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 a job. However, these benefits may come with strict rules and regulations, such as limits […]
Get to Know the Rich Relationship Between Your Financial and Social Life
When you think of your financial wellness, you are likely not considering how it may affect your social life or vice versa. While many factors may influence your financial situation, social influence is the component that is given the least attention. Both those who struggle with their finances and those with a more comfortable financial […]
Financial Professional vs. Insurance Agent: What They Do and Which is Appropriate For You
Planning for your future requires the help of multiple professionals. Two professionals you may find yourself working with to figure out your future are a financial advisor and an insurance agent. Financial professionals may also provide the services of an insurance agent. However, you may prefer two separate professionals providing different services. To determine which […]
Seeking Simplicity: Understanding SIMPLE IRAs and SIMPLE 401(k)s
For those who don’t have a 401(k) option through their employer—which includes some small-business owners—how to save for retirement might be challenging. In a competitive employment market, offering retirement options to new hires and existing employees may help you remain competitive and attract top talent. Consider these retirement simplicity plans: The SIMPLE 401(k) and the […]
An Introduction to Estate Planning for the Sandwich Generation
For members of the “Sandwich Generation”—those currently in their 40s and 50s who are caring for children and their parents who are over 65-years old—estate planning may seem like a low priority. After all, when you’re juggling multiple caregiving responsibilities daily, sitting down to draft a will is easy to put off. But estate planning […]
Financial 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 wondering how to proceed. Fortunately, history may help gain perspective on this market. Those who weather volatility might have more resilience. […]
FOMC Preview: Skip, Pause or Hike?
The Federal Reserve (Fed) meets this week where it is largely expected to not raise short term interest rates for the first time in 15 months. However, Fed messaging has been all over the place in recent weeks. While some Fed officials continue to advocate for additional rate hikes, others want to be more patient. […]
Debt Ceiling Drama is Behind Us
Dear Valued Investor, Every so often Washington likes to remind us how hard it can be to get things accomplished. The most recent example is the debt ceiling—the amount Congress can borrow to pay its bills. It seems like we have this debate every few years and in the end a deal is made, which […]
5 Life Events That Impact Your Life Insurance Needs
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 need to review your policy and make changes. Here are five life events that may […]
Money Issues That Concern Married Couples
What is it? Marriage is an important step in anyone’s life and brings many challenges with it. One of those challenges is the management of your finances as a couple. The money decisions that you make now as a couple can have a lasting impact on your financial future together. Careful planning of your finances […]