Blog

Can I retire with $1 million?

March 14, 2025

As the cost of living has risen over the last several years, our office is seeing more financial plans look shaky with “just” a $1 million nest egg. Overall, the value of a million bucks fell 32 percent in the last decade. It now costs $1 million to buy what $753,000 would have paid for ten years ago. Certain big-ticket items cost nearly 50 percent more than a decade ago.

Cloud storage: Best practices when storing files online in “the cloud”

March 4, 2025

Multifactor authentication is a critical tool to help protect your data stored with such services as Google Drive, Dropbox, or Microsoft OneDrive.

Reality Check on your Retirement Savings

February 25, 2025

Millennials have the advantage of time. You can benefit from compounding and the long-term trends that can make a real difference over several decades.

Can I retire with $500,000?

December 3, 2024

Because half a million dollars (versus $1 million) is closer to reality for most Americans, we lay out a couple of hypothetical scenarios in which couples retire with $500,000. Could you retiree with a half million?

FAQ: What does the financial planning process look like?

November 1, 2024

How do financial planners work to help clients? These 3 case studies can provide insight.

Merry & Light

October 29, 2024

We should feel great about the holiday season, and all it brings.

Spend your money and energy wisely this Christmas

October 29, 2024

Overspending during the holidays, especially at Christmas–either because you can’t afford to or it doesn’t honor your values–creates regret similar to that caused by overeating.

I saved nearly $100 a month by cancelling services I don't need

June 28, 2024

Research finds the average American spends over $200 a month on "luxury" subscription services, with those under $20 less likely to be canceled.

Is healthy food that expensive?

March 22, 2024

While the cost of nearly everything has gone up in the last few years, we can see from the numbers that eating real food in its raw form—at least in the fruit category—is not nearly as expensive as making other choices.

Health as wealth

March 22, 2024

What role does or will health play in your retirement plans? Most of us are past our prime “beach body” days, but we can still be as active and healthy as possible.

Unspoiling my kids by giving them an allowance

January 16, 2024

Giving my kids a small allowance for their little "wants" has freed me from being the gatekeeper of small purchases. The kids are empowered; we’re liberated.

FAQ Series #6: Am I behind saving for retirement? What should I do?

September 5, 2023

Here, we outline 3 practical steps you can take if you think you might be behind on retirement savings.

FAQ Series Question #5: Should I buy a CD?

August 16, 2023

For short-term needs, CDs can be effective tools, but for longer time horizons, we’d probably advise that you look to other strategies.

FAQ Series Question #4: Should I pay off my mortgage?

August 16, 2023

We have noticed over years of experience that clients with more financially successful retirements—no matter how modest the means—retire or plan to retire without a mortgage.

Cruisin' toward freedom

May 1, 2023

A long time from full financial freedom (retirement), getting to "cruise control" can be a viable option.

FAQ Series Question #3: Am I enabling my adult child?

May 1, 2023

The number of variables make it impossible for us to declare a fixed definition of what “enabling” an adult child looks like. But...if you think you might be an enabler, read further for a sympathetic look at this difficult topic.

FAQ Series Question #2: When can I retire?

April 3, 2023

Within a reasonable range, you can retire when you are willing to accept the tradeoffs between time and money.

FAQ Series Question #1: Should I take my money out of the markets?

March 27, 2023

Most of the time, fear underlies a question about taking money out of the markets and putting it into cash. When this question comes up, we try to explore the root cause of concern.

IRA Deadlines Are Approaching

March 17, 2023

Not every IRA deadline matches up with the calendar.

Is your financial plan as tough as you are?

February 10, 2023

If you need to many things to go right in your financial plan, it isn't very resilient. John talks about first-level (basic) plan strength, followed by an example of next-level resilience.

Stocking stuffers: Financial media for every age and stage

December 15, 2022

In this article, we briefly summarize some personal finance classics in hopes you or your loved ones may glean from them as much as we have. While each book and film has something to offer everyone, suggestions are divided into relevant experience levels to help you better target any holiday gifting.

Popular illusions

November 10, 2022

Unfortunately, the persistent idea that wealth can be seen isn’t the only illusion that harms the average person. It all boils down to appearances vs. reality.

4 useful tasks in a down market

October 26, 2022

Here at Corner Post, our experience is that there’s plenty to do besides worry about the market. Here are a few suggestions for tasks that can give you not only a sense of accomplishment, but materially improve your overall financial position.

Will your portfolio withdrawal rate be "safe"?

October 26, 2022

Breaking it down, research points to around 4 percent as an ideal withdrawal rate for those who retire at 65. Those who start withdrawals earlier would have a lower withdrawal rate, and older retirees could target a higher withdrawal percentage. Think 3 percent for a 50 year old and 6 percent for an 80 year old.

There are many ways to spend $80,000

October 4, 2022

While the average inheritance in the U.S. is around $80,000, heirs can do a lot with that money, or a little. Stewarded properly, such a modest sum could even be the beginning of a family fortune!

Giving to charity through an IRA

September 28, 2022

Using qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) may serve both your charitable goals and help lower the balance that is subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs) at age 72. If you are a consistent giver year after year, it can also help bolster your budget as you enter your 70s by allowing you to spend more of your income on other priorities.

A Tale of Two Investors: Time in the market

September 22, 2022

We will compare the fortunes of two investors with $100,000 in retirement accounts who took different paths at the bottom of the Great Financial Crisis.

26 common financial challenges

August 24, 2022

There’s no way to plan for everything that could possibly go wrong.

What is the point of it all?

July 27, 2022

Have you planned for a purposeful retirement? Has retirement been what you expected? Has it been better or worse?

The barbell strategy: A simple concept to help you stay the course

July 5, 2022

Our anecdotal observation is that clients with appropriately large cash balances are less stressed about market volatility. They simply don’t need the money any time soon and can reasonably expect (with no guarantees) for their investment balances to rebound.

25 years after graduation: Lessons to share

June 1, 2022

Looking back, I value the wisdom I’ve gained through my diverse experiences far more than any trophy or certificate.

Memorial Day and Gratitude

June 1, 2022

Here’s a little bit of info that should make us all be grateful to be eating a hamburger or hot dog during our family cookouts!

Case Study: Finding the money in a busy life

March 4, 2022

Our hypothetical primary parent covers her family’s expenses without a problem, but is well aware that she isn’t getting any younger. She’s always had a vague plan to get ready for her next life stage after her kids are out of the house. She now realizes that may not be the best idea. "Angela" works with our team here at Corner Post Financial Planning to figure out what she spends.

When it’s time to loosen up

March 4, 2022

Here at Corner Post, we understand the frequent tension between the need to carpe diem and the possibility that you will live a long time (which requires money). That’s the reason to continually revisit your plan. Sometimes we must advise clients to rein in their spending. With the right lifelong habits and some good fortune thrown in, though, you just might be able to loosen up the purse strings.

Roth IRA Conversions

March 4, 2022

Provided IRS regulations are followed, Roth IRAs provide tax-free growth and don't require distributions, as Traditional IRAs do. One way to get money into a Roth is to do a "conversion" of Traditional IRA money, but there are pros and cons to this technique.

Getting around financially in an unpredictable world

January 25, 2022

Here we have a financial advice book that doles out quite a bit of grace, for a change. Morgan Housel's The Psychology of Money.

Kitchen Table Economics: Thinking about home prices

December 13, 2021

The increased chatter you’re hearing about rising property values is natural, probably because houses are a big chunk of many Americans' net worth. For those with an average level of assets–a very broad range from $50,000 to $499,999–home equity represents about 50 percent of their total net worth, according to the Census Bureau.

Kitchen Table Economics: What if something happens? 6 strategies for the unknown

December 9, 2021

You may not want to talk with your family or other relevant parties about “if/when the worst happens,” but it is very important to do so. In fact, as long as you live, planning for "what if" is never really over.

Kitchen Table Economics: Thoughts on Rising Food Prices

November 15, 2021

While most of the time we encourage our clients to tune out the 24-hour news cycle, when the news hits our bank accounts, it’s a good time to reevaluate our current situation, including our goals, our spending, and our values.

Numbers to watch: The House Tax Proposal

September 30, 2021

It’s important to remember this bill is not law, and changes are likely. As always, we’ll be closely monitoring provisions that may affect you. We encourage you to visit with your team of professionals (financial planner, estate attorney, and CPA) if you have not updated your financial and estate plan in a while.

The Need for Power of Attorney

September 9, 2021

Financially, a Power of Attorney is a tremendously useful instrument. An agent can pay bills, write checks, make investment decisions, buy or sell real estate or other hard assets, sign contracts, file taxes, and even arrange the distribution of retirement benefits.

Lady Bird Deed: An estate plan tool to consider

August 25, 2021

An enhanced life estate deed is a quite simple, yet utterly amazing, part of many successful estate planning strategies. Lady bird deeds are commonly used tools in Medicaid planning and probate-avoidance strategies because they allow the person retaining the enhanced life estate to retain complete power over the property.

Case study: Thinking about your legacy in your 60s

July 26, 2021

Most estates are untaxed by the federal government, and most ordinary families can make good-sized intergenerational gifts with no tax and zero to very little paperwork. Here are two examples.

CASE STUDY: Rescuing my retirement

June 21, 2021

Typical articles on how to catch up on retirement savings tell you to max out your 401(k) and IRAs. I have concerns about how realistic this is. People who are behind aren’t accustomed to saving that much, let alone the $2,750 a month per person it takes to top off those accounts.

DEBT: Before, near, and during retirement

June 4, 2021

Maintaining debt in retirement comes with heightened risks that financial planners ultimately cannot quantify. There are just too many unknowns. The first risk I mentioned earlier, and that is having more of your income taken up by someone else, leaving less to pay for your desired lifestyle. The other concern I have is that the habits or mindset that led to this predicament haven’t changed, and that you will slowly impoverish yourself as you deplete your resources.

CASE STUDY: Helping Lindsay and Esteban figure out their spending

June 4, 2021

By sitting down, maybe for the first time, and looking at their spending, Lindsay and Esteban have identified the most important number in their whole financial plan: their monthly spending. Whether or not they are on track for their goal, as part of the planning process they will receive recommendations that are relevant to their individual situation.

CASE STUDY: John, Becky, and the rising cost of living

June 4, 2021

We see it time and time again in our office: A financial plan seems like it would work, but inflation takes a big bite out of your spending power over time. We've developed a case study that presents this all-too-common challenge in an easy-to-understand example.

Retirement may cost more than you think

June 4, 2021

Our 40-something author runs the numbers on how much it may cost her to live when she's 100, if she spends like an average American. Are you ready for some eye-popping figures? Read on...

Get inspired toward financial independence

June 4, 2021

Enjoy your cold beer or your pink lemonade on the Fourth of July, but rather than dreading your return to work, decide you’ll increase your chances of financial independence by investing more in your future vacation.

Government pensions and Social Security

June 1, 2021

When you or your spouse receives a pension from an employer that did not participate in Social Security, your benefits could be reduced.

Qualified Charitable Distributions

April 30, 2021

A Q.C.D., sometimes called a charitable I.R.A. gift, is intended to accomplish two things. One, it gives you a chance to contribute up to $100,000 in a single year to a cause or charity. Two, you can count the entire amount of the Q.C.D. toward your R.M.D. for the year, and the Q.C.D. amount may not be included in your gross income.

Life Insurance with Extended-Care Riders

April 7, 2021

The cost of long term care policies is trending up, up, up--if you can even qualify. Enter the hybrid policy, which is life insurance with a long term care rider. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages here!

American Rescue Plan Makes FSAs a Little More Flexible

March 29, 2021

For those with a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA), there may be some good news on the horizon. The American Rescue Plan Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden, boosts the amount that companies can allow workers to deposit in their dependent-care FSAs for 2021. Employers can choose whether to make any modifications to their plans under these temporary rule changes but are under no obligation to do so.

The Many Forms of Fixed Income

March 16, 2021

This short article provides a brief overview of yield strategies that extend beyond buying government bonds.

Basics of having your affairs in order

February 9, 2021

Originally published in 2018, the message of this article is evergreen...Several areas of our lives need attention to prepare for the inevitable.

Family money conversations: Sharing is caring!

February 9, 2021

What financial lessons have you learned along life's journey that you wished you'd learned at a much younger age? Beth asks several friends to reflect.

Choosing healthier living

January 4, 2021

As with the financial behaviors we discuss with our clients and their families, moderation and reasonableness are keys to sustaining results over time. Following common sense—rather than ever-changing diet fads and even USDA recommendations--should get most folks closer to that healthier look they want.

What do I do with all of this money?

December 1, 2020

While a windfall scenario may seem unlikely to you, such things do happen, whether it's an inheritance, bonus, or surprise from another source. Many financial windfall situations end badly. Determine in advance that this won't happen to you.

Budgeting for Beginners

December 1, 2020

Whether you prefer to work it out with pencil and paper or by computer, the main rule is to create and stick to the budget.

Hard things don't get easier

October 29, 2020

What have you put off that you could tackle today, or this year? Whether that is a tough conversation or saving for retirement, doing it now will probably be easier on you than waiting!

Battered, but still standing

October 29, 2020

Has your life been tossed around this year? Forces outside our control can give our plans a beating, but let's make sure we stay on track.

October Is Financial Planning Month

October 15, 2020

Every stage in life--whether you're well into retirement, just starting out, or somewhere in between--involves financial decisions. Here are six areas to think about, from tax management to cash flow management and investing strategies.

Home Improvements Trending Higher

September 23, 2020

The increased need for building supplies has driven up the price—making items such as lumber harder to come by. Despite the scarcity of supplies, rock bottom interest rates and spending more time at home have made home improvement projects large and small attractive to homeowners.

How Much Money Will You Need for Retirement?

September 7, 2020

The average American thinks they need $1.9 million to comfortably retire, according to a survey, up $200,000 over last year's results, probably due to the coronavirus pandemic. But does that number even make any sense?

Investing happens one day at a time

September 2, 2020

The only way I can think of to start turning bad years into good years is via daily efforts. Just like reading to your kids makes a difference over time, little daily actions like brown bagging your lunch, outperforming your peers at work, or starting and sticking with a side hustle help clear the way for you to improve your situation.

Retirement plan options for small businesses

August 25, 2020

401(k)... SIMPLE IRA... SEP IRA... What's the best choice for your business?

Catching up on retirement savings in your 50s

August 18, 2020

For someone who’s in their 50s, one of the most important things to consider is whether you are saving enough for retirement. Most people are not, to be honest about it. I like to call this the CATCH UP DECADE. And the government even allows folks who are 50 and older to put more money into retirement accounts. Guess what they call this? Catch up contributions.

Don't forget to pursue financial freedom in your 40s!

August 18, 2020

The biggest tradeoffs—or choices--in this decade usually revolve around paying off debt vs. saving for retirement vs. helping kids. How on earth can you do it all at the same time? You need to try.

Am I behind on retirement savings (financial freedom)?

August 18, 2020

Whether you call it retirement or financial freedom, asking whether you’re behind in saving now can make a big difference when it’s time to answer the question, “Can I stop working?” when you’re older.

Before You Claim Social Security

July 23, 2020

Life expectancy, marital status, and employment plans are all factors at play in your decision of when to file for Social Security.

4 ways to escape when you can't go anywhere

July 9, 2020

You have the power to adapt to keep your spirits aloft and free during difficult times. Here are 4 approaches I've taken during COVID-19. What's working for you?

Organizing your information

July 9, 2020

As you prepare to retire, start migrating your life toward the home front by cleaning up your physical and digital space at work. And just as if not more important, organize your important information in one place if you haven’t done so already.

Setting up your retirement paycheck

June 29, 2020

Going from getting regular paychecks to living off a combination of monthly Social Security and pension deposits as well as investments can be a major adjustment.

College funding options

June 11, 2020

Your children or grandchildren may benefit greatly from the college planning you do for them today. There are a variety of options, depending on your situation.

Retirement roadblocks

June 4, 2020

Don't let lack of awareness or an ostrich approach with your head in the sand keep you from addressing all the factors as best you can for your retirement. Most people need to plan to live a long time, making inflation, portfolio composition, and health and insurance issues incredibly important to consider, alongside other factors like your retirement dreams and consistent savings.

Eldercare choices in the COVID-19 era

June 4, 2020

Medicare may not suffice if you need extended care. Generally speaking, it will pay for no more than 35 hours a week of home health care and only up to 100 days of nursing home care after a hospitalization. It may pay for up to six months of hospice care. If you or someone you love has dementia and needs to move into an assisted living facility, Medicare may not pay their room and board.

May is Disability Insurance Awareness Month

May 28, 2020

At the end of the day, it’s really about your risk tolerance. Current research shows that the average 20-year-old worker has more than a 25% chance of becoming disabled before they retire.

Bills, skills, & wills: Lessons from COVID-19

May 19, 2020

What changes have you resolved to make following the COVID-19 disruption? The coronavirus caught many unprepared for its draconian social and economic impacts. We can, however, learn from looking around us and take action moving forward to limit any personal upheaval caused by sudden loss of income, death, or incapacity. And we can work to build a greater sense of security by strengthening our skills and social networks.

Details on the Tax Deadline Extension

May 13, 2020

Other deadlines, such as the IRA contribution deadline, have also moved, but the final extension deadline stays the same.

Federal student loan relief during the COVID-19 pandemic

May 7, 2020

All federal student loans have been placed in administrative forbearance and automatic payments are paused from March 13 to September 30, 2020. During this same time period, interest rates are being set to 0%.

CARES Act Highlights

April 27, 2020

Here is a PDF detailing two critical features of the CARES Act, including provisions for COVID-related withdrawals from retirement accounts as well as the individual stimulus checks some taxpayers are receiving.

What phase of retirement planning are you in?

April 27, 2020

Already retired, retiring sooner, or retiring later....The process never really stops, as it must be constantly evaluated.

Roth IRA Conversion in the Era of COVID-19

April 16, 2020

In the face of the market downturn after the COVID-19 outbreak, you may be in a unique financial situation.

When told to stay at home, basic home ec skills come in handy

April 16, 2020

Have you been able to dust off or acquire a skill during this time of “social distancing?” All of a sudden house cleaning, home education/teaching, menu planning, and laundry--tasks many of us have outsourced--are more wisely done at home, at least for the very short term.

Key Provisions of the CARES Act

April 3, 2020

The $2 trillion “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security” (“CARES”) Act was signed into law this last week. The CARES Act is designed to help those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, while also providing key provisions that may benefit retirees. Here are the most important provisions.

How much will I get from Social Security?

March 31, 2020

With Social Security providing a significant foundation of most retirees' monthly incomes, it's important to know what you can expect your benefits to look like.

For future consideration...

March 26, 2020

We financial planners face this time perspective challenge with clients every day. Talking about future long-term care needs and just straight up aging cause many to simply freeze up.

Retirement savings rules change

March 26, 2020

The SECURE Act makes modest changes designed to help workers save more for longer and, if they’re retired, hold on to those funds a few more years before having to pay taxes on them.

When a Windfall Comes Your Way

February 28, 2020

When a big lump sum enhances your financial standing, you need to think about the immediate future, the near future, and the decades ahead. Many people celebrate their good fortune when they receive sudden wealth and live in the moment, only to wonder years later where that moment went.

Ways to Fund Special Needs Trusts

February 6, 2020

Care must be taken not only in the setup of a special needs trust, but in the management of it as well. This should be a team effort. The family members involved should seek out legal and financial professionals who are well versed in this field, and the resulting trust should be a product of close collaboration.

The SECURE Act

February 6, 2020

The RMD rules have changed, and there's no longer a maximum age for traditional IRA contributions.

Tremendous Gains Since 2009

January 23, 2020

The lesson this long bull market has taught is simply that the bad times in the stock market may be worth enduring. Good times may replace those bad times more swiftly than anyone can anticipate.

Retirement planning mistakes

January 9, 2020

These miscalculations can create serious challenges in retirement.

Letter to my young savers

December 17, 2019

Good stewardship of our resources, including time and relationships as well as money, is important to achieving any sense of security and control in life.

The best advice is quite simple

December 17, 2019

Two suggestions: One "to-do" and one "don't do."

Can You Put Your IRA into a Trust?

December 5, 2019

You can control what happens to your IRA assets after your death. While you cannot put an IRA into a trust, using beneficiary designations may be an effective estate planning tool.

Insurance Needs for Empty Nesters and Retirees

November 12, 2019

Do you need health, home, life, disability, and extended care coverage? Some insurance needs change at this phase of life and should be reevaluated.

Spotting credit trouble

November 5, 2019

While knowing your credit score may be important, it may be more vital to review your credit report to correct any errors that may be hurting your score and take the necessary steps to improve your credit profile.

Raising healthy children

October 29, 2019

The attitudes and habits formed in childhood can determine your child’s health in their adult years. Here are some ideas for parents who are looking to raise healthy children who grow up to be healthy adults.

Inventorying your possessions

September 23, 2019

Get started by asking your insurance agent if they have an inventory checklist, which may help you remember to include items that you might otherwise overlook.

Insurance needs when married with children

September 5, 2019

Having a family requires all types of considerations. Insurance is one of them, including: life, health, disability, home, auto, and extended care.

Understanding long-term care

August 20, 2019

When it comes to addressing your long-term care needs, many look to select a strategy that may help them protect assets, preserve dignity, and maintain independence. If those concepts are important to you, consider your approach for long-term care.

A Bucket Plan to Go with Your Bucket List

August 8, 2019

We commonly recommend a bucket strategy for clients. Learn more here!

Estate planning mistakes

August 8, 2019

In my practice, I routinely see individuals and families fail to put basic safeguards into place that would help them in the event of sudden illness, death, or incapacity.

The FIRE movement

July 3, 2019

Do you have dreams or life goals that you want to realize within 10 or 20 years, including retiring from your business or employer? Now is the best time to financially strategize for those ambitions. Whether you retire before or after age 50, an early start on your strategy might be instrumental in the pursuit of your objectives.

The gift tax

June 11, 2019

Not all gifts are taxable. Work with a tax professional to learn about annual exclusions, lifetime exemptions, and exceptions for tuition and payment of medical bills.

Retirement and Adult Children

June 11, 2019

While every household has their reasons to help their adult children, it’s important to keep your retirement strategy on track. It’s not only a matter of replacing the money that you are taking out of retirement accounts or investments, but you’re also losing time. The growth that may occur with investments or compound interest is a phenomenon that happens over decades. In that situation, you can replace the money you took out, but you can’t replace its potential.

The BIG question: Will I run out of money?

April 30, 2019

What’s the best strategy to avoid running out of money in retirement? Know how much you can spend each year, and if you potentially have several decades to live, keep a good part of your nest egg invested aiming to benefit your future self.

Teaching Your Heirs to Value Your Wealth

April 25, 2019

By involving your kids in the discussion of where the family wealth will go when you are gone, you encourage their intellectual and emotional investment in its future. Pair values, defined goals, and clear purpose with financial literacy and input from a financial or legal professional, and you will take a confident step toward making family wealth last longer.

10 years, tremendous growth

April 16, 2019

While the last 10-plus years have seen some big ups and downs for the benchmark S&P 500, the index has never closed more than 20% below a recent peak in that span, meaning the current bull market is more than 10 years old.

Wise Decisions with Retirement in Mind

April 9, 2019

Retire healthy. Retire financially literate. Retire with purpose.

Saving Your Elderly Parents from Financial Fraud

April 2, 2019

The Senate Special Committee on Aging says that American elders lose $2.9 billion in fraud per year. That’s spread among 78 million Americans over the age of 65. One in five of that population has some sort of cognitive issue, a number that rises to more than half when narrowed to people 85 and older.

A Look at HSAs

January 29, 2019

An HSA can potentially offer a pool of tax-exempt dollars for health care, a path to tax savings, and even a possible source of retirement income after age 65.

Your Emergency Fund: How Much is Enough?

January 29, 2019

The only thing you can know about unexpected expenses is that they’re coming – for everyone. But having an emergency fund may help alleviate the stress and worry associated with a financial crisis. If your emergency savings are not where they should be, consider taking steps today to create a cushion for the future.

The anatomy of an index

January 24, 2019

The S&P 500, as we know it today, was introduced in March 1957. It tracks the market value of about 500 large firms that are listed on the Nasdaq Composite and the New York Stock Exchange. The S&P is structured to include companies from across the sectors of the business community, in an effort to represent the breadth of the U.S. economy.

Why do you need a will?

January 24, 2019

The law does not require a will to be drawn up by a professional, so you could create your own will, with or without using a template. If you make a mistake, however, you will not be around to correct it. When you draft a will, consider enlisting the help of a legal, tax, or financial professional who could offer you additional insight, especially if you have a large estate or a complex family situation. Remember, a will puts power in your hands.

ABLE Accounts for loved ones with disabilities

January 22, 2019

ABLE accounts give families with children who have special needs a new way to save and invest for future needs and expenses.

Traditional vs. Roth IRAs

January 22, 2019

A breakdown of the advantages of the two basic types of IRAs, the Traditional and the Roth.

Lower Valuations Offer Long Term Opportunity: LPL Weekly Market Commentary

January 14, 2019

Let's look beyond the headlines.

A Retirement Fact Sheet

January 14, 2019

The realities of retirement may surprise you. While some numbers are favorable, such as a higher standard deduction for those 65 and older, other statistics are concerning, especially as they relate to senior women.

Putting a Price Tag on Your Health

January 7, 2019

By focusing on your health, eliminating harmful habits, and employing preventative care, you may be able to improve your self-confidence and quality of life. You may also be able to reduce expenses, enjoy more of your money, and boost your overall financial health.

LPL Weekly Market Commentary

January 3, 2019

A historical perspective on bear markets.

This Christmas season, plan to be generous

January 3, 2019

This Christmas season, absolutely go ahead and participate in the Angel Trees, the food drives, the Senior Santas. It’s part of the fun. But consider if you can commit to a regularly scheduled donation throughout 2019. You might be surprised by how much good you can do.

This Christmas season, plan to be generous

January 3, 2019

This Christmas season, absolutely go ahead and participate in the Angel Trees, the food drives, the Senior Santas. It’s part of the fun. But consider if you can commit to a regularly scheduled donation throughout 2019. You might be surprised by how much good you can do.

Tax Considerations for Retirees

January 3, 2019

Tax breaks, excludable gains, possible credits, and larger standard deductions for seniors.

Searching for Health Coverage in the Years Before Medicare

November 29, 2018

A single retiree may pay as much as $500-1,000 per month for private health insurance. For a couple, the monthly premiums can surpass $2,000. These are ballpark figures; fortunately, seniors without pre-existing health conditions can locate some less expensive plans offering short-term coverage, albeit with high deductibles. If you find yourself in this situation, what are your options?

Fall 2018 Newsletter

November 29, 2018

IRS increases retirement contribution limits

November 9, 2018

Here we summarize the changes to the savings maximums on the most common retirement account types.

Debunking a few popular retirement myths

November 7, 2018

There is no “generic” retirement experience, and therefore, there is no one-size-fits-all retirement plan. Each individual, couple, or family should have a strategy tailored to their particular money situation and life and financial objectives.

Ways the middle class can make a difference for charity

October 9, 2018

Your charitable gifting can have real impact even if you don’t have a fortune.

When a windfall comes your way

October 9, 2018

Think about what financial independence (or greater financial freedom) means to you. How do you want to spend your time? Should you continue in your present career? Should you stick with your business, or sell or transfer ownership? What kinds of near-term possibilities could this open for you? What are the concrete financial steps that could help you defer or reduce taxes in the next few years? How can risk be sensibly managed as some or all the assets are invested?

Getting Your Personal Finances in Shape for 2019

October 9, 2018

Whether you want to accomplish in 2019 what you did not quite do in 2018, or further the positive financial trends underway in your life, now is the time to look forward and plan.

The Sequence of Returns

August 1, 2018

As you approach and enter retirement, the "sequence of returns"--or the market's actual year to year performance--matters a lot more than it did early in your earnings years.

The Snowball Effect

August 1, 2018

If you save consistently for long enough, your retirement account's earnings may start to exceed your contributions.

Leaving a Legacy to Your Grandkids

August 1, 2018

A family legacy can have multiple aspects. It can include much more than heirlooms and appreciated assets. It may also include guidance, even instructions, about what to do with the gifts that are given. It should reflect the values of the giver. What are your legacy assets?

Why Do People Put Off Saving for Retirement?

July 11, 2018

What is the point of starting today, some young adults wonder? The point can be expressed in two words: compound interest.

Match point: Your employer contribution isn't the only number to know

June 19, 2018

Employer contributions of any size to retirement plans are commendable, to be sure, but employees should be aware that there may be little connection between the match percentage and how much they need to set aside for retirement.

Who Is Your Trusted Contact?

June 19, 2018

If you are being exploited financially, or seem at risk of such exploitation, that person will be alerted and called to action. An old saying states that money never builds character, it only reveals it. The character and morality of your trusted contact should not waver upon assuming this responsibility. If given sensitive information about your brokerage accounts, that person should not sense an opportunity.

Why Medicare Should Be Part of Your Retirement Planning

June 19, 2018

Medicare takes a little time to understand. As you approach age 65, familiarize yourself with its coverage options and their costs and limitations. Certain features of Medicare can affect health care costs and coverage. Some retirees may do okay with original Medicare (Parts A and B), others might find it lacking and decide to supplement original Medicare with Part C, Part D, or Medigap coverage.

Financial planning with inflation in mind

June 19, 2018

Put $1,000 under a mattress and in 20 years, you're likely to have less real money than what you started with.

Wealth management with memory disorders

June 1, 2018

What are the warning signs that an elder may be losing the ability to handle finances? What can adult children and grandchildren do now to make future decisions less stressful?

Style, substance, & savings: 3 ways a work uniform can improve your life

May 23, 2018

The added benefit of projecting substance through an appropriate work uniform is that it can add actual value to your work product by giving you more time to think about important matters.

Beware of Lifestyle Creep

May 23, 2018

The newly affluent are especially susceptible to lifestyle creep. Live well, but not extravagantly. After years of law school or time toiling at start-ups, getting hired by the right firm and making that career leap can be exhilarating – but it should not be a gateway to runaway debt.

Set Goals as You Save & Invest

May 14, 2018

Hope is not a strategy. When you save and invest with goals in mind, you make a commitment. From that commitment, a plan or strategy emerges. In contrast, others will save a little here, invest a little there, and hope for the best.

6 steps to debt freedom

April 10, 2018

Having too much debt can be stressful. It can ruin relationships. Get a plan to get rid of it.

Annuities for retirement income

April 6, 2018

No investment is risk free, but an annuity may offer an intriguing investment choice for the risk averse. If you are seeking an income-producing investment that attempts to either limit or minimize risk, annuities may be worth considering.

Why You Want a Retirement Plan in Writing

March 15, 2018

Have you ever heard the simple suggestion to "get it in writing"? Well, there's a reason this is a good idea. It can help all parties to an agreement stay honest. It can even help you stay honest with yourself about your plans, goals, hopes, and dreams!

Retirement triage: Are you a critical patient?

March 7, 2018

Rules of thumb for determining whether your retirement savings are in a state of emergency, and what to do about it.

Why You Should Have an Online Social Security Account

March 1, 2018

In logging on regularly, you may do your part to help the SSA detect and ward off criminals who could use your identity to collect or file for benefits.

You are not alone: 4 common financial planning outcomes

March 1, 2018

More often than not, an individual or couple who goes through a financial planning process will discover that they need to make a change. Here are some typical adjustments we recommend.

The importance of the Uniform Prudent Investor Act

February 20, 2018

Prudent trust management is a legal duty in almost all U.S. states. Irresponsible trust management may lead to legal trouble for a trustee.

Retirement considerations that have nothing to do with money

January 30, 2018

How you get around, take care of your home, and manage your time and relationships are key non-financial considerations to ponder BEFORE turning in your notice!

Do you need an umbrella?

January 19, 2018

Life is unpredictable, and legal judgments can reach long into your future (including grabbing future wages).

Ways to fund special needs trusts

January 12, 2018

Care must be taken not only in the setup of a special needs trust, but in the management of it as well. This should be a team effort. The family members involved should seek out legal and financial professionals well versed in this field, and the resulting trust should be a product of close collaboration.

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DEBT: Before, near, and during retirement

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Life Insurance with Extended-Care Riders

American Rescue Plan Makes FSAs a Little More Flexible

The Many Forms of Fixed Income

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Family money conversations: Sharing is caring!

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Investing happens one day at a time

Retirement plan options for small businesses

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