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How to Handle a Financial Windfall: A Step-by-Step Guide
Manage a windfall can be scary. However, with the proper plan in place, it is more manageable than you think. In this post, we discuss 4 keys to managing a financial windfall.
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Part 3: What Does a Fiduciary Actually Mean—and Why It Matters
A fiduciary is legally bound to put your interests first. Unlike standard brokers, they avoid commission-driven products and must meet a "best interest" standard. Ensure your advisor is a fiduciary for full transparency and care.
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Beyond the bottom line: I’m concerned too, but it will be okay.
Between Tax Day stress and market shifts, it’s easy to feel "punched in the face." But whether in finance or personal struggles, volatility is part of the journey. Stay hopeful: the best results rarely follow the script.
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April Fools! 5 Common "Personal Finance Myths" That Could Be Fooling You
Avoid these 5 wealth "pranks": Don't fear low-interest debt, stop chasing "unicorn" stocks, and prioritize your savings rate over returns. Keep an emergency fund to protect compounding and treat your home as a lifestyle, not an investment.
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Part 2: 7 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Financial Planner
Vetting an advisor requires the right questions. Verify their fiduciary status, credentials, and fee structure for transparency. In this post, we cover 7 key questions to ask a financial advisor when interviewing them.
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Beyond the Bottom Line: The 3 Biggest Psychological Components of Retirement
Retirement is more than math; it requires mental readiness. Focus on three pillars: defining a new identity for yourself, "flipping the switch" from saving to spending, and building a meaningful legacy. Are you truly ready for retirement?
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How to Choose the Right Financial Advisor (Without Getting Burned)
Choosing a financial advisor requires diligence. Focus on finding a fiduciary who acts in your best interest, verify credentials like CFP®, and ensure fee transparency. In this post we discuss 5 key things to look for in a financial advisor
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New Retirement Contribution Limits for 2026
IRS retirement limits rise in 2026: IRA contributions hit $7,500 ($8,600 for age 50+), while 401(k)s increase to $24,500. Features include higher Roth income thresholds and "super catch-ups" of $11,250 for those aged 60–63.
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Kickstarting Your 2026 Finances: A Roadmap for the New Year
Kickstart 2026 with a proactive financial plan! Optimize your cash flow, set multi-layered savings goals, and stress-test your portfolio for market alignment. Move from "set and forget" to purposeful wealth management. Read more here!
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Trump Accounts: An initial look into this vehicle for your child’s future
In this guest post, Janelle explores the basics of the new "Trump Account" that is designed to help you save for your children's future. And yes, there is a bonus for children born between 2025 - 2028. Click here to read more!
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Diversification Worked in 2025. Will It Work in 2026?
Diversification paid off in 2025! Will it in 2026? Learn how international stocks & bonds helped during US volatility. Long-term benefits & why a global approach matters for your goals.
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What’s Behind That ETF? Lump of Coal or “The Best Gift Ever”? How to Tell If Your ETF Fits Your Port
Is your ETF a gem or a dud? Know what's inside! Learn about index tracking, weighting (S&P 500 vs equal weight), sector risks, and portfolio fit. Choose ETFs wisely!
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What’s the best way to hedge against market volatility or a downturn?
Market Volatility Got You Worried? Learn smart hedging strategies: diversification, bonds, options, long-term view, rebalancing. Don't panic sell!
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5 Year-End Tax Moves That Can Help Reduce Your Tax Bill!
Want to lower your tax bill? Discover 5 strategic year-end tax moves to lower your tax bill. From tax loss harvesting to maximizing your 401(k), our guide has you covered.
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Protect Your Portfolio: How to Finance Your Next Big Purchase Without Selling Your Investments
Planning a big purchase? Don't sell your investments to fund it! Learn how to strategically finance your next major expense using smart options like bank loans, securities-based lending, or home equity.
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Are You Properly Diversified? A Strategic Look at Geographies, Asset Classes, and Tax Structures
Explore how to achieve proper diversification across geographies, asset classes, and tax structures for a balanced, risk-managed investment strategy.
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Navigating Market Volatility: A Guide to Preserving Your Lifestyle and Legacy
Market volatility can be scary. Our guide shows how we manage portfolios in a bear market to preserve your capital, protect your lifestyle, and secure the legacy you've built. Read our strategy for navigating the storm.
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Eight Mistakes That Can Upend Your Retirement
This post outlines eight common retirement mistakes, from lacking a strategy to overlooking healthcare costs. Discover how to avoid these pitfalls and the importance of working with a financial professional.
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Roth IRA for Kids
This post explores how small business owners can use Roth IRAs to provide valuable benefits to their children employees. Learn how this strategy offers tax-free growth, early financial education, and a strong foundation for their future.
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How the Federal Reserve Works
Have you ever taken a close look at paper money and wondered why the words "Federal Reserve Note" are printed across the top? Here is an inside look at how the Federal Reserve functions and their role in our broader economy.
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A Primer on Asset Allocation
Manage investment risk like a savvy street vendor: diversify. In this post, we will help you understand asset allocation and how to tailor it to your time horizon and risk tolerance.
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Inflation & Your Money
"If the current annual inflation rate is 3 percent, why do my bills seem like they're 10 percent higher than last year?" In this post, we will cover the relationship between inflation, your wallet, and your investments.
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Does Your Portfolio Fit Your Retirement Lifestyle?
This post explores how retirees should consider their lifestyle when building a portfolio. From starting a business to extended travel, learn how to adjust your investments for a successful retirement.
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A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision
From missed 401(k) opportunities to neglected portfolios, investment inaction can have serious consequences. In this post, we will discuss practical advice on how to overcome inertia and make informed financial decisions.
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Rebalancing Your Portfolio
Rebalancing your portfolio is key to maintaining your desired risk profile. In this post, we discuss how to buy low and sell high by strategically adjusting your asset allocation.
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The Benefits of International Investing
This year has been a rocky year for stocks in general, especially in the U.S. Many investors are beginning to ask, "is now a good time to consider investing in international markets"? In this post, we will help answer this question.
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Top 3 Moves for a Declining Stock Market
Navigating a declining stock market requires a strategic approach. In this post, we outline three essential moves (and a bonus tip) that you should be making in light of the recent market selloff. This is a post you don't want to miss!
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3 Tips for Avoiding a Tax Nightmare
Tax Day is in the rearview mirror! Hopefully, everyone navigated it smoothly. But if you encountered an unexpected tax headache, this post is for you. We'll break down three essential tips to help you avoid a repeat performance next year.
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All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal: A primer on the risks of municipal bonds
Are you municipal bonds right for you? In this post we will discuss the basics of municipal bonds, the various risks associated with municipal bonds, and how to manage these risks.
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How the SECURE Act 2.0 Changed RMDs
The SECURE Act 2.0 brought significant changes to retirement rules. Learn how it impacts RMDs, QCDs, and more. Let's explore how these new provisions can help you maximize savings and minimize taxes in retirement!
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Retirement Seen Through Your Eyes
Most people nearing retirement focus on the financial aspects of retirement. However, most don't realize is there are a whole host of non-financial aspects you should consider before contemplating retirement. Click here to read more!
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Roth IRA Conversions: Should You Make the Switch?
A Roth IRA is a powerful retirement savings vehicle that offers significant tax advantages. But is a Roth IRA conversion something that is beneficial to you? In this blog post we will weigh the pros and cons of Roth conversions.
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Can I Create a Roth if I'm Over the Income Limit?
Yes, you may be able to create a Roth IRA if you’re over the income limit. This strategy involves converting an IRA to a Roth IRA, often referred to as a “backdoor Roth conversion". Find out more about this strategy!
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Retirement Strategy After a Job Loss
Unexpected job loss can be overwhelming. This guide outlines key steps to navigate this challenging time. Some of these steps include assessing your emergency fund and adjusting your budget. Click here to read more!
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New Retirement Contribution Limits for 2025
Each year the IRS releases updated contribution amounts for various retirement account types. What are these new amounts for 2025? In this post, we will discuss this new topic and which ones may be applicable to you.
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President Biden Signs Social Security Fairness Act
President Joe Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act that will benefit millions of public sector workers. What are the details of this provision and how can it impact you? In this post, we will discuss how this bill may impact you!
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Setting Financial Resolutions for the New Year
As the New Year approaches, it's the perfect time to set meaningful financial resolutions that will guide you toward a more secure and prosperous future. In this post, we discuss top financial resolutions for 2025.
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What to do with that year end bonus?
It's that time of the year when you may be receiving a year-end bonus from your employer or noticing a large profit as a business owner. But before booking that next trip, consider these strategic options to make the most of your bonus.
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Top 3 Year-End Tax Planning Tips
Are you looking for ways to potentially reduce your tax liability or set yourself up for paying less taxes in the future? In this post, we'll explore the top three tax strategies you should consider before the year ends.
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Looking to save more for retirement? Look no further!
As we approach the end of 2024, it's the perfect time to ensure you're maximizing your retirement savings. In this post, we'll delve into the concept of catch-up contributions and how they can significantly boost your retirement nest egg.
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The President and the stock market - are they connected?
Politicians often claim credit for stock market performance during their time in office. But can a president and their policies truly control the market? In this post, we will discuss this timely question.
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Elections and the Stock Market - Are they connected?
With the 2024 election coming up, investors are starting to wonder: "If XYZ gets elected, what will happen to the stock market?". In this post, we tackle this question by taking a look at historical stock market data.
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The In’s and Out’s of 529 Plan to Roth Conversions
Do you have money left over in a 529 plan? The SECURE 2.0 Act created an opportunity to roll money from a 529 plan to a Roth IRA. In this blog post, we will discuss the rules around 529 plan to Roth IRA rollovers and how they apply to you.
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A Bucket Plan to Go with Your Bucket List
Are you wondering how to piece together your retirement income puzzle? Perhaps a "bucket approach" to your investments can help. In this blog post, we discuss how you can match your investment portfolio to your retirement and legacy goals.
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Will you pay higher taxes in retirement?
Looking to manage your tax liabilities in retirement? Look no further. In this post, we discuss the importance of taxes in retirement along with the various types of retirement accounts and how these can impact the various taxes you pay.
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What to do with that old 401(k)?
Have you left an employer recently? Or perhaps you just realized you had an old 401(k) from several employers back. Have no fear! You have plenty of options. In this post, we review the options you have when it comes to your old 401(k)
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Are interest rates and the stock market connected?
Will higher interest rates hurt the stock market? If the Fed lowers interest rates, will the stock market go up? In this post, we discuss what the historical data tell us about the relationship between interest rates and stock prices.
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When Should You Take Social Security
In a previous post, we discussed three key questions to answer before taking social security. We want to follow that post by helping answer, “when should you take Social Security”.
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Where Will Your Retirement Money Come From?
What workers anticipate in terms of retirement income sources may differ considerably from what retirees actually experience. For many people, retirement income may come from a variety of sources. Here's a quick review of the main income...
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Three Key Questions to Answer Before Taking Social Security
Social Security is a critical component of the retirement financial strategy for many Americans, so before you begin taking it, you should consider three important questions.
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Top 3 Moves for a Rising Stock Market
The S&P 500 is up almost 10% year-to-date, coming off an amazing year in 2023. So, what should you be doing in your portfolio? In this blog post we discuss actions investors should take while the market is going up.
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Orchestrating Your Retirement Accounts
Traditional IRA, Traditional 401(k), Roth IRA, Brokerage account, and the list goes on. If you are like most retirees, you have multiple sources that can generate income for you in retirement. But how do you maximize this? Read more here
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Spring Clean Your Finances for a Prosperous Year!
Spring has sprung! While you're enjoying warmer weather (and maybe battling allergies), it's also a perfect time to refresh your finances. Let's tackle some spring cleaning tips to get your money in tip-top shape!
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Navigating Retirement Pitfalls
Retirement is a big step. With this step, you want to make sure you are not stepping into a minefield. Retirement planning can be complex so we want to present common financial pitfalls we see at the onset of your retirement.
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Important Birthdays Over 50
Celebrating a milestone birthday? Surprisingly milestone birthday's may happen more frequently than you think after the age of 50. In this article we discuss key "birthdays" after the age of 50 that can effect your retirement.
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To Roth or not to Roth – That is the question
Should I save in my Roth 401(k) or Traditional 401(k)? That is a key question many face when saving for their retirement. In this blog post we cover 3 things to consider before making this decision.
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Traditional vs. Roth: What's the difference?
Traditional vs. Roth – what’s the difference? In this post, we will uncover some of the main differences between traditional IRA’s and Roth IRA’s Traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA).
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5 Ways to Financially Prepare for a Baby
You just found out you are expecting a child. There are several thoughts running through your head, such as how can I financially prepare for a baby? In this post, we discuss 5 tips for financially preparing for the birth of a child.
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Correction? Bear Market? What's the difference?
Market pullback? Correction? Bear Market? What's the difference? In this post, we discuss this common market lingo and what the differences are between pullbacks, corrections and bear markets.
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When does an ARM (adjustable rate mortgage) make sense?
Looking to purchase a home but wondering what type of mortgage makes sense? Depending on your goals, an adjustable-rate mortgage may make more sense than a fixed-rate mortgage given today's interest rate environment.
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9 Facts About Social Security!
I bet you didn't know this about Social Security! In this post, we discuss 9 uncommon facts about Social Security that you may not know.
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Should you pay off your mortgage before retirement?
Should you pay off your mortgage before retirement? You may want to think twice before making that lump sum payment to your bank! In this post we discuss some pros and cons to keeping a mortgage in retirement.
Read MoreStocks Rally in Changing Landscape
Stocks Rally in Changing LandscapeThe Week on Wall Street With the Fed embarking on a new course of monetary tightening amid continued fighting in Ukraine, stocks staged a powerful, broad-based rally last week. The Dow...
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Non-Financial Considerations in Retirement
Now that you have your finances all set for retirement, what else should you consider? In this post, we discuss common non-financial questions you should ask yourself before retiring.
Read MoreRetirement Mistakes Small Business Owners Make - Strategy #1
Building, running, and growing a company is tough. Business owners have countless responsibilities and too few hours in the day. Often, in the midst of fulfilling your professional priorities, you end up putting your personal financial...
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Mutual Funds & ETFs. What's the difference?
Mutual Funds vs. ETFs. What is the difference? Which one is better? In this post, we will discuss the primary differences between mutual funds and ETFs.
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Looking to weather the stock market storms?
Worried about how to protect your portfolio during market volatility? Look no further. In this post, we will explain what true diversification is and how it can benefit your portfolio.
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What to do with that old 401(k)
Have you recently left your employer for greener pastures? If so, don't forget about that 401(k) plan! In this post, we will cover 4 options you may have when it comes to your ex-employers 401(k) plan.
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