The holiday season is upon us, and while it’s a time for celebration and family, it’s also crucial to remember an important task: submitting your FAFSA for the 2025-26 academic year. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open ahead of schedule, and here’s why you should prioritize filing it early, even… Continue reading Don’t Let the Holidays Delay Your FAFSA: Why Filing Early Matters
Article Categories: Articles
Have You Created Your Year End Statement?
As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to take stock of your family’s financial health. Creating a year-end financial statement is a great way to understand where your money went this year, set goals for the coming year, and vision cast where you want to be in the years ahead. Here’s… Continue reading Have You Created Your Year End Statement?
Understanding your 401(k): Do You Have Two Accounts?
Understanding Your 401(k): Do You Have Two Accounts? A lot of people think they need separate 401(k) accounts for Roth and pretax contributions. But here’s the truth: your 401(k) is a single account that can handle both. Here’s how it works. Your 401(k) gives you the option to decide how your contributions are taxed. If… Continue reading Understanding your 401(k): Do You Have Two Accounts?
Medicare Premiums on the Rise
Medicare Part B premiums are set to increase by 5.9% in 2025, raising the standard monthly premium to $185 for individuals earning up to $106,000 annually and couples earning up to $212,000. This adjustment reflects the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) response to rising healthcare costs, particularly in outpatient and physician services. For… Continue reading Medicare Premiums on the Rise
Did your employer change 401 (k)Recordkeeper? It’s time to check your beneficiaries!
Life gets busy, and updating your 401(k) beneficiaries often gets pushed to the backburner. But if your employer recently switched 401(k) recordkeepers, now’s the perfect time to double-check your beneficiary designations. When employers change recordkeepers, there’s a chance that your current beneficiary information won’t automatically transfer. It’s easy to overlook, but verifying your beneficiaries can… Continue reading Did your employer change 401 (k)Recordkeeper? It’s time to check your beneficiaries!
Vote Partisan, Invest Bipartisan!
Please accept my sincerest condolences. By the time you read this message, election night will have come and gone, and though we may still be waiting for results, one half of this country will soon be very disappointed. Your man or woman will have lost, and you may be concerned about the future of our… Continue reading Vote Partisan, Invest Bipartisan!
Pre-65 Retiree Health Insurance
Twice a week, I have a conversation about retiring before age 65 and what to do about health insurance. Under an employer’s group health insurance plan, the employee generally only pays about 20% of the monthly premium costs. However, when purchasing insurance on your own, you should expect to pay 100% of that cost. That… Continue reading Pre-65 Retiree Health Insurance
TikTok Financial Advice
TikTok can be a mixed bag when it comes to financial advice. While there are some knowledgeable creators sharing useful tips, there’s also a lot of misinformation. Here are a few key points to consider: In summary, while TikTok can be a source of inspiration and basic tips, it’s crucial to approach the advice with… Continue reading TikTok Financial Advice
Should the Presidential Election Impact My Investment Strategy?
When it comes to investment decisions during a presidential election, many people are tempted to adjust their portfolios based on potential policy changes. However, making investment choices solely based on election outcomes can be risky. Markets tend to be volatile in the short-term leading up to an election, driven more by uncertainty than actual economic… Continue reading Should the Presidential Election Impact My Investment Strategy?
Buy Now, Pay Later?
“Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) services like Affirm and Afterpay can be tempting because they let you break large purchases into smaller, more manageable payments. But they also come with risks that you should be aware of. Overspending: Since you’re not paying the full price upfront, it’s easy to spend more than you can afford,… Continue reading Buy Now, Pay Later?
