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Wednesday, November 29, 2023

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...

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

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...

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

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...

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

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...

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

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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Wednesday, October 25, 2023

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...

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

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...

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

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...

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

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...

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

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,...

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

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...

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

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...

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

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...

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

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...

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

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...

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

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...

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

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...

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

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...

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

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...

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

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....

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

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!

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

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...

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

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...

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

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,...

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

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...

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

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...

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

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...

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

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...

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

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...

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

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...

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

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...

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

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...

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

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...

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

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...

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

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...

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

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...

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

"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,...

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

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...

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

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...

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

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...

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

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...

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

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...

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

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...

Friday, December 30, 2022

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...

Friday, December 23, 2022

May you never outgrow the magic of the season.Happy Holidays!

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

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...

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

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...

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

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...

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

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...

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

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...

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

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...

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

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...

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

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...

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

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...

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

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....

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

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...

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

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...

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

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...

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

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...

Wednesday, September 7, 2022

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....

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

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...

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

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...

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

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...

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

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...

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

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...

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

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...

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

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...

Monday, June 27, 2022

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...

Thursday, June 23, 2022

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...

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

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....

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

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...

Sunday, May 29, 2022

Monday, May 23, 2022

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...

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

Monday, May 9, 2022

Friday, April 1, 2022

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.