When Should I Start Taking Social Security: 5 Factors to Consider
Social Security decisions are often framed as a single question: “When should I start drawing benefits?” That question matters, but it can also be limiting. The better question is: how does Social Security fit into my overall retirement income strategy, including longevity and survivor considerations? As April is National Social Security Month, we thought it […]
Teaching Teens and Young Adults Financial Literacy Through Real-Life Decision Making
If you are a parent of a teen or young adult, how do you teach them to make confident money decisions before the stakes are high? Teaching teens and young adults about money is less about formal instruction and more about repeated exposure to real trade-offs. Financial literacy develops when young people are allowed to […]
Helping Adult Children Buy a Home: How to Gift a Down Payment The Smart Way
Key Takeaways Here are some questions this blog aims to answer: Why Home Buying May Feel Harder for Your Children or Grandchildren Than It Was for You If you feel like your kids are working hard and still finding it increasingly difficult to buy a home, you are not alone. We have many clients whose […]
Three Numbers Every Woman Should Know
Key Takeaways Why These Three Numbers Matter A quiet shift is happening. Women are building their own wealth through careers, often serving as the primary earners in their families, and inheriting assets from their parents and spouses. Meanwhile, women are living longer and, in many cases, making financial decisions independently in later life. The story […]
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 […]
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 […]
Key Financial Insights from 2024 and Looking Ahead to 2025
As we approach the end of 2024, it’s an opportune time to reflect on the year’s financial developments and consider what 2025 may bring. We believe in understanding both the past and potential future of our economic landscape, which may help inform financial decisions. This year has brought its share of financial developments, from market […]
A Different Kind of Year-End Review: 10 Steps to Reflect and Recharge
Financial professionals typically focus year-round on monetary goals and wealth management strategies. However, we also believe that true financial well-being is intrinsically linked to overall life satisfaction and personal growth. This year, we’re encouraging you to look beyond just the numbers. We invite you to conduct a personal year-end review encompassing all aspects of your […]
Year-End Giving Strategies: Maximizing Your Impact
America is a generous country. People with diverse backgrounds can unite for a good cause, whether to benefit their local communities or the broader world. As we enter the holiday season, now is a great time to think about your giving strategy and your contributions to the charitable organizations and causes you care most about. […]