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Thursday, March 23, 2023

Women’s History Month has its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed and authorized a resolution and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History...

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Supporting a family on one income can be a challenge. For single parents who don't have a partner to lighten the emotional and logistical load, these financial pressures can be especially stressful. However, there are some ways to make...

Monday, March 20, 2023

The Federal Reserve (Fed) has a history of raising short-term interest rates until something “breaks.” Considering the Fed has raised rates from a near-zero level to 4.75% (upper bound) over the course of only one year, it...

Saturday, March 18, 2023

As temperatures warm up, trees begin budding, and the days get longer, you probably throw open your windows and think about spring cleaning your home. As you tackle washing windows, cleaning carpets, and sorting out the garage,...

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Last week did not play out how we anticipated. Coming into the week, it was all about Federal Reserve (Fed) Chair Jerome Powell’s congressional testimony and the February jobs report. Instead, we got a shockingly fast collapse of...

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Friday, March 3, 2023

This year's National Consumer Protection Week is March 5th through March 11th. It's a time to educate people about their rights as consumers and how to make informed decisions about their money. Whether it's taking a hard look at your...

Thursday, February 23, 2023

There are many reasons why people save money. For some, it is so they can enjoy a certain amount of financial confidence and freedom, while others squirrel away money for emergencies or future plans like the down payment for a home,...

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

You may have envisioned retirement as a second childhood—a time to relax, enjoy yourself, and devote your time to your favorite hobbies. Unfortunately, worry-free retirement is not the reality for some. Challenges from stock...

Monday, February 13, 2023

We often like to fantasize that our heart is the center of our love and feelings, but do you spend enough time focusing on its importance to your physical health?February is American Heart Month, so now is the perfect time to love your...

Thursday, February 9, 2023

Strategic financial planning is important for everyone but especially for high-income earners that have their compensation tied directly to the success of the business. Executives and entrepreneurs both rely on accessing their wealth...

Thursday, February 2, 2023

It’s easy to carry the stress of home to work, and work to home. Doing so will most likely inhibit your time to relax with friends, family, and your productivity in the work place. Budget your time accordingly for each aspect of...

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

You may not have to spend much money to celebrate Valentine's Day. Instead, you may show your special someone that you love them with sweet gifts that might be easier on the wallet. Want to spread the love without overspending? Then...

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Tax preparation tools and products continue to evolve even more quickly than the federal tax code itself. Which tax prep tools are worth the hype, and which may be passed over? Below we discuss five high-tech tools to help make tax...

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

With lives full of work and obligations, it’s important to make time for leisure and fun. We become depleted and stressed when we don’t do enough of the activities that bring us joy. If you’re stuck in a rut with your...

Monday, January 9, 2023

Whether you're hoping to retire soon or are just beginning to explore the idea of stepping back from your job, you're probably wondering how to make it happen. Will you have enough money? How will you spend your time? What will you do...

Sunday, January 1, 2023

Do you find yourself making resolutions, and then a month in, you already slipped up? New Year’s resolutions seem all well and good when making them, but it’s another thing to actually stick to them throughout the year....

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Black Forest Sheet CakeRich (but easy to make) chocolate sheet cake topped with loads of sweet cherries, whipped cream, and shaved chocolate.IngredientsChocolate Sheet Cake:2 cups of all-purpose flour1 1/2 cups sugar1/4 teaspoon...

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Through all the challenges, newfound opportunities, and every high and low we’ve experienced during the last couple of years, it’s no surprise why we might be striving for more balance. Whether it’s about the markets...

Thursday, December 1, 2022

Just as every snowflake is unique, so is every person's retirement plan. Though there are some general strategies that can be helpful—contribute at least 10% of your salary; have at least one year's salary saved for retirement by...

Thursday, December 1, 2022

The holidays provide the perfect excuse to throw a shindig. Whether you find yourself in the company of friends and family or co-workers, a party just isn’t a party without food, drinks, and of course, games! These festively fun...

Thursday, December 1, 2022

For many investors, this year has been a wild ride—with interest rate increases, a crypto implosion, and whipsawing values in the major market indices. It might be tough to catch one's breath and look ahead to next year. But the...

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

For many of us, a new year is an opportunity for fresh starts and discovering the best versions of ourselves, but some things—like tax contributions and retirement deadlines—don't change much, if at all. And with that shiny...

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

One silver lining in the current bear market is that this could be a good time to convert assets from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Converted assets are subject to federal income tax in the year of conversion, which might be a...

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

As we approach the end of the year, you may want to review areas that may impact your wealth and estate planning next year. In this year-end planning guide, we examine four critical areas to consider that may affect your finances:...

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

A list of things to consider as you think about year-end charitable donations With its family traditions and festive celebrations, the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year. And according to GivingTuesday.org, the...

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

As the summer draws to a close and the first chilly winds of autumn blow through, it’s time to think through the way you’ll clean up, fix up, and maintain your home for fall. By keeping up with your home’s maintenance...

Saturday, October 1, 2022

Your retirement is the reward after years of hard work and saving. You might dream of traveling, want to invest in a vacation home, or want to take up a new hobby. For an enjoyable retirement, saving is critical. Take charge of your...

Saturday, October 1, 2022

People often talk about spring fever, but what about fall fever?Autumn has a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy—but they can be costly. Instead of going shopping for expensive decor or purchasing pricey tickets to...

Saturday, October 1, 2022

For those approaching the age of 65, Medicare can be confusing, and you might also be wondering how it compares to your current health care coverage. This guide addresses your questions about Medicare and how you might deal with...

Saturday, October 1, 2022

Those turning 65 this year have a 7 in 10 chance of needing long-term care (LTC) at some point.1 With the cost of a private room in a nursing home now topping $100,000 per year, the thought of paying this — or for a loved...

Thursday, September 1, 2022

One of the main concerns about retirement is health care. As healthcare costs continue to rise, medical bills may quickly derail your retirement plan. The good news is when you turn 65, you will be able to apply for Medicare, which...

Thursday, September 1, 2022

Retirement is an exciting time. You have worked hard all of your life and now get to take advantage of the fruits of that hard labor. While retirement is the perfect time to tackle to-do lists and all of the things you have always...

Thursday, September 1, 2022

Understanding the importance of life insurance is one thing. Understanding the tax rules is quite another. As insurance products have evolved and become more sophisticated, the line separating insurance vehicles from investment...

Thursday, September 1, 2022

The days are growing shorter, the leaves are changing colors, and the temperatures are cooling down—fall is here. The season is perfect for creating memories with your loved ones, but it is also an excellent time to take care of...

Monday, August 1, 2022

Because inflation could reduce your purchasing power over time, you'll probably need to contribute more to your retirement plan than you think. What seems like a healthy amount now is likely to feel smaller and smaller over time.All...

Monday, August 1, 2022

Women play a central role in establishing and preserving family wealth -- whether nurturing the values of children, fulfilling charitable goals, or making investment decisions that affect the financial security of themselves or their...

Friday, July 29, 2022

When market volatility takes investors on a wild ride, fear and panic are common responses to this stock market roller coaster. Acknowledging these emotions may be a good first step, but acting upon them could result in impulsive,...

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Markets rarely give us clear skies, and there are always threats to watch for on the horizon, but the right preparation, context, and support can help us navigate anything that may lie ahead. So far, this year hasn’t seen a...

Friday, July 1, 2022

Five easy pointers to help you plan during all of your retirement years If you’re retired, there’s good news in that you’ll probably live longer and perhaps better than your parents and grandparents did. The bad news:...

Friday, July 1, 2022

Every woman needs to balance her financial past with her financial future Traditionally, women have been the caretakers of both the older and younger generations of their families. But providing care for family members is becoming...

Friday, July 1, 2022

Social isolation makes people more susceptible to illness and death.1 While retirement is a time for relaxation and enjoyment from a lifetime of work, it may lead to a lack of purpose if you have depended on work for...

Friday, July 1, 2022

Many parents may feel it is unnecessary to inform their adult children about their personal, financial affairs. However, as your children grow older, it can work to your advantage—and that of your entire family— to share...

Friday, June 24, 2022

If you've wanted to try making ice cream but don't have an ice cream maker, this no-churn ice cream recipe is a great place to start. No-churn ice cream is such a wonderful recipe to have in your back pocket for those hot summer...

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

For many Americans, the home is the single biggest purchase made during their lifetime.[1] As a result, it's important to do everything possible to keep it in good condition. Even moderate or short-term neglect can be dangerous, as...

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

In late 2019, SECURE Act was passed as a way to help Americans save more for their retirement. In March 2022, the SECURE Act 2.0 has passed in the U.S. House of Representatives and aims to improve the goals of the original SECURE Act....

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

If you have always thought estate planning was just for those nearing retirement or already retired, think again. If you own a home, it is important to have a plan in place. Without a will or other arrangements that allow your home to...

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

When we think of gardening, we usually think of springtime. When the days heat up, the soil can become drier and less optimal for plant growth. The good news is, there are many ways to keep your garden thriving during the hottest...

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Pie is always a favorite at picnics and cookouts, but the usual apple or berry pie is already bound to be on the table. This festive pie is full of cherry and blueberry fillings—and dons a stars-and-stripe pattern—for the...

Sunday, May 1, 2022

Sunday, May 1, 2022

Sunday, May 1, 2022

Sunday, May 1, 2022

Friday, April 1, 2022

Friday, April 1, 2022

Friday, April 1, 2022

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Saturday, January 1, 2022

Saturday, January 1, 2022

Saturday, January 1, 2022

Saturday, January 1, 2022

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

With the holidays here, now is the time to get into the giving spirit and help to change others' lives for the better. Whether you are looking to make a difference in a specific person's life or the life of many, there are many ways to...

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

It’s December, and that means it’s crunch time for the gift-buying season. This year, a little thinking outside the box will go a long way toward putting a smile on loved ones’ faces. Whether you’re buying for...

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

It may be easy to forget we're nearing the end of the year. Even during the busy end of year rush, it's a good time to reevaluate your 2021 finances and turn an eye toward 2022. What can you do now to potentially improve and streamline...

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

For many people, a new year provides a new start—and nothing says "new start" like a fresh new set of financial goals. But setting these goals is easier said than done. What steps should you take to get the most bang for your...

Monday, November 1, 2021

Between the excitement of Thanksgiving’s delicious feast and the hustle and bustle of the impending holiday season, the month of November often goes by in the blink of an eye. However, even just one simple act a day will help you...

Monday, November 1, 2021

Today, many people find themselves bombarded by a constant stream of financial news from television, radio, and the Internet. Yet, does all this “information age” data really help you manage your finances any better now...

Monday, November 1, 2021

For some, 2021 has flown by—and as we approach the last quarter of the year, it's a good time to begin planning for the next one. Year-end planning is especially important for retirees and those hoping to retire in 2021 or 2022....

Monday, November 1, 2021

Giving Tuesday is a day to extend the goodwill that the holiday season may bring to help others. With so many in need, the holiday season is a reminder to help those less fortunate. Whether you want to donate your time or contribute...

Friday, October 1, 2021

More consumers are conducting financial transactions online and may become vulnerable to tracking, hacking, identity theft, phishing scams, and other cyberspace risks. While nothing can guarantee complete safety on the Internet,...

Friday, October 1, 2021

It may be better to give than to receive, but it may be even better to give and see your generosity rewarded. Charitable giving can play a valuable role in your financial and tax strategies. A well-planned gift to charity could provide...

Friday, October 1, 2021

If your 65th birthday is coming up—or if you're receiving Social Security Disability payments and are about to qualify for Medicare before age 65—you may be wondering exactly what comes next.1 Below, we discuss some...

Friday, October 1, 2021

Tax planning can be advantageous when done during the year and well in advance of year’s end. Opportunities exist for you to mitigate tax liability, which may leave more income for you and/or your family. Generally, people put...

Wednesday, September 1, 2021

When Judy purchased her life insurance policy 10 years ago, she thought her insurance planning was complete. She assumed that if she paid her premiums on time, she could sit back and not think about life insurance anymore. Judy’s...

Wednesday, September 1, 2021

For many who are decades away from leaving the workforce, retirement may seem like an abstract concept. But once you've entered your late fifties—like the youngest Baby Boomers, turning 57 in 2021—retirement may begin to...

Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Suppose, during the middle of the workday, you receive an urgent phone call. It is the local hospital informing you that your elderly, widowed father has been the victim of a serious car accident and lies unconscious in the emergency...

Friday, August 20, 2021

529 plans can be a great way to save for college, but they're not the only way. When you're investing for a major goal like education, it makes sense to be familiar with all of your options. Mutual funds Mutual funds are an option to...

Thursday, August 12, 2021

A successful investor maximizes gain and minimizes loss. Though there can be no guarantee that any investment strategy will be successful and all investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal, here are six basic...

Monday, August 9, 2021

Although it's not hard to find doom-and-gloom articles that bemoan many Americans' lack of preparation for retirement, these don't tell the whole story. One in three adults save for retirement outside their 401(k) in a traditional or...

Monday, August 2, 2021

To accumulate wealth, people may choose to invest their money into various types of investments. Investing creates opportunities that otherwise would be difficult to manage due to the consistency of contributing to the investment....

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

World Nature Conservation day is fast approaching. July 28th is a day when we acknowledge the importance of conservation to ensure a stronger future for the next generations. So how do you do your part and mark the occasion? By finding...

Tuesday, July 20, 2021

Americans seem to be traveling more than ever before and are doing so by either flying the friendly skies or sailing the seven seas. While more of us may be flying high or traveling the high seas, most of us would like to avoid the...

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Introduction: Picking Up Speed In the first half of 2021, the U.S. economy powered forward faster than nearly anyone had expected. As we were writing our Outlook for 2021 in late 2020, our economic views were significantly more...

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Retirement is inevitable, but knowing exactly when to do so is often unclear. No matter when you actually begin your retirement, you’ll benefit from planning your post-work life as early as possible. According to Gallup, the...

Thursday, July 1, 2021

If you're living paycheck-to-paycheck or stuck in a job you don't love just to pay the bills, it can be easy to feel as though you're financially trapped. But financial freedom doesn't need to be elusive—with some focused and...

Friday, June 25, 2021

The Perfect Summer Treats Summer is here and with it comes long, hot days! Here are some of our favorite treats to share in the summer time with friends and family: Buttermilk Peach Pops ¾ cup of whole buttermilk ½ cup of...

Thursday, June 24, 2021

From firework displays to backyard barbecues, your Fourth of July weekend is jam-packed. However, understanding important safety tips ahead of the time can help you and your family enjoy the holiday. Fireworks Never allow small...

Monday, June 14, 2021

When it comes to shopping for Father’s Day, it can be tricky to avoid the old clichés of a new tie or a seventh (unnecessary) screwdriver for his toolbox. Besides, what if your dad isn’t the businessman or handyman...

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Retirement can be a risky business if you don’t consider all the factors that can impact your retirement during your planning process. Although it’s hard to know what will happen in the future to you or your investments,...

Friday, May 28, 2021

Grandparents can often find themselves in a better financial position to save for their grandchildren's education than their own children are. The parents of prospective students may still be contending with competing priorities like...

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Staying healthy and fit is crucial at every stage of your life. As you get older, the impact of wellness often becomes clearer, but it can also become more difficult to maintain. With age, factors ranging from time conflicts through...

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Ahh, summer. Long hot days, are just perfect for vegetable growing. I don't know about you, but for me, summer begins with the smell of tomato plants, there is just something about the aroma that ushers in the season. Working in the...

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Setting healthy financial goals is critical. Even more important is staying committed to those financial goals. Keeping yourself committed to your goals may be difficult, especially when times may be financially tough. But by staying...

Friday, April 30, 2021

Your need for life insurance changes as your life changes. When you're young, you typically have less need for life insurance, but that changes as you take on more responsibility and your family grows. Then, as your responsibilities...

Monday, April 26, 2021

When saving for retirement, it often makes sense to contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans to take advantage of any available employer match opportunities. However, not everyone has access to an employer-sponsored plan. Even...

Friday, April 9, 2021

As your retirement draws closer, you will probably start to have lots of questions such as: How much Social Security will I receive? When should I retire? How will I know when to retire? Do I have enough saved? What will I need to do...

Friday, April 9, 2021

Whether you've been wondering about boosting your investments' rates of return or are concerned that your financial affairs are a bit too complicated for your next of kin to handle, it may be time to seek advice from a financial...

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

With Public Health Week on the way,[1] it is not only time to consider your physical and mental health but also your financial health. When your financial outlook is healthier, you will be less stressed and enjoy what all your hard...

Friday, April 2, 2021

Unlike verbal literacy, financial literacy isn't often taught in schools—which means that many people may enter adulthood without having all the tools they need to make informed and effective financial decisions.[1] Fortunately,...

Monday, March 22, 2021

Traditionally, women have been the caretakers of both the older and younger generations of their families. But providing care for family members is becoming increasingly difficult, as doing so may require a leave of absence from work...

Monday, March 15, 2021

The moment you have been working for your whole life is about to arrive: retirement. This stage of your life will likely offer more free time than you have ever had before. In fact, if you are like a lot of people, you may be wondering...

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

For investors approaching retirement, it is important to begin thinking about retirement income planning. This involves a mindset shift from accumulating an investment portfolio designed for growth to creating a portfolio of retirement...

Monday, March 1, 2021

Most people who decide to purchase stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or other investment vehicles do so understanding that there are risks associated with investing, but believing that the potential growth they may realize over time...

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

In 2020, the government gave taxpayers an automatic six-month extension due to the coronavirus. Individuals who were affected by the damaging wildfires were also given additional time to meet most tax deadlines. However, in 2021, the...

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Only one-in-four Americans (27%) feel very confident that they will have enough money to live comfortably when they retire, according to the 2020 Retirement Confidence Survey Summary Report.⁠11 While the number is up slightly from the...

Monday, February 1, 2021

While the 2020 tax year saw some significant changes to filing deadlines due to the effects of the global pandemic, the 2021 tax season seems to be set to be on track with normal filing deadlines. With the pandemic still in sight, it...

Monday, January 25, 2021

Tax identity theft is when someone steals your Social Security Number, files a tax return with your number, and directs a refund to their own bank account. In other cases, this type of identity theft may involve a scam artist calling...

Thursday, January 21, 2021

In an increasingly paper-free society, organizing your financial documents can still be a challenge. No matter how simple or complex your financial picture might be, it takes some thought-out organization to keep your tax documents,...

Wednesday, January 13, 2021

Financial wellness, like physical wellness, isn’t something you should ignore. Instead, it's a critical concept for anyone who wants to be knowledgeable and confident about their finances, and in fact, financial wellness is so...

Thursday, January 7, 2021

To ease some of the burdens of tax season, we’ve created this helpful guide, which contains all the information you may need to easily address tax issues and questions that you might face. It will assist you in becoming familiar...

Tuesday, January 5, 2021

New Year's is traditionally the time to review your life and make resolutions for change. In addition to thinking about working out, eating healthy, and meeting personal and professional goals, you should also think about your finances...

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

From pandemic-related stimulus payments to job losses and furloughs, for many taxpayers, next spring's tax season may be more complex than usual. With the end of 2020 rapidly approaching, you should take some time to review your tax...

Monday, December 14, 2020

This holiday season, we wanted to share some of our favorite recipes to enjoy with friends and family. All of these are very simple and perfect for the holidays to share. Follow our recipes below: Coconut Bonbons 1 cup of softened...

Monday, December 14, 2020

Retirement is one of the biggest life transitions adults will ever deal with. After 20, 30, or 40 or more years in the workforce, new retirees can find it hard to adjust to the reduced amount of structure in their daily lives. But...

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

More than most years, it’s hard to look ahead to the next year, to 2021, without looking back at 2020. A global pandemic, a massive economic collapse, a bear market, a surprisingly sharp reversal, a hotly contested election...

Monday, December 7, 2020

When you donate to a charity, you want to know that your donation is going to its highest and best purpose—which means minimizing the tax exposure of the donated assets. One way to accomplish this, whether you're hoping to donate...

Thursday, December 3, 2020

With the end of the tax year fast approaching, you may want to find ways to minimize your tax liability. Implementing one or more of the simple strategies discussed below may allow you to hold on to more of your earnings, potentially...

Monday, November 23, 2020

When Thanksgiving rolls around, the holiday shopping season comes into full swing. While many people prepare their strategy for Black Friday shopping, a lot of them forget about the second shopping holiday that weekend: Small Business...

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

As the end of the year approaches, it’s time to consider strategies that could help you reduce your tax bill. But most tax tips, suggestions, and strategies are of little practical help without a good understanding of your...

Monday, November 16, 2020

As the saying goes, "50 is the new 40"—and with Americans living longer than ever before, it's not unusual for those in their 50s, 60s, or even 70s to be in their peak earning years.1 But for those who would prefer the option of...

Monday, November 9, 2020

As you enter your “golden years”, perhaps you imagine yourself traveling, visiting grandchildren, or pursuing a favorite hobby. Unfortunately, none of us can predict what the future may bring. But, according to the U.S....

Friday, November 6, 2020

Retirement is an exciting time for many, and the reward for years of hard work. While there is no set age for retirement, it is important to be prepared before you make the leap, so that you enjoy your retirement and financial...

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

By the last third of the calendar year, you're likely to have a pretty good idea of what your annual income will be and whether any major expenses or big life changes await you. This can allow you to engage in more robust tax planning,...

Friday, October 30, 2020

Ask yourself, "What will my golden years hold for me?" Is the answer a comfortable home near a golf course? Free time to spend with your grandchildren? Or even a cross-country journey or trip around the world? Whatever your answer may...

Friday, January 11, 2019

Tip: How Much? Check your Social Security earnings and see an estimate of your benefits on the website, www.ssa.gov. Social Security’s been a fact of retirement life ever since it was established in 1935. We all think we know how...