Getting Ready for Retirement? Take These Essential Steps for a Smooth Transition
Retirement is an exciting milestone—a time to leave behind the hustle and bustle of work and embrace a new chapter filled with more freedom and opportunities to enjoy life. But before you clock out for the last time, it’s essential to make sure you’re fully prepared for this significant lif …
Understanding Social Security Spousal and Survivor Benefits for Retirement
Social Security spousal benefits can be a crucial component of the Social Security program, designed to provide financial support to spouses — whether they are currently married, divorced or widowed. Understanding these benefits can significantly impact retirement planning and financial sec …
Helping Aging Parents Manage and Protect Their Finances
Your parents taught you everything you know about money. From opening your first checking account to taking out your first car loan, they were always there to guide you. But as your parents get older, they may begin turning to you for help with their finances. How do you begin to navigate t …
How Estate and Gift Taxes Can Impact Your Financial Plan
Tom Fridrich, JD, CLU, ChFC®, Manager and Senior Wealth Planner Giving something you own to someone else. It’s a simple, human act – one that seems like it shouldn’t take too much planning to do it correctly. But when does gifting become a tax issue? What do you need to consider about gifti …
How Will My Financial Plan Change Over the Course of My Life?
By Tom Fridrich, JD, CLU, ChFC®, Senior Wealth Planner Your career and lifestyle look completely different when you’re in your 20s compared to when you’re in your 60s. Your financial focus and planning in each decade should follow suit. Let’s look at three financial tactics to focus on in e …
Blended Family Finances: What to Consider When Getting Remarried
By Tom Fridrich, JD, CLU, ChFC®, Senior Wealth Planner Blended families, composed of couples who bring children from previous relationships together, have become increasingly common in today’s society. While blending families brings joy and new opportunities, it also can create comple …
Investing in Your Child’s Financial Future: Helping Kids Develop Strong Money Management Skills
Gaining financial literacy at a young age is a vital key to finding financial freedom later in life. Give your kids the lessons they need now to make better decisions about money in the future.
Thinking About Retiring Early? 8 Things to Consider First
Tom Fridrich, JD, CLU, ChFC®, Senior Wealth Planner We’ve all asked ourselves whether it’s too early to retire (usually after a particularly challenging commute or dealing with a difficult client). You may have even gone so far as to take a sneak peek at your account statements …
Should I Open a Traditional or Roth IRA?
Multiple retirement savings vehicles are available but having options can be overwhelming. Each option comes with different rules leading to a variance of outcomes in the short-term and long-term. It’s not that dissimilar to choosing what to eat.
How to Leverage Tax-Advantaged Accounts in 2023
Kevin Oleszewski, CFP®, MST, EA, Senior Wealth Planner As you’re setting your new year’s goals, one that should top everyone’s list is increasing your savings. After all, we’ve recently seen inflation at work, reminding us that even everyday essentials can bust budg …
