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Financial Planning at Every Age
In 2013, a Gallup poll found that only about one in every three U.S. households maintained a budget.1 A 2021 survey of 1,000 Americans found that 80% now say they have a budget.2 Americans are budgeting more due to the pandemic....
Read MoreFinancial Planning - Helping You See the Big Picture
Do you picture yourself owning a new home, starting a business, or retiring comfortably? These are a few of the financial goals that may be important to you, and each comes with a price tag attached. That's where financial planning...
Read MoreHigh Net-Worth Individuals: Are You Missing Opportunities in Your Financial Planning?
High Net-Worth executives and those that have been self-employed, can experience common problems in their financial planning journey. Often, they have missed opportunities in their financial planning because they haven’t planned...
Read MoreAre You Maximizing 401(k) Contributions?
The more money that you can save when you are working, the easier it should be for you to retire and enjoy your golden years. Unfortunately, Social Security may no longer provide a sufficient income to live on during retirement.
Read MoreAn Essential Guide to Estate Planning Preparedness
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...
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5 Compelling Reasons to Rethink Social Security
When it comes to planning for retirement, Social Security benefits have traditionally been viewed as a safety net for many individuals. However, in recent years, there has been growing concern about the long-term viability and...
Read MoreWhy Financial Preparedness Is a Smart Investment
During turbulent financial times, having a financial emergency plan might provide you with a proverbial life preserver. Whether it is an emergency fund to help you tackle an unplanned expense, insurance to cover an unexpected accident...
Read MoreStaying on Track with Your Retirement Investments
Investing for your retirement isn't about getting rich quick. More often, it's about having a game plan that you can live with over a long time. You wouldn't expect to be able to play the piano without learning the basics and...
Read MoreFinancial Basics for Millennials
With age comes responsibility, so if you're a young adult in your 20s or 30s, chances are you've been introduced to the realities of adulthood. While you're excited by all the opportunities life has to offer, you're also aware of your...
Read MoreTeach Your Children Well: Basic Financial Education
Even before your children can count, they already know something about money: it's what you have to give the ice cream man to get a cone, or put in the slot to ride the rocket ship at the grocery store. So, as soon as your children...
Read More4 Things Every College Student Should Know About Credit
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...
Read MoreThe Sandwich Generation: Caring for Parents and Children Simultaneously
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.
Read MoreA Financial Checklist for Life-Changing Events
Are you financially prepared for a life-changing event?
Read MoreFinancial Freedom, Market Volatility, and You
If recent market volatility has you questioning your opportunities for financial freedom, you are not alone.
Read MoreInflation: The Nemesis of Every Single Retiree
As a retiree, one of the significant financial challenges you may encounter is inflation. The rising costs can erode the purchasing power of your retirement savings, making it difficult to maintain your desired lifestyle.
Read MoreInvesting in Inclusion
Inclusion is a decent thing to do from a human standpoint. It may also improve the profitability of a business that commits to investing with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in mind.1 Whether you are part of the...
Read MoreRetirement Annuities Explained
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.
Read MoreCharitable Gifting
What constitutes a gift to charity? A gift to charity is simply a gratuitous transfer of property to a charitable organization. The key is that your gift must be some kind of property--your time or personal services do not count.
Read MoreThe Power of Your Homeowners Policy
If you’re like most homeowners, the importance of homeowners insurance is obvious. If your home is damaged as a result of fire, theft, lightning, heavy snow, or high winds, your homeowners policy would likely cover the cost of...
Read MoreMoney Mistakes that Young Professionals Make
As you enter the workforce and start to earn a regular income, it's easy to get carried away with newfound financial freedom. However, this can often lead to costly money mistakes that can have long-lasting consequences.
Read MoreAs Volatility Increases, So Does Retirement Worry
Getting ready for retirement involves more than just calculating how much you will need and the rate you can draw down your savings. The years before you retire is a crucial time to prepare both financially and psychologically.
Read MoreMaking an Educated Decision about Education Savings Options
Those that choose to invest in the education of a family member, friend or acquaintance are investing not only in that individual’s future, but also the future of society. It is an act of generosity, forward-thinking, and love.
Read MoreFinancial Advisor Day
We asked our advisors, "Why did you become a financial advisor?" And here's what they had to say!"I wanted to get involved in a career where I could make a difference in people’s lives. Growing up, I always played a lot of...
Read MoreInvest in Your Financial Education During Financial Literacy Month
April brings more than possible rain showers. It also marks Financial Literacy Month in the U.S. Whether you’re interested in a quick refresher or seeking to learn something new, it may be worth the effort to brush up on some financial...
Read MoreTiming Your Earnings in Retirement to Optimize Your Social Security Retirement Benefit
If you work after you begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits, all or part of your retirement benefit may be withheld if your earnings exceed the retirement earnings test exempt amount. However, excess earnings won't affect your
Read MoreTips to Help Financial Stress
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 of a job, illness
Read MoreInvesting in Your 60s and Beyond
Once you are in your 60s, you are likely to focus less on growing your retirement funds than answering, "When do I retire?" And once you crack open your nest egg, how should you allocate its contents? The answer often lies in a substantial
Read MoreStarting Young: Setting up a Savings Account for Your Child
The importance of financial literacy for children cannot be overstated. One of the most effective ways to teach children about money management is by encouraging them to open a savings account. A savings account not only teaches children...
Read MoreUnderstanding Social Security Strategies
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...
Read MoreCredit Education Month
If you're like many Americans, you may have a few dents and dings on your credit report. As of 2020, around one in five adults has either a "fair" or "poor" credit score, which can impact their ability to qualify for a loan, rent...
Read MoreCrossing the Bridge to a Satisfying Retirement
One of the more important—and hopefully enjoyable—events you will face in life is retirement. After spending many years building your career, you have likely accumulated a comfortable nest egg. If you have reached a point where retirement..
Read MoreCLOSE TO RETIREMENT? WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE SECURE ACT 2.0
Are you getting close to retirement and trying to stay on top of any changes to the retirement laws that may impact your goals and strategy? With the Secure Act 2.0 now signed into law, there are numerous retirement-related provisions...
Read MoreHealthcare in Retirement
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...
Read MorePrepping Early For Tax Day
As the year comes to a close, probably the last thing on your mind is filing your taxes in spring. But if you start assembling the necessary documents and information now, you’ll experience less stress and be in a far better...
Read More10 Tips to Develop Financial Wellness This Year
Financial wellness is a state of being when one is in control of their finances, can cover expenses, and save for future goals. Consider financial wellness as your relationship with money; it can be either healthy or unhealthy....
Read MoreIRS Increases 401(k) Limit By Record Amounts
As inflation soars, you can now save a lot more for your retirement. On October 21st, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that the amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2023 has increased to $22,500,...
Read MoreNew Year's Financial Resolutions to Implement Now
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...
Read MoreA Look at Tax Planning for Retirement
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...
Read MoreThe Importance of Financial Wellness
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...
Read MoreLPL Research’s Outlook 2023: Finding Balance
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...
Read MoreIS A ROTH IRA CONVERSION RIGHT FOR YOU?
It has been a tough year for the market. The S&P 500 index so far in 2022 has taken somewhat of a nosedive, at one point dropping 20.6 percent, the NASDAQ dropping nearly 30 percent[i], and as a nation, we have experienced massive...
Read MoreTop Year-End Investment Tips
Just what you need, right? One more time-consuming task to be taken care of between now and the end of the year. But taking a little time out from the holiday chores to make some strategic saving and investing decisions before December...
Read MoreSocial Security Gets a Massive 8.7% Raise
Social security is way behind inflation so you may need a better retirement plan. In October of 2022, the Social Security Administration announced that Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 70...
Read MoreIRS Adjusts Tax Brackets to Account for Inflation
Shifts in tax brackets as well as the standard deduction slated for 2024. On October 18, 2022, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced tax year 2023 adjustments for tax returns filed in 2024.From the IRS directly:“The...
Read MoreAppropriate Checklists for Year-End Tax Planning
What are appropriate checklists for year-end tax planning? Tax planners often develop checklists to guide taxpayers toward year-end strategies that might help reduce taxes. Typically, suggestions are grouped into several different...
Read MoreStudent Loan Forgiveness: Everything You Need to Know
On Aug. 24, 2022, President Biden announced an unprecedented plan to eliminate student loan debt for millions of borrowers.1 This plan forgives up to $20,000 in federal student loan debt for qualified borrowers, including those...
Read MoreBudgeting Tips for All Ages
No matter your age, financial competency is an important skill to have. The most important part of feeling confident in your finances is your ability to budget—and that’s not always an easy task. Here are a few helpful...
Read MoreWorried About Your Financial Health? It May Be Time For A Checkup
When was the last time you gave yourself a financial checkup? As the saying goes, there’s no time like the present. This is especially true when it comes to reviewing the current state of your finances and figuring out what you...
Read MoreMaintaining Your Financial Records: The Importance of Being Organized
An important part of managing your personal finances is keeping your financial records organized. Whether it's a utility bill to show proof of residency or a Social Security card for wage reporting purposes, there may be times when you...
Read MoreTreat Yourself to These 5 Retirement Savings Tricks
Your retirement is the reward after years of hard work and saving. You might dream of traveling, want to invest in a vacation home, or want to take up a new hobby. For an enjoyable retirement, saving is critical.
Read MoreCommon Factors Affecting Retirement Income
When it comes to planning for your retirement income, it's easy to overlook some of the common factors that can affect how much you'll have available to spend. If you don't consider how your retirement income can be impacted by...
Read MoreThe Financial Planning Process: Why and How
Planning personal finances used to be the worry of the wealthy and their worry—usually preservation of wealth—was attended to by teams of trust officers and lawyers. Many of today’s middle class families have...
Read MoreA Mid-Year Financial Plan Review Makes Sense
The changes you make today might be the benefits you need long-term. Today, many people find themselves inundated by a constant stream of financial news from television, radio, and the Internet.
Read MoreBoost Your Retirement with IRAs and 401(k)s
Remember, early planning puts time on your side.Whether retirement is around the corner or decades away, there are more options than ever to help you plan for it. Let’s look at Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and 401(k)
Read More5 Tips for Navigating Medicare in Retirement
One of the main concerns about retirement is health care. As healthcare costs continue to rise, medical bills may quickly derail your retirement plan. The good news is when you turn 65, you will be able to apply for Medicare
Read MoreBalancing Work and Family
At one time, the typical American family looked like this: a breadwinner father who commuted a short distance to work and earned a very good living, and a stay-at-home mother who took care of the kids and family home with aplomb.
Read MoreNow Might Be a Good Time for a Roth Conversion
One silver lining in the current bear market is that this could be a good time to convert assets from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Converted assets are subject to federal income tax in the year of conversion
Read MoreBack-to-School Budgeting 101 for College Students
Establishing and sticking to a budget is an important life skill to learn, even for college students who are focused on keeping up their grades and getting a good job when they graduate. Budgeting may help them understand how much...
Read More4 Tips and Resources to Help Seniors During Periods of High Inflation and Market Volatility
In 2022, U.S. inflation hit a 40-year high, with prices for food, housing, gasoline, and other key staples increasing by nearly 10% over the previous year.1 During these uncertain times, stocks have continued a roller-coaster ride...
Read MoreThe Health of Social Security - Some Good News and Some Bad News
With approximately 94% of American workers covered by Social Security and 65 million people currently receiving benefits, keeping Social Security healthy is a major concern.1 Social Security isn't in danger of going broke
Read MoreLand of the Debt Free: 3 Steps To Declare Your Financial Independence
Financial independence means different things to different people. For some, it might mean early retirement. For others, the ability to travel the world. It is the freedom to leave a job that is no longer personally or professionally...
Read MoreTips to Shape Up Your Fiscal Fitness this Summer
A regular program of disciplined financial practices can help you in the long-run.Many people realize that the best way to stay in shape is to develop an appropriate fitness regimen and then stick with it.
Read MoreKeeping It Simple: The Benefits of Simplifying Your Investment Strategies
When it comes to investing, having fewer investments might help streamline your portfolio to manage stress better. Here are some benefits of a simple portfolio and some ways to help you create one.
Read MoreSaving Tips for Younger Adults
Today, younger adults face a variety of challenges in their pursuit of financial independence. Some of these challenges are similar to those faced by previous generations, while others are unique to the times.
Read MoreHigh Inflation - How Long Will It Last?
In March 2022, the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), the most common measure of inflation, rose at an annual rate of 8.5%, the highest level since December 1981.1 It's not surprising that a Gallup poll at the end of...
Read MoreHelping the High School Graduating Class of 2022
Remember HIPPA kicks in now that your senior is considered an adultThe spring ritual of high school graduations is here. But graduates and their parents often are poorly prepared to meet the practicalities of the youngsters
Read MoreFatherly Advice: 6 Timeless Financial Tips Our Fathers Taught Us
Although many things have changed in the financial world over the past 20 years, some nuggets of financial advice are timeless. Here are a few tips that have remained constant for several generations.
Read MoreThe Joys and Financial Challenges of Parenthood
Parenthood can be both wonderfully rewarding and frighteningly challenging. Children give gifts only a parent can understand — from sticky-finger hugs to heartfelt pleas to tag along on Saturday morning errands.
Read More6 Mental Health Tips for Investors
Investing is stressful. It takes sound mental decisions to weather the ups and downs that come with the markets and investing in general. Whether you are managing your financial portfolio or making investments on the side, staying...
Read MoreBudgeting For A Family
Starting a family is one of life’s most rewarding experiences. However, it will also profoundly impact your financial picture, with a list of expenses that grows by the year.
Read MoreNavigating Market Volatility–or Not
Market volatility could spook even the most seasoned investor. If a precipitous week or two in the market has you ready to sell, you may want to reconsider your risk tolerance and asset allocation.
Read MoreTax-Advantaged 529 Accounts: What families need to consider
According to the College Board, the most recently published figures of the average annual cost of tuition and fees at a public university for a school year was $9,970 for in-state students and $25,620 for out-of-state students.
Read MoreThree Ways to Celebrate Financial Literacy Month
April is not just about tax season and springtime. Since 2004, April has also been Financial Literacy Month throughout the U.S. Some states also recognize it, such as Arkansas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Texas.
Read MoreIs the Early 2022 Market Déjà vu All Over Again?
A few pointers to help avoid a double-drubbing this time Stoicism amid market turmoil comes hard when a tsunami of dire investment headlines and plunging prices hits you, as we’ve seen for the first 2+ months of 2022.
Read More4 Tips for Teaching Children the ABCs of Money Management
Teaching your children about finances may seem like a weighty topic; however, it does not have to be challenging. By opening the lines of communication early and demonstrating good financial decisions of your own, you may set your...
Read MoreHow To Measure Your Portfolio in Uncertain Times
Making sure your investments help you work towards your true life goals Too often during uncertain times, we inadvertently compare ourselves to the people around us – and that may lead us to make financial mistakes.
Read MoreKeep Control - It's To Your Credit
Are you one of the many American consumers currently asking yourself, “How can I better control my use of credit?” Consumer debt in the United States totals in the billions.
Read MoreHow Does an Interest Rate Hike Impact Investors?
The Federal Reserve plans to unwind its bond borrowing since inflation has hit the highest level since 1980. While interest rates will stay near zero, for now, the Fed will start raising interest rates as early as March 2022. With a...
Read MoreLuck of the Investor
As Samuel Goldwyn once said, "The harder I work…the luckier I get!" 1 But when it comes to investing, luck may play a huge role in outcomes—no matter how hard you work.2 Below, we discuss some ways that luck may...
Read MoreHow to Spring Clean Your Finances with a Financial Review
Spring cleaning presents a great opportunity to clear out any items you no longer need—and the same goes for your finances. Checking in with your finances during tax season may be particularly beneficial, as it allows you to...
Read MoreGetting Your Financial House in Order
Many people may find the notion of creating and adhering to a financial plan about as appealing as doing housework. As everyone knows, putting off chores can lead to further procrastination. And, the longer you let things go, the more...
Read More4 Ways to Be Your Own Financial Valentine
Whether you're single, paired, or somewhere in between, Valentine's Day may present the perfect opportunity to show your bank account some love.
Read More2021 Tax Season Planning and Your Investments
Financial professionals don't provide tax advice but can provide information on the tax consequences of specific investments you have as part of financial planning.
Read More6 Wallet-Friendly Ways to Celebrate America Saves Week
America Saves Week k is dedicated to bringing awareness and encouraging people to look at and make progress on their savings.
Read MoreMoving Forward After a Pullback
Stocks have gotten off to tough start in 2022. Why has the market pulled back and what might we see going forward? We think the most important thing to remember is that periodic stock market volatility is entirely...
Read MorePlan Your Financial Future as You Do Your Health
Ever hear the phrase, “your financial health?” A good way to appreciate planning your financial future is to see it as akin to maintaining your physical health.
Read MoreHow to Help Your Children with Their Debt
Parenthood is full of highs and lows. If you have children, you probably know firsthand what it feels like to be in debt. Because you know how debt feels and you love your children, you probably want to step in and relieve them of...
Read MoreJune 3 Weekly Market Update
Stock market returns proved fairly muted in this holiday-shortened week. Optimism tied to strong manufacturing data was offset by the ever-present fears posed by inflation.This week the Institute for Supply Management released May...
Read MoreMay 20 Weekly Market Update
Stocks got off to a rocky start this week. Inflationary concerns remain front-and-center in the minds of investors right now, although a surge in global COVID-19 cases is certainly not helping. On the inflation front, thus far, Federal...
Read MoreMay 13th Weekly Market Update
The markets remained volatile this week as stocks struggled to find their footing. Weighing most on investors’ minds this week was inflation. Prices continue to rise across a wide swath of the economy. It remains to be seen...
Read MoreApril 22 Weekly Market Update
After performing well the past several weeks, stocks took a bit of a breather this week. Some of this easing in sentiment had to do with mixed corporate earnings. However, the greater concern weighing on investors was a renewed surge...
Read MoreApril 15 Weekly Market Update
While a little bumpy along the way, the markets performed fairly well this week amid news of bank earnings, consumer prices and COVID-19 vaccines. All things considered, investors have behaved calmly and taken everything in stride....
Read MoreApril 8 Weekly Market Update
Stocks got off to a notably strong start on Monday before moving somewhat sideways in the days that followed. The market jumped this week on the heels of a surprisingly strong jobs report that was released last Friday. Subsequently...
Read MoreApril 1 Weekly Market Update
The market began the week on a calm note as volatility and trading volumes both came in at modest levels. Furthermore, a host of economically positive news — related to everything from consumer confidence and infrastructure...
Read MoreMarch 25 Weekly Market Update
What a difference a year makes. A year ago, the stock market was in the final throes of a furious COVID-19 driven sell-off. However, after the market bottomed out on March 23, it roared back to life with the S&P 500 Index rising...
Read MoreA Brief Retrospective on 2020 from Corsalus Financial
It is amazing, isn’t it, to think of life at the end of 2019 as we were all looking forward to the possibilities of the new decade. We could have never imagined what was ahead for us, and here we are, a year later, looking...
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