Blog
Continuing Care Retirement Communities: What They Cost, How They Work, and When to Start Preparing
Why Is This Conversation So Important Right Now? The U.S. is in the middle of a sustained demographic shift. More than 61 million adults are aged 65 and older as of 2025, and that number is projected to reach approximately 82 million...
Read MoreWhen Should I Start Taking Social Security: 5 Factors to Consider
Social Security decisions are often framed as a single question: “When should I start drawing benefits?” That question matters, but it can also be limiting. The better question is: how does Social Security fit into my overall...
Read MoreTeaching Teens and Young Adults Financial Literacy Through Real-Life Decision Making
If you are a parent of a teen or young adult, how do you teach them to make confident money decisions before the stakes are high? Teaching teens and young adults about money is less about formal instruction and more about repeated...
Read MoreHelping Adult Children Buy a Home: How to Gift a Down Payment The Smart Way
Key TakeawaysHere are some questions this blog aims to answer:How can parents or grandparents help with a down payment for adult children?What are ways to gift a down payment, and how do the annual gift tax exclusion and lifetime...
Read MoreThree Numbers Every Woman Should Know
Key TakeawaysHow much wealth are women on track to control in the next decade, and why does that matter?What does the life expectancy gap between women and men mean for how long money needs to last?How common is it for women to be...
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Tax Prep vs. Tax Strategy: The Difference Matters More Than You Think
Key TakeawaysTreat tax strategy as a continuous process, not a once-a-year filing exercise.Coordinate with financial and tax professionals throughout the year to identify opportunities for efficiency.Review contribution limits,...
Read MoreUnderstanding the Emotions Behind Financial Decisions
Key TakeawaysEmotions and biases might influence financial choices more often than most people realize.Behavioral patterns, such as loss aversion, familiarity bias, and herd mentality, can impact long-term results.Recognizing emotional...
Read MoreAI and the New Face of Fraud: How to Protect Your Identity and Finances in 2026
Artificial intelligence (AI) may be the most revolutionary technology of our time, with industries scrambling to embrace its possibilities. AI’s early influence seems similar to the positive disruptions brought about by past...
Read More2025 in Review and What You Should Know
As we begin a new year and consider the opportunities ahead, reflecting on the past year helps put today’s financial landscape into perspective and informs the strategies that can move us closer to our goals. 2025 was a year marked by...
Read MoreGoal Setting That Sticks: Simple Ways to Turn January Motivation into Lasting Wins
Key Takeaways and Suggestions for Successful Goal Setting Use SMART Goals for Clarity and FocusSet goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This proven method helps break big ambitions into manageable...
Read MoreYear-End Giving Strategies: Tax-Smart and Impactful
Key Takeaways A third of annual donations: About one-third of all charitable contributions are made in December. Donating before December 31 may offer tax advantages. New rules starting in 2026 (via the OBBB Act) may affect deductions...
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Government Open, No December Rate Cut?
The government reopened as markets fell on hawkish Fed comments and uncertainty over missing October data. Odds of a December rate cut dropped. Key September reports and earnings from Nvidia and major retailers are due this week.
Read MoreThe True Costs of Caring for Aging Parents
Key Takeaways Caring for aging parents is a growing reality for many Americans. The number of family caregivers in the U.S. has jumped to 63 million, a 45 percent increase over the past decade, making 1 in every 4 Americans a...
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AI Valuation Worries, Government to Reopen?
Markets dipped as investors took profits in AI stocks, rotating into defensive sectors. Meanwhile, news that Congress may reopen the government lifted futures, setting the stage for a big week of inflation and retail data.
Read MoreMoney Talks: How to Use Holiday Gatherings to Start Family Financial Conversations
Key Takeaways Year-end holidays may be a good time to initiate a discussion about financial matters that may impact your family. If you have adult children, you may want to discuss your financial situation, estate strategy, and legal...
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Great Earnings but Powell Spreads Doubt
Tech giants posted strong earnings, but markets cooled after Fed Chair Powell cast doubt on another rate cut this year. With the government shutdown dragging into week six, key economic data remain delayed while earnings season continues.
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Markets Soar on Earnings and CPI
Markets hit new highs as strong earnings and cooler inflation boosted sentiment. Solid results from major companies supported gains, while the Fed is expected to cut rates this month. The Fed decision, and tech/energy earnings are up next.
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Earnings Buoy Markets Despite Credit Concerns
Markets rose despite a midweek credit scare tied to regional banks, buoyed by strong corporate earnings across banking, tech, and transportation. Investors now look ahead to CPI data and key earnings from major consumer and industrial names
Read MoreShould You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?
10/15 Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early? Receiving a bonus, inheritance, or an increase in income often prompts a key financial question: Should I use this money to pay off my mortgage, or invest it? At first glance, the answer...
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Markets Finally Pay Attention
Markets finally reacted to the ongoing government shutdown, slipping after early tech gains. Fed minutes showed a split on future cuts, while tariff threats and weak data weighed on sentiment as Q3 earnings season kicks off.
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Government Shuts Down, Markets Unconcerned
Despite the government shutdown and limited economic data, markets hit new record highs. Healthcare and tech led gains, and investors now look to Fed minutes and upcoming earnings for clues on future rate cuts and economic momentum.
Read MoreA 2025 Guide to Protecting Seniors from Fraud
If you’ve found yourself stepping into a more active role in your parents’ financial lives, you’re not alone. Some of us are helping aging parents navigate everything from healthcare decisions to bill payments—and increasingly, we’re...
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Fed Cuts, Markets Soar
Markets soared on the Fed rate cut and on expectations for as many as two more reductions in the Federal discount rate by year end. The Personal Consumption Expenditure report on Friday could introduce some volatility into the markets.
Read MoreSmart Moves to Consider Before Year-End
The final months of the year can sneak up quickly, and with them come deadlines, decisions, and distractions. Before the holiday season takes over your calendar, fall can be a valuable window to revisit your financial strategy and...
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Markets Waiting on Fed
The week was dominated by weak labor statistics across the board. The CME Fed Watch tool now assigns a 92% probability of a 25bp rate cut at the Fed’s meeting next week and an 8% probability of a 50bp cut.
Read MoreBreaking Down the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: What You Need to Know
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) included lower federal income tax brackets, bigger standard deductions, and higher gift and estate tax exemptions, among other provisions. The law stipulated that some of those tax breaks would...
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Markets Churn Despite Drama
Despite the President's liberal use of his bully pulpit, inflation data, and Nvidia earnings, the markets ended the week mostly unchanged. The week ahead is chock full of economic releases and two tech powerhouses report as earnings wane.
Read MoreWhy More Families Are Choosing to Gift Wealth Earlier—and How to Do It
Estate management isn’t just about what happens after you’re gone— it’s also about what you can do now to help manage future estate taxes, transfer wealth strategically, and attempt to create a meaningful impact during your lifetime....
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Powell Clears the Way
After a sleepy week filled with mixed retail earnings results, markets ripped higher on Friday when Fed Chair Jerome Powell gave a very dovish speech at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium raising expectations of a September rate cut.
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Markets Love CPI, Ignore PPI Data
An accelerating yet in line with consensus CPI report sent markets soaring to consecutive record closes (Nasdaq and S&P) on Tuesday and Wednesday before a sobering PPI report threw some cold water on the rally Thursday.
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know About the 2025 Changes to Inherited IRA Rules
The rules regarding inherited IRAs have changed in the last five years, and failing to comply with the new requirements may result in IRS penalties. These changes affect people inheriting IRAs and those looking to leave retirement...
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Markets Bounce Back on Palantir and Apple News
After last Friday’s abrupt market decline due to a poor July jobs report markets staged a powerful rally on the back positive news from Apple and data mining giant Palantir Technologies.
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Reported Japan Trade Deal and Earnings Take Markets Higher
On Tuesday the administration announced a trade deal with Japan whereby current 25% tariffs on Japanese aluminum and steel would remain in place while other Japanese products would face a 15% tariff including imported autos.
Read MoreBeyond Salary: Understanding Your Total Compensation
Compensation is more than just a number on a paycheck. Whether you're exploring new opportunities, preparing for a promotion, or evaluating your current benefits, it’s important to understand the full value of your total...
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Benign Economic Data See Markets Grind Higher
There were three events this week that pushed the markets (especially tech, the Dow 30 notwithstanding) higher; back-to-back benign retail and wholesale inflation reports on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively, and the news post close...
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Markets Consolidate
It was a relatively slow week post the Independence Day holiday weekend. The Federal Reserve released their June meeting minutes, which revealed little insight into when or how much the central bank may cut rates...
Read MoreWhat the "Big Beautiful Bill" Means for Your Financial Future
The “Big Beautiful Bill” brings major tax updates—new deductions, expanded credits, and planning opportunities. Here’s what it means for your finances and how to prepare.
Read MoreHow Much Do You Really Know About Stock Market Indexes?
While you may follow the various stock indexes on the nightly business news, how much do you know about their histories, how they work, and why they're important? We pulled together some information and interesting facts about some of...
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Markets Climb the Wall of Worry
A ceasefire in the Iran – Israel conflict sent markets soaring higher this week amidst lackluster economic data and somewhat hawkish Congressional testimony by Fed Chair Jerome Powell.
Read MoreHow Do You Turn Retirement Savings into a Reliable Income Strategy?
You’ve likely spent years building your retirement nest egg—saving diligently, investing wisely, and contributing to retirement accounts along the way. But transitioning from earning a paycheck to relying on your savings can feel...
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3 GOP Presidents, 3 Middle East Wars
A week of consolidating markets was completely overshadowed by the United States' illegal first strike against Iran's nuclear facilities on Saturday evening.
Read More“The Four Most Dangerous Words In Investing Are: ‘This Time It’s Different.’” – Sir John Templeton
Despite those who say the conventional wisdom that has guided investor actions over the years is no longer valid in 2025, remember the famous quote from legendary investor Sir John Templeton: "The four most dangerous words in...
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Tariffs Forever and Mixed Data
On Wednesday, the Court of International Trade ruled that all the administration’s tariffs were illegal, the next day an Appeals Court overruled the lower court. The President threatened China and the EU and economic data was mixed.
Read MoreWhat’s the Job Market Look Like for 2025 Graduates?
It’s graduation season—a time of celebration and new beginnings. For families with college seniors, this time can bring both excitement and uncertainty. While some graduates have jobs lined up, many others still are navigating job...
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Retail Talks Tariffs, President Threatens More
The past week saw several major U.S. retailers report earnings and all mentioned tariffs as affecting performance or citing them as the reason for disappointing performance.
Read MoreIs It Smarter to Buy or Rent a Second Home?
As summer approaches, 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,...
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Fed Raises Alarm but is Anyone Listening?
The Fed met last week, left interest rates unchanged and in a unanimous statement cited that uncertainty around the economic outlook “has increased further,” and that “the risks of higher unemployment and higher inflation have risen."
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Quick Thoughts
It was a good week for the markets last week. However, investors didn't have to search hard to find worrisome signals.
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Markets Whistling Past the Graveyard?
Markets rallied strongly last week for no ascertainable reason. Corporate America continued to slash full year guidance as the effects of the tariffs flow through the economy. Volumes at West Coast ports are falling precipitously.
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The Fed and Corporate America State the Obvious
The three major indices fell for the third consecutive week since “Liberation Day” as Fed Chair Jerome Powell stated the obvious: and Corporate America voiced uncertainty surrounding their business prospects for the balance of 2025.
Read MoreFrom College Acceptances to Affordability: Considerations for Families in the Final Stretch
April is a pivotal time in the college admissions process. After years of preparation, saving, and investing—not to mention the countless hours spent on exam prep, campus visits, and perfecting applications and essays—the finish line...
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Tariff Chaos Equals Volatility and Uncertainty
The administrations continuing flip flopping on tariff policy caused huge volatility last week and will have huge implications on the U.S. economy going forward.
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Liberation Day Begets Wealth Destruction
The administration needlessly fired the first shots of a brewing global trade war after the close on Wednesday of last week. As one would expect, markets traded down violently on Thursday and Friday, with the S&P shedding more than 11%.
Read MoreSpring Into Financial Wellness: Actionable Steps for Financial Literacy Month
April isn’t just about filing taxes—it’s also Financial Literacy Month, a perfect opportunity to reflect on your financial habits, expand your knowledge, and take meaningful steps toward improving your financial well-being. Whether...
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More Tariffs, Stagflation Looms
Stagflation is looking more and more likely as the administration does its best to destroy what had been a very healthy U.S. economy.
Read More10 Things You Can Do Now to Help Simplify Your Estate for Your Heirs
One of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones is a thoughtful estate strategy that outlines your wishes after you are gone. Discussing estate details with your team of professionals is another way to help manage your legacy...
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Fed Holds Fast but Cuts Growth Expectations
As expected, the Fed kept rates unchanged during their mid-week meeting. However, they did cut their GDP growth expectations by 19% from +2.1% to +1.7%. The committee noted that “the uncertainty around the economic situation."
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The Beatings Will Continue Until Morale Improves
Markets fell another 2% plus last week as multiple signs of U.S. economic weakness appeared; the four major U.S. airlines cut their forecasts citing weaker demand, Goldman cut their 2025 GDP forecast, and consumer sentiment was horrible.
Read MoreThe Evolving Role of Women in Family Finances
March is Women’s History Month, and according to a recent survey, 49% of women consider themselves to be the chief financial officer of their households, up from 41% in 2021.1 Those numbers are even more impressive when you consider...
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More Flip Flopping and a Change in our Portfolios
Continued incompetence and economic uncertainty drove markets lower yet again. The Atlanta GDP Now tool forecasts a dreadful Q1 GDP estimate. We change our portfolios in a rare mid-cycle rebalance.
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Tariffs, Job Cuts, and Political Instability Weighing on the Markets
Geopolitical and economic instability and uncertainty overshadowed an otherwise positive inflation report and roiled the markets as the President aligned the U.S. with Russia and confirmed tariffs against our three largest trading partners.
Read MoreDon’t Leave Money Behind: Finding Your Missing 401(k)s
You've worked hard throughout your life to build assets to support your retirement. As financial professionals, one of the most critical functions we provide is helping clients determine their retirement income needs and structuring a...
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Profit Taking During Holiday Shortened Week
Markets faltered late in the holiday shortened week after Walmart guided their 2025 earning lower on Thursday and the sell off intensified on the back of Friday's very poor Consumer Sentiment report.
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Hot CPI & PPI Not as Bad as Feared? Q1 Earnings Update
Details within the PPI report suggest that the hot inflation numbers reported last week are not as bad as first appeared. Q1 earnings season is winding down with record year-over-year earnings growth.
Read MoreTax Season Brings a New Wave of Identity Theft Risks
Tax season brings a new wave of identity theft risks, with criminals ready to exploit your personal data to file fraudulent tax returns in your name. Imagine the shock of discovering that a criminal beat you to filing your...
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Opposite Week – Inflation Data Overshadows Tariffs (for now)
Despite backing off tariff threats against two of our three largest trading partners and mostly benign economic data during the week, Friday's multi point inflationary news spooked the markets and drove rate cut possibilities lower.
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Tariffs Overshadow an Interesting Week
Tariffs imposed by the U.S. administration against Mexico, Canada, and China saw the Dow Jones futures trade down 1% at the time of this writing, overshadowing what was a busy week of economic data and a shocking development in the AI space
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Week One in the Books
While the new administration made multiple pronouncements regarding tariffs, lowering interest rates, and banning TickTock, nothing was implemented. As such, the focus turns to this week's tech heavy corporate earnings calendar.
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Inflation Not So Bad?
One week after the market tanked on inflation fears from a little-known piece of the ISM Services report, both CPI and PPI data reports from last week reflected a weakening in inflation and markets reversed and ripped higher.
Read More10 Facts You May Not Know About Social Security
Social Security is often misunderstood or underestimated in retirement strategy. However, as financial professionals, we've seen how it can play a crucial role in our clients' overall financial strategy, regardless of their income...
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Inflation Fears Dampen Market’s Animal Spirits
Neither a record revenue print from chipmaker Foxconn, nor record strength in the services sector, nor a strong jobs report could buoy the markets this past week as inflation fears trumped all.
Read MoreInnovative New Year's Resolutions: Financial and Personal Growth Strategies for 2025
Looks like New Year's resolutions are still going strong in 2025! A recent Pew survey found that about a third of Americans kicked off the year with at least one resolution, and many people actually went for multiple goals. It's...
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Fed Throws Cold Water on Rate Cut Party
Fed Reduces Fed Rate Cut Expectations for 2025, Markets Fall.
Read MoreKey Financial Insights from 2024 and Looking Ahead to 2025
As we approach the end of 2024, it's an opportune time to reflect on the year's financial developments and consider what 2025 may bring. We believe in understanding both the past and potential future of our economic landscape, which...
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Markets Consolidate, Digest Inflation
It was a slow week as markets consolidated and examined retail and wholesale inflation data, neither of which demonstrated progress in the battle to slow the growth of prices.
Read MoreNavigating Healthcare Costs in Retirement: Life After Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance
As you approach retirement, a critical aspect of your retirement strategy can catch even the most financially savvy individuals off guard: healthcare costs. For decades, you may have enjoyed employer-sponsored health insurance. As...
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Amidst Crazy Week, Markets Continue to Rally - Dec 6 Market Recap
Indices Dow 44,642, -268 or -0.60%. Nasdaq 19,859, +641 or +3.34%, (new closing high). S&P 6,090, +57 or +0.94%, (new closing high). MSCI EAFE 2354.96, +39.19 or +1.69%. USD10Y 4.151%, -2.4bp or -0.57%. WTI Crude $67.16/bbl, -$0.84 or...
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Election Decided, Markets Soar
Trump wins re-election, markets soar. Inflation data on deck.
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Profit Taking, Noisy Data, Election and Fed Decision on Tap
Last week: profit taking due to future massive AI spending. Mixed economic data: conflicting jobs reports, good Q3 GDP, and benign inflation reading from PCE. This week: Fed interest rate decision and the Presidential election. VOTE!
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Dow Falters, Nasdaq Treads Water, Big Week Ahead
Disappointing earnings from Dow components dragged down that index while the Nasdaq was buoyed by Tesla earnings. A huge week lies ahead with five of the seven Magnificent 7 reporting as well as a treasure trove of economic data.
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