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How to Freeze Your Credit with the Three Major Credit Bureaus

By | September 07, 2023

Written by: Dr. John Colegrove Introduction Freezing your credit is an effective way to protect yourself from identity theft and other types of fraud. When you initiate a credit freeze, you essentially lock your credit report, making it inaccessible...

Life Insurance at Various Life Stages

By | August 30, 2023

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 once again...

High-Income Individuals Face New Medicare-Related Taxes

By | August 30, 2023

The health-care reform legislation enacted in 2010 included new Medicare-related taxes that first took effect in 2013. These new taxes target high-income individuals and families. Here are the basics: Additional Medicare payroll tax If you receive a paycheck, you probably...

How To Financially Prepare for a Disaster

By | August 30, 2023

Natural disasters like wildfires, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, and long-term power outages don't discriminate—they may impact anyone at any time. However, you don't need to live your life under the constant stress of expecting disaster to strike. By taking some steps...

Changing Jobs? Know Your 401k Options

By | August 30, 2023

If you've lost your job, or are changing jobs, you may be wondering what to do with your 401(k) plan account. It's important to understand your options. What will I be entitled to? If you leave your job (voluntarily or...

Football, Finances, and Fumbles: What to Do When Life Calls an Audible

By | July 28, 2023

Are you a football fan? If so, you understand the significance of an audible call at the line of scrimmage and how sometimes you are also forced to call an audible in life. Modern football has evolved since the late...

It’s Never Too Late to Improve Your Financial Awareness

By | July 28, 2023

Financial education is constantly evolving. As investments, financial priorities, and the economy change, so do financial strategies and plans. To stay on top of your retirement and ensure that you are on your way toward your financial goals, it’s vital...

How Grandparents Can Help Grandchildren with College Costs

By | July 28, 2023

As the cost of a college education continues to climb, many grandparents are stepping in to help. This trend is expected to accelerate as baby boomers, many of whom went to college, become grandparents and start gifting what's predicted to...

Wall Street Wisdom: Wise Words from Warren Buffett and Other Great Investors

By | July 28, 2023

You can learn a lot from those who have come before you. For individuals interested in investing, especially those new to it, learning and applying the wisdom from people that have found techniques that worked for them is a great...

Mid-Year Outlook: The Path Toward Stability

By | July 13, 2023

Our 2023 investing outlook started with a theme of returning to normalcy. Considering 2022’s market volatility and the aftereffects of the pandemic, the idea of finding balance was certainly a welcomed change. It’s a theme we could all embrace six...

The Importance of Financial Independence for Adults with Disabilities

By | June 27, 2023

Disabilities may make it challenging to secure a job or stay financially stable. Luckily, there are now more ways than ever for adults with disabilities to gain their financial independence. Here are some important reasons adults with disabilities may consider...

Five Essential Planning Tips for High School Seniors

By | June 27, 2023

Financial planning is a skill that will serve your child well for years to come As high school comes to an end, a new chapter of life awaits high school seniors. It's an exciting and transformative time, but it also...

Five Easy Ways to Maintain a Clutter-Free Home

By | June 27, 2023

Maintaining a clutter-free home is a simple way of keeping your living spaces as stress-free as possible. After all, if you do the hard work of downsizing and organizing the stuff that you have, you’ll need to actively keep up...

Wall Street is Not Sweating the Debt Ceiling – Yet

By | June 01, 2023

The press – not Wall Street – is most concerned about the June deadline The debt ceiling refers to a legislative limit imposed by the U.S. government on the amount of debt that can be issued to fund its...

529 Plans and Alternatives: Making an Educated Decision about Education Savings Options

By | May 31, 2023

Those that choose to invest in the education of a family member, friend or acquaintance are investing not only in that individual’s future, but also the future of society. It is an act of generosity, forward-thinking, and love. However, this...

Money Mistakes that Young Professionals Make

By | May 31, 2023

Proactive tips to help you and your family pursue a confident financial future As you enter the workforce and start to earn a regular income, it's easy to get carried away with newfound financial freedom. However, this can often lead...

Last Minute Considerations for the FAFSA Deadline

By | May 31, 2023

For many, the expenses of college or technical school can be overwhelming. But, with financial aid programs, tuition, room and board, books, and other college-related costs can become more affordable. To determine if your student qualifies for financial aid, you...

Are You Retirement Ready? 5 Ways to Help Your Parents Prepare for Retirement

By | May 31, 2023

The sandwich generation is a term commonly used to describe those between the ages of 40 and 59 who are responsible for raising their family and are also often helping their aging parents manage their ongoing needs. Those members of...

As Volatility Increases, So Does Retirement Worry

By | May 22, 2023

Tips to combat banking failures, inflation, rate hikes, and market corrections. Getting ready for retirement involves more than just calculating how much you will need and the rate you can draw down your savings. The years before you retire is...

What to Know Before Drafting a Will

By | May 15, 2023

A will is an important document most people don’t want to think about, but it’s crucial to have in place to protect your assets and ensure your loved ones receive what you want them to. It can be wise to...

A Tough Times Survival Guide for Small Businesses

By | May 10, 2023

Small businesses may often find themselves struggling, and there are many situations in which business owners may find themselves weathering a storm and hoping to make it through. While the strength and fortitude of those who run small businesses can...

Reading and Understanding Your Life Insurance Policy

By | May 01, 2023

Most people hate the thought of reading a life insurance policy (or any insurance policy, for that matter). However, if you can find the time and muster the patience, it's probably a good idea to read through your policy. If...

Medicare Will Not Cover All Heath Care Costs

By | April 26, 2023

There are out-of-pockets, limitations and gaps that Medicare doesn’t cover Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 or older and certain younger people with disabilities. And despite being a widely used program, there are several misconceptions...

From Riches To Rags In Three Generations: Managing Generational Wealth Checklist

By | April 19, 2023

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 shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations.” [i] In...

Minimizing Taxation of Your Social Security Retirement Benefit

By | April 11, 2023

Your Social Security retirement benefit may be taxable Did you know that you might have to pay federal income tax on your Social Security retirement benefit? If the only income you had during the year was Social Security income, then...

Stocks and Bonds Before and After Taxes

By | March 22, 2023

Managing Investment Returns with Tax-Efficient Strategies Investing in U.S. stocks and bonds is a popular way for individuals and institutions to grow their wealth and generate income. However, it is important to consider the impact of taxes on these investments...

Spring Clean Your Finances

By | March 19, 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, don’t forget to...

Financial Mistakes to Avoid in 2023

By | March 15, 2023

Could you be losing money because of simple monetary mistakes? Avoid these money-wasting habits in 2023 to have more cash when you need it—or save it for a rainy day. Failing to budget Conventional wisdom says to follow the 50/30/20...

SVB Collapse

By | March 14, 2023

Financial markets were shaken last week as Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), the California bank subsidiary of SVB Financial Group (SIVB), fell into FDIC receivership. SVB is the first FDIC-insured institution to fail since 2020 and the largest by assets since...

Silicon Valley Bank Is the 2nd Largest Bank Failure

By | March 14, 2023

It will take some time, but the FDIC was designed for moments like this The FDIC-seizure of Silicon Valley Bank is the second-largest US bank failure in history as it held $209 billion in assets at the time of its...

All About Credit Scores

By | March 08, 2023

Every consumer is entitled to a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit reporting agencies: Experian TransUnion Equifax Besides the annual report, you may be entitled to an additional free report under certain circumstances....

Waiting for New Highs

By | March 01, 2023

Financial markets have experienced quite a bit of change this year in just two short months. We started the year hopeful that stocks would benefit from a better economic and monetary policy environment by the spring, but recent developments suggest...

A Beginner’s Guide to Investing

By | February 21, 2023

When you start to consider if investing is an appropriate option for you, you may have questions. You might want to ask: How do I invest money, and where? How much money will I need? What are some common strategies...

Wealth Due to Inheritance

By | February 15, 2023

What is it? Introduction If you're the beneficiary of a large inheritance, you may find yourself suddenly wealthy. Even if you expected the inheritance, you may be surprised by the size of the bequest or the diverse assets you've inherited....

The Facts of LIFE (Living Independently For Elders): Financial Planning and Senior Independence

By | February 08, 2023

Navigating elder care and elder care finances in the U.S. can be a challenge even for the most well-prepared households. So what, exactly, is involved in senior financial planning? What steps can you take now to help you be prepared...

Independent and Thriving: What to Consider In Your Later Years

By | February 02, 2023

While you never know your needs as you age, the first step is thinking about your financial situation and health today so you can plan for your later years. With a one in four chance of making it to our...

Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche: The Cold Hard Facts

By | January 23, 2023

What would you do if you didn't have a single monthly payment each month on debt? No car, credit card bills, student loans, or even a house payment! Living a debt-free life with no monthly payments is possible for everyone,...

Understanding Capital Gains Tax as an Investor

By | January 16, 2023

As an investor, you may be impacted by capital gains if you sell your investment – whether at a gain or loss. Understanding capital gains may help with your overall investment strategy and the potential to preserve your wealth. Below...

Don’t Miss Out on These 5 Commonly Overlooked Tax Deductions

By | January 10, 2023

When you own a business, you get to deduct business expenses from your business income. This general rule applies, subject to certain limitations, whether you are a sole proprietor with employees or a self-employed freelancer working in the gig economy. The...

Are You Fiscally Fit? 5 Ways to Check the Health of Your Wealth

By | January 03, 2023

Just as it is important to be physically and mentally fit, it is also important to be fiscally fit. Fiscal fitness is not only about how much money you earn or the balance in your savings or retirement accounts. Instead, it...

A Path to Setting and Reaching Your 2023 Goals

By | December 26, 2022

What if you focused on your system instead of just your goals? Setting goals for a new year can feel overwhelming. We all know that resolutions don’t last, but we also feel the energy that comes with a new year...

Key Numbers 2023

By | December 13, 2022

Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may...

LPL Financial Research Outlook 2023: Finding Balance

By | December 07, 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 and global economy or what’s...

Top Year-End Investment Tips

By | December 06, 2022

Three tips on year-end giving You may be able to sidestep capital gains taxes and get a deduction by making a charitable donation of securities that have risen in value but no longer fit your strategy. If you make a...

IRS Increases 401(k) Limit By Record Amounts

By | December 01, 2022

As inflation soars, you can now save a lot more for your retirement. On October 21st, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that the amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2023 has increased to $22,500, up from...

5 Key Steps To Help Women Strengthen Their Business and Their Retirement

By | November 18, 2022

As a female entrepreneur, you may face different challenges than your male counterparts. For example, women were disproportionately affected by the COVID pandemic. 1 They also tend to earn less than their male peers—largely in part because they are still responsible for...

Caring for Your Aging Parents

By | November 10, 2022

WHAT IS IT? Caring for your aging parents is something you hope you can handle when the time comes, but something you probably hope you never have to do. Caring for your aging parents means helping them plan for the...

Appropriate Checklists for Year-End Tax Planning

By | November 04, 2022

What are appropriate checklists for year-end tax planning? Tax planners often develop checklists to guide taxpayers toward year-end strategies that might help reduce taxes. Typically, suggestions are grouped into several different categories, such as "Filing Status" or "Employee Matters," for...

Your Long Term Care Action Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide

By | October 24, 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 —...

How to Protect Your Small Business from Cyber Threats

By | October 20, 2022

In addition to visiting the SBA cybersecurity website, business owners might want to review "Protecting Personal Information: A Guide for Business" and "Start with Security: A Guide for Business," both available on the FTC website. Risk management is a key component in any...

Everything You Need to Know About Medicare Savings Programs

By | October 14, 2022

The terms Medicare and Medicaid are similar sounding names; however, these programs serve very different needs. Medicare is a health insurance benefit program for those aged 65 and older and others with certain disabilities. Medicare has no income or asset...

Better Times Ahead

By | September 28, 2022

In the last several weeks, we have continued to face elevated uncertainty in financial markets due to high inflation and rising interest rates, and we thought it was an important time to take stock with the final quarter of 2022...

The Ultimate Juggling Act: 4 Ways to Save for College and Retirement

By | September 26, 2022

With the average price for private college tuition and fees hitting $43,750 for the 2021-2022 school year and public college attendees paying more than $28,000 per year, many parents are nervously anticipating what will happen after their child graduates high...

Making Decisions About Medicare

By | September 20, 2022

This is a general overview of Medicare coverage. For more information, visit medicare.gov. You can also get free, personalized help from a trained counselor by contacting your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Your SHIP counselor can help you review your...

All You Need To Know About Eldercare Arrangements

By | September 15, 2022

It’s never too early to think about how and where you want to live when you’re older. How far in advance do you plan vacations? A month at the very least, right? You’ve booked the flights and hotels, taken time...

Worst Day For Stocks Since June 2020 But What Happens Next?

By | September 14, 2022

Tuesday (September 13th) turned out to be a very bad day for global stocks, as a hotter-than-expected US inflation report spooked market participants. The CPI report pushed back on some of the peak inflation narratives and all but confirmed that...

Life Insurance at Various Life Stages

By | September 01, 2022

Women and Money: Taking Control of Your Finances

By | August 26, 2022

It's important to have a clear understanding of your overall financial position. As a woman, you have financial needs that are unique to your situation in life. Perhaps you would like to buy your first home. Maybe you need to...

Seniors and Debt: Getting Back on Track after a Post-Retirement Financial Setback

By | August 20, 2022

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 market drops, home repair issues, or...

The Different Stages of Financial Freedom

By | August 14, 2022

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 consistent...

Some Things Investors Need to Know About Booms and Busts

By | August 11, 2022

Economies and markets are cyclical. They may include periods of wealth creation and times of bursting bubbles that bankrupt companies in a major downturn. "Boom and bust" cycles may last anywhere from a few months to a few years or...

Big Week for Market Watchers

By | August 03, 2022

Last week was epic for market-watchers. A Federal Reserve (Fed) rate hike, a much-anticipated gross domestic product (GDP) report, and the busiest week of earnings season got most of the headlines. There was even a surprise out of Washington D.C.,...

Tips to Avoid Common Estate Planning Mistakes

By | August 03, 2022

With a few simple actions, you can ensure your estate planning is effective. Whether your estate plan is simple or complex, there are many details, which are often overlooked, that can undermine your plan’s effectiveness. Are you aware of these...

What Causes Inflation and What to Do About It

By | July 29, 2022

Some of us may remember the “good old days,” when gasoline prices were as low as 25¢ per gallon. Others may recall when a can of soda cost 15¢. But prices tend to rise over time – sometimes steadily and...

A Financial Planning Guide for Families with Disabilities

By | July 26, 2022

About 61 million adults in the U.S. live with a disability. Many of these disabilities are serious enough to impact a person’s daily life.1 There may be financial benefits available to those whose disabilities leave them unable to hold down...

Top 5 Things Millennials Should Consider When Retirement Planning

By | July 21, 2022

Planning for retirement can seem premature when you have only been in the workforce for a decade or so. But as the oldest Millennials begin to hit middle age, retirement suddenly does not seem so far away. From record-busting market...

LPL Financial Research Midyear Outlook 2022: Navigating Turbulence

By | July 12, 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...

Looking Forward

By | July 06, 2022

As the calendar has turned to July, investors would certainly like to forget the first six months of 2022. However, the Fourth of July Independence Day holiday does bring with it a reason for celebration. Not only is it the...

5 Life Events That Impact Your Life Insurance Needs

By | June 28, 2022

A life insurance policy is part of financial planning. Life insurance is there to help ease the financial trauma that comes with the loss of a spouse, parent, or partner. As you encounter different events in your life, you may...

Charitable Gifting

By | June 15, 2022

What constitutes a gift to charity? A gift to charity is simply a gratuitous transfer of property to a charitable organization. The key is that your gift must be some kind of property--your time or personal services do not count....

A Bear Market is Officially Here

By | June 14, 2022

A bear market is officially here thanks largely to stubbornly high inflation. For many of us, it has probably felt like a bear market for a while now, but the S&P 500 Index didn’t close more than 20% below its...

Financial Aid Resources for Your Incoming Freshman

By | June 03, 2022

College is expensive for many people. The average tuition and fees at a college or university for the 2019 to 2020 academic year at a four-year institution was $9,4001. This may include the cost of tuition, books, and housing. For...

4 Economic Benefits of Homeownership

By | June 03, 2022

Even though housing prices throughout much of the U.S. are at or near all-time highs, there are still many distinct financial advantages to owning a home.1 From tax benefits to capital gains exclusions and guaranteed rates of return, we explore...

Bull Market Hangs by a Thread

By | June 01, 2022

The bull market that began in March of 2020 came dangerously close to an end. From March 23, 2020 through January 3, 2022, the S&P 500 Index gained 114% (excluding dividends). From that January 3 closing high through the recent...

4 Key Investments You Should Consider as a Small-Business Owner

By | May 19, 2022

As a small-business owner, you may be looking for the next big thing—an investment that might double your profits within the next year or allow you to maintain your income while working just a few hours a week. However, business...

Military Benefits

By | May 10, 2022

What is it? As a current member or veteran of the U.S. armed forces, you may be entitled to a number of military benefits. The term benefits, as used here, includes military pay as well as other programs set up...

By | May 06, 2022

As we move into spring and leave behind the last signs of a long winter, many worries from a chilly start to the year for markets, unfortunately, are still with us. The S&P 500 Index had its worst April in...

Life Insurance: Back to the Basics

By | May 02, 2022

As you consider the wide range of life insurance coverage available, you may wonder what type really fits your needs now, and what will suit your needs in the future. A good, first step is to ask yourself why you...

An Attractive Entry Point

By | April 28, 2022

It has been a turbulent 2022 so far for investors. The S&P 500 Index is on track for its worst April in more than 40 years, the Nasdaq entered a bear market on April 26 with its more than 20%...

7 Retirement Considerations

By | April 26, 2022

Thoughts from a financial professional When helping people get ready for retirement, financial professionals find the same issues come up over and over. Thinking ahead can spell the difference between a retirement with enough money and a stressful one with...

Invest in Your Financial Education During Financial Literacy Month

By | April 14, 2022

April brings more than possible rain showers. It also marks Financial Literacy Month in the U.S. Whether you’re interested in a quick refresher or seeking to learn something new, it may be worth the effort to brush up on some...

What to Expect on Your 2021 Tax Return

By | March 31, 2022

The federal government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact individual income tax returns, from the suspension of federal student loan interest to expanded child tax credits. For many taxpayers, this may mean your 2021 return may look a...

Tips You Can Use for the Credit Card Blues

By | March 24, 2022

Credit card debt is a major problem in the United States. According to the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, over 175 million Americans have at least one credit card. In addition, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York estimates that...

Protect Financial Information from Prying Eyes on the Web

By | March 10, 2022

As more and more consumers search for financial information on the Internet, they may inadvertently leave themselves open to being “tracked” by certain companies and individuals. Visitors to financial websites have created a large mass of information that is, in...

Navigating Geopolitical Tensions

By | March 03, 2022

The green shoots are hard to see right now as spring approaches, clouded by war in Ukraine. Democracy is under attack and innocent lives are tragically being lost. But while we keep one eye on overseas developments, the other remains...

What You Should Know About Contributing to an IRA at Every Age

By | February 23, 2022

A traditional IRA offers a great way to shield income from taxation while boosting your retirement accounts. Meanwhile, a Roth IRA can let you pay tomorrow's taxes today. But how can workers who are eligible to contribute to either type...

Home-Health-Care Factors for You to Consider

By | February 18, 2022

Tips for finding the best fit in caregivers to ensure quality care and comfort Are you thinking about home health care as a solution to providing help with daily activities such as bathing, meal preparation, and housekeeping? Many older individuals...

Stocks’ Road Ahead

By | February 17, 2022

The calendar had barely flipped to 2022 and investors were reminded that even attractive long-term stock returns come with a cost: volatility. The S&P 500 Index fell nearly 10% from January 3 through January 27 amid fears that the Federal...

What Can the Best/Worst Stocks of 2021 Tell Us?

By | February 03, 2022

Looking for longer-term market trends that might shape the next few years Let’s be honest for a second: the DJIA, the S&P 500, NASDAQ, and the Russell 2000 all delivered one of the most surprising years in recent history. And...

Suggestions for Staying Safe Online from the IRS

By | February 01, 2022

Common sense tips to help children, teens, and other vulnerable groups The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is helping families, teens and senior citizens learn about the continued importance of protecting personal information in helping fight identity theft and tax...

Pay Down Debt or Save for Retirement?

By | January 19, 2022

You can use a variety of strategies to pay off debt, many of which can cut not only the amount of time it will take to pay off the debt but also the total interest paid. But like many people,...

Focusing on Your Finances

By | January 13, 2022

While most people find the notion of creating a budget about as appealing as cleaning out closets, most would agree that the result—a well-crafted and useful budget—is worth the work Two financial “snapshots” you can take at any time...

Tax Prep Checklist: Everything You Need to Be Ready for Tax Season

By | January 04, 2022

Regardless of whether you prepare your taxes yourself or use a professional's services, it's a good idea to gather the information and documentation you need well in advance of your actual tax filing date. Below, we've listed some key information...

Focus on Your Wellness This Holiday Season

By | December 22, 2021

The holidays are prime time for eating delicious food, celebrating with loved ones, and creating long-lasting memories. However, all this cheer can be both physically and mentally draining. That’s why it is essential to focus on your wellness during the...

LPL Financial Research Outlook 2022: Passing the Baton

By | December 20, 2021

LPL Research Outlook 2022: Passing the Baton is designed to provide insight and analysis for the next set of challenges the economy and markets may face. While the economy continues to move forward, we’re still feeling some aftershocks of COVID-19...

What To Know About Potential Tax Changes in 2022

By | December 15, 2021

Though the final price tag of the Biden administration's infrastructure plan is not absolute, it may increase federal spending by about $3.5 trillion over the next decade.1 President Biden and his administration proposed changes to the tax laws to provide...

Holiday Resilience

By | December 15, 2021

While life has been challenging during the pandemic, we have a lot to be thankful for. At this time, we are especially grateful for COVID-19 vaccines and treatments that have helped us make so much progress tackling the pandemic. Unfortunately,...

Things to Consider When Writing a Business Plan

By | December 08, 2021

You may know that your small business needs a written business plan—but how do you get started? What elements should your plan address, and do you need different plans for different audiences? Below we discuss a few of the key...

Christmas Shopping Lessons for Investors

By | December 01, 2021

Is that investment an innovation or an improvement on an existing product? As Christmas sales loom, we face an endless array of sparkly, shiny and occasionally innovative items. As an investor, you run into a similar phenomenon that requires you...

4 Year-End Tax Planning Tips for Small-Business Owners

By | November 23, 2021

The past two years presented many small-business owners with unprecedented challenges. This year’s tax planning preparations include necessary measures for small-business owners to satisfy existing, new and modified tax laws that may help small-business owners manage 2021 tax liabilities. Taking...

10 Best Financial Benefits for Military Families

By | November 10, 2021

Members of the military have a lot of special financial challenges that most people don't encounter. However, they have access to many benefits, tax breaks, and legal protections that can make a huge difference in their families' personal finances. Here...

What You Need to Know About Financial Fraud

By | November 09, 2021

Many of us grew up in a world where it was customary to be friendly, courteous, and trusting. Unfortunately, assumptions concerning these standards of conduct can sometimes get us into trouble. Con artists offering a variety of too-good-to-be-true investment “deals”...

Consider the Value of Long-term Care Insurance

By | November 04, 2021

How can you cover the costs of future care for you and your loved ones? Individuals who have worked hard and built up assets over the course of their careers may be particularly concerned that their savings could be affected...

A Helpful Guide to the Affordable Care Act

By | November 01, 2021

If you're part of the one in three Americans who are uninsured or don't have access to an employer-sponsored healthcare plan, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) may be able to help. The ACA allows you to buy health insurance on a...

Data breaches are inevitable – here’s how to protect yourself anyway

By | October 25, 2021

It’s tempting to give up on data security altogether, with all the billions of pieces of personal data – Social Security numbers, credit cards, home addresses, phone numbers, passwords and much more – breached and stolen in recent years. But...

Estate Planning for Everyone

By | October 18, 2021

Have you ever wondered how estate planning might fit into your overall, future plans? Even if you are just starting to build your estate and do not need complex estate planning, here’s a quick look at some steps you should...

Put Yourself in Front of the Savings Game

By | October 11, 2021

Like dieting, budgeting your expenses can benefit from a long-term commitment. However, human nature leads many of us to become frustrated when we can’t immediately have the things we need or want. As a result, the best-laid budgeting plans can...

Wellness Trends that are Here to Stay

By | October 04, 2021

A lot of trends in the health and wellness space leave you scratching your head, saying “Huh?” but there are some that are worth a deep dive. Bone broth Not everyone wants soup made with heavy cream, meat, and veggies, which...

Everything You Need to Know about the FAFSA for 2021

By | October 01, 2021

One of the most important pieces of the college financing puzzle is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Without the FAFSA, a college student is unlikely to be able to apply for or receive certain types of federal...

Fall Into a Healthy Routine

By | September 23, 2021

Fall is in full swing, and for most families, so is a return to the school year routine. But for some kids, adjusting back to this schedule can be stressful—and can take a little longer than you’d like to find...

Four Financial Planning Essentials to Ease Your Retirement Fears

By | September 16, 2021

When it comes to planning for retirement, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Putting together a financial strategy can be complicated at any time of life, with changing regulations, ups and downs in the market, and disagreements – even among the...

Four Tips for Gaining Financial Independence

By | September 09, 2021

Over the past July 4th, we celebrated our country’s history of declaring independence and guaranteeing basic human freedoms. But true freedom includes financial independence, as well. Self-sufficiency isn’t guaranteed, but every one of us has the opportunity to achieve it....

Life Insurance: Protection for All Life’s Stages

By | September 01, 2021

As your life changes, your financial needs often change, as well. Regardless of whether you are just starting out in life, are in mid-career, or are at the peak of your earning years, life insurance can help you achieve a...

Think Your New House is a Fantastic Investment?

By | August 24, 2021

Housing is rarely the best use of your money from an investment viewpoint Despite continued low mortgage rates and tales of bidding wars, multiple offers and all-cash closings above asking-price, would-be-home-purchasers should consider being cautious about putting too much money...

Inheritance Planning Can Help Avoid Headaches

By | August 19, 2021

Your financial professional can help ensure you leave your estate in the best possible way Families inherit money and sometimes make the right moves investing and spending. Inheritances can also ignite disruption, divorce and a host of bad behavior far...

Six Months and Counting

By | August 11, 2021

Dear Clients and Friends, Six months and counting. That is the current monthly winning streak for the S&P 500 Index. To take that a step further, this key equity benchmark has posted gains in 13 of the last 16 months—dating...

Taxpayer Appreciation Day—Recognizing Taxpayers’ Contributions

By | August 07, 2021

Though U.S. taxpayers received an extra month to file and pay their federal income taxes in 2021, some are still smarting from having to write a check to the IRS.[1] For many, it can be tough to make the connection between...

Changes to Student Loans and Payments in 2021

By | August 05, 2021

The student loan landscape has changed dramatically since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. From the suspension of interest payments on federal student loans to tax incentives for employers who pay their employees' student loans, there are a number of...

Five Divorce Settlement Pitfalls to Watch Out for, No Matter How Big the Estate

By | July 28, 2021

Bill and Melinda Gates and Settling $140 Billion estate Attorneys say that if both you and your ex-spouse feel like you came out of your divorce thinking you gave up a lot, your settlement was probably fair. Maybe, but often...

How to Teach Your Children Financial Wellness

By | July 21, 2021

Teaching children about financial wellness should start at an early age. Learning how making money, saving, and spending is related and the first step in teaching your child how to understand the value of money. Children learn from parents, mentors,...

Do You Have FOMO When it Comes to Investing?

By | July 15, 2021

Fear-of-missing-out is a very real emotion – but it can derail your portfolio Every day we’re bombarded with reports of what’s hot and what’s not – fueling a fear-of-missing-out (FOMO) on some great investment opportunity. Heck, there is even a...

LPL Financial Research Midyear Outlook 2021: Picking Up Speed

By | July 14, 2021

LPL Research Midyear Outlook 2021: Picking Up Speed is designed to help you navigate the risks and opportunities over the rest of 2021 and beyond. While the speed can be exhilarating as economic growth accelerates, it can also be dangerous....

The Best Money-Saving Travel Tips for 2021

By | July 08, 2021

If 2020 made you fantasize about a trip as soon as travel restrictions were lifted—and you’re still waiting—you aren’t alone. Although 2021 was poised to be a comeback year, it is shaping up to be another summer of staycations or...

Helping Young Adults Understand Insurance

By | June 28, 2021

Insurance should be part of everyone’s plan – and it should evolve too Young adults starting out in life, especially newlyweds, need insurance. But what kind? As a start, a good term life policy likely is a smart move. Other...

Your Retirement Portfolio: Five Things to Consider Before Market Turbulence

By | June 15, 2021

It is human nature to seek advice when things aren't going well or when an unforeseen event occurs. Often, people seek financial advice from a professional only when the stock market and their investments are experiencing turbulent times. Reactive decisions...

Gearing Up For Summer

By Admin | June 07, 2021

As we move into June, a path to normalcy is coming quickly with stadiums allowing full capacity, restaurants filling up, and summer vacations in full swing. Meanwhile, the U.S. economy continues to recover remarkably quickly and the stock market is...

2021 is the Year to be Money Savvy

By Admin | June 07, 2021

Definition of Savvy: having or showing perception, comprehension, or shrewdness, especially in practical matters. Money Savvy: smart with money, money-wise, financially astute, shrewd. If you started saving for retirement at an early age, chances are you’ll hit your retirement goal. However, if...

Maintaining the Investment You Made in Your Home

By Admin | June 03, 2021

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 small problems can...