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Knowing when it’s the right time to retire can be difficult, especially if you love your job. Even professional athletes have a hard time knowing when to walk away! These athletes thought they were ready for retirement but...

You may have heard of the cultural craze that's caused a recent box office boom. Dubbed "Barbenheimer," the odd cinematic pairing of Gretta Gerwig's "Barbie" and Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" is proving to be exactly what tinsel...

Now that summer is in full swing, it's the perfect time to take a trip. But sometimes, even your best-laid plans go a little off-kilter. Here are a few of the most common travel issues and how to make sure that no matter what happens,...

Did you know the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is scheduled to sunset in 2026?Here’s what’s at stake if the act is allowed to expire: for wealthy families, the $25.84 million federal estate tax exemption (as of 2023 for a married...

There’s nothing quite like the pleasure of a good book. And with temperatures rising nearly everywhere, now is a great time to grab a frosty beverage, settle into your comfiest chair, and lose yourself in a good story.Here's what...

Jerome Powell skipped an interest rate hike at the Fed’s June meeting, but the market isn’t buying what the Fed Chair is selling about what’s next with short-term rates.Powell signaled that two more rate increases may...

The U.S. Department of Education has officially announced that student loan payments will resume in October, ending the three-year-long pause that was implemented due to the pandemic.Starting September 1, interest will begin accruing...

The Fourth of July is nearly here, one of the high points of summer in America.All of us will have the chance to celebrate our democracy, our diversity, our personal freedom, and our liberty to pursue our goals and dreams.Enjoy the...

Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, marking the day when slavery came to an end in the United States. The observance of this holiday, formally recognized by the state of Texas in 1980, has continued to spread to the rest of the...

What is a bull market, and more importantly, who determines if we are in one?Technically speaking, a bull market is defined as a 20% gain in a stock market index, such as the Standard & Poor's 500, from a closing low.So are we in one?...

Memorial Day is a time for Americans to honor and remember those who lost their lives while serving in the armed forces. Veterans will think back on the men and women who served alongside them who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their...

Many young adults are not only wayward financially, but also pessimistic about ever becoming wealthy. Could it be that our children just aren't getting the financial education they need?April is Financial Literacy Month. This is...

Are your financial goals well-defined? While "I want to have lots of money" may sound like a great goal, it's just too vague. How much is "lots?" If you don’t know … how will you know when you have it? And will the...

Spend today, save tomorrow?Okay, we've all been there. But if it seems you're always living paycheck-to-paycheck and never able to save anything for the future, then it may be time to make a change .April is Financial Literacy Month....

Easter is here. On this special day, we can take time to enjoy the company of family, friends, and community, sense the arrival of spring, and consider the abundance we have in our lives. It is truly an occasion to celebrate.I wish you...

We wanted to send a friendly reminder that the stock market is closed on Friday, April 7, for Good Friday. The bond markets will shut down early, at 2 p.m. on April 6, for Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday.As we head into...

So you've prepared for your goals and you believe you are on track for your financial goals. That's wonderful. What now?April is Financial Literacy Month. If you haven't put some thought into Asset Protection Strategy, now...

Taxpayers should plan on spending at least 13 hours this year preparing their return, according to the Internal Revenue Service. Business owners should set aside roughly 24 hours to complete their tax return.Those 13 hours include time...

Spring is here! And soon the landscape will turn greener and the weather warmer. Perhaps you are already thinking about what you would like to do – the trips you could take, that new look for your yard or your garden, a day at...

What happens on March 17? What makes that day so special? If you are of Irish descent or Irish at heart, you surely know – it is St. Patrick’s Day! On this day, the patron saint of Ireland is honored and celebrated, and...

The days are about to get longer. Daylight Saving Time will begin on the second Sunday of March at 2:00am. At that moment, clocks will “spring forward” by one hour in most of the nation. So, be sure to reset your clock on...

Does Your Portfolio Fit Your Retirement Lifestyle?Most portfolios are constructed based on an individual's investment objective, risk tolerance, and time horizon.Using these inputs and sophisticated portfolio-optimization calculations,...

Presidents Day is upon us. It's time to celebrate Washington's birthday and celebrate the founding of our nation. Washington said, "Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages." This Presidents Day, I hope you take a moment...

This Valentine’s Day, take time out of your day-to-day routine and spend time with your significant other. Rekindle the flames of romance  — and fall in love all over again.Whether you enjoy a delicious meal together,...

"Is the bear market over?"That's a question I've been asked a number of times in recent weeks. And my answer is the same, "Let's give it a little time."But people are quick to remind me that stocks are off to a good start in 2023,...

Are you saving for the future?People often come to me asking for financial guidance. Some want to know how to invest or diversify the money they’ve saved, but others admit to me they’re just not sure how to save. If...

January is Financial Wellness Month, a time to remind people to make arrangements for their financial strategy.For me, it’s time for me to connect with new clients and discuss their financial situation and aspirations for their...

This month, America honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.As we look around today, we see manifestations of that legacy in the form of stronger, more diverse communities, in the continued fight for equality, and in the...

Social Security plays an important role in your retirement strategy. But, don’t forget,  the amount you’ll receive depends on the age at which you file. You can start claiming benefits as early as 62, but for each...

A new year is on the horizon. Each day that comes presents something new and exciting both for you and the people in your life.Is this the year you open the door to something new and exciting? Embark on some new travel adventure? Or...

That special time of year is here – a time of love and happiness and wonder, an occasion when we all draw closer together. This Christmas, I am thinking of you and wishing you and your loved ones all the best the season has to...

Perhaps you’ve heard the maxim, “Preparation is the key to success.” But when it comes to life insurance, knowing when to prepare is almost more important than the preparation, itself.Sure, it can be difficult to...

Over the years, the Fed has followed a similar pattern with interest rates. It raises interest rates, then pauses, so it can see how the economy is adjusting to the higher rates. The chart below shows the Fed’s pattern with...

You may have heard the saying, “inflation hurts savers and benefits borrowers.” The expression suggests that borrowers benefit from inflation because they pay back lenders with dollars worth less than when the money...

Thanksgiving is a time to appreciate what we value most, a time to cherish the many gifts we have, and the people that make life special. We can also be thankful that we live in a great country known for its prosperity and abundance.As...

Have you heard? The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law on Tuesday, August 16. While the $430 billion package includes many provisions, I thought I’d highlight three key areas where you may benefit the most.Tax credits...

On November 11, we honor the bravery and sacrifice of those who have served America in the armed forces. It is also a time to appreciate the commitment of our active military personnel and their dedicated families.Let us honor their...

The Internal Revenue Service has released new limits for the coming year. After months of high inflation and financial uncertainty, some of these cost-of-living-based adjustments have reached near-record levels.Individual Retirement...

With temperatures falling and the nights growing longer, goblins, ghouls, and ghosts across America are preparing for our second-largest commercial holiday: Halloween.With this frightful day fast approaching, here are some fun facts...

October brings to mind the beauty of the leaves changing colors and a time to enjoy the colder weather. But October also holds another meaning for millions of people: it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month.Based on the numbers,...

Congratulations on your 72nd birthday! If so, it's time to start drawing down on some of your retirement accounts. If you don’t, Uncle Sam may help himself to some of your hard-saved funds. However, there are some exceptions.As...

If you’ve felt like stock prices were a little more volatile in 2022 than in recent years, your “spidey senses” are right on the money.The S&P 500 has posted 81 daily moves of at least 1% through August. Of those...

It’s time for your life insurance checkup.September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to review your coverage.1If you don’t have any life insurance, you’re not alone. Life...

The Autumnal Equinox approaching on September 22 is a day with 12 hours of sunlight and 12 hours of darkness. This balance of day and night serves as a reminder of the change of seasons, and heralds the coming of fall colors and...

Some of the biggest challenges many face when it comes to education are financial. Luckily, a 529 college saving plan can help. And they're not just for college anymore - added to the tuition eligibility are K-12, private and religious...

September is Life Insurance awareness month.  Perhaps you’ve heard the maxim, “Preparation is the key to success.” But when it comes to life insurance, knowing when to prepare is almost more important than the...

A holiday with a nice long weekend attached is coming up – Labor Day. This weekend represents the unofficial end of summer as well as a chance to relax, get away, get your mind off work, and enjoy the comforts of home or a great...

Have you ever had one of those months? The water heater stops heating, the dishwasher stops washing, and your family ends up on a first-name basis with the nurse at urgent care. Then, as you're driving to work, you see smoke coming...

Birds of a feather trust together...For us, trust is everything. When our clients trust us, we can help them go even further in pursuit of their goals. That’s why we go out of our way to earn, and keep, your confidence.One of the...

In the financial world, some weeks are more important than others, and we just lived through a big one. Let's unpack each of the four key stats:The Fed. As expected, the Fed bumped up short-term rates again at its July meeting....

What would you do with a windfall? It’s a question I’ve read or heard a lot lately. Considering the Mega Millions jackpot has now grown to $1.02 billion, it’s safe to say most of us have thought about what it would be...

As a parent, you of course want to give your child the best opportunity for success, and for many, attending the “right” university or college is that opportunity. Unfortunately, being accepted to the college of one’s...

In your retirement strategy, you’ve likely put a good deal of thought into putting away enough money to enjoy your life, once you’ve put the daily grind in the rearview mirror. Like many, you’ve probably planned for a...

With inflation hovering near 40-year highs, some investors are looking for alternative ways to weather the storm. For many, a Series I Savings Bond is just the ticket. I Bonds give investors a rate of return plus inflation protection...

With nearly 4 billion people on social media worldwide, plus the risks of using online brokerage and bank accounts, the need for digital security has never been higher.While tech is becoming more secure in response to threats, there...

Summer’s here, and the time is right for vacations, outdoor activities, and fun. It’s also a good time to consider a few financial matters. Here are some questions to ask yourself mid-year.Goals still the same for 2022? Has...

The Fourth of July is just ahead – a chance for us all to get together and celebrate what makes America so special. As Americans, we have the liberty to act, speak, think, and worship freely. This precious liberty was fought for,...

When markets fall, it’s easy to forget that downtrends are part of the investing cycle. So when prices slip, it's a good time to review some common terms that you may be hearing that describe today’s financial markets.The...

Let’s hear it for the dads, the ones who help us grow, give us guidance, and look out for us in a million different ways. In celebration of Father’s Day, here are some of the ways you can honor the father-figures in your...

Congratulations on your 72nd birthday! If so, it's time to start drawing down on some of your retirement accounts. If you don’t, Uncle Sam may help himself to some of your hard-saved funds. However, there are some exceptions.As...

Have you saved enough? Whether you started late, or have regularly saved throughout your career, you might wish you could stash some additional cash in your retirement fund. Fortunately, if you’re 50 or older, you can. The IRS...

Helpful Retirement Strategies for Women Preparing for retirement can look a little different for women than it does for men. Although stereotypes are changing, women are still more likely to serve as caretakers than men are, meaning...

Preparing for retirement just got a little more financial wiggle room. This week, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced new contribution limits for 2022.

Are you making charitable donations at year’s end? If so, you should know about some of the financial “fine print” involved, as the right moves could potentially bring more of a benefit to both you and your chosen charity.