When it comes to financial planning, insurance often sparks debate. Is it a tool for building wealth or simply a safeguard? The truth is clear: insurance is not designed to build wealth—it’s meant to protect it. Understanding this distinction is critical for making informed decisions about coverage. Why Insurance Matters Insurance acts as a financial… Continue reading Protecting Wealth, Not Building It
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If Only Santa Knew About QCDs
Imagining the size of Santa Claus’ retirement account balance! Depending on where you come from, he has been working since the fourth century, when folks knew him as Nicholas, a bishop in town in what is now modern-day Turkey. While he only really works one night per year (the elves build the toys while he… Continue reading If Only Santa Knew About QCDs
Smart Ways to Save for Your Child’s or Grandchild’s Future
We all want the best for our kids and grandkids, and that includes setting them up for financial success. The good news? There are some smart, practical ways to start saving for their future—whether it’s for college, a first home, or retirement (yes, it’s never too early!). Here are three powerful options: 1. Roth IRAs… Continue reading Smart Ways to Save for Your Child’s or Grandchild’s Future
All ACA Bronze Plans Are Now HSA-Eligible
New for 2026: All ACA Bronze Plans Are Now HSA-Eligible Beginning in 2026, every Bronze plan sold through the Health Insurance Marketplace will automatically qualify as HSA-eligible. This is a major change from previous years, when only certain high-deductible Bronze plans met the requirements for Health Savings Account contributions. In the past, HSA-eligible options were… Continue reading All ACA Bronze Plans Are Now HSA-Eligible
Why a 50-Year Mortgage Is (Almost Certainly) a Terrible Idea
The current administration recently floated the idea of creating and issuing 50-year mortgages to help new home buyers afford housing. At first glance, stretching a mortgage from 30 years to 50 years sounds harmless—almost clever. “Cut the payment, increase affordability, help more people buy homes.” But when you bring math into the conversation, the picture… Continue reading Why a 50-Year Mortgage Is (Almost Certainly) a Terrible Idea
Shop for Medicare – You don’t like going to the dentist either, but you do!
Going to the dentist may be your least favorite experience, but you do it anyway, because it is important. If you don’t, small problems may become big problems and a world of hurt and cost may be in your future. For the same reason, Americans on Medicare should shop their plans each year. Yet seven… Continue reading Shop for Medicare – You don’t like going to the dentist either, but you do!
2026 IRS Savings Limits Announced: Now is a good time to consider boosting savings!
We’re almost in 2026, and it’s a good time to think about saving more money towards retirement. And with the IRS adjusting contribution limits, you can save more even if you were already maxing out your retirement plan. Here are the details: Contribution Type 2025 Limits 2026 Limits 401(k), 403(b), 457(b) plan contributions $23,500 $24,500… Continue reading 2026 IRS Savings Limits Announced: Now is a good time to consider boosting savings!
What’s Fueling Gasoline Prices?
As of late October 2025, the U.S. national average for regular gasoline hovers around a seven-year average of roughly $3.06. Seemingly high, current prices actually fall between the extremes of recent decades: they are well above the low of around $1.84 per gallon seen in April 2020 during the COVID-19-driven demand collapse, yet significantly below… Continue reading What’s Fueling Gasoline Prices?
The Hidden Retirement Risk: Why Sequence of Return Risk Matters Most Right Now
While markets have generally trended upward over time, the order in which those returns occur can have a massive impact on your retirement success. And as you get closer to retirement, the window to recover from market downturns gets much smaller. What Exactly Is Sequence of Return Risk? Sequence of Return Risk is the danger… Continue reading The Hidden Retirement Risk: Why Sequence of Return Risk Matters Most Right Now
Are You Ready for the Holidays?
You may be enjoying the pumpkin décor and cozy sweaters in your part of the country, but it won’t be long before the season of family gatherings and giving takes place. For many individuals this time of year can be a strain on their finances, mainly due to the lack of preparation. Before you begin… Continue reading Are You Ready for the Holidays?
