. In this email, we’ve prepared a few considerations for...
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4 Things to Love About Roth IRAs
Roth IRAs are a highly recommended retirement account for a reason. Originally introduced as the ‘IRA-Plus’, these accounts were designed to empower middle-class Americans to save for retirement. To this end, they come with...
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Is the Bear Market Over?
"Is the bear market over?"That's a question I've been asked a number of times in recent weeks. And my answer is the same, "Let's give it a little time."But people are quick to remind me that stocks are off to a good start in 2023,...
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Getting to Know Your 401(k)
Most people with any time in the workforce have a 401(k). It’s one of the most common benefits offered by employers today.Although 401(k)s are typically included in financial planning conversations, it’s important to...
Read MoreReasons to Review Your Social Security Statement
Did you know that determining whether your Social Security earnings record is correct falls squarely on your shoulders—not your current/previous employer(s) or the Social Security Administration? Accuracy is critical because your...
Read MoreMaking Smart Rollover Decisions
Rolling over the assets in your workplace retirement plan to an IRA can be a great move. IRAs typically offer more investment choices while allowing you to continue accumulating earnings on a tax-deferred basis.However, making a...
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Don’t Fall for These 5 Common Money Misconceptions
We have all heard bad financial advice at some point in our lives. These misconceptions seem small but end up doing more harm than good. Here are a few of the most common misconceptions we’ve heard repeated by clients...
Read MoreSECURE Act 2.0: An Overview
In the final days of 2022, Congress passed a new set of retirement rules designed to make it easier to contribute to retirement plans and access those funds earmarked for retirement.The law is called SECURE 2.0, and it's a follow-up to...
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Inflation Is Trending Lower. Now What?
The December inflation report had some encouraging news. It showed that consumer prices trended lower for the month, but more importantly, it confirmed that overall prices have been trending lower for the past six months.Now the ball...
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Happy New Year!
After a complicated year, the next dawns with new opportunities. Now is the time to think about the new year and plan for action. The start of a year is the right time to work on a dream or two. It is also an excellent time to adjust...
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Happy Holidays!
May you never outgrow the magic of the season.Happy Holidays!
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Is a Will or Trust Right for you?
LEARN ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WILLS AND TRUSTYou may not know the difference between a will and a trust. As you're estate planning, you should know your options and the proper tools to achieve your asset distribution goals. Wills...
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Preserving Your Independence in Retirement
As you near retirement, this could be a convenient time to consider moving into and living in an independent care facility. This housing option, or one like it, could allow you to preserve your independence while providing the...
Read MoreManaging Your Finances in Your 40s
Most people would argue that your 40s are one of the best times in your life. You’ve hit your stride—from your personal life to your career—and have learned how to juggle boardroom meetings and soccer practice. From a...
Read MoreManaging Your Finances in Your 60s
With retirement closing in, your 60s are all about making sure you have the right plan in place.Here are some great ideas to implement in your 60s.Make an estate plan. If you don't already have a will, put creating one at the top...
Read MoreManaging Your Finances in Your 50s
Turning 50 is a milestone for many reasons. You’re likely in your peak earning years and no longer have kids at home. You’re paying down debt, and your wealth is higher than it was a decade earlier.Changing circumstances...
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Using Diversification Long-Term
One of the most basic principles of pursuing the growth of long-term wealth is diversification. A diversified approach to building wealth helps to mitigate risk while capturing the benefits of rising markets. Why is it so important to...
Read MoreProtect Your Lifestyle with Long-Term Care
Long-term care planning may be more critical than retiring couples realize. Many people overlook it when planning for their retirement income and healthcare needs, but one of the major risks retiring couples face is the chance of a...
Read MoreThe Biggest Risk to Retirement Income
For current retirees and those nearing retirement, healthcare costs are expected to pose the single greatest risk to income in retirement. A recent study reports that a 65-year-old couple retiring in 2019 can expect to spend $285,000...
Read MoreImportant Details on Student Loan Relief
The White House recently forgave up to $10,000 to student loan borrowers as part of a larger debt forgiveness program. There are still quite a few questions to be answered, but here are some key points to know.Pell vs. non-Pell: Loan...
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Help Protect Your Investments
If you have little experience with investing in stocks, bonds, or even real estate, it can be nerve-racking. You might feel like the slightest change in the stock market could have a negative impact on your investments and portfolio....
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Take Control of Your Finances
Feel like your finances have more control over you than you have over them? Or like you're in a financial hole and just keep sinking? There are ways to take back control of your spending and regain control of your finances.Explore...
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1% Moves in S&P 500
If you’ve felt like stock prices were a little more volatile in 2022 than in recent years, your “spidey senses” are right on the money.The S&P 500 has posted 81 daily moves of at least 1% through August. Of those...
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Ready for Medicare Open Enrollment?
Medicare’s annual open enrollment period begins October 15 and ends December 7. During this time, current Medicare beneficiaries have the option to adjust their coverage for the coming year. Any changes to your plan will go into...
Read MoreImportant Details on Student Loan Relief
The White House recently forgave up to $10,000 to student loan borrowers as part of a larger debt forgiveness program. There are still quite a few questions to be answered, but here are some key points to know.Pell vs. non-Pell: Loan...
Read MoreWhat’s a Power of Attorney?
One of the more awkward estate planning topics—but also one of the most important—involves powers of attorney.At some point before our deaths, many of us will become physically and mentally unable to manage our own affairs....
Read MoreLooking at Flexible Long-Term Care Options
For many retirees, long-term care insurance can offer a helpful safety net for protecting retirement income in the event of a serious illness or incapacitation. Clients often have concerns when it comes time to plan, like not...
Read MoreFull Social Security Benefits at Age 66
At age 66, you qualify for full Social Security benefits—but not necessarily your maximum benefit. If haven’t already begun receiving Social Security benefits, it’s important to understand why it may be advantageous...
Read MoreWhat Medicare Covers—and What It Doesn’t
Turning 65 means you’re now eligible to receive Medicare benefits. But sorting through the Medicare alphabet can be challenging. How do you get started and what do you need to know before you enroll? The first step is to visit...
Read MoreLiving Longer Means More Income Needs
On average, women in the U.S. live longer than their male counterparts, making outliving their income in retirement a very real possibility for many.According to a 2019 study from T. Rowe Price measuring gender and retirement:43% of...
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Prepare for Your Retirement
How to Estimate Retirement ExpensesRetirement can be a time of rest and relaxation, but for some people it can be a time of financial stress. It's important to start estimating retirement expenses early, so you can enjoy your...
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The Importance of Diversification
Diversify Your Financial PortfoliosYou’ve likely heard the phrase: “Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket.” But what does that phrase mean for your finances? When applying this phrase to your finances, the true...
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Know These 5 Key Things Before Retirement
Throughout your life, you’ve likely dreamt about what your retirement will look like. There are many possibilities about what you can do with your time, where you can live and what your income and finances will look like.As you...
Read MoreAre We Headed for a Recession?
Just two years removed from the last US recession, negative stock returns and aggressive US Federal Reserve interest rate hikes have many investors concerned we are headed for another big “R”—if we’re not...
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The Importance of Diversification
Diversify Your Financial PortfoliosYou’ve likely heard the phrase: “Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket.” But what does that phrase mean for your finances? When applying this phrase to your finances, the true...
Read MoreCare for a COLA with Your Social Security?
As you might have heard, people are talking about a big bump in Social Security benefits next year.The Senior Citizens League says payments could rise by as much as 8.6 percent in 2023, compared to an increase of 5.9 percent in 2022....
Read MoreWhen bears are loud, consider this
Some gloomy headlines are coming out of Wall Street lately. Have you noticed?In recent days, I’ve read things like “Brace yourself for economic hurricanes” and “Wall Street investor survey paints a dire outlook...
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Will the GDP Report Suggest a Recession?
The advanced report on first-quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will be out later this week. Perhaps no economic report this year will be more scrutinized. Those looking for economic clues that could signal a recession will...
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75 Things We Do for Our Clients
Every year, many of you ask us the same question: “What do we do?” So this year, we have compiled a list to answer your question.
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