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Monday, July 28, 2025

Just before the July 4th holiday, Congress passed a domestic policy bill that extended the 2017 tax cuts that were set to expire this year while making some of the 2017 rules permanent. The bill also created several new tax laws for...

 

Monday, July 21, 2025

No more passing them by when you see one on the sidewalk. Forget about wasting a couple by putting them in your loafers. And don’t even consider throwing them into a wishing well. The Treasury Department has announced that it is...

 

Monday, July 14, 2025

As summer goes along, 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,...

 

Monday, January 27, 2025

As I work with you to help you invest and prepare for your retirement goals, may I help you in other ways? I mention this because retirement and financial strategies represent a portion of what I do. I also offer and provide insurance...

 

Monday, January 20, 2025

If you've noticed your morning brew getting pricier lately, you're not imagining things. Coffee prices have surged to their highest levels since 1977.1 Why the eye-popping prices? While supply chain disruptions and weather issues in...

 

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Monday, January 13, 2025

Stocks edged lower last week despite a powerful end-of-week rally. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 0.48 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index slid 0.51 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.60 percent. The MSCI...

 

Monday, December 30, 2024

January marks International Wealth Mentality Month, a time dedicated to fostering a positive mindset around finances and empowering individuals to take control of their financial future. It’s an opportunity to reflect on personal...

 

Monday, December 23, 2024

The Internal Revenue Service released the updated income tax brackets, standard deduction, and retirement contribution limits for the 2025 tax year. While these changes won’t impact you for some time, it may benefit you to start...

 

Monday, December 16, 2024

Social Security beneficiaries will see a 2.5% increase in their benefit payments in 2025, according to the Social Security Administration. The annual cost of living (COLA) adjustment will affect more than 72.5 million Social Security...

 

Monday, December 9, 2024

There are some jobs that I just don’t want. The home plate umpire in the 9th inning of a major league baseball game. Fishing in the Bering Sea during an ice storm. Or a Fed Governor who must decide what to do with short-term interest...

 

Monday, November 25, 2024

Saving for retirement requires dedication, focus, and some sacrifice–a three-pronged approach embraced by a greater number of investors! Nearly 500,000 retirement savers are now 401(k) millionaires, according to Q2 stats compiled by...

 

Monday, November 18, 2024

When I meet with people, one of the first topics we discuss is "emergency fund" money. I ask a few questions, such as, “Do you have any funds set aside?”, “Where is it located?”, and, most importantly, “What would trigger you to tap...

 

Monday, November 11, 2024

How long has it been since you’ve reviewed your Medicare policy? With open enrollment fast approaching, there are a few questions you may want to ask yourself before you renew, add, drop, or switch coverage. Have you switched doctors,...

 

Monday, November 4, 2024

Election years, particularly presidential elections, traditionally come into focus after Labor Day. This is when many American voters become fully engaged with the process. With that in mind, I often get the question: “Politics aside,...

 

Monday, September 2, 2024

In Term Life Insurance For You? Term insurance is the simplest form of life insurance. It provides temporary life insurance protection on a limited budget. Here’s how it works: When a policyholder buys term insurance, they buy coverage...

 

Monday, August 26, 2024

What's So Great About a Rollover? Changing jobs can be a tumultuous experience. Even under the best of circumstances, making a career move requires a series of tough decisions, not the least of which is what to do with the funds in...

 

Monday, August 19, 2024

August is Make a Will Month, a time dedicated to strategizing for the future. You may have seen in the news that Aretha Franklin's loved ones are still caught in a legal battle due to the existence of multiple wills. The lesson from...

 

Monday, August 12, 2024

The challenge with managing inflation is that there are no brakes. Nothing can make inflation “stop on a dime” and then resume at a nice, predictable two-percent annual rate. Policymakers can only guide inflation to pursue a desired...

 

Monday, August 5, 2024

The 2024 Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) Retirement Confidence Survey was recently released, and it provides an illuminating look at the current state of retirement preparations and mindsets across the country. While the...

 

Monday, June 24, 2024

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 this year? Has market...

 

Monday, June 17, 2024

I don’t know about you, but every time I see headlines that say, “Top 10 Reasons” or “How Much Do You Need,” I click on it. So when I saw the CNBC article, “You’ll need at least $1 million to retire comfortably in these 10 U.S. States...

 

Monday, June 10, 2024

We get regular updates on the Social Security trust fund. In early May, the Social Security Board of Trustees announced that the trust funds had revenue to pay full benefits until 2035. Generally speaking, the headline's tone is very...

 

Monday, June 3, 2024

Stocks edged lower in the final week of May as fresh news on economic growth and inflation failed to inspire investors. Stocks Slide Markets shrugged off news that the Q1 Gross Domestic Product was revised lower to 1.3 percent from...

 

Monday, May 27, 2024

If your family relies on your income, it's critical to consider having enough life insurance to provide for them after you pass away. But too often, life insurance is an overlooked aspect of personal finances. In fact, according to a...

 

Monday, May 20, 2024

Why talk about finances when getting married? Couples that are open, transparent and aligned on their finances tend to have longer and happier marriages. Thus, understanding each other’s financial history, habits, fears and...

 

Monday, May 13, 2024

CONQUERING RETIREMENT CHALLENGES FOR WOMEN When it comes to retirement, women may face unique obstacles that can make saving for retirement more challenging. Given that women typically live longer than men, retirement money for women...

 

Monday, May 6, 2024

May is a month to celebrate the older Americans in our country and honor their lives and the accomplishments they still have ahead of them. Older Americans Month was established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy to bring awareness...

 

Monday, April 29, 2024

Having a baby is one of the most life-changing events you may ever experience. There are many emotions to navigate … and then there are also some financial considerations to keep in mind. After all, according to the U.S. Department of...

 

Monday, April 22, 2024

Life doesn’t stand still. Neither do your life insurance needs. If you have a quote or policy and haven’t reviewed it lately, you may be surprised to discover that what worked for you then may not not meet your needs now. Luckily,...

 

Monday, April 15, 2024

If you’re like most of us, you’ve probably been thinking about your health quite a bit lately — especially if you’re approaching retirement. Trust me, I understand. Anticipating your future medical costs can feel daunting. When it...

 

Monday, April 8, 2024

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 the...

 

Monday, April 1, 2024

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 "lots" of today be...

 

Monday, March 25, 2024

Tax season is upon us when we reconcile our dues with Uncle Sam. However, it's also a period when some unscrupulous individuals exploit this necessity, conducting scams to defraud unsuspecting taxpayers. In this digital age, tax scams...

 

Monday, March 18, 2024

The general enrollment period for Medicare goes from January 1st to March 31st. If you haven’t decided yet, your time is running out for the year. It may not be immediately clear what this specific enrollment period is for, as...

 

Monday, March 11, 2024

On financial websites, you may read, "First-quarter corporate reports were better than expected.” And that’s true. So far, 73% of Standard & Poor’s 500 companies have reported actual Q4 earnings per share above...

 

Monday, March 4, 2024

If you dream of your financial legacy leaving a lasting impact on the world, there's a way you can make a difference. You can use your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) to make charitable donations, a strategy that could benefit...

 

Monday, February 26, 2024

Over the years, I've come to believe that learning to navigate financial discussions and events in a relationship is a "must" that transcends generations. However, recent data shows that Gen Z and Millennial couples are forging their...

 

Monday, January 29, 2024

How do you picture your future? Some see retirement as a time to start a new career. Others see it as a time to travel. Still others plan to spend more time with family and friends. With that in mind, here are some things to...

 

Monday, January 22, 2024

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...

 

Monday, January 15, 2024

Why sell shares when you can gift them? If you have appreciated stocks in your portfolio, you might want to consider donating those shares to charity rather than selling them. Donating appreciated securities to a tax-qualified charity...

 

Monday, January 8, 2024

The Social Security Administration recently announced that over 71 million Americans, including Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries, will receive a 3.2% increase in their benefits for 2024.1 However, it is...

 

Monday, January 1, 2024

We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling through your phone, computer, or tablet, and a notification pops up. “Update Me!” While that isn’t the exact wording, the meaning is the same. Something wants to be...

 

Monday, December 25, 2023

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...

 

Monday, December 18, 2023

I've seen the "Boomerang Generation" in more than a few headlines lately. These young adults return, or "boomerang," to their parents' homes as they attempt to navigate the property market. The key culprit is mortgage rates nearing...

 

Monday, December 11, 2023

The Internal Revenue Service recently released updated income tax brackets, standard deduction, and retirement contribution limits for the 2024 tax year. While these taxes are not due for some time, it may benefit you to start...

 

Monday, September 25, 2023

Are you already planning for the end of the year? Where did the time go? In this edition, we’ll be looking into navigating Medicare for the first time, particularly if you are under the age of 65. Don’t forget Medicare...

 

Monday, September 18, 2023

Ever considered writing your own will? While you can draft a will on your own, there are plenty of reasons why you may not want to go that route. Most people do it to save money, but they may overlook or forget to take care of some...

 

Monday, September 11, 2023

As we jump into the back-to-school season, I wanted to discuss an important topic that might be on your mind: the cost of education. Whether you have children or grandchildren preparing for college or considering furthering your...

 

Monday, September 4, 2023

More than just a bookend to the summer season, Labor Day is a celebration of workers' contributions to the well-being of our country and the economy.Labor Day was first celebrated on Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with...

 

Monday, August 28, 2023

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...

 

Monday, August 21, 2023

What Can You Buy With 529 Distributions?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...

 

Monday, August 14, 2023

Like some of my clients, you may have seen the latest regarding Aretha Franklin's estate.The Queen of Soul passed in 2018, and years later, her loved ones are still caught in legal trials thanks to the existence of multiple wills.As...

 

Monday, August 7, 2023

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,...

 

Monday, July 24, 2023

It’s time for your life insurance checkup.If you don’t have any life insurance, you’re not alone. Life insurance is one of those “someday” things for many people – but the cheapest time to buy it is...

 

Monday, July 17, 2023

In recent months, there has been a surge in companies discussing and embracing the use of artificial intelligence (AI).With its potential to revolutionize industries and drive innovation, AI has become a focal point of strategic...

 

Monday, July 10, 2023

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...

 

Monday, June 12, 2023

Market timing must be exhausting. Always moving in and out of the markets based on economic analysis or business headlines must be so challenging.The accompanying chart shows that money held in money market mutual funds rose to $5.1...

 

Monday, June 5, 2023

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?...

 

Monday, May 29, 2023

As you’re getting your student ready for college, there’s probably a lot on your mind. However, there’s one deadline you cannot afford to miss.In some states, deadlines may be even sooner, so plan ahead if you can.To...

 

Monday, May 22, 2023

A recent survey reported that 68% of parents had made financial sacrifices to support their adult children. It's often a difficult decision that can stress relationships, impact retirement strategies, and harm overall financial...

 

Monday, May 15, 2023

Recently, you may have seen reports that the so-called “depletion date” for Social Security was adjusted. This refers to the predicted date when the long-running program will no longer be able to pay full benefits.Barring...

 

Monday, May 8, 2023

Over the next several weeks, we will hear from corporate leaders as they update investors on their first-quarter financials and provide a glimpse into the rest of the year.But this quarter, the actual financial results may be of only...

 

Monday, May 1, 2023

In the final days of 2022, Congress passed a new set of retirement rules designed to make it easier to contribute to retirement plans and access those funds earmarked for retirement.The law is called SECURE 2.0, and it's a follow-up to...

 

Monday, January 30, 2023

Most children stop being “and-a-half” somewhere around age 12. Kids add “and-a-half“ to make sure everyone knows they’re closer to the next age than the last.When you are older, “and-a-half”...

 

Monday, January 23, 2023

When our parents retired, living to 75 amounted to a nice long life, and Social Security was often supplemented by a pension. The Social Security Administration (SSA) estimates that today’s average 65-year-old woman will live to...

 

Monday, January 16, 2023

According to the most recent information available, Americans have individual life insurance with a total face value of $12.4 trillion.1Due to a variety of factors, these individuals may find themselves in circumstances where the...

 

Monday, January 9, 2023

Federal estate taxes have been a source of funding for the federal government almost since the U.S. was founded.In 1797, Congress instituted a system of federal stamps that were required on all wills offered for probate when property...

 

Monday, December 26, 2022

The New Year is almost here, and the time is right for hot chocolate, indoor activities, and fun. It’s also a good time to consider a few financial goals. Here are some questions to ask yourself with the year to make and keep...

 

Monday, December 19, 2022

If your home is anything like mine, the holidays can be a time to indulge in a little good-natured consumerism. We all know it should be more about memories and less about money. But we also know that togetherness brings heftier...

 

Monday, December 5, 2022

Medicare’s annual open enrollment period, allowing recipients to make changes to their coverage for 2023, ends Wednesday, December 7, 2022.The Advantage Plans, known as Medicare Part D, are the prescription drug plans that make...

 

Thursday, December 1, 2022

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...

 

Monday, November 28, 2022

As you work to invest and prepare for your retirement goals, may we help you in other ways? I mention this because retirement and financial strategies represent a portion of what I do. I also offer and provide insurance services to my...

 

Monday, November 21, 2022

How long has it been since you’ve reviewed your Medicare policy? With open enrollment, there are a few questions you may want to ask yourself before you renew, add, drop, or switch coverage.Have you switched doctors, or is your...

 

Monday, November 14, 2022

As one year ends and another begins, you naturally think about the state of your business – what is working well, and what could improve in the future. When was the last time you thought about the state of your company’s...

 

Monday, November 7, 2022

Traditionally, I’ve been a little cautious when people say, “it’s different this time.” After all, the past few years have seen more financial “firsts” than most.But despite that skepticism, this...

 

Monday, October 31, 2022

Preparing for retirement just got a little more financial wiggle room. This week, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced new contribution limits for 2022.Staying put for 2022 are traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs),...

 

Monday, October 24, 2022

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...

 

Monday, October 17, 2022

Medicare’s annual open enrollment period begins October 15 and ends December 7. During this time, current Medicare beneficiaries have the option to adjust their coverage for the coming year. Any changes to your plan will go into...

 

Monday, October 10, 2022

We’re entering a tricky time of year: September and October have a reputation for bringing an extra measure of market volatility.Some of the stock market’s most challenging events have hit in September and October, and...

 

Monday, October 3, 2022

The White House recently forgave up to $10,000 to student loan borrowers as part of a larger debt forgiveness program. There are still quite a few questions to be answered, but here are some key points to know.Pell vs. non-Pell: Loan...

 

Monday, September 26, 2022

Seniors age 65 and over spend over four hours a day, on average, watching TV.8Retirement can have many meanings. For some, it will be a time to travel and spend time with family members. For others, it will be a time to start a new...

 

Monday, September 19, 2022

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...

 

Monday, September 12, 2022

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...

 

Monday, September 5, 2022

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...

 

Monday, August 29, 2022

Here’s a little-known fact that may help you save money on life insurance: when it comes to underwriting, insurance carriers typically rate clients to their closest birthday.What does that mean? It means that if you are 39 years...

 

Monday, August 22, 2022

Ever considered writing your own will? While you can draft a will on your own, there are plenty of reasons why you may not want to go that route. Most people do it to save money, but they may overlook or forget to take care of some...

 

Monday, August 15, 2022

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...

 

Monday, August 8, 2022

For the first time in nearly 20 years, the IRS has released updated actuarial or life expectancy tables. Those who take required minimum withdrawals (RMD) from retirement accounts may already know we use these tables to calculate your...

 

Monday, August 1, 2022

Have you been let go at work? What happens to the money you have saved in your employee retirement plan?If you have been terminated by your employer, you have 4 choices when it comes to your retirement plan money:Cash it out (and lose...

 

Monday, July 25, 2022

In our uncertain climate, it’s unsurprising that when American investors are thinking about their financial strategy, that the topic of life insurance comes up.For some, it’s always been front of mind. For younger investors...

 

Monday, July 18, 2022

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...

 

Monday, July 11, 2022

If you’re like most of us, you’ve probably been thinking about your health quite a bit lately — especially if you’re approaching retirement. Trust me, I understand. Anticipating your future medical costs can...

 

Wednesday, July 6, 2022

The SECURE Act of 2019 represented the biggest update to retirement law in over a decade. Now, Congress is deliberating on what “SECURE 2.0” legislation might entail.In March, the House passed the Securing a Strong...

 

Thursday, May 12, 2022

In our uncertain climate, it’s unsurprising that when American investors are thinking about their financial strategy, that the topic of life insurance comes up.For some, it’s always been front of mind. For younger investors...

 

Thursday, May 12, 2022

Remember when a college education was reasonably priced? In the past 20 years, the cost of college tuition for public universities has risen 165%. College students and their families have been taking on more and more debt, and they are...

 

Thursday, May 12, 2022

Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, have been the recipient of the latest buzz. NFTs are digital files attached to blockchain codes. If you know anything about digital currencies, you’re probably aware that these blockchain codes are...