Many people think about taxes once a year — when April rolls around and it's time to file. By then, the year is already in the rearview mirror. The decisions that could have made a difference? Many of the deadlines for them already passed. That's the gap between tax preparation and tax planning. And understanding the difference could change how you think about your money — not just in the spring, but all year long...
Many people think about taxes once a year — when April rolls around and it's time to file. By then, the year is already in the rearview mirror. The decisions that could have made a difference? Many of the deadlines for them already passed. That's the gap between tax preparation and tax planning. And understanding the difference could change how you think about your money — not just in the spring, but all year long...
What was the last money mistake you made? If you’re like most folks, you’ve made at least one upsetting money mistake in the past year — and you’d like to do better. In fact, most folks admit their finances have not gotten better over the past year. And at least half of them say the real problem is that their money mistakes have turned into bad financial habits.
In a perfect world, every money decision we make would be totally rational. We’d consider all of the facts. Then, we’d balance them with the risks to make the most logical choice available. 1 That sounds simple. Yet it doesn’t happen as much as it should in the real world. 1, 2 That’s because many of us aren’t relying on logic and the facts to make financial decisions—and we probably don’t even realize it. 2...
You know how life tends to throw in a few plot twists? They don't ask if you're ready. They just show up—with potential financial consequences tagging along. A layoff. A diagnosis. A parent who needs help. These moments don't come with instruction manuals. But they do come with price tags, deadlines, and decisions that can echo for years. The good news? You don't have to wait until you're standing in the middle of a crossroad...
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.
Jeff Baker |
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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.