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Wednesday, November 29, 2023

According to Yale University's Crash Confidence Index, only about 24% of investors are confident the stock market will not crash sometime during the next six months.1 If fear leads investors to avoid the entire investment class, they...

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Chris Rock once remarked, “You don’t pay taxes – they take taxes.” That applies not only to income but also to capital gains. Capital gains result when an individual sells an investment for an amount greater...

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

With the children now out of the house, financial priorities become more focused on preparing for retirement. At this stage, you may very likely be at the height of your earning power and fast-approaching peak savings as you lay the...

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

When a family member passes away, there are many decisions that need to be made and many emotions to handle. The last thing anyone thinks about is taxes. Unfortunately, even the deceased can't escape taxation. If the departed family...

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Forty-two percent of Americans do not own any stocks or stock-related investments, according to a recent Gallup poll.1 Individuals may cite different reasons for not investing, but with important long-term financial goals, such as...

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Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Most understand that waiting to claim Social Security benefits can result in higher monthly payments. However, many don't know that there are other ways to maximize their benefits, some of which depend on their marital status....

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

In 2021, the U.S. had a record 24.5 million millionaires, up from 202 million in the previous year. An increase in personal wealth may bring greater financial flexibility; it may also bring greater liability. Individuals with high net...

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

No one wants to see an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) auditor show up at their door. The IRS can’t audit every American’s tax return, so it relies on guidelines to select the ones most deserving of its attention. Here are...

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

According to the most recent information available, Americans have individual life insurance with a total face value of $12.8 trillion.1Due to a variety of factors, these individuals may find themselves in circumstances where the...

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Preparing your estate can be complicated, and if you’re a part of a blended family, estate decisions can be even more complex and nuanced. Blended families take on many forms, but typically consist of couples with children from...

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

WHAT EXACTLY IS THE "SEQUENCE OF RETURNS"? The phrase describes the yearly variation in an investment portfolio's rate of return. But what kind of impact do these deviations from the average return have on a portfolio's final...

Monday, June 5, 2023

MEDICARE TAKES A LITTLE TIME TO UNDERSTAND.As you approach age 65, familiarize yourself with its coverage options, costs, and limitations.CERTAIN FEATURES OF MEDICARE CAN AFFECT HEALTH CARE COSTS AND COVERAGE.Some retirees may do okay...

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

The Social Security program allows you to start receiving benefits as soon as you reach age 62. The question is, should you?Monthly payments differ substantially depending on when you start receiving benefits. The longer you wait (up...

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

INVESTMENT FIRMS HAVE A CLIENT SERVICE FEATURE THAT MAY BE A BENEFIT TO CERTAIN INVESTORS. They will ask you whether you would like to provide the name and information of a trusted contact.1You do not have to supply this...

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

EVERYONE LOVES A WINNER. If an investment is successful, most people naturally want to stick with it. But is that the best approach?It may sound counterintuitive, but it may be possible to have too much of a good thing. Over time,...

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Imagine driving a car without a basic understanding of the rules of the road or even how to operate it. Scary thought.Here’s another scary circumstance – one that is all too real. Many Americans are making financial...

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

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. The answers may affect whether you make the most of this...

Thursday, March 9, 2023

This generation got no destination to hold...We are volunteers of America”“Volunteers” by Jefferson AirplaneThose of a certain age will recall these Jefferson Airplane lyrics as a call to action, though for a...

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Women who share money management duties with their partners tend to take on a lion’s share of the responsibility for the household finances. Yet only 18% of women feel very confident in their ability to fully retire with a...

Thursday, February 9, 2023

While many people are familiar with the benefits of traditional 401(k) plans, others are not as acquainted with Roth 401(k)s.Since January 1, 2006, employers have been allowed to offer workers access to Roth 401(k) plans. And some have...

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

When financial markets turn volatile, some investors show their frustration by fleeing the markets in search of alternatives that are designed to offer stability.For example, in the first quarter of 2020, the S&P 500 lost nearly 20% of...

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

FIND THAT LOST RETIREMENT ACCOUNTDo you have a long-lost retirement account left with a former employer? Maybe it’s been so long that you can’t even remember. With over 24 million “forgotten” 401(k) accounts...

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

John and Mary are nearing retirement and they have a lot of items on their bucket list. Longer life expectancies mean John and Mary may need to prepare for two or even three decades of retirement. How should they position their...

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

A recent survey found that 28% of workers are very confident about having enough money to live comfortably through their retirement years. At the same time, 27% are not confident.1In 2001 congress passed a law that can help older...

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released new limits for certain retirement accounts for the coming year. After months of high inflation and financial uncertainty, some of these cost-of-living-based adjustments have reached...

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

During your accumulation years, you may have categorized your risk as “conservative,” “moderate,” or “aggressive” and that guided how your portfolio was built. Maybe you concerned yourself with...

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

If you live in or have visited a big city, you’ve probably run into street vendors – people who sell everything from hot dogs to umbrellas – on the streets and sidewalks. Many of these entrepreneurs sell completely...

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

One of the most well-known investors of the 20th Century, Benjamin Graham, said that "the investor's chief problem—and even his worst enemy—is likely to be himself."What Graham understood—and modern research is...

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Many investors are looking to build a portfolio that reflects their socially responsible values while giving them the potential for solid returns. That’s where SRI Investing, Impact Investing, and ESG Investing may play a role.In...

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Federal estate taxes have been a source of funding for the federal government almost since the U.S. was founded.In 1797, Congress instituted a system of federal stamps that were required on all wills offered for probate when property...

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

A living trust is a popular consideration in many estate strategy conversations, but its appropriateness will depend upon your individual needs and objectives.WHAT IS A LIVING TRUST?A living trust is created while you are alive and...

Tuesday, August 9, 2022

There is a growing popularity among individuals to broaden their investment strategy beyond conventional allocations and investment styles. Some see sector investing as a way to seek new opportunities for enhanced portfolio performance...

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

INHERITING WEALTH CAN BE A BURDEN AND A BLESSING. Even if you have an inclination that a family member may remember you in their last will and testament, there are many facets to the process of inheritance that you may not have...

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Some of us share a common experience. You're driving along when a police cruiser pulls up behind you with its lights flashing. You pull over, the officer gets out, and your heart drops.“Are you aware the registration on your car...

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

When you read about money matters, you may see the phrase, “getting your financial house in order.” What exactly does that mean?

Tuesday, June 14, 2022

According to the most recent report by Giving USA, Americans gave a record-breaking $471 billion to charity in 2020.1Americans usually give to charity for two main reasons: To support a cause or organization they care about, or to...

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

If your family relies on your income, it’s critical to consider having enough life insurance to provide for them after you pass away. But too often, life insurance is an overlooked aspect of personal finances.In fact, according...

Monday, May 9, 2022

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Monday, April 11, 2022

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

How much do we really know about Social Security?

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Pursuing your retirement dreams is challenging enough without making some common, and very avoidable, mistakes. Here are eight big mistakes to steer clear of, if possible.

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Of those aged 65 and older, 15 to 20 percent have mild cognitive impairment. People living with mild cognitive impairment are more likely to develop Alzheimers, and almost two-thirds of people currently living with Alzheimers are women.

Saturday, December 4, 2021

Generally, there are different parts of Medicare that help cover specific services.

Sunday, November 28, 2021

New retirees sometimes worry that they are spending too much, too soon. Should they scale back? Are they at risk of outliving their money?

Sunday, November 7, 2021

Medicare’s prescription drug benefit (Part D) is the part of Medicare that provides outpatient drug coverage.

Friday, October 22, 2021

When the rules of the game change, tactics should follow in response to the new landscape.

Monday, October 18, 2021

Who among us wants to pay the IRS more taxes than we have to?

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Sunday, October 3, 2021

Will you pay higher taxes in retirement? It’s possible.

Friday, August 27, 2021

American households with credit card balances carry an average debt of $8,602.1.

Monday, August 16, 2021

Thanks to healthier lifestyles and advances in modern medicine, the worldwide population over age 65 is growing.

Friday, August 13, 2021

There are many critical estate documents that you need to have a solid understanding of as you get older.

Monday, August 9, 2021

Extended-care coverage can be complex. Here’s a list of questions to ask that may help you better understand the costs and benefits of these policies.

Thursday, August 5, 2021

Do you have everything ready on your estate management list?

Monday, July 26, 2021

Prior to age 59½, you generally subject to a 10% tax penalty because policymakers wanted to create a disincentive use for savings for anything other than retirement.

Monday, July 19, 2021

Concerns over identity theft continue to grow, especially with the news of data breaches at major companies and financial institutions.

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Knowledgeable investors are aware that investing in the capital markets presents any number of risks.

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Many Americans have taken steps in recent years to protect their identity.

Thursday, July 1, 2021

Only 45 percent of adults have a will or other estate documents in place, which may not be entirely surprising

Friday, June 25, 2021

You might give special consideration to someone who is well organized and capable of handling financial matters for your will.

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

In a 2021 survey, 32% of all workers reported they were either “not too” or “not at all” confident that they would have enough money to pay for their medical expenses in retirement.

Thursday, June 17, 2021

In a recent survey, 68% of current workers stated they plan to work for pay after retiring.1

Friday, June 11, 2021

Most children stop being “and-a-half” somewhere around age 12. Kids add “and-a-half“ to make sure everyone knows they’re closer to the next age than the last.

Monday, June 7, 2021

Medicare and Medicaid are two separate, government-run programs. They are operated and funded by different parts of the government and primarily serve different groups.

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Anyone who has gone through the process of mapping out their retirement knows there can be a lot to keep in mind.

Monday, May 31, 2021

Most people don’t spend too much time thinking about their own funeral, and yet many of us have a vision about our memorial service or the handling of our remains.

Monday, May 24, 2021

When the rules of the game change, tactics should follow in response to the new landscape

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Next to “When should I claim Social Security benefits?”, one of the more common questions people have is “How much will I receive?”

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Social Security can be complicated, and as a result many individuals don’t have a full understanding of the choices they may have. Here are five facts about Social Security that are important to keep in mind.

Monday, April 26, 2021

For most Americans, Social Security has represented nothing more than some unavoidable payroll deduction with the positively cryptic initials of “FICA” and “OASDI".

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

According to a 2017 report from International Living Magazine, Mexico tops the list of places to retire abroad. Panama ranks second, followed by Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Colombia.

Friday, April 2, 2021

The Cetera Advanced Planning Group has released an overview of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. This provides explanation and analysis on how this may affect your financial planning interests. This overview provides information...

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Addressing the potential risks of extended term care expenses may be one of the biggest financial challenges for individuals who are developing a retirement strategy.

Monday, March 22, 2021

Whether you’re applying for Social Security in the future or currently receiving benefits, there are some important changes to keep in mind.

Friday, March 19, 2021

For many people, retirement income may come from a variety of sources. Here’s a quick review of the six main sources: