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. A retirement bucket plan is one way they might organize their […]
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 to review your finances at tax time. 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 […]
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. There are several steps that may help protect a child with disabilities. You may wonder who will care for your […]
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, and continuing care retirement communities are one option to understand. It is also one of the easiest decisions to delay. As people live longer, care needs can become more complex. The question is not only, “Where do I want to live?” It […]
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: 530A Accounts. 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 […]
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 […]
Buying vs. Leasing a Car
Which Option Fits Your Financial Plan? Buying a vehicle is a major financial decision. Financing a car is one of the most common ways people make this purchase. For some people, a car is something they keep for years. For others, it is something they replace every few years to enjoy newer features, better technology, […]