One Shot to Get It Right
Most financial decisions can be revisited. A portfolio can be rebalanced next quarter, or a budget adjusted next month. But a handful of decisions do not work that way. You may only retire once. Or help parents as they age, or receive an inheritance. Or you may sell a business once or put an estate […]
AI Gives Answers. Guidance Requires Judgment.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has given financial professionals new tools that can make it faster and sharper to do some behind-the-scenes work, from research to scenario modeling of certain portfolios. AI can struggle with the behavioral and judgment work that can determine most real-world financial outcomes. The research here can help show the value of a […]
When Your Parents Need You to Be the Adult
There is usually no single moment when the roles begin to shift. It may be a confusing medical bill. A missed payment. A scam text they almost clicked. A question about an account they have had for years. A conversation where they sound like themselves, but not quite as sharp as they used to. Most […]
Before They Board the Plane: A Financial Guide for Study Abroad Families
Studying abroad is one of the most formative investments a family can make. The financial side, however, often gets less attention than it deserves. In the most recent academic year, 298,180 U.S. students studied abroad for academic credit, a 6 percent increase from the prior year. They spent their semesters across more than 170 destinations […]
Does the New Tax Law Impact Your Estate Strategy?
The federal estate tax exemption remains at an all-time high. For some families, that is genuinely good news. But it may also be creating a false sense of security, especially if you live in one of the states that sets its own rules or if your estate strategy was written before the law changed. When […]
The Retirement Conversation Couples Keep Avoiding
As financial professionals, we spend much of our time helping our clients prepare for retirement. By the time most of our clients are within a few years of retirement, their savings are there, their investment accounts are in order, and their income strategy is in place. From a financial standpoint, everything looks good on paper. […]
Why 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. Many families recognize that intentional lifetime gifting isn’t simply generous; it may also be a smart approach to […]
What 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 accounts to heirs.1 How the SECURE Act Impacted the Retirement Landscape In 2019, the SECURE Act was signed […]
How Do You Turn Retirement Savings into a Reliable Income Strategy?
Beyond 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 compensation—what you’re earning today and what it could mean for your long-term financial goals. From […]
How 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 overwhelming. It’s a major life change, and having a clear strategy can help ease the stress. As financial professionals, we help clients […]