Lately, almost every conversation I have with clients, friends and family members seems to arrive at the same place: "What do you think about this AI stock?" or "Should I try to get in on the SpaceX IPO?" It's easy to understand why. We're in the middle of one of the most exciting market stretches in years. Artificial intelligence and semiconductor stocks have driven the major indexes to record...
For many families, education savings and retirement savings are closely connected. Parents may wonder what happens if a child does not use all the money in a 529 plan. Young professionals with student loans may feel they need to prioritize debt repayment before they can start saving for retirement. SECURE 2.0 created two planning opportunities that address these common concerns: limited...
If you've ever stared at your employer retirement plan (i.e., 401k, 403b, 457, etc.) enrollment form and wondered, “Is 6% enough? Should I do 10%? What about Roth?” — you're not alone. This is one of the most common questions I get from clients and prospects, and the answer is more personal than the generic “save 15%” advice you'll read elsewhere. Let's break it down with current data, a clear...
Today is National Be a Millionaire Day! Don’t believe me? It’s on the calendar: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/celebrations/national-be-a-millionaire-day-may-20 If you aren’t a millionaire yet, let’s play a game of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? If you’re already a millionaire, feel free to play along too. It’s one question, and you get three lifelines. Ready? Ok, let’s play! Celebrating...
If you've recently inherited a traditional IRA from a parent, the rules of the game have changed — and for working professionals in their peak earning years, the tax stakes are higher than most people realize. The IRS finalized its long-awaited inherited IRA regulations in 2024, and as of 2025, annual required minimum distributions (RMDs) are back on the table for most non-spouse beneficiaries....
After three consecutive years of double-digit gains, U.S. equity markets stumbled in the first quarter of 2026, pressured by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, a sharp rise in energy prices, a reassessment of mega-cap technology valuations, and fading confidence in near-term Federal Reserve easing. The S&P 500 Index1 declined 4.6% during the quarter, as the outbreak of the...
World Password Day (May 7, 2026) is a useful reminder that while technology evolves, one thing hasn’t changed: access to your accounts is still one of the most valuable targets for cybercriminals. What has changed is how attackers operate. Today’s threats are more sophisticated and scalable than ever. AI-driven phishing emails can closely mimic trusted contacts. Credential stuffing...
A Financial Planner’s Guide (2026) Are nursing home expenses tax deductible? What about in-home care or assisted living? Here’s everything you need to know about claiming elder care costs on your tax return — from someone who’s been through it personally. When a loved one’s health deteriorates suddenly, it can be overwhelming. On top of the emotional weight — watching someone who was once...
Let’s play a game. How do you play? Think about what financial goals you want to instill in your child. Schedule a free consultation with one of our Certified Financial Planners™ professionals to help codify those goals into a comprehensive financial plan. Put that plan into action and marvel as the 8th wonder of the world (compound interest) works its magic. The sooner you play, the sooner your...
How SECURE 2.0 tax credits, falling plan costs, and contribution limits up to $72,000 make this the best year to start a Solo 401(k). If you’re a freelancer, consultant, independent contractor, or sole proprietor who has been relying on a traditional IRA — or worse, no retirement plan at all — 2026 may be the most important year to reconsider your strategy. The Solo 401(k) has quietly become one...
Tax season is the one time each year when every financial decision you've made comes into focus. Your CPA is exceptional at filing your return accurately — but their job isn’t always to proactively map your financial future. That’s where a financial planner comes in. This February, go into that tax appointment armed with the right questions. 1. Ask About IRA Contributions You have until...
In recent weeks, the stock market has experienced increased volatility and pullbacks, particularly in the software and technology sectors, as investors digest information regarding how recent updates from Anthropic may impact the broader software landscape and whether AI spending by the Magnificent Seven will be fruitful. I thought this would be a good time to review key behavioral principles...
Building on the robust performance through Q3, U.S. equity markets delivered modest gains in Q4 2025 amid sector rotation and a cooling in mega-cap technology momentum. The S&P 500 Index1 advanced by 2.3% during the quarter, bringing its full-year 2025 return to 16.4%. While enthusiasm for the mega-cap AI trade cooled in Q4, the Nasdaq Composite Index2 nonetheless ended the quarter up 2.6%...
Since 2000, medical care prices have jumped 121.3%, while overall consumer prices rose just 86.1%, according to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker. In plain English, healthcare costs have been rising far faster than general inflation for more than two decades. And if recent months are any indication—with premiums and out-of-pocket costs continuing to climb—there's little reason to expect...
Talking with clients over the last few months, I've noticed a recurring theme: concerns about higher medical premiums and expenses! The United States has one of the highest per capita costs for health care expenses, and yet we don't seem to be getting the best and most reliable care from our healthcare institutions. As Congress faces another potential shutdown and a decision to be made regarding...
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