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Key Benefits of Working With a Financial Professional
Whether you wonder about your investments’ rates of return or are concerned that your financial affairs are a bit too complicated for your next of kin to handle, it may be time to seek advice from a financial professional.
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Financial Planning For Your Pets Really is a Thing
We spend billions annually on our pets, so pet planning really is prudent. Are you a good pet owner? Owning an animal means more than feeding it and loving it. Pets aren’t cheap, so doing right by Fido or Tabby involves financial planning.
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Debunking Common Misconceptions About Pet Adoption
Millions of animals in the US are currently in shelters waiting for new homes. However, many people choose not to adopt because they are unsure of what to expect.
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7 Retirement Considerations
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 decisions.
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. While the Social Security Administration has tried to make the process easier to...
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What Is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional
A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, or CFP® practitioner, is a financial professional who meets the requirements established by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. While some professionals may call...
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How to Spring Clean Your Finances with a Financial Review
Spring cleaning presents a great opportunity to clear out any items you no longer need— the same goes for your finances. Below, we discuss what's included in a financial review and how such a review can help you spring clean your finances.
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Worried About the March Madness Productivity Drop? 5 Tips to Help Your Business Thrive
Analysts claim that businesses risk losing $1.2 billion for every hour of lost productivity during the first week of March Madness. Check out these five tips to help your business thrive during March Madness.
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Women's History Month: 4 Female Financial Pioneers
In the world of finance, the process has been slow, but the pioneering efforts of many women throughout history have helped to change that, allowing women to take top positions in finance around the world.
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Women’s Financial Stress at an All-Time High
A recent report from Ellevest, a financial management company dedicated to empowering women, has presented a worrying trend. Women's financial health is at a five-year low, and women are now worrying about their finances.
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Women and Retirement: Closing the Gender Pay & Retirement Savings Gap
Despite more women in the workforce than ever before, women still experience considerable pay disparity compared to their male counterparts, creating a deficit in wages and retirement savings.
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Women and Philanthropy: A Guide to Giving
Women have been givers since ancient times, they often give with their heart and soul to support projects that improve society. Successful women are now finding themselves in positions that allow them to become influential philanthropists.
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Women and Investing: Greater Risks and Challenges
Despite progress toward financial planning and saving, women often face challenges regarding their financial security. Among these challenges is more time away from the workforce, the gender pay gap, and other factors.
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Women- Moving Forward Financially After the Loss of a Spouse
Becoming a widow at any age can be one of the most difficult challenges a woman must face. Not only is there the emotional loss of a spouse, but also the task of handling everything, including all the finances, without the help of a spouse.
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First Woman to Receive Nobel Prize in Economics
Women’s History Month traces its origins to 1981 when Congress passed a joint resolution designating the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week” and requesting that President Reagan issue a proclamation...
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Here’s How to Turn Your Hobbies into Cash
Hobbies are important to a work-life balance. They are an outlet to express yourself, however, they can also lead to extra income. If you’re considering turning a hobby into a side-hustle, read this guide to prepare properly.
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How Our Financial Wellness Impacts Us
Financial wellness is essential because it equips us with the knowledge and skills to manage our money effectively. You can start building financial wellness through these simple tips and help increase your financial stability.
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How Home Sales Are Taxed
As a homeowner, you should be aware of the income tax consequences of selling your home--knowing the rules can help you minimize negative tax consequences. Here are a few insights to how your taxes will be affected by a home sale in 2024.
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Take the 7-Day Declutter Challenge
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a dreaded time of year. If you’ve added decluttering to your list of spring cleaning tasks, this seven-day challenge will get your home tidy and organized in no time—and with little to no added stress.
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Research on How Self-Control Works Could Help You Stick With New Year’s Resolutions
By the time February rolls around, most of us – perhaps as many as 80 percent of the Americans who make New Year’s resolutions – will have already given up. Why does our self-control falter, so often leaving us to revert to our old ways?
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5 Financial Bad Habits to Cut This Year
When it comes to financial bad habits, most are well known- don’t spend too much, don’t take on unsustainable debt, avoid living paycheck to paycheck. Here are five overlooked financial bad habits that could be draining your bank account.
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Taxation On Investments
A new analysis by the Tax Policy Center (TPC) indicates a significant decline in the number of American households that will not pay federal income taxes in 2022.
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New Year’s Resolutions for Pet Parents
If you’re a pet parent, there’s a large chance that your beloved animal is an important member of your family. Instead of just focusing on self-love, remember that your companion could benefit greatly from a little reflection.
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An Annual Financial 'To-Do' List to Help Keep Your Finances on Track
Each year, many of us focus on our financial health by resetting goals and checking off items on our financial to-do list. Follow our month-by-month to-do list to help you pursue your financial goals and keep your finances on track in 2024.
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Your Traditional 401(k) Year-End Review Checklist
A 401(k) plan is one of the most popular and effective techniques for saving for your retirement. Here is a 401(k) end-of-the-year checklist you may find beneficial in keeping up with your retirement strategy.
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Spreading Holiday Cheer with Year-End Giving
The holidays are nearly upon us – a time of giving, goodwill to others, and embracing traditions. Here are six year-end giving strategies to spread holiday cheer with the additional gift of potential tax benefits.
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Will You Be Naughty or Nice To Your Finances This Holiday Season?
‘Tis the season for fun, family, and a lot of spending. Don't wake up with regret this January. Instead, follow the tips below to be a little nicer to your finances this holiday season.
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Utilizing New Technology
Tech brings convenience, increased autonomy and investment opportunities. The digital revolution is transforming lives across all age groups, and seniors are no exception. Technology has become an indispensable tool for older adults,...
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A Feast-Worthy Financial Plan
Thanksgiving is a holiday for spending time with loved ones, being grateful, and perhaps enjoying a bit of overindulgence. There are many financial lessons to be had in planning, preparing, and celebrating this annual feast. Here are...
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The Scary Truth
Loss aversion, or the phenomenon of experiencing losses much more severely than gains, can lead to unwise investment decisions. Whether you're hanging on to a loser of a stock for longer than you should or are afraid to invest at all...
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Understanding IRMAA
For those in Medicare, IRMAA can have a big impact on healthcare costs. IRMAA, which stands for Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, is a term that may not be familiar to everyone. However, for individuals enrolled in Medicare,...
Read MoreAssessing Potential Market Impact of Israel-Hamas War
On Saturday, Hamas, a Palestinian militant group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government, launched an attack on Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and taking dozens more hostage. In response to the attack,...
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The Quest for Perfection
A Major League pitcher’s perfect game and an investor’s perfect portfolio Achieving perfection in any field is a remarkable feat, requiring a combination of skill, talent, focus, and a touch of luck. In the world of Major...
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Aging Parents’ Finances
Tips to guide your parents with confidence. 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...
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Separately Managed Accounts
There is no guarantee that working with a financial professional will improve investment results. Mutual funds have been one alternative for many investors seeking professional money management. But when you buy shares of a mutual fund...
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Keeping Your Finances Secure on Vacation
During vacation, the only things you should be focused on are how late you can sleep in, which brunch place has the fluffiest French toast, or how many European cities you can explore in a week. This is why you should formulate a plan...
Read MoreNotes From the Desks of Oscar, David, and Caleb September 2023
Dear Friends and Family, Financial markets lived up to their reputation during the month of August, which has a record for being difficult. On the first day of August, markets had to contend with a downgrade of U.S. long-term...
Read MoreNotes From the Desks of Oscar, David, and Caleb August 2023
Making economic forecasts and stock market predictions can be humbling. It’s especially tough when you expect stocks to go higher and get a big drop instead. The environment today is the opposite, but still tricky, as recession...
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6 Ways Parents Can Help Their Kids Pay Off Their Student Loans
Most of us who have experienced college are all too familiar with that intimidating mountain you have to climb upon graduation: repaying your student debt. Seeing our children struggle financially is heart-wrenching, and though we...
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Charitable Giving: A Family Affair
It was Booker T. Washington who said, "Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others." America is one of the most generous nations. In 2022, Americans gave $499.33 billion to charitable organizations, making...
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A Financial Checklist for Life-Changing Events
When it comes to financial planning, people often think of financial professionals as people who assist with strategies for retirement planning. That is one aspect of their job; however, financial planning and working with a...
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A 529 Plan is a Powerful Tool to Save for College
Tax benefits, flexible contribution options and potential investment growth For many families, there’s a sense of excitement and anticipation that fills the air as high school seniors prepare to embark on their next journey:...
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Hydration for You and Your Pet
We all know the importance of staying hydrated, but sometimes regular water isn’t enough to beat the summer heat. Luckily for you and your four-legged friend, there are different ways to make hydrating fun. Give one of these a...
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Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid as a 1st Time Home Buyer
How to steer clear of the top 3 mistakes made by 90% of new homeowners Purchasing your first home is an exciting milestone, but it's crucial to approach it with caution and a clear understanding of the potential pitfalls. Recent...
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Planning Matters When Retirees Start Traveling
Practical tips to embark on peaceful and confident adventures in retirement Retirees often have the time, freedom, and desire to explore new destinations and make the most of their golden years. With careful planning and attention to...
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Unravelling Today’s Slowing Real Estate Market
Understanding the “chicken and egg” dilemma facing buyers and sellers The dynamic real estate market has seen a significant slowdown lately. Those looking to buy or sell homes are feeling the pinch, but the question...
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Debt Ceiling Drama Is Behind Us
Every so often Washington likes to remind us how hard it can be to get things accomplished. The most recent example is the debt ceiling—the amount Congress can borrow to pay its bills. It seems...
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