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Things we've been thinking about....Whether it’s an idea from the industry or an emerging trend, we'll share some thoughts here. Please keep checking in, we’re glad to have you reading along.
Year End Donations and Giving Tuesday
So, here is a list of things for you to think about as you consider your year-end charitable donations.
Read MoreHow Your Attitude About Money Shapes Your Financial Decisions
Your overall financial philosophy doesn't just affect your day-to-day spending decisions. It may also impact your long-term financial trajectory. Below, we discuss a few of the ways in which your attitudes toward money may shape your financ
Read MoreThe Great Wealth Transfer: Is Your Family Prepared?
Over the next twenty years, a wealth transfer will occur that exceeds $30 trillion as the Baby Boomer generation passes the remainder of their wealth to the Millennials and subsequent generations.
Read More7 Estate Planning Topics to Discuss with the Family over Thanksgiving Dinner
One of the more difficult conversations for family members to have is talking about estate planning. There are several reasons for this, including the reality of our own mortality and that of our loved ones.
Read MoreTalking To Your Children About Inheritance
Generational wealth involves financial planning, where parents or grandparents pass wealth to loved ones after they die. Entrusting family members with receiving an inheritance is more than just getting a hold of assets or a check in the ma
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4 Reasons Working with a Financial Professional Is Not as Scary as You Think
For some people, the thought of using financial services is a scary experience. It involves planning for a future where you may not know how the economy may be, how your health may be, or what your financial needs might be.
Read MoreHow to Create Meaningful Family Moments Around the Holidays
Holiday shopping. Gift wrapping. Baking. Traveling. Moving the Elf on the Shelf. The holidays can be stressful for families and the meaning of the season can easily be lost. Young children may think it is all about getting gifts and...
Read MoreU.S. Job Growth Slows to a Sustainable Pace: An Analysis for Investors
The latest job report reveals a notable slowing in the U.S. job growth as employers added 187,000 jobs in July, which is below economists' forecast of 200,000 positions.
Read MoreWhy Did Retirement Confidence Falter in 2023?
In its annual Retirement Confidence Survey of current workers and retirees, the Employee Benefit Research Institute found that workers' confidence in their ability to fund retirement fell.
Read MoreAn Essential Guide to Estate Planning Preparedness
A recent survey by Caring.com found that a whopping two in three American adults do not have an estate plan1 - an alarming statistic, considering that an estate plan can protect your assets and ensure that they go to the right...
Read MoreHow to Help Aging Parents
Financial capacity – the ability to manage your finances in your own best interest – involves everything from paying bills to reading a brokerage statement and weighing an investment's potential risks and rewards. And...
Read More5 Key Things to Know About Medigap
If you qualify for Medicare, you have likely already heard of Medigap. Medigap insurance is a supplemental policy that private insurance companies sell in conjunction with Medicare Parts A and B to fill in the gaps where Medicare...
Read MoreThe Roth 401(k)
Some employers offer 401(k) plan participants the opportunity to make Roth 401(k) contributions. If you have access to this option, Roth contributions could play an important role in helping enhance your retirement income.
Read MoreHow Chess Can Help You Become a Grandmaster of Investing
In a single game of chess, there are approximately 400 possible moves after each move played. When investing, there is also a seemingly endless selection of choices and critical decisions.
Read MoreLump Sum vs. Dollar-Cost Averaging: Which Is Better?
Some people go swimming by diving into the pool; others prefer to edge into the water gradually, especially if the water is cold. A decision about putting money into an investment can be somewhat similar.
Read More529 Plans vs. Coverdell Education Savings Accounts
How do 529 plans and Coverdell education savings accounts compare when saving for education costs?
Read MoreRevive Your Family Game Night
Board and card games remain household staples for a reason; they spark a childlike joy. Regardless of how busy life is, your stress will melt away while playing these games.
Read More5 Compelling Reasons to Rethink Social Security
Relying extensively on social security may not meet your retirement needsWhen it comes to planning for retirement, Social Security benefits have traditionally been viewed as a safety net for many individuals. However, in recent years,...
Read MoreInvestor Summer School: 3 Investing Moves to Make Before Summer is Over
Many investors still adhere to the old adage—"sell in May and go away"—while others remain fully invested even as the summer heat waves begin. What goes unsaid is that if your asset allocation accurately reflects your risk tolerance...
Read MoreAcquaint Grown Children with Your Financial Affairs
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 with them key finan
Read MoreFinancial Freedom, Market Volatility, and You
If recent market volatility has you questioning your opportunities for financial freedom, you are not alone. Due to rising inflation, higher interest rates, a volatile stock market, and recession fears, many investors find themselves...
Read More3 Tips for Preserving Wealth in Your Golden Years
After spending so much of your life saving for retirement, it may be challenging to transition from depositing funds to withdrawing them. You may wonder whether there is any way to maintain your lifestyle and preserve your wealth...
Read MoreAging Parents and Money
Getting old is hard. Your parents’ ability to manage their own finances may decline as they age. Helping them with money matters is a sensitive issue you need to approach carefully.When you hit a certain age of your life, you may...
Read MoreFrom Riches To Rags In Three Generations: Managing Generational Wealth Checklist
When discussing multigenerational wealth it is common to come across proverbs that acknowledge the fact that generational wealth typically won’t make it past the third generation. In the United States the saying goes, “from...
Read MoreSetting and Targeting Investment Goals
Go out into your yard and dig a big hole. Every month, throw $50 into it, but don't take any money out until you're ready to buy a house, send your child to college, or retire.It sounds a little crazy, doesn't it? But that's what...
Read MoreInvesting in Your 60s and Beyond
Once you are in your 60s, you are likely to focus less on growing your retirement funds than answering, "When do I retire?" And once you crack open your nest egg, how should you allocate its contents? The answer often lies in a...
Read MoreUnused 529 Plan Funds: 5 Spending Options to Consider
Sometimes, 529 plans have unused funds after the beneficiary graduates or decides to discontinue their education. Whatever the reason for having unused 529 plan funds, here are five spending options to consider
Read MoreDon't Let Your Retirement Savings Goal Get You Down
For many, a retirement savings goal that could reach as high as $1 million or more may seem like a daunting, even impossible mountain to climb. What if you're contributing as much as you can to your retirement savings plan, and investing as
Read MoreUnderstanding Social Security Strategies
There is no one size fits all age; your unique circumstances and goals will dictate the appropriate time for you to take Social Security retirement benefits.
Read More4 Tips for Building a Strong Professional Relationship With Your Financial Professional
Finding someone you trust enough to manage your money and your future may feel like a nerve-wracking choice. Fortunately, by doing some preliminary research and asking tough questions, you can build a relationship built on mutual trust
Read MoreSmall Business Owners: Are You Retirement Ready (or Not)?
Here is a 6-question checklist for small business owners to ask themselves to determine if they are ready for retirement.
Read MoreHow to Help Your Children with Their Debt
Navigating parenthood isn't always easy. But when it comes to helping adult children through their debt, there are steps you can take to be productive while avoiding potential pitfalls.
Read More6 Money Myths That Are Limiting Your Wealth
There are many myths out there about money, and these myths tend to restrict people’s thinking regarding their money, which can potentially limit their wealth opportunities.
Read MoreFive Ways SECURE 2.0 Changes the Required Minimum Distribution Rules
The SECURE Act 2.0 legislation has changed the landscape when it comes to RMDs (required minimum distributions) - but what does this actually mean for those planning for retirement? Find out on our blog.
Read MoreWhen Changing Jobs, Rollovers May Offer Benefits
Changing jobs can have many benefits, but it also has a potential downside — retirement accounts that are spread across different companies.
Read MoreHow Emotional and Behavioral Barriers May Impact Your Investing Decisions
It's not uncommon for behavioral and emotional barriers to impact an investor's decision-making (or lack of decision-making). These barriers are part of what makes each investor and their situation unique.
Read MoreSectors to Consider if Inflation Continues to Rise
Generally speaking, cash is one of the worst asset classes to hold during rising inflationary periods. And in theory, there are some sectors that generally perform better than others if inflation rises. Check out blog to learn more.
Read MoreWorking During Retirement
Planning on working during retirement? If so, you're not alone. An increasing number of employees nearing retirement plan to work at least some period of time during their retirement years.Why work during retirement?Obviously, if you...
Read MoreFinancial Planning Tips for High-Earning Women
On this week's blog we share a few tips to help women account for today's expenses while still setting aside funds for retirement.
Read MoreWorried About Your Financial Health? It May Be Time For A Checkup
When was the last time you gave yourself a financial checkup? Setting aside time to understand your financial condition and conduct an honest assessment of where you stand is a great way to get started. Learn more on our blog
Read MoreEntrepreneurship and Financial Risk: What You Need to Know
Entrepreneurs tend to be natural risk-takers but this doesn't mean committing to uncompensated risk. On our blog, we discuss some financial risks an entrepreneur may face and how they may be mitigated.
Read MoreTax Prep Checklist: Everything You Need to Be Ready for Tax Season
It’s never too early to get started on tax preparation, so why not start today? Check out our article on everything you’ll need to be ready for tax season.
Read MoreHow to Recognize and Protect Yourself Against Tax Identity Theft
When you hear 'identity theft', you probably think about a data breach or opening a credit card in someone else's name. But another common type of identity theft involves using someone's Social Security number to unlawfully intercept their
Read MoreKick off the Big Game With These 7 Super Investing Lessons From the Super Bowl
Get ready for Super Bowl Sunday by checking out these Super Bowl-inspired investment strategies in our latest blog.
Read MoreAn Annual Financial 'To-Do' List to Help Keep Your Finances on Track
You probably have a few financial goals for 2023, but attempting to implement everything at once can be overwhelming. Here is a month-by-month to-do list to help you pursue your financial goals and keep you on track throughout the year.
Read MoreWhat to Know About the Secure Act 2.0
The Secure Act 2.0 was signed into law by President Biden at the end of 2022, and this new legislation has the potential to help you save even more money for retirement.
Read MoreYour New Year’s Financial Resolutions
Cleaning up personal finances remains one of the top resolutions every New Year, so here’s a month-by-month to-do list to help cultivate better financial health.
Read MoreCountdown To Investing in the New Year: 10 Questions To Ask Yourself
If one of your New Year's resolutions involves enhancing and expanding your investment portfolio, look no further. In a true New Year's Eve countdown tradition, ask yourself these 10 questions to help review your investment plans.
Read MoreFamily Wealth Transfer Planning: Keeping It In The Family Through Generational Giving
There are several ways to pass wealth between generations that may provide tax advantages to help preserve it for the younger generations, as opposed to watching it disappear due to a tax consequence.
Read MoreLPL Research Presents - Outlook 2023: Finding Balance
LPL Research’s Outlook 2023: Finding Balance is our guide to how the readjustments in the economy and markets may impact you in the coming year.
Read MoreYear-End Investment Decisions
Year-end investment decisions may result in substantial tax savings. Tax planning may allow you to control the timing and method by which you report your income and claim your deductions and credits. Check out our blog to learn more.
Read MoreRequired Distributions: Changes You Need to Know
If you own a traditional IRA or participate in a retirement plan like a 401(k), you generally must start taking RMDs for the year you reach age 72. Failing to take an RMD can be costly.
Read MoreVolunteering Tips for Families
Nothing is more true to the holiday spirit than helping those in need. Volunteering with your family can be a great bonding experience, and teach valuable lessons in giving back.
Read MoreYear-End Donations and #GivingTuesday
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...
Read MoreToo Good To Be True? 4 Black Friday and Cyber Monday Scams and How To Spot Them
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are two of the greatest days to score deals for holiday shopping. Unfortunately, with amazing deals plentiful, some scammers use these days to take advantage of shoppers looking for the greatest bargains...
Read MoreToo Good To Be True? 4 Black Friday and Cyber Monday Scams and How To Spot Them
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are two of the greatest days to score deals for holiday shopping. Unfortunately, with amazing deals plentiful, some scammers use these days to take advantage of shoppers looking for the greatest bargains...
Read MoreEnduring Market Volatility With a Financial Plan
If you hope to retire soon and are concerned about what the future may hold for your investments, you are not alone. Inflation has many retirees and soon-to-be retirees worried about outliving their savings and investments.1 What...
Read More5 Year-End Tax Planning Questions to Ask Your Financial Professional
The average U.S. income tax rate stands at just over 13%—and if you're like many taxpayers, you're always looking for new tips and tricks to help reduce this percentage.1There are a number of different tax planning moves you can...
Read MoreHow Estate Planning Can Help Prepare for Long Term Care
With the cost of long-term care (LTC) increasing year over year, considering how the costs of long-term LTC will impact your financial plan is essential. Here are three tips that may help make the cost of LTC more affordable.
Read MoreStaying on Track with Your Retirement Investments
Investing for your retirement isn't about getting rich quick, it's about having a game plan that you can live with over a long time. Investing for your retirement over the long term takes some practice and a little discipline.
Read MoreA Quick Guide to Estate Planning for Those With High Net Worth
For many individuals who hope to leave a legacy for their loved ones, estate planning may take on new importance. Here are two estate planning tips every high-net-worth individual should consider.
Read MoreThe Financial Planning Process: Why and How
Today’s families have a variety of concerns when it comes to finances: retirement; education; protecting assets; and coping with unexpected life changes. Whether your goal is to build or protect assets, it may be better to start sooner rath
Read MoreInflation Reduction Act: What You Should Know
The Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law on August 16, 2022, includes health-care and energy-related provisions, a new corporate alternative minimum tax, and an excise tax on certain corporate stock buybacks.
Read MoreNow Might Be a Good Time for a Roth Conversion
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.
Read MoreCommon Factors Affecting Retirement Income
When planning for your retirement, make sure to consider how your retirement income could be impacted by investment risk, inflation, taxes, and health-related expenses.
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