Spring isn’t just about budding plants, changing the clocks, or paying your tax bill. It can be the perfect time to refresh financial tasks and dust off your long-term goals. As we begin a new season of financial “spring cleaning,” here are 4 (commonly made) mistakes you can prevent this year.
Some years pass quietly. 2025 wasn't one of them. Between market swings, geopolitical shocks, and a news cycle that never seemed to pause, this year tested patience across the board. And yet, as we close out December, the real story isn't about what the markets did. It's about how we responded. 2025 Market Volatility: A Year in Review Even those who tried to tune out the noise found it crashing through anyway: The Spring Selloff...
Many people don’t regret being retired. They regret how they got there. 1 “I wish I had saved earlier.” “I didn’t think long-term care would matter.” “I should’ve waited to claim Social Security.” Hindsight hits hard when it’s tied to your potential freedom and options. The good news? There may still be opportunities to make meaningful changes that could benefit your future. Let's break down the most common retirement regrets—and what you can do right...
How much do you need to retire wealthy? Believe it or not, there’s no set number for anyone. Lifestyle and the quality of your retirement plan are certainly two big factors. But when considering the economy and inflation, a definitive picture of our financial future can feel somewhat elusive. So, to shed a little light (and provide a little guidance), here are a few telltale signs you might be set up for a “comfortable” post-work lifestyle.
Markets have been very volatile lately. What’s going on? Let’s take a quick look at the factors that are influencing markets right now.
It’s possible for one economy to tell two different stories. One of growth, opportunity, and abundance. Another of constraint, anxiety, and scarcity. This isn't new. But recent economic data makes the divide unusually visible. Recognizing this divide can change how we think about (and react to) the headlines. When Economic Signals Might Contradict Economic indicators paint a puzzling picture. Market gains create wealth while financial stress intensifies. Corporate profits surge while consumer confidence splits. Premium...
Economists warned that the next inflation report would signal surging prices and stall any hope of a rate cut. But then the numbers came in, and they told a different story.
These conversations aren’t easy. Bringing up long-term care or estate planning with aging parents can feel like stepping on a landmine—awkward, emotional, maybe even a little intrusive. But if you wait until something happens—a fall, a diagnosis, a hospital stay—you're not just having the conversation late. You're having it under pressure. So how do you start the talk without it turning tense? Here’s a guide to help you open the door with empathy, avoid common...
Inflation has been the boogeyman of the economy for months. Sticky prices. Rising gas costs. A looming rate hike. The latest report provided useful data for planning ahead. When inflation cools—even slightly—it can affect everything from interest rates to your travel budget. September's numbers provided important context about the direction of inflation and interest rates. For anyone trying to make sense of their money right now, understanding these shifts matters. Inflation Didn’t Disappear—But It’s Slowing...
Believe it or not social media scams have been picking more pockets than any other scam today––including phone call and text fraud. 1 There have been more than $2.7 billion in losses to social media scams between January 2021 and June 2023. 2 And whether or not you’ve seen these cons in action, they don’t look the same today as they did even a year ago. 2 They’re becoming more personalized and harder to detect...
With healthcare costs often resembling an unpredictable market, and long-term care expenses looming, the post-work years require careful financial planning. This blog post advocates for partnering with a financial professional to navigate these challenges, offering tailored guidance on Medicare, long-term care funding, and retirement law changes. By preparing strategically, retirees can confidently set sail into their golden years, free from the turbulence of unforeseen financial burdens.
You’ve mapped out your dream retirement. Maybe it’s a cozy beach town, golf twice a week, time with family, or finally starting that side project. But here’s the truth most planning overlooks: even with a solid financial plan, your ideal retirement could still fall flat. That’s because real wealth in retirement doesn’t just live in your portfolio. It lives in your health, your relationships, and your sense of purpose. Let’s look beyond the numbers, and...
