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Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Planning your exit from a family business is a transition that affects your family, your employees, and the legacy you have built over time. A thoughtful approach to family business and succession planning helps bring clarity to that...

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Inflation may seem like a background economic issue, but in retirement, it shows up in impactful ways. It can affect what you spend at the grocery store, what you pay for prescriptions, and how far your income goes each year. Even...

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Divorce often means untangling a financial life that was built over many years. Among the most important assets to address are retirement accounts, which can carry significant long-term value and often come with specific legal,...

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

As you build wealth, money decisions start to stack up: rising income, bigger goals, more complex benefits, and more temptation to “upgrade” everything at once. The goal isn’t perfect budgeting. It’s a simple, repeatable system that...

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Mortgage Decisions to Consider in the Home StretchAs you approach retirement, big financial decisions start to feel heavier. Your mortgage is often near the top of the list. Refinancing can lower or stabilize payments, unlock liquidity...

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Friday, March 6, 2026

Hi, I’m Adam Corwin with Totus Wealth Management. When most people think about retirement savings, they picture 401(k)s or IRAs. But for many executives and high-earning professionals, there’s another tool that often flies under the...

Friday, March 6, 2026

Hi, I’m Adam Corwin from Totus Wealth Management.If you’ve built your career at a tech company or any employer that compensates you with Restricted Stock Units, or RSUs, you’ve likely seen your company stock become one of your largest...

Friday, March 6, 2026

Hello everyone, this is John Wheeler at Totus Wealth Management. Today, we’re going to discuss a topic that can be tough—long-term care insurance. As we age, the likelihood of needing long-term care increases. In fact, about 70% of...

Friday, March 6, 2026

Hello everyone! This is John Wheeler, Executive Senior Partner at Totus Wealth Management. Today, I want to talk about how our firm helps Houston locals pursue their financial goals.At Totus, we take a personalized, comprehensive...

Friday, March 6, 2026

Hello everyone. This is John Wheeler at Totus Wealth Management.Today, I want you to think about an important question… What does financial independence mean to you? Does it mean more time with family? The freedom to travel? The...

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Once full-time work becomes optional and you transition to retirement, life can change in two ways at once: how you fund your lifestyle and how you fill your days. The transition to retirement touches income, taxes, healthcare, and...

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Planning for end-of-life costs rarely feels urgent—until it is. Funeral expenses, final medical bills, and family travel can create sudden financial pressure on loved ones. That’s why many retirees consider final expense insurance, a...

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

When planning your financial future, few estate planning decisions cause more confusion than naming a power of attorney (POA) and an executor. Both roles involve trust, authority, and responsibility, but they apply at very different...

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Required minimum distributions (RMDs) can feel like a tax clock you cannot pause. Even when you do not need the cash, the IRS still expects a distribution, and that can force trades or timing decisions you would not otherwise make.With...

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

At one time, retirement accounts were straightforward. These days, there are many retirement account options, leading to confusion and questions. Let’s review some key differences between sponsored retirement accounts and...

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Americans are living longer than ever and that, of course, means they need more and more retirement savings. According to the CDC, we’re living to age 78.6 on average.1 That’s a lot of candles on the cake. Using today’s average...

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Tax-Free Withdrawals Money that goes into a Roth IRA is after-tax dollars. Because you've already paid taxes on that money, once it is withdrawn, it comes out tax-free. There are some restrictions on those withdrawals if you want...

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

As a business owner, you’re always on the lookout for tax strategies. One opportunity that often goes underutilized is the tax advantages offered by a well-structured 401(k) plan. Beyond its role in securing the future of your...

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Turning 50 isn't just a birthday milestone—it's when the IRS allows you to "catch up" on your savings with catch-up contributions. For those in their early 60s, their savings potential has been supercharged thanks to the SECURE 2.0...

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

October marks National Financial Planning Month, making it an ideal time for a financial health check-up. Just as you schedule annual medical exams, this month offers a natural opportunity to assess your financial situation,...

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Realizing you have less saved for retirement than you need or hoped for can trigger concern about the future. The good news is, there’s always time to take strategic steps forward. 4 Tips for Setting Retirement Savings Goals Evaluate...

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Realizing you have less saved for retirement than you need or hoped for can trigger concern about the future. You want your golden years to play out a certain way—whether that’s traveling, spending more time with family, pursuing...

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

As Teddy Roosevelt once observed, "Old age is like everything else. To make a success of it, you've got to start young." The challenges seniors have met throughout their lives have made them wiser and stronger, preparing them for the...

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Retirement should be a time to enjoy the fruits of years of hard work and preparation, but when it comes to Social Security, many people have more questions than answers. When trying to discern when to claim, how benefits are...

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

According to one study, 43% of data breaches involve small businesses. Another study found that the average cost of a data breach incident for a company with fewer than 500 employees is $2.98 million.1 Business owners are required to...

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Realizing you have less saved for retirement than you need or hoped for can trigger concern about the future. You want your golden years to play out a certain way—whether that’s traveling, spending more time with family, pursuing...

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

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...

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Assess Life Insurance Needs If your family relies on your income, it's critical to consider having enough life insurance to provide for them after you pass away. But too often, life insurance is an overlooked aspect of personal...

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

One of Warren Buffett's famous investing quotes is, "Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful." This wisdom aligns well with his principle: "Rule no. 1: never lose money. Rule no. 2: never forget rule no. 1...

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Much is written about the classic financial mistakes that plague start-ups, family businesses, corporations, and charities. Some classic financial missteps have been known to plague retirees, too. Calling them "missteps" may be a bit...

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

As a hard-working person, you naturally build wealth over time. Early on, self-directed investing can help save money. But as your assets grow, your needs may become more complex. Wealth management is a holistic process that considers...

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released new limits for certain retirement accounts for the coming year. Keep in mind that this update is for informational purposes only, so please consult with an accounting or tax professional...

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Picture this: a loved one—or even yourself—needing daily help with life's simplest tasks due to aging or a health concern. Without a plan, the financial and emotional burden can be overwhelming. That’s where long-term care insurance...

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

As a business owner, you’re always on the lookout for tax strategies. One opportunity that often goes underutilized is the tax advantages offered by a well-structured 401(k) plan. Beyond its role in securing the future of your...

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Do you dream of retiring early? For many, early retirement is the ultimate definition of financial independence—but it can also feel out of reach. With thoughtful financial independence planning, however, it’s more realistic than you...

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

1. Tax-Free Withdrawals Money that goes into a Roth IRA is after-tax dollars. Because you've already paid taxes on that money, once it is withdrawn, it comes out tax-free. There are some restrictions on those withdrawals if you want...

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Location-Specific Strategies to Maximize Your Money What's your vision for retirement? Like most clients, your answer may include traveling or exploring new hobbies. But will you be able to afford your dream lifestyle? Factors such as...

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

As you’re nearing retirement, the options for retirement investment solutions can be nothing short of overwhelming. With so many options out there, how do you choose? As you’re looking for low-risk solutions, you might want to consider...

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Your family means everything. You work hard to make sure they have a roof over their heads, access to higher education, and steady support to help pursue their dreams. Whether you're growing your family or are an empty nester, every...

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Even if retirement isn’t in your immediate future, saving and investing now can help you live comfortably after you’re done working. One of your most impactful opportunities to save, and even earn, over time is by investing in your...

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Now that you're financially independent, you can work by choice, not necessity. Or take a trip whenever you want. At this stage, you might wonder how to balance enjoying your financial freedom and maintaining a sustainable portfolio...

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

While Americans are entitled to take every legitimate deduction to manage their taxes, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) places limits on your creativity. Here are some examples of deductions from the IRS that were permitted and some...

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

After dedicating years of your life to your career, you might be wondering what to do in retirement. At the same time, your financial situation has likely changed now that you’re retired. Considering these changes, you might be...

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Estate planning, or legacy planning, can play a critical role in your ability to save for and shape your family’s financial future. While most people think of estate planning as something to be addressed later in life, in truth,...

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

After years of hard work, you dream of the day when you can kick back and enjoy retirement. Picture swapping long commutes for visits with the grandkids or trading relentless meetings for unlimited rounds of golf. Your next life...

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

A growing family, by definition, means growing financial obligations—both present and in the future. Raising children can increase your insurance needs and heightens the urgency for being properly prepared. Auto When a child becomes a...

Thursday, August 29, 2024

Life insurance provides more than financial stability. It's a deeply emotional gift that extends your care and support to your dependents after you die. With the right policy, you can ensure your loved ones are financially stable. This...

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Your Wealth Should Work for You – Not the Other Way Around Could your wealth be doing more for you? As an investor with numerous assets, you may be missing out on key strategies and solutions that would benefit your portfolio. I can...

Sunday, July 28, 2024

What does a financially independent life mean to you? Is it the freedom to quit your job or travel to a bucket-list destination? Everyone's version of "making it" is unique. Whatever your goals are, the first step is to break free from...

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

It doesn’t take a degree in finance to see that the cost of college continues to rise. In its 2023 report, the College Board showed that in-state tuition and fees at private non-profit four-year institutions increased by 5% in...

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

A life insurance retirement plan can be a smart strategy to grow your money tax-free for the future. You can use the funds for long-term care, as a death benefit, or to spend freely. Think of it as extra financial security for you and...

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Are you on the brink of retirement or settling into your golden years? This chapter of your life can be exciting and rewarding, especially if you're well-prepared. One of the biggest concerns on your mind, however, is probably money....

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

At Totus Wealth Management, we believe that everyone should have the tools to build the life they imagine. Achieving your dreams requires careful planning and guidance, which is why we offer a personalized financial planning process....

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Even if retirement isn’t in your immediate future, saving and investing now can help you live comfortably after you’re done working. One of your most impactful opportunities to save, and even earn, over time is by investing in your...

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

In an ever-evolving digital landscape, selecting the right financial planning software is crucial for financial advisors. It's the backbone that can either streamline your service delivery or slow you down every time you log on....

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Social Security is a critical component of the retirement financial strategy for many Americans, so before you begin taking it, you should consider three important questions. The answers may affect whether you make the most of this...

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

In the ever-changing investment advisory world, larger brokerage firms have long been considered the gold standard. We are seeing the wealth management landscape evolve, along with the rest of the business world and...

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Who among us wants to pay the IRS more taxes than we have to? While few may raise their hands, Americans regularly overpay because they fail to take tax deductions for which they are eligible. Let’s take a quick look at the five...

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Investing in the stock market can be daunting. You might find yourself anxious about making the wrong move or investing at a bad time.  In this blog, we’ll go over the three main economic factors to consider when investing,...

Monday, February 12, 2024

The start of a new year is an ideal time to set financial goals. Maybe you're aiming to save more money this year or are prioritizing paying off debt. If you made financial goals for yourself last year, how did you do? Did you stay on...

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

The new year often comes with new goals. Maybe your goal is to retire this year, but you're struggling to feel 'ready'. Whether you've been counting down the days or this decision has crept up on you, it's essential to approach this...

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

The start of a new year is an ideal time to set financial goals. Maybe you're aiming to save more money this year or are prioritizing paying off debt. If you made financial goals for yourself last year, how did you do? Did you stay on...

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

One of the major reasons people create a financial plan is to protect their family from now into the future. Life insurance is a crucial aspect of this. Group Life Insurance is one financial tool that can play a crucial role in...

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released new limits for certain retirement accounts for the coming year. Keep in mind that this update is for informational purposes only, so please consult with an accounting or tax professional...

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that grants an individual, known as the "agent" or "attorney-in-fact," the authority to make decisions on behalf of another person, the "principal." They are used in a variety of situations...

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

The federal estate tax threshold rose to $25.84 million in 2023 for married couples and $12.92 million for individuals, as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Like several TCJA provisions, the higher estate tax limit is due to...

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

What is Financial Independence? How to define financial independence may look different for everyone. There are several ways to become financially independent, and that definition will often change depending on their life stage...

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

A recent survey found that 28% of workers are very confident about having enough money to live comfortably through their retirement years. At the same time, 27% are not confident.1 In 2001 congress passed a law that can help older...

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

An essential part of a comprehensive financial plan is putting in place proactive measures for the unexpected. One crucial component of this is life insurance, which provides financial support for your loved ones in case you...

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

When a family member passes away, there are many decisions that need to be made and many emotions to handle. The last thing anyone thinks about is taxes. Unfortunately, even the deceased can't escape taxation. If the departed family...

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Forty-two percent of Americans do not own any stocks or stock-related investments, according to a recent Gallup poll.1 Individuals may cite different reasons for not investing, but with important long-term financial goals, such as...

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

Most understand that waiting to claim Social Security benefits can result in higher monthly payments. However, many don't know that there are other ways to maximize their benefits, some of which depend on their marital status....

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

In 2021, the U.S. had a record 24.5 million millionaires, up from 202 million in the previous year. An increase in personal wealth may bring greater financial flexibility; it may also bring greater liability. Individuals with high net...

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

No one wants to see an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) auditor show up at their door. The IRS can’t audit every American’s tax return, so it relies on guidelines to select the ones most deserving of its attention.Here are...

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

According to the most recent information available, Americans have individual life insurance with a total face value of $12.8 trillion.1Due to a variety of factors, these individuals may find themselves in circumstances where the...

Monday, June 5, 2023

Preparing your estate can be complicated, and if you’re a part of a blended family, estate decisions can be even more complex and nuanced. Blended families take on many forms, but typically consist of couples with children from...

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

What exactly is the "sequence of returns"? The phrase describes the yearly variation in an investment portfolio's rate of return. But what kind of impact do these deviations from the average return have on a portfolio's final...

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

This generation got no destination to hold... We are volunteers of America” “Volunteers” by Jefferson AirplaneThose of a certain age will recall these Jefferson Airplane lyrics as a call to action, though...

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Changing jobs can be a tumultuous experience. Even under the best of circumstances, making a career move requires a series of tough decisions, not the least of which is what to do with the funds in your old employer-sponsored...

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

The Social Security program allows you to start receiving benefits as soon as you reach age 62. The question is, should you?Monthly payments differ substantially depending on when you start receiving benefits. The longer you wait (up...

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Medicare takes a little time to understand.As you approach age 65, familiarize yourself with its coverage options, costs, and limitations.Certain features of Medicare can affect health care costs and coverage.Some retirees may do okay...

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Everyone loves a winner. If an investment is successful, most people naturally want to stick with it. But is that the best approach?It may sound counterintuitive, but it may be possible to have too much of a good thing. Over time,...

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Women who share money management duties with their partners tend to take on a lion’s share of the responsibility for the household finances. Yet only 18% of women feel very confident in their ability to fully retire with a...

Thursday, February 9, 2023

While many people are familiar with the benefits of traditional 401(k) plans, others are not as acquainted with Roth 401(k)s.Since January 1, 2006, employers have been allowed to offer workers access to Roth 401(k) plans. And some have...

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

When financial markets turn volatile, some investors show their frustration by fleeing the markets in search of alternatives that are designed to offer stability.For example, in the first quarter of 2020, the S&P 500 lost nearly 20% of...

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Find That Lost Retirement AccountDo you have a long-lost retirement account left with a former employer? Maybe it’s been so long that you can’t even remember. With over 24 million “forgotten” 401(k) accounts...

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released new limits for certain retirement accounts for the coming year. After months of high inflation and financial uncertainty, some of these cost-of-living-based adjustments have reached...

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

John and Mary are nearing retirement and they have a lot of items on their bucket list. Longer life expectancies mean John and Mary may need to prepare for two or even three decades of retirement. How should they position their...

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

In exchange for fixed premiums, an insurance company promises to pay a set benefit when the policyholder dies, but also offers additional benefits as well. Whole life insurance policies can build up cash value — effectively a...

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

The famous saying from Poor Richard’s Almanack is frequently misquoted. It was published by founder Benjamin Franklin in 1737: “A penny saved is two pence clear.” Finding ways to manage expenses is one of...

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Did you know that...Sixty-one percent of American workers have no private short-term disability insurance.1,2Sixty-seven percent of working people in the U.S. lack private long-term disability coverage.1,2Forty-eight percent of...

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

When you read about money matters, you may see the phrase, “getting your financial house in order.” What exactly does that mean?To some, when your financial “house is in order,” it means it is built on a solid...

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

A living trust is a popular consideration in many estate strategy conversations, but its appropriateness will depend upon your individual needs and objectives.What is a Living Trust?A living trust is created while you are alive and...

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

For many older adults, finding time to experience nature can be one of the greatest pleasures in retirement. And what better place to take in America's splendor than one of our over 400 National Park Service sites? For over a century,...

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

Benjamin Franklin once said, “a penny saved is a penny earned.” One way to find the money to meet your spending or saving needs is to examine your current spending habits and consider eliminating money wasters.Top Money...

Tuesday, August 9, 2022

Some individuals believe that return on investment shouldn’t be the only criterion for how they invest their money. For them, the social impact of investing is just as important – perhaps more important.The history of...

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

One of the common threads of a mobile workforce is that many individuals who leave their job are faced with a decision about what to do with their 401(k) account.¹Individuals have four choices with the 401(k) account they accrued...

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

According to our statistics, women's retirement looks slightly different than retirement for men. This could be due to a number of reasons from unequal pay to the higher likeliness of women staying home as caregivers. Although these...

Thursday, June 30, 2022

Are you ready for retirement? It can be hard to imagine a life without work, but for many people, retirement is looming on the horizon. If you're ready to give up your day job, here are a few things you need to know: First and foremost,...

Tuesday, June 14, 2022

Many people are concerned about inflation, as prices for goods and services continue to rise. For those nearing retirement, this can be a major concern because the cost of living may increase more than their income does. However, if...

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Insurance is meant to protect you against financial loss. But is it really meant to protect you from any and all financial loss? When it comes to filing a loss claim on your home insurance, there may be times when not filing may be the...

Monday, May 9, 2022

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

If your family relies on your income, it’s critical to consider having enough life insurance to provide for them after you pass away. But too often, life insurance is an overlooked aspect of personal finances.In fact, according...

Monday, April 11, 2022

How do you picture your future? Some see retirement as a time to start a new career. Others see it as a time to travel. Still others plan to spend more time with family and friends. With that in mind, here are some things...

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

When you lose a spouse, partner, or parent, the grief can be overwhelming. In the midst of that grief, life goes on. There are arrangements to be made, things to be taken care of – and in recognition of this reality, here is...

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Friday, January 28, 2022

College marks a great milestone in a child’s life. It may be the first time he or she will live away from home. Dropping off your child at college may be an experience loaded with emotions, so here are a few tips for a smoother transition.

Friday, January 21, 2022

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Pursuing your retirement dreams is challenging enough without making some common, and very avoidable, mistakes. Here are eight big mistakes to steer clear of, if possible. No Strategy: Yes, the biggest mistake is having no strategy at...

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Of those aged 65 and older, 15 to 20 percent have mild cognitive impairment. People living with mild cognitive impairment are more likely to develop Alzheimers, and almost two-thirds of people currently living with Alzheimers are women...

Saturday, December 4, 2021

Generally, the different parts of Medicare help cover specific services. Most beneficiaries choose to receive their Parts A and B benefits through Original Medicare, the traditional fee-for-service program offered directly through the...

Sunday, November 28, 2021

The uncertainties we face in retirement can erode our sense of confidence, potentially undermining our outlook during those years. Indeed, according to the 2017 Retirement Confidence Survey by the Employee Benefits Research Institute,...

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

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. Some households "live it up" and spend more than they anticipate...

Sunday, November 7, 2021

Medicare’s prescription drug benefit (Part D) is the part of Medicare that provides outpatient drug coverage. Part D is provided only through private insurance companies that have contracts with the federal government—it is...

Friday, October 22, 2021

When the rules of the game change, tactics should follow in response to the new landscape. While estate tax exemptions have ridden an uncertain roller coaster in recent years, the rules appear to be stabilizing with the passing of the...

Monday, October 18, 2021

Who among us wants to pay the IRS more taxes than we have to? While few may raise their hands, Americans regularly overpay because they fail to take tax deductions for which they are eligible. Let’s take a quick look at the five...

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Many of us grew up with the concept that making regular, periodic contributions to our retirement account was a sound investment strategy. The idea was that, in a fluctuating market, regularly investing a set amount would enable an...

Sunday, October 3, 2021

Will you pay higher taxes in retirement? It’s possible. But that will largely depend on how you generate income. Will it be from working? Will it be from retirement plans? And if it does come from retirement plans, it’s...

Friday, August 27, 2021

American households with credit card balances carry an average debt of $8,602.1 The wise use of credit is a critical skill in today’s world. Used unwisely, credit can rapidly turn from a useful tool to a crippling burden. There...

Monday, August 16, 2021

Thanks to healthier lifestyles and advances in modern medicine, the worldwide population over age 60 is growing. The United Nations estimates that by 2050 the number of people aged 60 and older will have more than doubled.¹ As...

Friday, August 13, 2021

Financial Documents Joint Ownership Durable Power of Attorney Living Trust What does it do? Enables you to own property jointly with another person Authorizes someone to handle legal and financial decisions if you become incapacitated...

Monday, August 9, 2021

Extended-care coverage can be complex. Here’s a list of questions to ask that may help you better understand the costs and benefits of these policies. What types of facilities are covered? Extended-care policies can cover nursing...

Thursday, August 5, 2021

Do you have a will? A will enables you to specify who you want to inherit your property and other assets. A will also enables you to name a guardian for your minor children. Do you have healthcare documents in place? Healthcare...

Monday, July 26, 2021

The reason withdrawals from an Traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) prior to age 59½ are generally subject to a 10% tax penalty is that policymakers wanted to create a disincentive to use these savings for anything...

Monday, July 19, 2021

Concerns over identity theft continue to grow, especially with the news of data breaches at major companies and financial institutions. Unfortunately, you have little control over when a company is hacked, but you do have control over...

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Knowledgeable investors are aware that investing in the capital markets presents any number of risks, including interest rate risk, company risk, and market risk. Risk is an inseparable companion to the potential for long-term growth....

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Many Americans have taken steps in recent years to protect their identity. According to one report, published in 2020, total dollars lost due to identity theft was $16.9 billion. If you haven’t taken measures to protect yourself,...

Thursday, July 1, 2021

Only 45 percent of adults have a will or other estate documents in place, which may not be entirely surprising.1 No one wants to be reminded of their own mortality or spend too much time thinking about what might happen once...

Friday, June 25, 2021

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger is famous for more than just his time on the bench. When he died in 1995, he left a 176-word will that gave no specific power to his executors.1 As a result, he reportedly cost his estate tens...

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

In a 2021 survey, 32% of all workers reported they were either “not too” or “not at all” confident that they would have enough money to pay for their medical expenses in retirement. Regardless of your confidence...

Thursday, June 17, 2021

In a recent survey, 68% of current workers stated they plan to work for pay after retiring.1 And that possibility raises an interesting question: how will working affect Social Security benefits? The answer to that question requires an...

Friday, June 11, 2021

Most children stop being “and-a-half” somewhere around age 12. Kids add “and-a-half“ to make sure everyone knows they’re closer to the next age than the last. When you are older, “and-a-half”...

Monday, June 7, 2021

Medicare and Medicaid are two separate, government-run programs. They are operated and funded by different parts of the government and primarily serve different groups. Medicare is a federal program that provides health coverage if you...

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Anyone who has gone through the process of mapping out their retirement knows there can be a lot to keep in mind. Saving, investing, anticipating medical costs, and making sure you have enough tucked away for years to come is just the...

Monday, May 31, 2021

American actor Lee Marvin once said, “As soon as people see my face on a movie screen, they knew two things: first, I'm not going to get the girl, and second, I'll get a cheap funeral before the picture is over.”1 Most...

Monday, May 24, 2021

When the rules of the game change, tactics should follow in response to the new landscape. While estate tax exemptions have ridden an uncertain roller coaster in recent years, the rules appear to be stabilizing with the passing of the...

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Next to “When should I claim Social Security benefits?”, one of the more common questions people have is “How much will I receive?” Calculating your potential Social Security benefit is a three-step process:1....

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Social Security can be complicated, and as a result many individuals don’t have a full understanding of the choices they may have. Here are five facts about Social Security that are important to keep in mind. 1. Social Security...

Monday, April 26, 2021

For most Americans, Social Security has represented nothing more than some unavoidable payroll deduction with the positively cryptic initials of “FICA” and “OASDI” (Federal Insurance Contributions Act and Old...

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

According to a 2017 report from International Living Magazine, Mexico tops the list of places to retire abroad. Panama ranks second, followed by Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Colombia.¹ Many retirees consider moving out of the country...

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Addressing the potential risks of extended term care expenses may be one of the biggest financial challenges for individuals who are developing a retirement strategy. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 70%...

Monday, March 22, 2021

Whether you’re applying for Social Security in the future or currently receiving benefits, there are some important changes to earnings limits, Medicare premiums, and other differences to keep in mind. Ready to learn more? Read...

Friday, March 19, 2021

For many people, retirement income may come from a variety of sources. Here’s a quick review of the six main sources: Social Security Social Security is the government-administered retirement income program. Workers become...