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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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Tax Prep vs. Tax Strategy: The Difference Matters More Than You Think
Key TakeawaysTreat tax strategy as a continuous process, not a once-a-year filing exercise.Coordinate with financial and tax professionals throughout the year to identify opportunities for efficiency.Review contribution limits,...
Read MoreUnderstanding the Emotions Behind Financial Decisions
Key TakeawaysEmotions and biases might influence financial choices more often than most people realize.Behavioral patterns, such as loss aversion, familiarity bias, and herd mentality, can impact long-term results.Recognizing emotional...
Read MoreAI and the New Face of Fraud: How to Protect Your Identity and Finances in 2026
Artificial intelligence (AI) may be the most revolutionary technology of our time, with industries scrambling to embrace its possibilities. AI’s early influence seems similar to the positive disruptions brought about by past...
Read More2025 in Review and What You Should Know
As we begin a new year and consider the opportunities ahead, reflecting on the past year helps put today’s financial landscape into perspective and informs the strategies that can move us closer to our goals. 2025 was a year marked by...
Read MoreGoal Setting That Sticks: Simple Ways to Turn January Motivation into Lasting Wins
Key Takeaways and Suggestions for Successful Goal Setting Use SMART Goals for Clarity and FocusSet goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This proven method helps break big ambitions into manageable...
Read MoreYear-End Giving Strategies: Tax-Smart and Impactful
Key Takeaways A third of annual donations: About one-third of all charitable contributions are made in December. Donating before December 31 may offer tax advantages. New rules starting in 2026 (via the OBBB Act) may affect deductions...
Read MoreThe True Costs of Caring for Aging Parents
Key Takeaways Caring for aging parents is a growing reality for many Americans. The number of family caregivers in the U.S. has jumped to 63 million, a 45 percent increase over the past decade, making 1 in every 4 Americans a...
Read MoreMoney Talks: How to Use Holiday Gatherings to Start Family Financial Conversations
Key Takeaways Year-end holidays may be a good time to initiate a discussion about financial matters that may impact your family. If you have adult children, you may want to discuss your financial situation, estate strategy, and legal...
Read MoreShould You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?
Receiving a bonus, inheritance, or an increase in income often prompts a key financial question: Should I use this money to pay off my mortgage, or invest it? At first glance, the answer might seem simple. But in reality, it requires...
Read MoreA 2025 Guide to Protecting Seniors from Fraud
If you’ve found yourself stepping into a more active role in your parents’ financial lives, you’re not alone. Some of us are helping aging parents navigate everything from healthcare decisions to bill payments—and increasingly, we’re...
Read MoreSmart Moves to Consider Before Year-End
The final months of the year can sneak up quickly, and with them come deadlines, decisions, and distractions. Before the holiday season takes over your calendar, fall can be a valuable window to revisit your financial strategy and...
Read MoreBreaking Down the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: What You Need to Know
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) included lower federal income tax brackets, bigger standard deductions, and higher gift and estate tax exemptions, among other provisions. The law stipulated that some of those tax breaks would...
Read MoreWhy More Families Are Choosing to Gift Wealth Earlier—and How to Do It
Estate management isn’t just about what happens after you’re gone— it’s also about what you can do now to help manage future estate taxes, transfer wealth strategically, and attempt to create a meaningful impact during your lifetime....
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know About the 2025 Changes to Inherited IRA Rules
The rules regarding inherited IRAs have changed in the last five years, and failing to comply with the new requirements may result in IRS penalties. These changes affect people inheriting IRAs and those looking to leave retirement...
Read MoreFrom Newport Beach to Northern Ghana: A Journey of Faith, Healing, and Hope
In late June, a small group from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Newport Beach, California, traveled over 7,000 miles to northern Ghana—not for a vacation, but to witness the opening of a new chapter in life-saving care for mothers...
Read MoreBeyond Salary: Understanding Your Total Compensation
Compensation is more than just a number on a paycheck. Whether you're exploring new opportunities, preparing for a promotion, or evaluating your current benefits, it’s important to understand the full value of your total...
Read MoreHow Much Do You Really Know About Stock Market Indexes?
While you may follow the various stock indexes on the nightly business news, how much do you know about their histories, how they work, and why they're important? We pulled together some information and interesting facts about some of...
Read MoreHow Do You Turn Retirement Savings into a Reliable Income Strategy?
You’ve likely spent years building your retirement nest egg—saving diligently, investing wisely, and contributing to retirement accounts along the way. But transitioning from earning a paycheck to relying on your savings can feel...
Read More“The Four Most Dangerous Words In Investing Are: ‘This Time It’s Different.’” – Sir John Templeton
Despite those who say the conventional wisdom that has guided investor actions over the years is no longer valid in 2025, remember the famous quote from legendary investor Sir John Templeton: "The four most dangerous words in...
Read MoreWhat’s the Job Market Look Like for 2025 Graduates?
It’s graduation season—a time of celebration and new beginnings. For families with college seniors, this time can bring both excitement and uncertainty. While some graduates have jobs lined up, many others still are navigating job...
Read MoreIs It Smarter to Buy or Rent a Second Home?
As summer approaches, your thoughts may drift toward escaping your daily routine. Whether your idea of a perfect vacation is sitting on a pristine beach, fishing in a mountain lake, or playing the back nine between pickleball matches,...
Read MoreFrom College Acceptances to Affordability: Considerations for Families in the Final Stretch
April is a pivotal time in the college admissions process. After years of preparation, saving, and investing—not to mention the countless hours spent on exam prep, campus visits, and perfecting applications and essays—the finish line...
Read MoreSpring Into Financial Wellness: Actionable Steps for Financial Literacy Month
April isn’t just about filing taxes—it’s also Financial Literacy Month, a perfect opportunity to reflect on your financial habits, expand your knowledge, and take meaningful steps toward improving your financial well-being. Whether...
Read MoreHow Taxes Can Impact Retirement Savings Accounts
Retirement is a chapter of life that, for some, may signal leisure, freedom, and working by choice, not necessity. However, this phase usually requires retirement income from retirement savings withdrawals. Different retirement account...
Read MoreThe Hidden Power of After-Tax Contributions
When it comes to planning for retirement, there are a myriad of strategies and options available. One often overlooked method is making after-tax contributions into retirement savings vehicles. This approach to investing after-tax...
Read MoreWhat’s New for RMD Requirements
A critical aspect of retirement planning is understanding the rules and requirements surrounding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from retirement savings accounts. An RMD is a mandatory minimum amount that retirement account...
Read MoreOne Last Gift: Wrapping Up All of Your Financial Contributions Before the New Year
The end of the year is not just a season for celebration and reflection but also a perfect time to ensure that our finances are in order. This includes crucial aspects such as wrapping up all financial contributions before the year-end...
Read MoreFrom Assets to Legacies: A Guide to Thoughtful and Impactful Giving
For high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals, their wealth comes with the ability to create significant change. However, wielding this influence requires strategic planning and understanding how to transform...
Read MorePaving Your Road to Retirement
Whatever your age, it’s never too soon to look ahead and begin giving thought to your retirement. With proper planning, you can make the transition to retirement a smooth, comfortable and confident ride. Today, more than ever, planning...
Read MoreElevate Your Retirement Savings: What to Do After Maxing Out Your 401(k)
The 401(k) plan is an excellent way for HENRYs, high earners not rich yet, to save for retirement. Hitting the maximum contribution limit is a goal many work toward to reap the benefits of this tax-deferred saving strategy fully. But...
Read MoreHow Much Money Should You Keep in Cash?
An adequate emergency fund helps provide both security and flexibility We're living through interesting economic times. On the one hand, markets can be unpredictable and volatile. On the other hand, economic conditions are constantly...
Read MoreHealthy Financial Behaviors for High-Net-Worth Individuals
For high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), implementing healthy financial behaviors is crucial to maintaining their assets and growing wealth. Regardless of having significant financial means, embracing healthy financial behaviors must...
Read MoreOld 401(k), New Tricks: 6 Tips for Rolling Over Your 401(k)
The average American worker will change jobs more than once in their lifetime. While there are multiple options such as leaving your 401(k) in your former plan if allowed, cashing out the account balance, or transferring the 401(k),...
Read More529 Plans: An Investment in Education and Legacy
529 plans may offer powerful benefits for education and managing family wealth As college tuition continues to climb, 529 Plans can offer a strategic solution for parents and grandparents aiming to support the educational aspirations...
Read More6 Ways Prioritizing Your Health Can Save You Money
It can be easy to lose focus on your own health needs, especially if you have other obligations. This can be an expensive mistake for several reasons. Consider these ways putting your health first can help you both physically and...
Read More3 Key Money Moves Every Parent Should Make
Whether you are expecting your first child or have been a parent for years, finances and building a future for your family go hand-in-hand. Luckily, there are money moves you can make now to help manage financial stress, support...
Read MoreWhat to Do on the Receiving End of a Life Insurance Policy
Dealing with the death of a loved one is not easy. With it comes many decisions, including how to handle the funds from their life insurance policy. Whether you are the sole recipient of a loved one's policy or only receiving a portion...
Read MoreAnnuities: The Missing Piece in Your Retirement Puzzle
When it comes to planning for retirement, you may feel as though you've already explored all your options. From traditional and Roth IRAs to 401(k) plans, pensions, and even health savings accounts (HSAs), there are all sorts of...
Read MoreSenior Cyber Safety – How to Avoid a Cyber Identity Crisis
You may have thought your digital identity was safe and not a likely target of a cybercriminal until one day, the bank calls wondering if purchases made at a store that you have never been to, 2,000 miles away, were made by you. Every...
Read MoreHow Will My Children Pay for College? 7 Tips to Help You Plan, Save, and Pay
As a parent, one of the most significant concerns is ensuring that your children have the financial resources they need to pursue higher education. With college tuition costs continuously rising, it's no surprise that many parents...
Read MoreThe Surprising Benefits of Getting Life Insurance Later in Life
A common piece of standard life insurance advice is to get it as early as possible — and there are good reasons why. If you're young and in relatively good health, purchasing a term life insurance policy is usually much cheaper than it...
Read MoreExercise, Diet, and Financial Wellness - 3 Tips to Ensure You're in Good Financial Health for Retire
To maintain good physical health, most people must exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and keep stress to a minimum. Achieving financial wellness is no different. It requires careful planning, smart decision-making, and consistent...
Read MoreUnderstanding Real Estate Investment Trusts
Know the potential impact of interest rate fluctuations on REIT prices Real Estate Investment Trusts, commonly known as REITs, have become a popular investment choice for individuals seeking exposure to the real estate market without...
Read MoreProtect Yourself From Tax Identity Theft as You Approach Retirement
Tax identity theft is a serious type of fraud that affects individuals of all ages and stages of life. To steal a person's tax identity, a scammer uses that person's Social Security number and other personal and financial information...
Read MoreMaximizing Wealth: 5 Ways a Financial Professional May Help Propel High Earners Towards High-Net-Wor
The journey to prosperity involves more than just a high income. It requires strategic planning, wise investment decisions, and a keen understanding of your financial landscape. On Financial Professional Day, explore how working with a...
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...
Read MoreAn Estate Planning Guide for Beginners
Estate planning is a comprehensive process that involves organizing your assets and making informed decisions concerning how your wealth will be handled before and after death. It is a critical phase of wealth management, essential for...
Read MoreThe Growth vs. Value Conundrum in 2024
As we navigate through 2024, one question looms: Will growth once again reign supreme over value, especially in the backdrop of the decline in interest rates? The answer lies in the peculiar turn of events witnessed in 2023.
Read MoreDigital Payments and Taxes: What You Need to Know Before You File
The IRS announced another delay in the implementation of the new reporting rule that would require third-party payment apps to report earned income over $600 per year to the IRS on form 1099-K. Here’s what taxpayers can expect this year.
Read MoreWhat Insurance Policies Do You Need?
Insurance is a great way to protect yourself and your loved ones from high or unexpected costs. There are several different types of policies that you can purchase, here’s a closer look at how you can benefit from having insurance.
Read MoreHow to Prepare Your Finances for an Election Year
Election years create a certain level of uncertainty regarding your finances and investments. Here are a few things to keep in mind to help you preserve your financial interests as an election approaches.
Read MoreThe Role of AI in Investing and Financial Planning
The integration of tech can amplify the capabilities of financial professionals As investors navigate the dynamic landscape of the financial markets, they find themselves at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and traditional...
Read MoreUnderstanding Tax Filing Options: Which One is Right for You?
Filing taxes comes down to how comfortable you are with the process. If you are not confident in doing it yourself, consider the pros and cons of both e-filing and using a tax preparer to help you weigh your decision.
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