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Monday, December 5, 2022

As you take a moment to reflect upon all of the things that bring you comfort and joy this holiday season, consider giving back to those in need. Whether you are participating in an organized fundraiser or diving headfirst into your...

Monday, November 28, 2022

While Black Friday and Cyber Monday center on consumer deals, Giving Tuesday—the Tuesday after Thanksgiving—has a different focus. Each year, individuals and corporations are encouraged to use the day to support charities...

Monday, November 21, 2022

Ensure Your Legacy Is your growing business still a one-person operation? As your company continues to grow and the workload increases, it is easy to find yourself wearing too many hats and not having enough hours in the day to...

Monday, November 14, 2022

Whether you’re planning to start a new business, trying to grow a fledgling business, or working to keep an already established enterprise competitive, your business plan is your “roadmap” toward entrepreneurial...

Monday, November 7, 2022

America’s older generations grew up in a different world where it was customary to be courteous and trusting. Unfortunately, these exemplary standards of conduct could get some individuals into trouble. Con artists bank on the...

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Monday, October 31, 2022

By the last third of the calendar year, you're likely to have a pretty good idea of what your annual income will be and whether any major expenses or big life changes await you. This can allow you to engage in more robust tax planning,...

Friday, October 21, 2022

Planning personal finances used to be the worry of the wealthy and their worry—usually preservation of wealth—was attended to by teams of trust officers and lawyers. Many of today’s middle class families have...

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

With a few simple actions, you can ensure your estate planning is effectiveWhether your estate plan is simple or complex, there are many details, which are often overlooked, that can undermine your plan’s effectiveness. Are you...

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Nearly 75% of American adults report that they don't regularly follow a budget, while 10% have no budget at all.1 A lucky few may earn enough, or have low enough expenses, making budgeting unnecessary. But for the rest of us, the...

Thursday, September 29, 2022

As a female entrepreneur, you may face different challenges than your male counterparts. For example, women were disproportionately affected by the COVID pandemic. 1 They also tend to earn less than their male peers—largely in...

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

What is it?By definition, a crisis is a turning point, a time when you have to make crucial decisions (often suddenly) that will affect your future. Although smart planning is the key to effectively dealing with periods of crisis, you...

Thursday, September 15, 2022

Being a woman in business today comes with many obstacles, but it may also bring some unique advantages and opportunities. By navigating challenges and taking advantage of opportunities that come their way, women can go further in...

Thursday, September 8, 2022

Your need for life insurance changes as your life changes. When you're young, you typically have less need for life insurance, but that changes as you take on more responsibility and your family grows. Then, as your responsibilities...

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Saving for retirement is important for all ages, the key is to start earlyLand a great new job? Awesome. Now is the perfect time to think about your 401(k) and retirement plan, whether you had one before or not. Saving for retirement...

Friday, August 26, 2022

Unique health and caregiving worries and an industry that doesn’t listen wellWomen have special concerns about financial security that financial professionals might need to address. For one thing, they tend to live longer than...

Friday, August 19, 2022

Many nonprofit organizations set out to help others. They provide services, guidance, support, or other resources to a specific group or cause. Yet, to do the work they do, they often need financial strength. Nonprofit organizations...

Friday, July 22, 2022

Go out into your yard and dig a big hole. Every month, throw $50 into it, but don't take any money out until you're ready to buy a house, send your child to college, or retire.It sounds a little crazy, doesn't it? But that's what...

Friday, July 22, 2022

In the college savings game, all strategies aren't created equal. The best savings vehicles offer special tax advantages if the funds are used to pay for college. Tax-advantaged strategies are important because over time, you can...

Friday, July 22, 2022

Anyone who has purchased a home or is currently looking to buy can tell you that credit score is one of the most important factors in securing a loan. It can affect a lot of other areas of your life, too, but it’s particularly...

Monday, July 18, 2022

About 61 million adults in the U.S. live with a disability. Many of these disabilities are serious enough to impact a person’s daily life.1 There may be financial benefits available to those whose disabilities leave them unable...

Friday, July 15, 2022

Determine who is best suited and motivated to ask you tough questionsYou tie your life to another’s in many ways with that ring on your finger: family, friends, jobs and where you live, to name a few. You also certainly combine...

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

The "sandwich generation" is the descriptive term for adults generally between the ages of 40 and 59 who are raising a minor child (or supporting a grown child) while also caring for a retirement-age or older parent. With financial...

Monday, July 4, 2022

A regular program of disciplined financial practices can help you in the long-runMany people realize that the best way to stay in shape is to develop an appropriate fitness regimen and then stick with it. If you start a fitness program...

Monday, June 27, 2022

It’s Risky Business Since you never know when a disaster may strike causing severe damage and disruption to your business operations, it is important to expect the unexpected and manage your risks accordingly. For that...

Monday, June 20, 2022

Sometimes we forget just how fragile a nest egg can be.When the economy tanked in 2008, retirees watched in horror as U.S. markets suffered historic losses. The Dow declined by more than 50%, its biggest drop since the Great Depression...

Monday, June 13, 2022

Face your financial fears with care, awareness and careful judgmentDo you ever feel that no matter how much money you earn, it’s never enough? Do you spend beyond your means, but still aren’t satisfied?Even financially...

Monday, June 6, 2022

Even though housing prices throughout much of the U.S. are at or near all-time highs, there are still many distinct financial advantages to owning a home.1 From tax benefits to capital gains exclusions and guaranteed rates of return,...

Monday, May 30, 2022

Whether your child was just born or is heading toward high school graduation, a 529 savings plan may help you put aside funds to pay for college expenses without paying taxes (federal and some states) on any dividends and gains.1...

Monday, May 23, 2022

The way Americans shop and travel has dramatically changed over the past few years due to COVID-19. The idea of supporting ‘mom and pop shops’ has re-ignited as people realize they want a robust local economy that supports...

Monday, May 16, 2022

Using statistical correlations can help refine your investments and manage risk The turmoil in the markets in the first few months of 2022 has demonstrated the benefits of diversifying your assets. Stocks plunged in January and...

Monday, May 9, 2022

One of the greatest challenges facing a small company is securing a loan or finding a venture capitalist to fund a planned expansion, modernization, or operation. Quite often, an initial stumbling block is knowing where and how to go...

Sunday, May 1, 2022

There was a time that retirement meant, for many people, sitting in the sun in a southern retirement community along with a host of fellow retirees. However, today retirement means many different things to different people. Why settle...

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Considering the high levels of uncertainty, what should investors do? Buy on Fear, Sell on Greed? Legendary investor Warren Buffet is a big proponent of this strategy. When others are greedy—typically when prices are boiling...

Monday, April 18, 2022

As you approach retirement, many important decisions await you. If you have a qualified employer-sponsored retirement plan, whether it is a traditional pension or defined contribution plan, such as a 401(k), you will have to decide how...

Monday, April 11, 2022

In a rush to file for Social Security benefits at age 62? Many people are - but slow down and do the math first. When it comes to claiming Social Security retirement benefits, you may want to consider waiting to start benefits when...

Monday, April 4, 2022

April brings more than possible rain showers. It also marks Financial Literacy Month in the U.S. Whether you’re interested in a quick refresher or seeking to learn something new, it may be worth the effort to brush up on some...

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Small businesses are part of the backbone of the U.S. economy, providing jobs, services, products, and stability for millions of families. But how much do you really know about small businesses? Test your knowledge with our...

Monday, March 21, 2022

The Federal Reserve plans to unwind its bond borrowing since inflation has hit the highest level since 1980. While interest rates will stay near zero, for now, the Fed will start raising interest rates as early as March 2022. With a...

Monday, March 14, 2022

Are you one of the many American consumers currently asking yourself, “How can I better control my use of credit?” Consumer debt in the United States totals in the billions. Much of this debt belongs to consumers who use...

Monday, March 7, 2022

This year's National Consumer Protection Week is March 6th through March 12th. It's a time to educate people about their rights as consumers and how to make informed decisions about their money. Whether it's taking a hard look at your...

Monday, February 28, 2022

One of the more important—and hopefully enjoyable—events you will face in life is retirement. After spending many years building your career, you have likely accumulated a comfortable nest egg. If you have reached a point...

Monday, February 21, 2022

Today, many people are concerned about saving for retirement or paying for a large ticket item, such as a child’s college education. If you belong to this group, now may be the time to organize your finances. It is never too...

Monday, February 14, 2022

February is Black History Month, which is a time to celebrate achievements by those of Black or African American heritage and recognize their central role in United States history. While it is important to celebrate Black History in...

Monday, February 7, 2022

Looking for longer-term market trends that might shape the next few years Let’s be honest for a second: the DJIA, the S&P 500, NASDAQ, and the Russell 2000 all delivered one of the most surprising years in recent history. And...

Monday, January 31, 2022

RMD Tables are changing to keep up with The SECURE Act of 2019. Under The SECURE Act, if you turned age 70 1/2 in 2019, you would've been required to take your first RMD by April 1, 2020. If you turned age 70 1/2 in 2020 or later, you...

Monday, January 24, 2022

Simple steps to help you bounce back from challenging situations Building and sustaining a business is not a task for the faint of heart. As anyone who has launched a business from the ground up knows, transforming an idea into a...

Monday, January 17, 2022

As we enter 2022, now might be a good time to take a closer look at a few developments surrounding required minimum distributions (RMDs). What Are RMDs? Once you reach age 72, you are required to take minimum distributions from your...

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Regardless of whether you prepare your taxes yourself or use a professional's services, it's a good idea to gather the information and documentation you need well in advance of your actual tax filing date. Below, we've listed some key...

Monday, January 3, 2022

The New Year is the time to make resolutions, and for those who are retired, those resolutions may look a little different than they did in past years. Whether you are looking to improve your health, or your finances, below are a few...

Monday, December 27, 2021

If you're a small employer, setting up a 401(k) plan can be time-consuming and overly complicated, but a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan lets you offer your employees the benefits of a retirement plan without the complexities of...

Monday, December 20, 2021

For investors approaching retirement, it is important to begin thinking about retirement income planning. This involves a mindset shift from accumulating an investment portfolio designed for growth to creating a portfolio of retirement...

Monday, December 20, 2021

LPL Research Outlook 2022: Passing the Baton is designed to help you navigate the risks and opportunities over the rest of 2021 and beyond. While the economy continues to move forward, we’re still feeling some aftershocks of...

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Spend as much time fixing your mistakes as you do planning the holidaysYou probably spend more time planning your holiday gathering than preparing for your golden years. As a result, you make basic mistakes in trying to fund your...

Thursday, December 2, 2021

With the holidays here, now is the time to get into the giving spirit and help to change others' lives for the better. Whether you are looking to make a difference in a specific person's life or the life of many, there are many ways to...

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Today, many people find themselves bombarded by a constant stream of financial news from television, radio, and the Internet. Yet, does all this “information age” data really help you manage your finances any better now...

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

If you're a small employer, setting up a 401(k) plan can be time-consuming and overly complicated, but a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan lets you offer your employees the benefits of a retirement plan without the complexities of...

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

For many people, entrepreneurship is the ultimate American dream. Five years ago, there were already more than 25 million Americans running their own businesses.1 And with the COVID-19 pandemic leading many W-2 workers to reevaluate...

Tuesday, November 9, 2021

Many people are familiar with the scammers who promise to pay millions of dollars in exchange for briefly holding funds in your bank account or those who offer to enhance certain body parts risk-free. Today's scammers are clever at...

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Over the last 18 months, hundreds of thousands of Americans have fallen ill with COVID-19, with around 30 percent of those with COVID continuing to suffer long-term effects that compromise their self-care abilities. If you're facing an...

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

October 2021 marks the 18th Cybersecurity Awareness Month—and cybercrime continues to evolve.1 Though you may not get as many emails promising bodily enhancements or asking you to keep some overseas funds in your checking account...

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

As more and more women assume leadership roles in businesses, it is changing the attitude and sometimes even the future of the workplace. Female bosses may teach business leaders a lot about engaging with employees, promoting their...

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

When it comes to creating your own monthly budget, sometimes planning is easier than the practice. Keeping track of finances can be tricky, but, with a few guidelines and time, you can take charge of your bank account once and for all....

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

In 2013, a Gallup poll found that only about one in every three U.S. households maintained a budget.1 A 2021 survey of 1,000 Americans found that 80% now say they have a budget.2 Americans are budgeting more due to the pandemic....

Tuesday, September 28, 2021

The golden rule of financial planning: if you can plan it, you can pursue it Over the past July 4th, we celebrated our country’s history of declaring independence and guaranteeing basic human freedoms. But true freedom includes...

Monday, September 20, 2021

Protection for All Life’s Stages As your life changes, your financial needs often change, as well. Regardless of whether you are just starting out in life, are in mid-career, or are at the peak of your earning years, life...

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Sometimes a 401(k) loan makes sense, but there are a lot of considerations Tapping your tax-advantaged retirement savings seems like a desperate financial move (because it is), yet also a sound one in specific circumstances. Best know...

Tuesday, September 7, 2021

Although we all know that “time flies,” it seems to move particularly fast as we watch our children grow. Yet, in considering a college future for a newborn, it is understandable that parents might procrastinate, since...

Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Three things to look for when buying an index fund or ETF As tax season comes to a close, you realize exactly how much you paid in taxes and naturally will ask the question, “what can I do to reduce my taxes next year?” The...

Monday, August 23, 2021

If you are wondering what in the world a “backdoor Roth IRA” is, you're not alone! In short, if you've been frustrated by the contribution limits associated with Roth IRAs, then read on - this article describes a strategy...

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

As of 2017, about two-thirds of all nonprofit organizations in the U.S. had annual budgets of less than $1 million.[1] For these non-profit organizations where every penny has a purpose, having the services of a financial professional...

Tuesday, August 10, 2021

A major issue in estate planning is who to name as beneficiaries on life insurance policies, pension plan accounts, IRAs, and annuities. This important decision often doesn't take into account the substantial estate and income tax...

Tuesday, August 3, 2021

For investors approaching retirement, it is important to begin thinking about retirement income planning. This involves a mindset shift from accumulating an investment portfolio designed for growth to creating a portfolio of retirement...

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Launching a small business can be an all-consuming prospect. Even after you start to feel as though you have gotten into a groove you could find yourself facing unforeseen challenges—from a new competitor to supply chain issues....

Tuesday, July 20, 2021

Fear-of-missing-out is a very real emotion – but it can derail your portfolio Every day we’re bombarded with reports of what’s hot and what’s not – fueling a fear-of-missing-out (FOMO) on some great...

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Members of the "Sandwich Generation"—or adults who have at least one parent over age 65 and at least one child who still requires financial support—often find themselves torn between their dual caregiving responsibilities.1...

Tuesday, July 6, 2021

We are experiencing the biggest remote work experiment in history – but many are beginning to imagine life after lockdown. Amid unprecedented global job losses, concerns about transport infrastructure and the continuing need for...

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Unless you have accumulated substantial wealth where money is not a concern, you face a critical task when you reach retirement to make sure that your assets will support you through your lifetime. When you retire and no longer earn an...

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Financial wellness is the ability to have a healthy financial life and feel good about your financial situation. Financial wellness doesn't have just one meaning because it can mean something different to each person. Financial...

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Identity theft is a growing concern that impacts millions of Americans every year. According to a recent study,1⁠1 more than 14 million Americans fell victim to online theft in 2018, with 23% of those incurring unreimbursed personal...

Tuesday, June 8, 2021

For more than 200 years, long before the advent of modern stock markets and electronic trading, some investors have been committed to socially-responsible (SRI) investing.1 This involves choosing companies and products that...

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

It is human nature to seek advice when things aren't going well or when an unforeseen event occurs. Often, people seek financial advice from a professional only when the stock market and their investments are experiencing turbulent...

Saturday, May 29, 2021

Grandparents can often find themselves in a better financial position to save for their grandchildren's education than their own children are. The parents of prospective students may still be contending with competing priorities like...

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Unbeknownst to many investors, companies have the option of offering their employees a new different type of tax-advantaged retirement plan: the Roth 401(k). Not all sponsors of traditional 401(k)s have adopted the Roth feature, but it...

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Did you make a New Year’s resolution at the start of the year? For 2021, many Americans are making the resolution to adopt healthy habits – concerning their bodies, minds and finances. As the following Statista Survey shows...

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

If you're a small business owner, many of the best practices employed by individual investors are also available to you (of course!), but you also have some additional options and factors to weigh while creating your investment plans....

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Unlike verbal literacy, financial literacy isn't often taught in schools—which means that many people may enter adulthood without having all the tools they need to make informed and effective financial decisions.[1] Fortunately,...

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

When saving for retirement, it often makes sense to contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans to take advantage of any available employer match opportunities. However, not everyone has access to an employer-sponsored plan. Even...

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Professionals who have worked hard and built up assets over the course of their careers may be particularly concerned that their savings could be affected by a long term care event. As the costs associated with long term care continue...

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Seventy-two is an important age milestone for those in or near retirement, as it marks the time when required minimum distributions (RMDs) begin to be withdrawn annually from IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans (previously,...

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

If you're like many Americans, you may have a few dents and dings on your credit report. As of 2020, around one in five adults has either a "fair" or "poor" credit score, which can impact their ability to qualify for a loan, rent an...

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Socially responsible investing (SRI) is a strategy to make your investments more impactful by supporting ecological and social causes. SRI investors invest their money to support companies that value transparency in their business...

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Most people who decide to purchase stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or other investment vehicles do so understanding that there are risks associated with investing, but believing that the potential growth they may realize over time...

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

For investors approaching retirement, it is important to begin thinking about retirement income planning. This involves a mindset shift from accumulating an investment portfolio designed for growth to creating a portfolio of retirement...

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Washington Long-Term Care Changes According to the National Council on Aging, someone turning age 65 today has almost a 70 percent chance of needing long-term care services during their lifetime.[i] A recent Employee Benefit Research...

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

As of 2018, about 58 million Americans had a 401(k), while around one-third of households owned an individual retirement account (IRA).1, 2 Yet for as commonplace as these retirement accounts can be, the nuances of contributions are a...

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

On Sunday, December 27, 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA 2021) was signed into law. A $900 billion emergency relief package is included as part of this omnibus spending bill. It is intended to assist individuals and...

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

At one time, the only way you could join your company's 401(k) plan, 403(b) plan, or 457(b) plan was to put pen to paper and sign yourself up by filling out the appropriate forms—but this is quickly changing. To help participants...

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

In an increasingly paper-free society, organizing your financial documents can still be a challenge. No matter how simple or complex your financial picture might be, it takes some thought-out organization to keep your tax documents,...

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

For investors approaching retirement, it is important to begin thinking about retirement income planning. This involves a mindset shift from accumulating an investment portfolio designed for growth to creating a portfolio of retirement...

Tuesday, January 5, 2021

New Year's is traditionally the time to review your life and make resolutions for change. In addition to thinking about working out, eating healthy, and meeting personal and professional goals, you should also think about your...

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

By the last third of the calendar year, you're likely to have a pretty good idea of what your annual income will be and whether any major expenses or big life changes await you. This can allow you to engage in more robust tax planning,...

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Kelly and Bob regularly set aside a small portion of their budget for charitable donations. In addition to feeling good about supporting a number of worthy causes, they’ve been able to deduct the value of their charitable gifts...

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

A business plan is critical when you're getting ready to launch a business. It helps you stay organized on the path to your goal, while also helping you to hone in on key concerns such as funding objectives and marketing plans. At the...

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Charitable giving is a way for affluent individuals spread their money around and to benefit causes that are near and dear to their hearts. Yet, for those who fall into the high net worth category, it is critical to structure...

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Nearly one in three U.S. adults serves as the primary caregiver to a relative or other close loved one.1 With respite facilities throughout the country closed or operating on restricted hours as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many...

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Long-term care (LTC) keeps you functioning in the face of devastating illnesses, disabilities and prolonged disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. LTC kicks in when you lose the ability to care for yourself and can no longer do...

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

When one door closes, another opens—and entrepreneurs who keep this mantra in mind are more likely to remain on top once the world has moved beyond the novel COVID-19 pandemic. What can business owners and other entrepreneurs do...

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

The world's events always affect the markets, and making smart investment choices requires you to look at what's happening around the world. But what about during an election year? How should you invest while the country is deciding...

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Your plans for retirement may include travel, home improvements, and more time spent with family. Few people enter retirement with the expectation (or even the thought) that they soon may be unable to live independently. However, this...

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Financial planning is an important part of securing your current lifestyle as well as preparing yourself for what you wish to do in your eventual retirement. And while this importance may look different during each stage of your life,...

Tuesday, October 13, 2020

A flurry of new investment products, the emergence of global investing, the shift from company-funded pension plans to employee-driven retirement plans (like 401(k) plans), and uncertainty about Social Security have all contributed to...