Blog
I believe in not only educating myself on the ever-changing financial landscape but also educating my clients on their financial decisions. Each week I share a new blog to help you learn more about a variety of financial topics including retirement planning, wealth management, investment strategy, tax planning strategies, and more. I hope these blogs will help you feel confident in your financial planning journey.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities: What They Cost, How They Work, and When to Start Preparing
Why Is This Conversation So Important Right Now? The U.S. is in the middle of a sustained demographic shift. More than 61 million adults are aged 65 and older as of 2025, and that number is projected to reach approximately 82 million...
Read MoreWhen Should I Start Taking Social Security: 5 Factors to Consider
Social Security decisions are often framed as a single question: “When should I start drawing benefits?” That question matters, but it can also be limiting. The better question is: how does Social Security fit into my overall...
Read MoreTeaching Teens and Young Adults Financial Literacy Through Real-Life Decision Making
If you are a parent of a teen or young adult, how do you teach them to make confident money decisions before the stakes are high?Teaching teens and young adults about money is less about formal instruction and more about repeated...
Read MoreHelping Adult Children Buy a Home: How to Gift a Down Payment The Smart Way
Key TakeawaysHere are some questions this blog aims to answer:How can parents or grandparents help with a down payment for adult children?What are ways to gift a down payment, and how do the annual gift tax exclusion and lifetime...
Read MoreThree Numbers Every Woman Should Know
Key TakeawaysHow much wealth are women on track to control in the next decade, and why does that matter?What does the life expectancy gap between women and men mean for how long money needs to last?How common is it for women to be...
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FAMILY: TIME & ATTENTION. THE GREATEST GIFTS WE CAN GIVE
Wonderfully done post by Trevor Farnes, the founder of MTN Ops: Whose Bids Are You Accepting?A few years ago, I had a dream I’ll never forget. I was standing on a stage in front of a large crowd, some faces familiar, some not. All of...
Read MoreAn Engineer's Guide to Financial Planning
As an engineer, you already likely know the importance of accurate input when it comes to the final equation, which may put you ahead of the game when it comes to managing your finances. Below are a few ways engineers could apply their...
Read MoreRetirement Plan Limits for 2024
Many IRA and retirement plan limits are indexed for inflation each year. Several of these key numbers have increased once again for 2024. How much can you save in an IRA? The maximum amount you can contribute to a traditional IRA or a...
Read MoreA Taxpayer’s Guide to Exemptions, Deductions, and Credits
When filing your income taxes, each taxpayer is different. Some prefer reducing the taxes they owe and getting the most significant possible refund, while others work to keep the taxes they pay as low as legally required. The IRS...
Read MoreUnused 529 Plan Funds: 5 Spending Options to Consider
529 plans are tax-advantaged savings vehicles designed to accumulate contributions and help pay for the beneficiary's qualifying education expenses. Sometimes, 529 plans have unused funds after the beneficiary graduates or decide to...
Read MoreInvesting Options for Veterans and Military Members
Veterans and military members have access to various investment options, some of which are not offered to the general population. Managing investments depends on individual goals, risk tolerance, and financial situation. Here are some...
Read MoreA 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:...
Read MoreGiving Through a Donor Advised Fund: 5 Tax Benefits
A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a charitable giving vehicle administered by a public charity created to manage charitable donations on behalf of organizations, families, or individuals. The benefits of DAFs extend beyond their primary...
Read More2024 Challenge of 401(k) Catch-Up Contributions
The SECURE 2.0 Act has sparked retirement confusion and concerns Retirement planning has become a puzzle of intricate legislation, and the recent changes brought about by the SECURE 2.0 Act have only added more complexity. While some...
Read MoreA Path to Setting and Reaching Your Financial Goals in the New Year
What if you focused on your system instead of just your goals? Setting goals for a new year can feel overwhelming. We all know that resolutions don’t last, but we also feel the energy that comes with a new year of possibilities....
Read MoreNew Year's Resolutions to Get Your Finances in Order
New Year's is traditionally the time to review your life and make resolutions for change. In addition to thinking about working out, eating healthy, and meeting personal and professional goals, you should also think about your finances...
Read MoreStocks vs. Bonds: A Pros and Cons Guide
Stocks and bonds have advantages and disadvantages when building an investment portfolio. Much of this depends on your risk tolerance and how you construct your investment strategy. When considering the potential risks and rewards of...
Read More4 Charitable Giving Strategies to Consider
Through charitable giving, you can support causes or organizations you believe in and lock in tax benefits simultaneously. Whether you’re new to charitable giving or a veteran, there are several strategies you should keep in mind...
Read MoreDos and Don'ts for Investing During the Holidays
In the world of investing, the "holiday effect," as it is often referred to, is a phenomenon where stock prices see an increase right before a major holiday. There are many theories on why this may occur. It could be from trading...
Read MoreYear-End Charitable Giving
With the holiday season upon us and the end of the year approaching, we pause to give thanks for our blessings and the people in our lives. It is also a time when charitable giving often comes to mind. The tax benefits associated with...
Read MoreWhat To Know About Impact Investing
Sustainable investing is on the rise, accounting for about $1 in every $3 in actively managed assets.1 And with more investors interested in companies with responsible corporate governance, climate change commitments and long-term...
Read MoreHow Estate Planning Can Help Prepare for Long Term Care
The cost of long-term care can vary widely based on location (both city and state) and level of care needed. However, one thing is for certain: with 7 in every 10 people requiring long-term care at some point, preparing for this care...
Read More3 Steps to a High-Net Worth Retirement
Saving for a high-net-worth retirement is not always an easy process, but necessary if an investor with a high-net-worth wishes to enjoy the same lifestyle they were accustomed to while they were working. So how does one maintain their...
Read MoreThe Scary Truth About Loss Aversion and Fear of Investing
In this blog, we discuss how fear and anxiety can negatively impact your investing decisions, as well as some steps you can take to minimize this impact and reduce the stress of investing.
Read MoreInvesting vs. Saving: Key Differences and Why Your Money Mindset Matters
The adage "you can't save your way to wealth" is simplistic, but has a kernel of truth; putting your money in a savings account often won't be enough to outpace the rate of inflation, which can erode the value of your savings over time.
Read MoreA Few Red Flags in the Stock Market to Watch
As an investor, it's important to keep a close eye on the stock market indicators. Currently, the indicators are showing a concerning trend that investors should pay attention to.
Read More5 Expensive Long-Term Care Planning Mistakes to Avoid
Unfortunately, planning for long-term care may be confusing. To safeguard your finances, try to avoid these expensive mistakes.
Read MoreA Financial Checklist for Life-Changing Events
Are you financially prepared for a life-changing event? This checklist is the first step to help you prepare for these events now or in the future.
Read MoreA Guide to Student Loan Repayment Plans: 9 Options for Consideration
In a 6 to 3 vote, the Supreme Court struck down the Biden administration’s student loan forgiveness plan denying a chance for at least 43 million eligible participants to eliminate up to $20,000 of their debt.
Read MoreMoving Your 401(k) to a Roth IRA Tax-Free?
Question: I made after-tax contributions to my 401(k). When I retire, can I roll that money into a Roth IRA tax-free? Answer...yes.
Read MoreDonor Advised Funds: A Unique Way to Give
If you’re in search of a way to reduce your tax bill and give back to the community, a donor advised fund may be worth considering.
Read MoreWhy the 20 Percent Down Payment Isn’t Always the Best Option
In reality, there are a variety of down payment options available in the mortgage marketplace, and a 20 percent down payment may not be the best choice for your particular home purchase scenario.
Read MoreFundamental Concepts for New Investors
Becoming familiar with a few basic concepts could help you have more confidence in your investing decisions. So don't be intimidated by complicated-sounding jargon, and don't hesitate to ask questions — after all, this is your money.
Read MoreThe Best Investment: Teaching Your Children to Save and Invest
Here are a few ways to help your children develop good habits regarding saving and investing.
Read MoreBusiness Succession Planning for Financial Professionals
A recent white paper by the Financial Planning Association revealed that 27% have a succession plan. What can financial professionals do to move their business succession planning forward?
Read MoreInvestor Summer School: 3 Investing Moves to Make Before Summer is Over
Many investors still adhere to the old adage—"sell in May and go away"—while others remain fully invested even as the summer heat waves begin. What goes unsaid is that if your asset allocation accurately reflects your risk tolerance, you wo
Read MoreTeaching Your College-Age Child about Money
When your child started school, you doled out the change for milk and a snack on a daily basis. But now that your kindergartner has grown up, it's time for you to make sure that your child has enough financial knowledge to manage money.
Read MoreAcquaint Grown Children with Your Financial Affairs
As your children get older, it may be beneficial to share financial, medical, and estate planning information with them. Awareness of this information, and knowing where to locate documents, can help your children take appropriate action.
Read MoreWhat Should Grandparents Know About 529 Savings Accounts?
One way to help save for a grandchild's college education is by contributing money to a 529 savings account, an account where funds can be saved or invested and are withdrawn to be used exclusively for college-related expenses.
Read More3 Tips for Preserving Wealth in Your Golden Years
After saving for retirement, it can be challenging to transition from depositing funds to withdrawing them. With careful planning, you can maintain your lifestyle and potentially preserve your wealth to pass down to loved ones.
Read MoreThe Sandwich Generation: Caring for Parents and Children Simultaneously
As the population continues to age, the “sandwich generation” is caught in the middle, supporting both their parents and their children, whether financially, physically, or emotionally.
Read MorePhysicians: Why You Need a Financial Professional Who Understands Your Industry
When choosing a financial professional, keep in mind that understanding the numbers and the markets isn't enough. You need a financial professional who understands the medical industry in general and your profession in particular.
Read More4 Tips for Building a Strong Professional Relationship With Your Financial Professional
Finding someone you trust enough to manage your money and your future may feel like a nerve-wracking choice. Fortunately, by doing some preliminary research and asking tough questions, you can build a relationship built on mutual trust
Read MoreInvesting in Your 60s and Beyond
Once you are in your 60s, you are likely to focus less on growing your retirement funds than answering, "When do I retire?" And once you crack open your nest egg, how should you allocate its contents?
Read MoreWhy Business Owners Need Financial Planning
Regardless of the income a business generates, the ages of the owners, or how many employees it has, a business financial plan can help you plan for future and unexpected events.
Read MoreUnused 529 Plan Funds: 5 Spending Options to Consider
529 plans are tax-advantaged savings vehicles designed to accumulate contributions and help pay for the beneficiary's qualifying education expenses. Sometimes, 529 plans have unused funds after the beneficiary graduates or decide to...
Read MoreMedicare Will Not Cover All Health Care Costs
There are out-of-pockets, limitations and gaps that Medicare doesn’t coverMedicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 or older and certain younger people with disabilities.And despite being a widely...
Read MoreFive Ways SECURE 2.0 Changes the Required Minimum Distribution Rules
The SECURE 2.0 legislation included in the $1.7 trillion appropriations bill passed late last year builds on changes established by the original Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE 1.0) enacted in 2019....
Read MoreSmall Business Owners: Are You Retirement Ready (or Not)?
Whether you are an employee in corporate America or a small business owner, retirement is a part of life. For many, the thought of retiring and whether or not you are ready to take those first steps might be overwhelming or...
Read MoreHow to Spring Clean Your Finances with a Financial Review
Checking in with your finances during tax season may be particularly beneficial, as it allows you to complete last year's taxes while making any changes you need to potentially improve next year's tax situation.
Read MoreWhat to know about the SECURE Act 2.0
New retirement opportunities have arrived! The SECURE Act 2.0 is here to help employees and employers make the most of their retirement strategies and plans.
Read MoreBack to Basics - Diversification and Asset Allocation
When investing, you will likely hear about diversification and asset allocation. Diversification helps limit exposure to loss in any one investment or one type of investment, while asset allocation provides a blueprint to help guide your in
Read MoreThinking About Working in Retirement? Here's What to Consider
Working in retirement? Don't make any moves without considering the impact it may have on your Social Security retirement benefits. It's essential to know when to collect, and how working in retirement may affect your monthly payments.
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