Sending Your Child to College: Planning for a Smooth Transition
Considerations for Your Child’s College Move-In Day College is a major milestone for both students and parents. For many young adults, it may be the first time living away from home, managing daily responsibilities independently, and making financial decisions on their own. For parents, drop-off day can bring a mix of pride, excitement, worry, and […]
A Bucket Plan to go with Your Bucket List
Filling Your Retirement Buckets: A Practical Way to Plan for Income, Lifestyle, and Legacy John and Mary are approaching retirement with a long list of dreams: travel, family time, hobbies, charitable giving, and the freedom to enjoy the life they’ve worked hard to build. But retirement today can last 20, 30, or even more years. […]
Budget Checkup: Why Tax Time Is a Smart Time to Review Your Finances
Tax season may not be anyone’s favorite time of year, but it does create a valuable opportunity. Each year, millions of households gather W-2s, 1099s, mortgage statements, retirement account records, charitable giving receipts, investment statements, business records, and other financial documents. The IRS reported more than 140 million individual tax returns received during the 2025 […]
4 Steps to Help Protect a Child with Disabilities
Planning for a child’s future is one of the most important things a parent can do. When your child has a disability or ongoing care needs, that planning can feel even more urgent—and more emotional. You may wonder who will care for your child, how their needs will be funded, whether government benefits will continue, […]
A Brief Guide To Condo Insurance
The ownership structure of a condominium unit is different from that of a single family house. Here’s what you need to know when purchasing insurance for your condo.1 1. Understand the Master Policy Since the ownership of all common areas is shared with other condo owners, the association of owners typically purchases insurance coverage (a […]
9 Facts About Social Security
Social Security has been a fact of retirement life ever since it was established in 1935. We all think we know how it works, but how much do you really know? Here are nine things that might surprise you. Sources: 1. SSA.gov, 20252. Investopedia.com, May 15, 20243. SSA.gov, 20254. SSA.gov, 20255. SSA.gov, 20256. EBRI.org, 20257. […]
3 Estate Planning Challenges for Blended Families
Estate planning is important for every family, but it can become especially sensitive for blended families. When spouses have children from previous relationships, shared children, separate assets, former spouses, or different expectations about inheritance, a simple estate plan may not be enough. Blended families can be full of love and commitment, but they also require […]
Continuing Care Retirement Communities: Costs, Care, and Planning
Later-life housing is one of the most important retirement decisions many families face. It is also one of the easiest to delay. As people live longer, care needs can become more complex. The question is not only, “Where do I want to live?” It is also, “How will I manage care, cost, independence, and family […]
530A Accounts: A New Way to Save for Kids
Introducing 530A Accounts: A New Savings Tool for Children Families may soon have a new way to help children begin building long-term financial security. Starting in 2026, eligible children can have a new type of tax-advantaged account known as a 530A account, also referred to under current law as a Trump Account. These accounts were […]
Alternative Investments: Are They Becoming More Mainstream?
Alternative investments have received more attention in recent years. Once viewed as a niche area for institutions and very high-net-worth investors, they are now becoming part of more conversations among certain accredited and qualified investors. That does not mean they are right for everyone. Alternative investments can play a role in some portfolios, but they […]