Understanding the Emotions Behind Financial Decisions
Key Takeaways February is an interesting month in the financial calendar. The holiday excitement has faded, credit card bills from December have arrived, and tax season is in full swing. For some people, this is when the emotional weight of money can feel the heaviest. Here is what is less often discussed: 43 percent of […]
AI and the New Face of Fraud: How to Protect Your Identity and Finances in 2026
Artificial intelligence (AI) may be the most revolutionary technology of our time, with industries scrambling to embrace its possibilities. AI’s early influence seems similar to the positive disruptions brought about by past innovations such as the personal computer, the internet, and the smartphone. However, as AI reshapes everything from business to education to healthcare, criminals […]
Money Talks: How to Use Holiday Gatherings to Start Family Financial Conversations – Copy
Key Takeaways Why Talk About Money During the Holidays? As you gather with family around the holidays, it may be a good opportunity to discuss a potentially uncomfortable, but necessary topic: family finances. This is especially true if you are older and have adult children who need to be brought up to speed on your […]
Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage?
Receiving a bonus, inheritance, or an increase in income often prompts a key financial question: Should I use this money to pay off my mortgage, or invest it? At first glance, the answer might seem simple. But in reality, it requires careful consideration. Paying off a mortgage can reduce monthly expenses, while investing those funds […]
A 2025 Guide to Protecting Seniors from Fraud
If you’ve found yourself stepping into a more active role in your parents’ financial lives, you’re not alone. Some of us are helping aging parents navigate everything from healthcare decisions to bill payments—and increasingly, we’re also their first line of defense against financial scams. Fraudsters are getting more sophisticated, and unfortunately, older adults are being […]
Smart Moves to Consider Before Year-End
The final months of the year can sneak up quickly, and with them come deadlines, decisions, and distractions. Before the holiday season takes over your calendar, fall can be a valuable window to revisit your financial strategy and make sure you’re closing out the year with intention. Whether you’re looking to manage taxes or retirement […]
Breaking Down the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: What You Need to Know
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) included lower federal income tax brackets, bigger standard deductions, and higher gift and estate tax exemptions, among other provisions. The law stipulated that some of those tax breaks would sunset at the end of 2025. If that were allowed to happen, the Tax Foundation estimated that […]
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 […]