Blog
Changes in tax laws, establishing planning and insurance regulations and the general fluctuations in the marketplace can affect your investment strategies. Our periodic blog posts can keep you current on everything you need to know to pursue your financial objectives.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities: What They Cost, How They Work, and When to Start Preparing
Why Is This Conversation So Important Right Now? The U.S. is in the middle of a sustained demographic shift. More than 61 million adults are aged 65 and older as of 2025, and that number is projected to reach approximately 82 million...
Read MoreWhen Should I Start Taking Social Security: 5 Factors to Consider
Social Security decisions are often framed as a single question: “When should I start drawing benefits?” That question matters, but it can also be limiting. The better question is: how does Social Security fit into my overall...
Read MoreTeaching Teens and Young Adults Financial Literacy Through Real-Life Decision Making
If you are a parent of a teen or young adult, how do you teach them to make confident money decisions before the stakes are high? Teaching teens and young adults about money is less about formal instruction and more about repeated...
Read MoreHelping Adult Children Buy a Home: How to Gift a Down Payment The Smart Way
Key TakeawaysHere are some questions this blog aims to answer:How can parents or grandparents help with a down payment for adult children?What are ways to gift a down payment, and how do the annual gift tax exclusion and lifetime...
Read MoreThree Numbers Every Woman Should Know
Key TakeawaysHow much wealth are women on track to control in the next decade, and why does that matter?What does the life expectancy gap between women and men mean for how long money needs to last?How common is it for women to be...
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Tax Prep vs. Tax Strategy: The Difference Matters More Than You Think
Key TakeawaysTreat tax strategy as a continuous process, not a once-a-year filing exercise.Coordinate with financial and tax professionals throughout the year to identify opportunities for efficiency.Review contribution limits,...
Read MoreUnderstanding the Emotions Behind Financial Decisions
Key TakeawaysEmotions and biases might influence financial choices more often than most people realize.Behavioral patterns, such as loss aversion, familiarity bias, and herd mentality, can impact long-term results.Recognizing emotional...
Read MoreAI and the New Face of Fraud: How to Protect Your Identity and Finances in 2026
Artificial intelligence (AI) may be the most revolutionary technology of our time, with industries scrambling to embrace its possibilities. AI’s early influence seems similar to the positive disruptions brought about by past...
Read More2025 in Review and What You Should Know
As we begin a new year and consider the opportunities ahead, reflecting on the past year helps put today’s financial landscape into perspective and informs the strategies that can move us closer to our goals. 2025 was a year marked by...
Read MoreGoal Setting That Sticks: Simple Ways to Turn January Motivation into Lasting Wins
12/17 Key Takeaways and Suggestions for Successful Goal Setting Use SMART Goals for Clarity and FocusSet goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This proven method helps break big ambitions into...
Read MoreYear-End Giving Strategies: Tax-Smart and Impactful
Key Takeaways A third of annual donations: About one-third of all charitable contributions are made in December. Donating before December 31 may offer tax advantages. New rules starting in 2026 (via the OBBB Act) may affect deductions...
Read MoreThe True Costs of Caring for Aging Parents
Key Takeaways Caring for aging parents is a growing reality for many Americans. The number of family caregivers in the U.S. has jumped to 63 million, a 45 percent increase over the past decade, making 1 in every 4 Americans a...
Read MoreMoney Talks: How to Use Holiday Gatherings to Start Family Financial Conversations
Key Takeaways Year-end holidays may be a good time to initiate a discussion about financial matters that may impact your family. If you have adult children, you may want to discuss your financial situation, estate strategy, and legal...
Read MoreShould You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?
Receiving a bonus, inheritance, or an increase in income often prompts a key financial question: Should I use this money to pay off my mortgage, or invest it? At first glance, the answer might seem simple. But in reality, it requires...
Read MoreA 2025 Guide to Protecting Seniors from Fraud
If you’ve found yourself stepping into a more active role in your parents’ financial lives, you’re not alone. Some of us are helping aging parents navigate everything from healthcare decisions to bill payments—and increasingly, we’re...
Read MoreSmart Moves to Consider Before Year-End
The final months of the year can sneak up quickly, and with them come deadlines, decisions, and distractions. Before the holiday season takes over your calendar, fall can be a valuable window to revisit your financial strategy and...
Read MoreBreaking Down the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: What You Need to Know
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) included lower federal income tax brackets, bigger standard deductions, and higher gift and estate tax exemptions, among other provisions. The law stipulated that some of those tax breaks would...
Read MoreWhy More Families Are Choosing to Gift Wealth Earlier—and How to Do It
Estate management isn’t just about what happens after you’re gone— it’s also about what you can do now to help manage future estate taxes, transfer wealth strategically, and attempt to create a meaningful impact during your lifetime....
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know About the 2025 Changes to Inherited IRA Rules
The rules regarding inherited IRAs have changed in the last five years, and failing to comply with the new requirements may result in IRS penalties. These changes affect people inheriting IRAs and those looking to leave retirement...
Read MoreBeyond Salary: Understanding Your Total Compensation
Compensation is more than just a number on a paycheck. Whether you're exploring new opportunities, preparing for a promotion, or evaluating your current benefits, it’s important to understand the full value of your total...
Read MoreHow Much Do You Really Know About Stock Market Indexes?
While you may follow the various stock indexes on the nightly business news, how much do you know about their histories, how they work, and why they're important? We pulled together some information and interesting facts about some of...
Read MoreHow Do You Turn Retirement Savings into a Reliable Income Strategy?
You’ve likely spent years building your retirement nest egg—saving diligently, investing wisely, and contributing to retirement accounts along the way. But transitioning from earning a paycheck to relying on your savings can feel...
Read More“The Four Most Dangerous Words In Investing Are: ‘This Time It’s Different.’” – Sir John Templeton
Despite those who say the conventional wisdom that has guided investor actions over the years is no longer valid in 2025, remember the famous quote from legendary investor Sir John Templeton: "The four most dangerous words in investing...
Read MoreWhat’s the Job Market Look Like for 2025 Graduates?
It’s graduation season—a time of celebration and new beginnings. For families with college seniors, this time can bring both excitement and uncertainty. While some graduates have jobs lined up, many others still are navigating job...
Read MoreIs It Smarter to Buy or Rent a Second Home?
As summer approaches, your thoughts may drift toward escaping your daily routine. Whether your idea of a perfect vacation is sitting on a pristine beach, fishing in a mountain lake, or playing the back nine between pickleball matches,...
Read MoreFrom College Acceptances to Affordability: Considerations for Families in the Final Stretch
April is a pivotal time in the college admissions process. After years of preparation, saving, and investing—not to mention the countless hours spent on exam prep, campus visits, and perfecting applications and essays—the finish line...
Read MoreSpring Into Financial Wellness: Actionable Steps for Financial Literacy Month
April isn’t just about filing taxes—it’s also Financial Literacy Month, a perfect opportunity to reflect on your financial habits, expand your knowledge, and take meaningful steps toward improving your financial well-being. Whether...
Read More10 Things You Can Do Now to Help Simplify Your Estate for Your Heirs
One of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones is a thoughtful estate strategy that outlines your wishes after you are gone. Discussing estate details with your team of professionals is another way to help manage your legacy...
Read MoreThe Evolving Role of Women in Family Finances
March is Women’s History Month, and according to a recent survey, 49% of women consider themselves to be the chief financial officer of their households, up from 41% in 2021.1 Those numbers are even more impressive when you consider...
Read MoreDon’t Leave Money Behind: Finding Your Missing 401(k)s
You've worked hard throughout your life to build assets to support your retirement. As financial professionals, one of the most critical functions we provide is helping clients determine their retirement income needs and structuring a...
Read MoreTax Season Brings a New Wave of Identity Theft Risks
Tax season brings a new wave of identity theft risks, with criminals ready to exploit your personal data to file fraudulent tax returns in your name. Imagine the shock of discovering that a criminal beat you to filing your...
Read More10 Facts You May Not Know About Social Security
Social Security is often misunderstood or underestimated in retirement strategy. However, as financial professionals, we've seen how it can play a crucial role in our clients' overall financial strategy, regardless of their income...
Read MoreInnovative New Year's Resolutions: Financial and Personal Growth Strategies for 2025
Looks like New Year's resolutions are still going strong in 2024! A recent Pew survey found that about a third of Americans kicked off the year with at least one resolution, and many people actually went for multiple goals. It's...
Read MoreKey Financial Insights from 2024 and Looking Ahead to 2025
As we approach the end of 2024, it's an opportune time to reflect on the year's financial developments and consider what 2025 may bring. We believe in understanding both the past and potential future of our economic landscape, which...
Read MoreNavigating Healthcare Costs in Retirement: Life After Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance
As you approach retirement, a critical aspect of your retirement strategy can catch even the most financially savvy individuals off guard: healthcare costs. For decades, you may have enjoyed employer-sponsored health insurance. As...
Read MoreA Different Kind of Year-End Review: 10 Steps to Reflect and Recharge
Financial professionals typically have a year-round focus on monetary goals and wealth management strategies. However, we also believe that true financial well-being is intrinsically linked to your overall life satisfaction and...
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The Impact of Elections on the Markets and Tax Policy
With Labor Day behind us, we're in the final stretch of the 2024 presidential election race. As we follow the news and parse the most recent polls, some may ask, "How might what happens on November 5 impact my finances?” As financial...
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Tax Planning for Retirement: Maximizing Your Savings
Planning for retirement is an exciting step, but understanding how taxes can impact your savings is crucial. By taking a tax-efficient approach to retirement planning, you can keep more of your hard-earned money working for you. At...
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Life Insurance and Retirement: A Dual Strategy
Incorporating life insurance into retirement planning offers financial security, tax-advantaged growth, and income supplementation. Review your strategy to ensure a resilient, comprehensive plan for your future.
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The Impact of Inflation on Retirement Savings: What You Need to Know Now
Learn how inflation erodes retirement savings and get tips to protect your financial future. Discover strategies like diversifying your portfolio, delaying Social Security, and budgeting for inflation from Martin Haugh Financial.
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Healthcare Costs in Retirement: Planning Ahead
The Reality of Healthcare Costs in Retirement As we age, healthcare becomes an increasingly significant concern, both in terms of necessity and expense. According to recent studies, a couple retiring today can expect to spend an...
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Estate Planning: Securing Your Legacy
Estate planning is often overlooked or postponed by many, but it is a crucial component of financial security and legacy preservation. By taking the time to arrange your estate, you ensure that your assets are managed and distributed...
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Investing in Your Future: 529 Plans
As financial advisors, one of the most frequent concerns we hear from clients is about funding their children’s education. It’s no secret that the cost of college education continues to rise, making it imperative to have a robust...
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Millennials & Gen X - The Future of Retirement Savings
Millennials and Gen X: These two generations hold the keys to the future of financial stability, and understanding their saving habits is crucial for charting a path toward a secure retirement. Millennials, born roughly between 1981...
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The Retirement Savings Gap: A Wake-Up Call
Today, we’re tackling a topic that’s crucial for everyone, yet often overlooked – the retirement savings gap. The retirement savings gap refers to the difference between what people have saved and what they actually...
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Charitable Giving Strategies: A Season of Thanks and Thoughtful Giving
November, a month synonymous with warmth, gratitude, and the spirit of Thanksgiving, offers a unique moment for reflection. As we gather around tables, replete with abundant feasts and surrounded by loved ones, many of us find our...
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Year-End Tax Planning: Smart Moves to Make Before the Ball Drops
It's that magical time of the year when twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the sweet aroma of pumpkin spice fill the air. While this season is packed with joy and celebrations, it also signals the winding down of the year,...
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Maximizing Benefits and Savings: Your Guide to Annual Enrollment Time
As your trusted financial advisors, we understand that navigating the world of health insurance and deferred compensation plans can be a bit overwhelming. That's why we're here to break it all down for you, step by step, so you can...
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Secure Your Future: September is Life Insurance Awareness Month!
September is a special month for those of us in the world of finance, as it's Life Insurance Awareness Month. If you're wondering why we dedicate an entire month to life insurance, you're in the right place. As your trusted financial...
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Two Types of Investors
Two Types of Investors Within the realm of investing, two distinct archetypes emerge: the Short-Term investors and their counterparts, the Long-Term investors. With the sun's first rays, short-term investors spring into action,...
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SECURE 2.0 Act: Important Changes to Retirement Account Distributions in 2023
Key takeaways:Starting in 2024, RMDs will no longer be required from Roth accounts in employer retirement plans.The age to start taking RMDs increases to age 73 in 2023 and to 75 in 2033.The penalty for failing to take an RMD will...
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Taxes - What Lessons Do They Teach Us?
How much was your tax refund last year? Most people remember when they get a tax refund because it makes them happy. How much did you pay in taxes last year? Roughly 95% of taxpayers have no idea how...
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What's My Number? (What's it Take to Retire?)
The majority of Americans have no idea how much they need to save for retirement. Most of us just guess an arbitrary round number, such as $1 million. And while having a random savings goal is obviously better than none at all, finding...
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Keeping Your Balance in a Changing Market
The U.S. stock market had its worst start since 1939 this year – and some experts feared that was just the beginning. With inflation at its highest in over 40 years and volatile trading days, the correction many investors warned...
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How Inflation Will Affect Your Wallet & What You Can Do About It
Everywhere you turn right now, the economic outlook seems grim - inflation, interest rates, government spending, the deficit, a looming recession. How do we make sense of the chaos unfolding before our eyes?
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