Latest Articles
Our blog highlights perspectives on retirement, investing, taxes, and transitions, sharing ideas shaped by everyday planning conversations and the real financial questions people bring to us.
The Season of Giving: Aligning Charitable Contributions with Your Tax Strategy
As the year comes to a close, many families reflect on causes they care about and consider making donations. The season of giving encourages aligning charitable contributions with your tax strategy. With intentional preparation, generosity can connect to financial decisions in a meaningful way.
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Estate Planning Essentials: Building the Foundation for Your Financial Legacy
When people think about retirement and financial planning, investments and income often come to mind first. Yet, estate planning essentials are just as critical. Estate planning creates the structure for how your assets, wishes, and responsibilities are managed both during your lifetime and after. While it may feel overwhelming, breaking the process into clear steps can make it approachable and manageable.
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From Wills to Trusts: Simplifying the Core Elements of Estate Planning
Estate planning is about more than passing along assets. It provides a framework for how your wishes are carried out and how your family is supported. The core elements of estate planning, including wills and trusts, are often misunderstood. Taking time to learn how they work can help you decide what may be appropriate for your situation.
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Checklist for Handling the Death of a Spouse
When your spouse dies, their affairs need to be set in order. You might find yourself planning a funeral, paying bills and closing accounts. The list of things you need to do can seem endless, especially during a time when you are also grieving. These emotions can be especially strong if the death is unexpected. Living expenses for one person are often not much less than living expenses for two. Your mortgage or rent will…
I’m 33 and want to retire at 40, but have expensive medical needs — how can I achieve financial independence?
Hi, I am a 33-year-old that is actively saving and building toward a passive income stream enabling me to either retire early or shift to a nonprofit career instead of my current job in tech. I have about $200,000 in taxable investment accounts, $120,000 in liquid savings, and own my home with a $240,000 mortgage and about $300,000 in equity. My 401(k) and Roth are both maxed each year and have a combined value of…
Retirement Planning: How to Start a Retirement Fund
Even though you know it’s good for your long-term financial health, deciding how to save for retirement can be less than appealing. The good news is that you can knock this off your to-do list quickly. Here’s how to start a retirement fund. “The chance to build retirement savings that will be 100% tax free is something everyone should consider,” says David D’Eredita… Continue Reading ▸ By: Bob Sullivan | Published: Jul 9, 2022
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Financial Literacy Month: The Essential Money Lessons Every Adult Should Know
April is Financial Literacy Month, a reminder of the importance of education in making informed financial decisions. No matter your age or stage of life,…
Breaking Down Complex Financial Topics into Simple, Actionable Steps
Financial planning often involves terms and strategies that can feel overwhelming. From Roth conversions to estate planning, many families feel uncertain about where to begin….
From Roth Conversions to Tax-Loss Harvesting: Practical Ways to Reduce Lifetime Taxes
When planning for retirement, taxes can significantly affect how much of your savings you keep. While no strategy removes taxes entirely, certain approaches can help…
Tax Diversification Strategies: Why It Matters More Than You Think
Retirement planning often focuses on investments, but taxes play just as important a role. Wherever you hold your money can affect how much you keep…
Annuities Explained: Clearing Up Misconceptions and Exploring Their Real Value
Retirement planning often involves coordinating multiple income sources, from Social Security to pensions and personal savings. For some families, annuities may also play a role….
When and How an Annuity Can Support Your Retirement Income Strategy
Creating income in retirement often involves combining Social Security, pensions, investments, and personal savings. In some cases, an annuity retirement income strategy may also play…
Starting 2026 Right: The Power of a Financial Review for the Year Ahead
The start of a new year is often a time for reflection and fresh priorities. Beyond resolutions, it can also be an ideal time to…
New Year, New Goals: How to Align Your Finances with What Matters Most
The beginning of a new year brings fresh energy and new priorities. It is a time when many people think about health, family, and long-term…
Closing the Year Strong: A Practical Guide to Tax-Deferred Account Checkups
The final weeks of the year are often filled with holiday plans, travel, and family gatherings. Yet December is also an important time to review…
Why December Is the Right Time to Review Your Tax-Deferred Accounts
The end of the year often brings financial checklists like holiday budgets, tax planning, and charitable contributions. One important task is to review your tax-deferred…








