Blog

Retirement brings new challenges—Medicare being one of the most confusing. From when to enroll to choosing the right coverage, it can feel overwhelming. Here are eight essential things you need to know to make the process easier.

Estate planning is also significantly relevant for single individuals without children. It is a protective measure that ensures assets are distributed according to one's wishes and helps minimize legal disputes among family members.

Single parents carry the dual responsibility of providing for their children now and planning for their future. An estate plan is the ultimate gift—protecting assets and ensuring financial independence according to your wishes.

The Great Wealth Transfer is reshaping the financial landscape. Over the next 20 years, trillions will shift to younger generations, with women projected to control trillions by 2030—actively leading and outperforming men in investing.

Creating a Legacy of Change through Charitable Giving

Wendi Diacono, AIF^®, CFS

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Different people are motivated by various charitable giving opportunities and seeking out the guidance of a financial professional could help you become better educated on which type would work for you.

Women and Long-Term Care Readiness: Planning for Lifelong Wellness

Wendi Diacono, AIF®, CFS

Friday, July 25, 2025

Whether it's due to age-related conditions, chronic illnesses, or unexpected health crises, planning for long-term care is crucial for ensuring lifelong wellness. Here’s why it matters and how women can take proactive steps to be ready.

Social Security (SS) retirement benefits are a vital component of retirement income for many people. It consists of multiple benefits, including disability, survivor, and retirement benefits, and is an indispensable part of many...

There are often red flags you may notice that indicate your parents have reached a point where they need help with their finances. At first, your parents might be resistant to this, believing they can still manage their financial lives...

Understanding the anticipated changes in tax laws and regulations in 2025 will become increasingly crucial. One area that requires attention is the estate tax sunset at the end of 2025. The estate tax, also known as the inheritance,...

Social Security, established in 1935, provides financial benefits to the elderly, disabled, and disadvantaged groups. However, there are concerns regarding its sustainability. Social Security is particularly concerning among younger...

In today’s fast-paced environment, careful financial planning is crucial when it comes to growing and preserving your wealth. The decisions you make today could have a lasting impact on your finances. Please use the checklist below to...

April showers came a month early as stocks fell in March. Tariffs were the primary cause of the market jitters, although that uncertainty became too much for markets to shrug off once economic data started to weaken. The U.S. economy...

The world of personal taxation and tax deductions can often be puzzling. While these elements aid in reducing one's tax burden, they may also come with unexpected limitations. These limitations can take taxpayers by surprise, reducing...

The average American worker will change jobs more than once in their lifetime. While there are multiple options such as leaving your 401(k) in your former plan if allowed, cashing out the account balance, or transferring the 401(k),...

As spring approaches and the weather warms, the U.S. economy has begun to cool. After a sizzling recovery from the pandemic, followed by a period of surprisingly solid and steady growth on the back of resilient consumer spending, the...

The new month brings two major market-moving stories to digest. First is the advances in artificial intelligence (AI) by Chinese startup DeepSeek. It has caused some investors to question America’s lead in the AI race and American...

Social Security is a vital component of retirement income for many. This government program provides monthly benefits and is funded primarily through payroll taxes. Understanding Social Security benefits and taxation is essential to...

A critical aspect of retirement planning is understanding the rules and requirements surrounding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from retirement savings accounts. An RMD is a mandatory minimum amount that retirement account...

Retirement planning is not just about saving money — it’s about surviving on the money you saved and may receive in retirement, such as Social Security benefits. Tax considerations are easy to overlook when establishing a retirement...

Even if you're saving money in a 401(k), IRA, or another type of retirement account, you may not be paying much attention to the specific rules and regulations governing these accounts. After all, if you're years away from retirement,...

There are only two things in life you can count on happening at some point--death and taxes. In death, these two circumstances can come together at the same time. When a person dies, leaving a significant estate, there is the expense...

Looking back, 2024 clearly echoed many of the themes from 2023. By and large, the economy continued to defy expectations and surprised once again. Stocks continued their strong performance, driven by powerful trends in artificial...

Solid gains for stocks gave investors a November to remember. In fact, the S&P 500’s more than 5% advance marked its best month of 2024. Several factors played into the stock market’s continued move higher. The U.S. economy continued...

Charitable giving is a way for you to participate in something meaningful to you and your family, a cause that aligns with your core values while benefiting members of the community. People can benefit greatly from giving – personally,...

On Giving Tuesday1—the day after Cyber Monday—millions of people across the world focus their attention on giving back. Whether as a way to eke out meaningful legacies or trim your tax bills, end-of-year philanthropy is a good cause...

As the year comes to a close, there are some important deadlines that you shouldn’t ignore. These deadlines affect your taxes, savings, and, perhaps, your financial future. Here’s a simple guide to help you stay on track before this...

Navigating today’s complex financial landscape demands that tax-sensitive investors remain vigilant against potential traps that could significantly impact their after-tax returns. Staying informed and proactive will help you manage...

Creating an investment savings plan (ISP) is essential for keeping you on track toward your goals and building wealth. Whether you're saving for retirement, a new home, or your children's or grandchildren’s education, an ISP can help...

Finally! For the first time in more than four years, on September 18, the Federal Reserve (Fed) cut interest rates. While the debate over how big the cut would be was settled (a half point, not a quarter), questions about where the Fed...

Shopping for a life insurance policy doesn’t have to be confusing and overwhelming. If you take some time to understand the basics and how it works, you can better determine the coverage that may be beneficial for you and your family’s...

Fall is a magical time of the year throughout much of the country. Waking to crisp autumn mornings, the changing of the leaves to reds, oranges, yellows, and the nostalgic scent of smoke from the cooking fires as if straight from a...

Market uncertainty occurs when investors find it challenging to analyze current and future market conditions due to market volatility. Various factors, such as inflation, central bank policy changes, interest rate fluctuation, investor...

A 529 is a tax-advantaged savings plan that gives you incentives to save money to pay for college or other higher education expenses. Pursuing your savings goal may mean the difference between a dorm with central air conditioning or...

With fall upon us and students back in classrooms, it seems like a good time to reflect on the various tests that the U.S. economy and stock market have passed recently. When the economy and markets are tested, the foundation for...

Stocks must have gotten the memo that August tends to be weak historically. July, the eighth positive month in the past nine, was quickly forgotten as the beginning of August greeted us with a selloff. The primary catalyst was August...

Many parents want to provide their children with the best possible help and care, even when they transition into college. However, as the children come of age, there is much more to consider than tuition fees and dorm essentials....

Many dream of working toward early retirement, but getting there generally doesn’t happen by accident. Retiring early requires financial independence that can last for decades, but that is much easier said than done. To get there...

The "Sandwich Generation" is composed of adults who are ‘sandwiched’ between competing financial responsibilities. Many Sandwich Gen members support their aging parents while also providing for their children (or even grandchildren)...

As we reach the halfway point of 2024, a sense of persistence defines the economic and market landscape. Trends from late 2023 have continued, with surprisingly resilient economic growth mixed with stubborn but decelerating inflation....

Stocks finished the first half of the year the same way they started — with solid gains. Strong rallies from big tech names, combined with somewhat softer economic and inflation data, helped propel the S&P 500 to its seventh monthly...

“A penny saved is a penny earned.” This nugget of financial wisdom from Benjamin Franklin, shared in the late 1700s, remains as relevant today as it was then. Despite living in a different era, our founding fathers were remarkably...

If you're like some, you may have spent large parts of your working life missing the carefree summer days of your childhood. That is, of course, assuming you had a happy childhood. If not, try to imagine how it might be if your...

April showers brought May flowers as markets placed greater importance on economic growth and corporate profits than the “higher for longer” interest rate messages from the Federal Reserve (Fed). In fact, the S&P 500 ended May above...

Asset management and financial wellness can help develop long-term confidence when wealth transfers from generation to generation. Understanding and implementing financial wellness techniques is essential for effectively sharing wealth...

After a strong first quarter for stocks, some April showers rained down as the S&P 500 fell about 4% last month. Hopefully, those showers will bring some flowers in May, despite the widely cited stock market adage, “Sell in May and go...

529 plans are a tool for those looking to save for college for their children, grandchildren, or any family member. While most people know that they are one of the most popular saving methods for college, many myths surrounding these...

Life insurance has its benefits, and choosing a manageable life insurance policy is a critical step in your retirement planning. It can help your family cover end-of-life expenses, funeral and burial costs, and pay for estate taxes. It...

Financial literacy is crucial to a solid financial future and an enjoyable retirement. No matter your age, when you understand how to manage your money and finances, you can make sound financial decisions and take the needed steps...

When it comes to financial accounts like the IRA, details are everything. Look past the surface, examine it closer, and you may be surprised that numerous accounts, including your IRAs, contain hidden gems and little-known facts you...

Social Security benefits are critical to retirement planning. These monthly benefits provide a financial safety net for millions of Americans. But you must navigate the system strategically to get the most out of your Social Security...

The first quarter is in the books, and it was an excellent one for stocks. The S&P 500 index rode a resilient U.S. economy, easing inflation, rising corporate profits, and anticipation of summertime rate cuts from the Federal Reserve...

Yes, even if you are a business owner or self-employed, you can receive Social Security benefits as long as you have been paying Social Security tax each year. The Social Security Administration defines you as self-employed if you...

Planning for retirement is exciting, but it may come with a bit of stress. If you worked hard all your life, now might be the time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. One of the things that you may need to consider is when it...

Most American workers who earn wage income and pay Social Security taxes via withholding receive Social Security benefits at some point in retirement. While the Social Security Administration has tried to make the process easier to...

If you're nearing retirement age, you know the Social Security process and how much you will likely receive. With that information, you may have also anticipated that your Social Security benefit would not be enough to sustain you in...

Regardless of the stage of life, your credit score is an essential component of your financial health when you're in retirement. A consistently strong credit score can pave the way for greater confidence, easy loan access, and lower...

Retiring early as a couple is a goal shared by many, and if planned comprehensively, it may provide opportunities for travel, passion projects, and more quality time together. Retiring simultaneously can bring many benefits, such as...

When filing your income taxes, each taxpayer is different. Some prefer reducing the taxes they owe and getting the most significant possible refund, while others work to keep the taxes they pay as low as legally required. The IRS...

The newest generation of upcoming retirees is facing a more unique and prominent dilemma than past generations have experienced: caring for family members at the same time they’re preparing for retirement. There are plenty of...

For small business owners, tax planning is crucial. Without proper planning, you may find a large portion of your hard-earned profits and savings eaten up by taxes that may not have been so high if you knew better options to pursue. To...

Stocks are off to a solid start in 2024. January gains are particularly enjoyable because of the old adage from the Stock Trader’s Almanac, “As goes January, so goes the year.” Nearly 75 years of historical data shows...

Determining how your income impacts Social Security (SS) taxes is important for tax planning. Factors that determine how much pay SS tax you pay, depending on your circumstances, include: If you have income from working in retirement....

When people think of retirement, they often have an image formulated in their minds of what it will be like. The thing about it, the reality might not be what they expected. The internet is full of retirement information; however, not...

While protecting your financial data has always been important, it grows even more critical as you start planning for retirement. From preserving your retirement savings to maintaining financial independence to avoiding stress, you...

As one approaches retirement, monitoring your financial situation by understanding your net worth and assessing the assets and resources needed to maintain a comfortable lifestyle throughout retirement is vital. This article explores...

In 2024, LPL Research believes markets will make a definitive turn to a more recognizable place. En route, the transition will be marked by meaningful shifts in a few key areas. Inflation is going down. The risk of a recession is...

Dear Valued Investor, Solid gains for both stocks and bonds gave investors a November to remember. As financial markets continue to defy skeptics, I’m reminded of a quote from Warren Buffett’s long-time partner and one of...

Whether you are just entering your golden years or are already several years in, setting goals to stay on track and maintain your health, happiness, and finances is essential. So why not use the New Year's holiday to turn these goals...

Getting close to retirement is exciting, but it often brings a little worry about your financial future. The closer you get, the more you may be concerned with the rising living costs and if your finances are on track to allow you to...

Life today is expensive, and contributing to a retirement plan is more beneficial than ever. Recently, the IRS announced it was raising the contribution limit for 401(k)s to $23,000 for 2024, up from $22,500. In a world where pensions...

A 401(k) plan is one of the most popular and effective techniques for saving for your retirement. A company will automatically withdraw and contribute money from each paycheck to your 401(k) plan. Some employers will even match a...

Having a desire to give and a philanthropic mindset are both important qualities to possess in modern society. With so many economic and social challenges in society, contributions to charities and philanthropy efforts are needed now...

When it comes to medical or legal advice, the value of getting a second opinion is fairly well established and defined. What about financial decisions? At what point does it make sense to get a second (or a third) opinion on money...

Investing your money for the future might be one of the quickest ways to grow your wealth, whether saving for retirement or making a large purchase. While most people know investing is a potential way toward a more manageable financial...

Year-end financial planning can help you assess your family’s financial situation, identify areas for improvement, and set achievable goals for the future. Here’s a closer look at seven essential areas where reviewing may...

Tips to embrace the spirt of fall to get a jumpstart on your tax planning The fragrance of pumpkin spice is in the air, leaves are transforming into a brilliant display of reds and golds, and festive preparations are underway. Fall is...

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) are vital for those who must take an annual required minimum distribution (RMD) but seek a tax-advantaged strategy that may help lower their adjusted gross income (AGI). Using a QCD strategy,...

Scammers are one of the biggest unseen threats out there, and they are especially dangerous to the most vulnerable—the elderly population. In fact, more than $1.7 billion was lost in 2021 among the sixty-plus age group, a 74...

Retirement seems like a long way off, but it arrives faster than you think. The big question is, are you ready? What exactly does retirement entail? Analysts suggest there are four designated phases of retirement that a person often...

Dear Valued Investor, The S&P 500 lost 3.3% in the third quarter after sliding nearly 5% in September. Putting this into perspective, nothing really qualifies as out of the ordinary. Since 1950, the S&P 500 has historically declined in...

In early 2022, the IRS issued proposed regulations regarding required minimum distributions (RMDs) to reflect changes made by the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act of 2019. The IRS has held off on...

A recent survey by Caring.com found that a whopping two in three American adults do not have an estate plan1—an alarming statistic, considering that an estate plan can protect your assets and ensure that they go to the right...

Obtaining a life insurance policy is part of being an adult. But it’s also something that you can easily neglect, especially if you obtained it earlier in adulthood. While you may have been diligent in securing your life...

Paying the college Tuition payments made directly to a college aren't considered taxable gifts, no matter how large the payment. But this is true only for tuition, not room and board, books, or fees. As the cost of a college education...

Matching your tolerance for risk with your investment objectives Everyone wants a comfortable retirement, but the road you take there will depend on your specific situation. When you invest, you assume a certain level of risk (but like...

September 6, 2023 Dear Valued Investor, Financial markets lived up to their reputation during the month of August, which has a record for being difficult. On the first day of August, markets had to contend with a downgrade of U.S....

The average college student graduates with around $30,000 in student loan debt. While this isn't an insurmountable amount of debt for a degree that may boost your earning potential, it also makes it important to maintain responsible...

Tax benefits, flexible contribution options and potential investment growth For many families, there’s a sense of excitement and anticipation that fills the air as high school seniors prepare to embark on their next journey:...

Retirement planning is a constantly evolving process. Strategies that may have worked fine a few years ago may no longer be the optimal direction to continue. Your life may have taken unexpected turns, you may have different retirement...

Making economic forecasts and stock market predictions can be humbling. It’s especially tough when you expect stocks to go higher and get a big drop instead. The environment today is the opposite, but still tricky, as recession...

Understanding the difference between taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-exempt accounts can improve portfolio diversification and make a difference in how much you earn over time. But investors may not fully understand how a strategy...

For members of the "Sandwich Generation"—those currently in their 40s and 50s who are caring for children and their parents who are over 65-years old—estate planning may seem like a low priority. After all, when you're...

Those who receive an inheritance with the passing of a loved one are potentially given the gift of financial freedom if they choose to manage the wealth carefully. Did you know that only about one-third of adults have a prepared will,...

Our 2023 investing outlook started with a theme of returning to normalcy. Considering 2022’s market volatility and the aftereffects of the pandemic, the idea of finding balance was certainly a welcomed change. It’s a theme...

The changes you make today might be the benefits you need long-termToday, many people find themselves inundated by a constant stream of financial news from television, radio, and the Internet. Yet, does all this information and...

The “Sandwich Generation” faces a lot of struggles. If you’re unfamiliar with this term, it describes a demographic where usually middle-aged individuals must support aging parents at the same time they’re...

Many investors still adhere to the old adage—"sell in May and go away"—while others remain fully invested even as the summer heat waves begin. What goes unsaid is that if your asset allocation accurately reflects your risk...

529 plans are designed for saving for education and are beneficial since contributions accumulate and grow tax-free as long as withdrawals are used for qualified education expenses. But 529 plans may also be part of a wealth transfer...

Grilled Shrimp Panzanella Skewers

Wendi Diacono, AIF®, CFS

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Summer is the perfect time to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy some time outside. Below is one of our advisors', Wendi, favorite summer recipes! PREP TIME:20 minsCOOK TIME:10 minsTOTAL TIME:30 minsCOURSE: Appetizer, Dinner,...

Cowboy Caviar

EJ Purdy

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Summer is here and we want to share some of our favorite recipes for your summer gatherings and picnics.  Here is one of EJ's favorite dishes to make for the season:Ingredients:3 Roma tomatoes, seeds removed, sliced2 ripe avocados...

For kids, teens, and college students, summer break often represents freedom from schedules, responsibilities, and all those other drains on your time. Retirement actually can provide a similar level of freedom, but only if you've...

Having enough retirement income is a top concern for many Americans nearing or in retirement. Even though they may have saved consistently throughout the working years, they may be concerned that their retirement plans will succeed. A...

June 7, 2023Dear Valued Investor,Every so often Washington likes to remind us how hard it can be to get things accomplished. The most recent example is the debt ceiling—the amount Congress can borrow to pay its bills. It seems...

Estate planning helps disperse your assets according to your wishes. The effort may seem daunting at first, but estate planning does not have to be overly complicated. With the proper planning, you may find yourself resting a little...

The sandwich generation is a term commonly used to describe those between the ages of 40 and 59 who are responsible for raising their family and are also often helping their aging parents manage their ongoing needs. Those members of...

After spending so much of your life saving for retirement, it may be challenging to transition from depositing funds to withdrawing them. You may wonder whether there is any way to maintain your lifestyle and preserve your wealth to...

529 plans can be powerful college savings tools, but you need to understand how your plan works before you can take full advantage of it. Among other things, this means becoming familiar with the finer points of contributions and...

What is it?Caring for your aging parents is something you hope you can handle when the time comes, but something you probably hope you never have to do. Caring for your aging parents means helping them plan for the future, and this can...

As the U.S. population continues to age, the “sandwich generation” is caught in the middle, supporting both their parents and their children, whether financially, physically, or emotionally. This generation is the...

Setting healthy financial goals is critical. Even more important is staying committed to those financial goals.Keeping yourself committed to your goals may be difficult, especially when times may be financially tough. But by staying on...

Whether you are an employee in corporate America or a small business owner, retirement is a part of life. For many, the thought of retiring and whether or not you are ready to take those first steps might be overwhelming or...

Dear Valued Investor,Spring is often thought of as an uplifting time, marked by growth and renewed hope as we emerge from the long months of winter and look ahead to the rest of year. Investors saw signs of such renewed hope in recent...

What is it?Life insurance is not only about protecting your survivors in the event of your death. Depending upon the type of policy you purchase, it can also enable you to meet specific life goals: retiring comfortably, paying for your...

With so much going on in the world today—from a global pandemic through economic hardship—it comes as no surprise that many people have recently found themselves under heavy financial stress. Whether it is due to the loss...

When people think of “myths,” they often think of such stories as Pandora’s Box (the woman who took the lid off of a jar releasing all of the world’s ills upon the world, were taxes one of them?), or the Tale of...

When helping people get ready for retirement, financial professionals find the same issues come up over and over. Thinking ahead can spell the difference between a retirement with enough money and a stressful one with difficult...

April 5, 2023The financial markets’ resilient performance during March was striking, despite pockets of uncertainty surrounding the strength of the economy—and not to mention concerns over the durability of the banking...

With April’s federal tax filing and payment deadline on the horizon, Americans are dotting their i’s and crossing their t’s as they prepare for the countdown to Tax Day. But before you rush to get that return out the...

Planning for retirement is exciting, but it may come with a bit of stress. If you worked hard all your life, now might be the time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. One of the things that you may need to consider is when it...

Ten strategies to help you take care of yourself and prepare for retirementWomen’s History Month has its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed and authorized a resolution and requested the President to...

Heading to your first meeting with a new financial professional may be a lot like going on a blind date. Can you have anything in common? Can you click? Can you trust this other person with what's most important to you? A strong...

Financial markets were shaken last week as Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), the California bank subsidiary of SVB Financial Group (SIVB), fell into FDIC receivership. SVB is the first FDIC-insured institution to fail since 2020 and the...

Determining how your income impacts Social Security (SS) taxes is important for tax planning. Factors that determine how much pay SS tax you pay, depending on your circumstances, include:If you have income from working in retirement.If...

Most people know that once they approach retirement age, their reward for years of work comes from Social Security payments they put money towards during their employment. Deciding when to file for your Social Security payments is...

What is it?You may receive retirement and/or survivor's benefits from sources other than Social Security. Perhaps you are a federal employee, or maybe your employer pays you a pension. You can plan better for retirement if you know how...

If you're thinking about working in retirement, you must consider a few things before making your decision. As you get older, the question of when to collect Social Security retirement benefits and how your monthly payment may be...

As you age, the question of when to collect Social Security (SS) retirement benefits will likely come to mind. There is no one size fits all age; your unique circumstances and goals will dictate the appropriate time for you to take...

Dear Valued Investor,Financial markets have experienced quite a bit of change this year in just two short months. We started the year hopeful that stocks would benefit from a better economic and monetary policy environment by the...

While retirement is a time to enjoy the things you have worked hard for in life, the next chapter may leave some a little anxious. Retirement doesn't mean you have to retire from the excitement in life. In fact, it is the perfect time...

Regardless of whether you prepare your taxes yourself or use a professional's services, it's a good idea to gather the information and documentation you need well in advance of your actual tax filing date. Below, we've listed some key...

When you start to consider if investing is an appropriate option for you, you may have questions. You might want to ask: How do I invest money, and where? How much money will I need? What are some common strategies for someone that has...

Want to be your own boss? Ready to turn your hobby into a career? Got a great idea and thinking about launching a business? If you've answered yes to any of these questions, you are ready to become an entrepreneur.This can be an...

What health care benefits are available in retirement?Health care in retirement is available from many sources. Government programs (such as Medicaid and Medicare) offer numerous health care benefits. However, you may need to purchase...

With the signing of the Omnibus Appropriations package into law, both employees and employers can take advantage of more than 90 new provisions aimed at creating opportunities to create or modify workplace retirement plans and...

While this strategy is most often applied to ridding your home of your grandmother’s antiques and stacks of old CDs, you can also use this idea to rid your entire life of excess—mentally and physically.Think...

Financial wellness, like physical wellness, isn’t something you should ignore. Instead, it's a critical concept for anyone who wants to be knowledgeable and confident about their finances, and in fact, financial wellness is so...

Regardless of whether you prepare your taxes yourself or use a professional's services, it's a good idea to gather the information and documentation you need well in advance of your actual tax filing date. Below, we've listed some key...

When it comes to New Year's Resolutions that include financial goals, writing them down and being visible is essential to your success. After you’ve written down what your financial resolutions for the New Year are, tell others...

If one of your New Year's resolutions involves enhancing and expanding your investment portfolio, look no further. In a true New Year's Eve countdown tradition, ask yourself these 10 questions to help review your investment plans...

A well-crafted business plan can be a blueprint for entrepreneurial confidence. This multifaceted tool is as important to established business owners looking to grow their companies as it is to budding entrepreneurs.A business plan...

What is family wealth, and how do you preserve it?You have worked hard for years and accumulated wealth. You earned this money through your job, investing, and saving, and you want to preserve it for yourself and to take care of the...

Recipe: Carrot Crunch Pie

EJ Purdy

Friday, December 9, 2022

As we approach winter and the holidays, here's one of EJ's favorite recipes. Ingredients: ½ c brown sugar¼ c butter, melted1 c chopped pecans1 pie shell4 c carrots2 eggs1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed...

After years of saving and planning for their golden years, many people nearing retirement fail to consider the tax burden they may face on income they receive after they stop working. While you will likely see a reduction in the amount...

Regardless of size, companies can benefit when the community in which they do business thrives. For entrepreneurs, giving back to the community may be more than just a charitable act; it can also make good business sense. If you have...

Through all the challenges, newfound opportunities, and every high and low we’ve experienced during the last couple of years, it’s no surprise why we might be striving for more balance. Whether it’s about the markets...

Communicating openly can help everyone prepare and plan for the futureMany parents may find it uncomfortable, or even believe it is unnecessary, to inform their children about personal finance matters. Yet, communicating openly with...

The end of the year is necessary to reflect on your financial picture, review the last 12 months, and plan for the future. With all that is involved, it can seem overwhelming. Consider breaking up the responsibilities over twelve days,...

Cyber Monday is one of the most popular shopping days, competing each year with Black Friday when it comes to scoring holiday deals. While online shopping continues to grow in popularity, it also opens the door even wider for those...

For many families, having a family member act as the caregiver for an aging loved one seems like the perfect option. While it is usually most comfortable for the loved one to be cared for by a family member, it may become difficult for...

Fall Recipe: Peanut Soup or Stew

Wendi Diacono, AIF®, CFS

Monday, November 14, 2022

As we approach the cold weather, here's one of Wendi's favorite recipes she makes every fall and winter.  This recipe was inspired by her educational stay in Ghana, West Africa.Ingredients:3-4 lbs. of chicken pieces...

Many of us grew up in a world where it was customary to be friendly, courteous, and trusting. Unfortunately, assumptions concerning these standards of conduct can sometimes get us into trouble. Con artists offering a variety of...

If you're considering giving back to society or a cause as part of your financial planning, there are many ways you can do so. You can make an impact while receiving tax benefits by including philanthropic giving as part of a holistic...

The average U.S. income tax rate stands at just over 13%—and if you're like many taxpayers, you're always looking for new tips and tricks to help reduce this percentage.1There are a number of different tax planning moves you can...

Dear Valued Clients,October is now behind us and it has delivered on its track record as a historically favorable month for stocks, offering some respite for investors as major equity indices rose for the month. The downside pressure...

A solid estate plan should not only provide for your assets after you pass, but also plan for your long-term care while you're alive. With the median cost of a long-term care facility approaching $8,000 per month, paying for long-term...

Becoming financially fit requires maintaining foundational elements, including a budget, emergency fund, strong credit score, and retirement savings.There’s a subjective uncertainty associated with financial wellness. Are you...

The Roth 401(k) has become an attractive investment account, with investors attracted to their qualified tax-free withdrawals and contributions which receive after-tax treatment. But like other 401(k) plans, the Roth 401(k) carries...

Unless you have accumulated substantial wealth where money is not a concern, you face a critical task when you reach retirement to make sure that your assets will support you through your lifetime. When you retire and no longer earn an...

Retirement is inevitable, but knowing exactly when to do so is often unclear. No matter when you actually begin your retirement, you’ll benefit from planning your post-work life as early as possible.According to Gallup, the...

When it comes to financial stability, people tend to focus on paying off debt and saving for retirement. In reality, many other financial goals beckon to individuals during their lifetime. Because of this, it’s important to look...

There’s a good reason so many athletes, entertainers and business people who made seven figures and higher suddenly find themselves filing for bankruptcy. Money mismanagement can eat through even the biggest bankrolls. Here are...

Eight tips for tidying up your personal financesSpring cleaning doesn’t just mean dusting off those bookshelves in your living room (which, by the way, probably haven’t been dusted since you moved in) or vacuuming cobwebs...

When building a retirement nest egg, focus on preservation as well as growth.For years, you’ve diligently invested in your retirement portfolio, accumulating wealth that you hope will sustain you throughout your Golden Years. To...

Deciding when to begin collecting Social Security depends on a number of factors, including how long you anticipate needing it.Deciding when to retire and begin collecting Social Security is an important life decision. For some,...

If you own an IRA, then you should be as familiar as possible with the rules that govern your account.Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are one of the most common assets people rely on to save and invest for retirement. In fact,...

This article discusses steps that parents can take to build wealth while raising a family.Raising a family is rewarding and expensive. Consider taking these steps to support your family financially through a program of smart investing...

How to Manage Your 401(k) When You Switch JobsIn the past, boomers and generation Xers often held on to jobs for 10 or more years. Some professionals stayed with the same company for most of their working lives. The Great Recession...

This article discusses the factors you should look into when deciding when to retire.Retirement is inevitable but knowing exactly when to do so is often unclear. No matter when you actually begin your retirement, you’ll benefit...