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Military Benefits for Former Service Members, Veterans, and Families
You spent many years of your life serving and protecting your country. With that sacrifice, you can access various benefits created to help you readjust to civilian life and build a future for yourself and your family.
Read MoreAsking for Help Is a Strength: 10 Ways a Financial Professional Can Assist You
Often, there is a misconception that seeking financial help indicates incompetence or lack of financial self-sufficiency. However, seeking help is the exact opposite.
Read MoreGenerational Wealth and the Gift of Financial Freedom
Those who receive an inheritance with the passing of a loved one are potentially given the gift of financial freedom if they choose to manage the wealth carefully.
Read MoreThe ABCs of Financial Literacy
Learning financial literacy, such as money management, budgeting, and investing, can seem daunting, but is no different than learning how to speak another language.
Read MoreSocial Security Simplified: Common Questions and Answers
Most American workers who earn wage income and pay Social Security taxes via withholding receive Social Security benefits at some point in retirement.
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Annuities: Pros, Cons and a Huge Heap of Details
Life insurance buys financial protection against your premature death. Here’s the how-to on another insurance that can protect you from living too long: the annuity.
Read MoreThe Complex Waters of Aging Parents’ Finances
As professionals, managing our own finances can be a challenge. However, one area that we often overlook, yet is vitally important, is understanding and navigating our aging parents' finances.
Read More5 Financial Wellness Myths Surrounding Near Retirees
When people think of retirement, they often have an image formulated in their minds of what it will be like. The thing about it, the reality might not be what they expected. To avoid any surprises, here are five financial wellness myths!
Read MoreWhy Your Credit Score Matters in Retirement
Regardless of the stage of life, your credit score is an essential component of your financial health when you're in retirement.
Read MoreAll You Need To Know About Eldercare Arrangements
You could be having trouble getting around, taking care of regular daily activities (cooking, cleaning, driving…) or become ill. Rather than wait for it to happen, here are some options available to help ease your worried mind.
Read MorePassing the Torch: A Business Succession Planning Checklist
Business succession planning is a critical process that focuses on the smooth transition of a company's leadership and ownership from one generation to the next.
Read MoreHow to Plan for a Healthy Retirement
Planning for retirement often involves focusing on your finances and ensuring that you not only will have enough to sustain you during your retirement but adequate funds to do the things you enjoy doing.
Read More4 Pre-Medicare Strategies for Managing Healthcare Costs
Planning for early retirement is great, but planning for healthcare coverage at the same time is sometimes more difficult.
Read MoreProtect Yourself From Tax Identity Theft as You Approach Retirement
Tax identity theft is a serious type of fraud that affects individuals of all ages and stages of life.
Read MoreTips for Safeguarding Your Identity Online
Identity theft, one of the fastest-growing cybercrimes, can derail your personal and professional life.
Read MoreHigh-Net-Worth Retirement Planning: 6 Ideas to Help You Get Your Finances in Order
HNWIs typically have at least $1 million in cash or assets that can be converted to cash easily, which could make planning for retirement more complex.
Read More6 Tips for Reducing Social Security Taxes
Determining how your income impacts Social Security (SS) taxes is important for tax planning.
Read MoreRinging in the New Year in Your Golden Years
Whether you are just entering your golden years or are already several years in, setting goals to stay on track and maintain your health, happiness, and finances is essential.
Read MoreSocial Security Benefits Set to Increase in 2024
In a welcome development for millions of Americans relying on Social Security, the Social Security Administration has recently announced a substantial increase in retirement and disability benefits.
Read MoreYour Year-End Estate Planning Guide: An 8-Step Checklist
As your world changes year by year, it is critical that you review your estate plan and update it to stay aligned with your long-term financial goals.
Read MoreA Look at Tax Planning for Retirement
After years of saving and planning for their golden years, many people nearing retirement fail to consider the tax burden they may face on income they receive after they stop working.
Read MoreEnd of Year (EOY) Deadlines Checklist
For many of us, a new year is an opportunity for fresh starts and discovering the best versions of ourselves, but some things—like tax contributions and retirement deadlines—don't change much, if at all. And with that shiny...
Read MoreSocial Security Benefits Set to Increase in 2024
Proper financial planning includes forecasting future Social Security benefits In a welcome development for millions of Americans relying on Social Security, the Social Security Administration has recently announced a substantial...
Read MoreQCDs: Donating and Gift Giving Through Your IRA
A qualified charitable distribution, or QCD, allows you to distribute funds from your IRA to an eligible charity (a 501(c)(3) organization) as long as you’re 70 1/2 years of age or older. Since the gift will go directly to the...
Read MoreTake Steps to Protect Your Confidential Docs
Safeguard your personal, financial and medical records at home and work With several past and present events involving the White House, data breaches, or classified documents being leaked, the importance of safeguarding confidential...
Read More5 Expensive Long-Term Care Planning Mistakes to Avoid
The vast majority of Americans need long-term care. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 70% of people over age 65 may need some long-term care during their lives.1 Unfortunately, planning for long-term care...
Read More4 Unique Opportunities for Women Business Owners
The National Women's Business Council estimates that there are more than 13 million women-owned businesses in the U.S., generating nearly $2 trillion in annual revenue.1 To aid in these impressive efforts, many governmental and...
Read MoreBaby Boomers Are Overestimating Social Security
Tips to ensure that Social Security assumptions don’t derail your retirement The Social Security system has long been a cornerstone of retirement planning, providing a safety net for millions of Americans who have paid into the...
Read MoreCharitable Giving: A Family Affair
Booker T. Washington once said, "Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others." In 2022, Americans gave $499.33 billion to charitable organizations, making America one of the most generous nations in the world. The...
Read MoreHow AI Can Enhance Your Job, Not Eliminate It
Your ability to work alongside Artificial Intelligence will be a great asset A recent surge in interest around the term "generative AI" has been observed, reaching a peak search interest of 100, according to Google, in the week of...
Read MoreAn Essential Guide to Estate Planning Preparedness
A recent survey by Caring.com found that a whopping two in three American adults do not have an estate plan1—an alarming statistic, considering that an estate plan can protect your assets and ensure that they go to the right...
Read MoreConducting a Midyear Financial Checkup
As we’ve just passed the midpoint of the year, now is the perfect time to assess your financial well-being by conducting a review. Just like a routine health checkup can ensure your physical health, a financial checkup can help...
Read MoreHigh-Net-Worth Retirement Planning: 6 Ideas to Help You Get Your Finances in Order
Do you consider yourself a high-net-worth individual (HNWI)? Most people tend not to categorize themselves or see themselves as anything more than a spouse, parent, sibling, neighbor, boss, or business owner. However, society does...
Read More5 Tips for Saving and Investing as a Small-Business Owner
As a business owner, putting all your profits back into the business may be tempting, especially during the lean years. However, when it comes to saving and investing as a business owner, there are other paths you could consider for...
Read MoreThe Ultimate Downsizing Checklist Before Retiring
By focusing on goals and priorities, you can create a new, simplified lifestyle As retirement approaches, many older adults consider downsizing their home as a way to simplify their lives, reduce expenses, and focus on what truly...
Read MoreThe #1 Business Issue: The Illusion of Productivity
A common complaint is that we’re all so busy, but nothing is getting done In today's fast-paced business environment, it's not uncommon to find employees and business owners overwhelmed by endless meetings, incessant emails, and...
Read MoreSoaring Temps and Tips to Cool Off Your Portfolio
Ensure your investments don’t overheat in this scorching stock market run
Read More3 Ways Planning For Retirement is Like Planning For Summer Break
Retirement planning can take time and effort – but just as you wouldn't embark on the vacation of a lifetime without doing a bit of preliminary research, you also don't want to leap into retirement without a plan.
Read MoreSmall Business Owners: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Financial Independence
Being a small business owner can be rewarding but also may bring a lot of stress. You may be experiencing the pressures of trying to grow your company while providing a solid future for your employees. On top of all that, you will also...
Read More8 Reasons Small Businesses Should Hire Veterans
Hiring employees is sometimes a difficult task. You may need to find employees who fit the business culture and have the skills to get the job done. The good news for small businesses looking for employees with various skills and a...
Read MoreAn Introduction to Estate Planning for the Sandwich Generation
For members of the "Sandwich Generation"—those currently in their 40s and 50s who are caring for children and their parents who are over 65-years old—estate planning may seem like a low priority. After all, when you're...
Read MoreGenerational Wealth and the Gift of Financial Freedom
Those who receive an inheritance with the passing of a loved one are potentially given the gift of financial freedom if they choose to manage the wealth carefully. Did you know that only about one-third of adults have a prepared will,...
Read MoreCheck Off Your Insurance Check-Up: An Insurance Coverage Checklist
Insurance is one of the most crucial components as it protects many things in life that are especially valuable, such as your time, your health, your home, and even your life. Read on for some of the main insurance coverage options you.
Read More5 Homeowner Estate Planning Tips to Consider
Estate planning helps disperse your assets according to your wishes. The effort may seem daunting at first, but estate planning does not have to be overly complicated. With the proper planning, you may find yourself resting a little easier
Read MoreRetirement Annuities Explained: What They Are and How They Work
Having enough retirement income is a top concern for many Americans nearing or in retirement. Even though they may have saved consistently throughout the working years, they may be concerned that their retirement plans will succeed. A succe
Read MoreFactors Leading a Cooling Housing Market
Over the past several years, the housing market has been on a relentless upward trajectory, with home prices reaching record levels and demand outpacing supply. However, recent trends suggest that the market is starting to cool down.
Read MoreFamily Wealth Transfer Planning: Keeping it in the Family Through Generational Giving
There are several ways to pass wealth between generations that may provide tax advantages to help preserve it for the younger generations, as opposed to watching it disappear due to a tax consequence. Here are three options:
Read More529 Plans: The Ins and Outs of Contributions and Withdrawals
529 plans can be powerful college savings tools, but you need to understand how your plan works before you can take full advantage of it. Among other things, this means becoming familiar with the finer points of contributions and...
Read MoreFinancial Planning Tips for Police Officers
Police officers have one of the most stressful—and dangerous—jobs in the United States. As a result, they also have different retirement benefits that may allow full retirement after only a couple of decades of active duty...
Read MoreLife Insurance: Business Applications
What is business life insurance? Life insurance is an important part of a business. It may be used as a funding mechanism for your buy-sell agreement and as business interruption insurance to pay the business for interruptions...
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? What...
Read MoreUnderstanding 401(k) Loans
Thoughts from a financial professionalDefined contribution plans, such as 401(k) plans, are the most popular employer-sponsored retirement plan in the United States. According to recent statistics provided by the Investment Company...
Read MoreUnderstanding Social Security Strategies
As you age, the question of when to collect Social Security (SS) retirement benefits will likely come to mind. There is no one size fits all age; your unique circumstances and goals will dictate the appropriate time for you to take Social S
Read MoreCheck List: Keep Calm Financially
Although it may be tough to eliminate financial anxiety in a stress-inducing world, by consulting with a financial professional, you may be able to handle whatever challenges arise.
Read MoreKeep Calm and (Financially) Plan On: Navigating Money Stress with a Financial Professional
Money worries may be one of the biggest sources of stress—from wondering how to pay for an unexpected expense to making retirement calculations. In the midst of inflation, war, and stock market volatility try to maintain a level head
Read More3 Golf Tips to Keep Your Retirement Plan on Course
In golf, as in finances, there are a few rules of thumb that may improve your game: keep a level head, avoid traps, practice before trying something new and stay the course. Applying lessons from the golf course to your financial life...
Read More5 Last Minute Considerations Before Tax Day
With April’s federal tax filing and payment deadline on the horizon, Americans are dotting their i’s and crossing their t’s as they prepare for the countdown to Tax Day. But before you rush to get that return out the...
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.
Read MoreWorking During Retirement
Planning on working during retirement? If so, you're not alone. An increasing number of employees nearing retirement plan to work at least some period of time during their retirement years.PP
Read MoreSVB and Signature Failures Evoke Memories of 2008
Despite the similarities in terms of asset value, opinions remain mixed on the chances of these failures sparking a crisis similar to 2008.
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.
Read MoreWomen’s Financial Empowerment: The Challenge of Financial Wellness and Why We Need Women’s History M
March is Women’s History Month, a month-long celebration of female empowerment1. This effort includes advocating for better representation in the workforce, pay parity and improved work-life balance. There are some specific steps that women
Read MoreRe-fired Not Retired: Making The Best of the Rest of Your Life
While retirement is a time to enjoy the things you have worked hard for in life, the next chapter may leave some a little anxious. Retirement doesn't mean you have to retire from the excitement in life. In fact, it is the perfect time to ‘r
Read MoreTips for Leaving an Inheritance to Family
Families inherit money and sometimes make the right moves investing and spending. Inheritances can also ignite disruption, divorce and a host of bad behavior – far from the hopes and plans of the benefactor.
Read MoreIndependent and Thriving: What to Consider In Your Later Years
While you never know your needs as you age, the first step is thinking about your financial situation and health today so you can plan for your later years. With a one in four chance of making it to our 90th birthday, being independent and
Read MoreWhat to know about the Secure Act 2.0
With the signing of the Omnibus Appropriations package into law, both employees and employers can take advantage of more than 90 new provisions aimed at creating opportunities to create or modify workplace retirement plans and strategies.
Read MoreChange on the Horizon: Preparing for the Estate and Gift Lifetime Tax Exemption Sunset (2025)
As people begin to age, having worked hard their entire lives and accumulated significant wealth in savings and investments, it becomes very important for many to evaluate strategies for leaving their wealth to loved ones. Luckily, there ar
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