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 […]
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, […]
9 Facts About Retirement That May Surprise You
Retirement looks different for everyone. People have many different dreams and goals for retirement. Some people want to travel. Others want more time with family. Some may start a business, volunteer, mentor, or support a cause they care about. Whatever retirement looks like for you, planning matters. The more you understand today’s retirement landscape, the […]
When Should I Start Taking Social Security?
5 Factors to Consider Social Security decisions are often framed as one simple question: “When should I start drawing benefits?” Deciding when to start taking social security, however, is more nuanced than it appears. That question matters, but it is only one piece of the larger retirement picture. A better question is: How does Social […]
Teaching Teens Financial Literacy
If you are a parent or grandparent of a teen or young adult, you may wonder how to teach confident money habits before the stakes become too high. Financial literacy does not develop from one lecture, one app, or one classroom lesson. To successfully teach financial literacy for teens and young adults, it develops through […]
Conquering Retirement Challenges for Women
Retirement planning is personal for everyone, but women often face a few unique challenges that make the conversation especially important. When it comes to women, retirement vision, planning, and taxes are all interconnected topics that deserve special attention. Women typically live longer than men. This means retirement savings may need to last longer. Many women […]