New retirees sometimes worry that they are spending too much, too soon. Should they scale back? Are they at risk of outliving their money? This concern may be legitimate.

The typical retirement strategy is built on the pillars of your 401(k) plan, your Traditional IRA, and taxable savings. Getting the instruments of your retirement to work in concert has the potential to help you realize the retirement you imagine.

One of the most common questions people ask about Social Security is when they should start taking benefits. Making the right decision for you can have a meaningful impact on your financial income in retirement. Before considering how personal circumstances and objectives may play into your decision, it may be helpful to preface that discussion with an illustration of how benefits may differ based on the age at which you commence taking Social Security.

Preparing for retirement is not entirely financial. Your degree of happiness in your “second act” may depend on some factors that don’t come with an obvious price tag. Here are some non-monetary factors to consider as you prepare for your retirement.

As a parent, you teach your children to dream big and believe in their ability to overcome any obstacle. By investing wisely, you can help tackle the financial obstacles of funding their higher education – and smooth the way for them to pursue their dreams.

When the market drops, some investors lose the perspective that downtrends and uptrends are part of the investing cycle. When stock prices break lower, it's a good time to review common terms that are used to describe the market's downward momentum.

Regardless of how the markets may perform, these three principles should be incorporated into your financial strategy.

When the market acts like it’s been acting lately, it’s a good time to remind everyone that, while downturns feel bad, they should not be a surprise. The history of the market is dotted with peaks and valleys that must have been hard to live through, even if they were temporary.

If college were a party, then student loans are the hangover. Unfortunately, the "hair of the dog" won't cure this headache, but here are some ideas for managing your student loan debt.

Are you striving for greater tax efficiency? In retirement, it is especially important – and worth a discussion. A few financial adjustments may help you manage your tax liabilities.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released new limits for certain retirement accounts for 2025. See them here.

Tax preparation may be the only time of year many households gather all their financial information in one place. That makes it a perfect time to take a critical look at how much money is coming in and where it’s all going. In other words, this is a great time to give the household budget a checkup

Understanding the unique dynamics of these markets can help you make informed decisions while maintaining a sense of confidence and stability in your investment strategy.

Regular portfolio rebalancing is a proactive and essential component of effective financial management. By ensuring your investments stay aligned with your risk tolerance and goals, you enhance not only the stability of your portfolio but also its potential for growth.

Asset allocation is not merely a financial strategy but a cornerstone of long-term financial planning. It balances risk and reward, aligns with your investment goals, and enhances your ability to navigate market fluctuations.

Market volatility can unsettle even the most experienced investors, raising concerns about portfolio stability and long-term financial goals. Diversification, however, offers a time-tested approach to mitigate this uncertainty and manage risk effectively.

Living abroad opens doors to new opportunities and experiences, but it can also introduce complexities—especially when it comes to taxes. Understanding how to handle international taxation is essential for avoiding unnecessary stress and ensuring compliance. Here's a straightforward guide to help expats navigate the process with confidence.

Navigating the complexities of trust and estate taxation is essential for effective financial planning. This understanding not only protects assets but also minimizes tax liabilities for beneficiaries both within the trust or estate and directly.

Selling your home can have significant tax implications, but being informed can help you navigate the process smoothly.

Both HSAs and FSAs offer significant potential for tax savings and smart healthcare spending. By understanding their mechanics and being proactive in planning your contributions and expenses, you can take full advantage of these accounts, ensuring you are better equipped to manage your healthcare costs both now and in the future.

Navigating the complexities of tax brackets is essential for effective financial planning. Tax brackets determine how much tax you owe based on your income, influencing not just what you pay, but also your broader financial strategy.

Change is a natural part of life, and your financial goals should grow with you. By approaching life’s transitions as an opportunity to refine your financial plans, you’ll stay grounded and prepared for whatever comes next.

A well-defined vision statement is the cornerstone of effective financial planning. It’s not just about numbers—it’s about articulating your goals, values, and aspirations, and using them to guide every financial decision with purpose and confidence.

Budgeting tools offer a practical way to track your income and expenses, helping you reach your financial objectives efficiently.

Remember, the path to achievement is rarely linear, but with strong accountability, you can navigate challenges and emerge as a more resilient and accomplished individual.

Embrace the philosophy of action over assets, and focus on crafting a legacy built on principles, character, and shared experiences that enrich the lives of those who carry it forward.

Incorporating ethical wills and letters of intent into your estate plan doesn’t just give instructions; it provides your family with a clear, heartfelt map of who you are and what you hope to pass on. These documents serve as a steadying influence, helping your loved ones make decisions grounded in the values you hold dear.

Taking these steps will help protect your digital identity and ensure your legacy is handled with care and respect.

The allure of writing a will on a napkin stems from the desire for simplicity and ease in estate planning. However, the complexities and potential pitfalls of such an approach starkly emphasize the necessity for more formal documentation.