Financial Planning

July 10, 2025Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions that a person can make. Not only can it involve taking on a big mortgage, but the monthly expenses can also affect your budget and ability to save for your… read more…

November 8, 2022A financial institution is an entity that engages significantly in finance-related activities. These activities include such easily recognized examples as taking deposits and making loans as well as less-obvious ones like collecting debts and keeping records of consumers’ credit histories.… read more…

November 14, 2024Planning for the financial future helps people in many ways, including improving their ability to set goals, budget, save, borrow wisely, invest, manage risk and taxes, plan their estates and more. People who create financial plans are better able to… read more…

January 6, 2026Federal employees have unique needs when it comes to financial and retirement planning. Because of these unique concerns, financial advisors who work with them should have a special understanding of federal government employees’ benefits. Such advisors can help U.S. government… read more…

May 8, 2023A dependent care flexible spending arrangement (DCFSA) lets you pay for child care and other dependent expenses with pretax dollars. This can reduce the income taxes you owe. Only someone whose employer offers a DCFSA can use one. There are… read more…

July 26, 2022A flexible spending account (FSA) is a type of savings account typically used for healthcare expenses. Many people use an FSA to cover expected healthcare costs throughout the year, saving money on taxes because the funds are put into the FSA tax-free. Using an FSA is dependent on the individual and it isn’t right for… read more…

July 19, 2022A savings account can be a good place to earn interest on your money while keeping it in an easy-to-access account. However, not every savings account is the same. Let’s compare different features from the most common types of savings accounts. A financial advisor could help you create a financial plan for your savings needs and… read more…

March 20, 2025A shrinking economy can affect you financially on a number of levels. One big question you might have is what happens to interest rates during a recession? Ordinarily, interest rates dip in the early stages of a recession in order… read more…

February 25, 2026Asset-based long-term care (LTC) is a financial strategy that combines traditional long-term care insurance with asset-based products like life insurance or annuities. These plans allow individuals to leverage their savings to fund potential long-term care needs while maintaining flexibility in how funds are used. Asset-based LTC solutions often provide a death benefit if care isn’t… read more…

February 26, 2026Investing a substantial sum like $5 million can be both exhilarating and daunting, especially when the primary goal is generating a steady income. Whether you’re planning for retirement, seeking financial independence or simply looking to diversify your portfolio, understanding how to strategically allocate this wealth is crucial. The key to success lies in balancing risk… read more…

March 20, 2025An economic recession sends ripple effects across the economy. Although everyone feels the effects, most can only wait for sunnier economic times to appear. Knowing how long a recession can last can help you weather the storm. A financial advisor can guide… read more…

June 10, 2022Guaranteed asset protection (GAP) is a type of insurance or, sometimes, a non-insurance agreement that will cover the difference between a vehicle’s actual market value and the amount owed on the loan in the event the vehicle is stolen or totaled in a crash. GAP is relatively inexpensive and can protect people who finance or… read more…

December 11, 2025529 plans are one of the most popular ways Americans save for the college expenses of their children. As of June 2024, there were 16.8 million 529 savings accounts holding $508 billion, according to the College Savings Plan Network. While these tax-advantaged accounts are effective tools for meeting future education needs, overfunding a 529 plan… read more…

November 18, 2025Financial goals come in all shapes and sizes. Most importantly, financial goals vary widely on your unique situation. Any financial goals you set should reflect your personal goals. Setting SMART financial goals can help you make progress towards the financial… read more…

December 22, 2025In legal terms, a fiduciary is an individual or organization that has taken on the responsibility of acting on behalf of another person or entity with honesty and integrity. For example, bankers, attorneys and officers of public companies are all… read more…

November 5, 2024Choosing the right budgeting system can make it easier to stick to a monthly spending plan. The envelope saving method, also referred to as the cash envelope method or cash envelope budgeting, can help you get control over your money… read more…

November 7, 2024Building wealth can seem like an impossible goal, especially if you are just getting started. In the early stages, both your income and investment returns may be small, and that makes it easy to get discouraged. However, it’s important to… read more…

May 8, 2023Financial goals come in all different forms, from setting money aside for emergencies to setting up a trust to pass your assets on at the end of your life. All financial goals are important, but long-term financial goals tend to… read more…

March 21, 2025ABLE accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save money using a tax-advantaged account. Congress created these accounts under the 2014 Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. The law aims to simplify how individuals with disabilities cover qualified expenses. Before opening an ABLE account, take time to understand how they work and who qualifies. You can… read more…

January 28, 2026If you have at least $1 million in investable assets like cash, stocks or mutual fund shares, congratulations: you’re a high-net-worth individual. This distinction not only means that you’re wealthy, but also that you may qualify for certain perks within the financial services industry. However, having a high net worth also comes with the unique… read more…

January 16, 2025A financial planner can be a powerful force for good, helping you set and reach financial goals. But do you really need a financial planner? Many people forgo the option of working with a financial planner in favor of doing research on their own, setting their own goals and managing their own finances. That means… read more…

February 27, 2026The traditional age of retirement is 65, but it’s possible to retire at age 60 with planning. Obstacles to early retirement include lack of access to Social Security benefits and Medicare. However, on the plus side 60-year-olds can withdraw from… read more…

February 27, 2026Retiring at 57 is a dream for many. It offers the promise of more time to pursue passions, travel, or simply enjoy a slower pace of life. Achieving this goal requires careful planning and a strategic approach to financial management. The journey begins with understanding your financial needs and setting clear retirement goals. It’s crucial… read more…

February 14, 2022An estate plan is a set of documents describing the way you want your assets to be distributed when you die or become incapacitated. Along with retirement planning, managing risk and investments, an estate plan is a basic part of a full financial plan. Financial advisors help clients prepare estate plans by working with them… read more…

May 7, 2023Money is the No. 1 stressor for most adults. You may be struggling with credit card debt, an emergency that involves a large expenditure or whether you are saving enough for retirement. The pandemic has added an extra layer of… read more…