Wealth Management Investment Services Relationship Options Contact Info Newsletters Dollar Cost Averaging Dollar cost averaging takes some of the guesswork out of investing in the stock market. Quarterly Market Review: January-March 2026 The Markets (first quarter through March 31, 2026) What is an income-driven repayment plan for student loans? An income-driven repayment plan takes into account a borrower's income and family size when calculating a monthly payment amount. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act Extends Tax Breaks for Small Businesses The Act provides certainty and stability by making permanent a host of tax provisions that would otherwise have expired at the end of 2025 Geopolitics and the U.S. Financial Markets International conflicts and other global events dominated the news in early 2026. Market Month: February 2026 The Markets (as of market close February 27, 2026) New Auto Loan Interest Deduction Explained Taxpayers may now benefit from a new annual deduction of up to $10,000 for interest paid on qualifying new auto loans. Five Key Benefits for Military Families Military families face plenty of financial challenges. Market Month: January 2026 The U.S. stock market delivered a strong performance to kick off 2026. No More Groundhog Day for Your Finances: Time for a Financial Wellness Checkup A financial wellness checkup can help you identify patterns that keep you stuck with bad habits and open the door to new behaviors that move you closer to financial stability. Taxing Social Security Benefits: Clearing the Confusion Here is an overview that may help clarify any questions you have about the new law and taxing Social Security benefits. True or False: You Are a Retirement Savings Plan Expert To gauge your knowledge, take this brief quiz: Are the following statements true or false? Annual Market Review 2025 The year 2025 was extraordinary for the economy and the markets. Don't Take the Bait Top Tax Scams in 2025 Education Tax Credits Now that your child is in college, you might qualify for one of two education tax credits. Key Numbers 2026 Market Month: November 2025 The Markets (as of market close November 28, 2025) New "No Tax on Tips" Deduction Explained Here is a summary of the new provision and the occupations that will be affected. Retirement Planning Key Numbers Certain retirement plan and IRA limits rose for 2026. These tables offer an overview of the changes. Sudden Wealth You'll need to evaluate your new financial position and consider how your sudden wealth will affect your financial goals. Market Month: October 2025 The Markets (as of market close October 31, 2025) Key Estate Planning Documents You Need There are five estate planning documents you may need, regardless of your age, health, or wealth. Retirement Account Rollovers There are two possible ways that retirement funds can be rolled over. Six Keys to More Successful Investing A successful investor strives to enhance gains and reduce losses. Quarterly Market Review: July-September 2025 The Markets (third quarter through September 30, 2025) Refinancing Your Mortgage When you refinance your mortgage, you take out a new home loan and use some or all of the proceeds to pay off the existing one. What Happens to Your Time Horizon at Retirement? In investing, "time horizon" refers to the amount of time you have to pursue a financial goal. What is the one-rollover-per-year rule? The tax consequences of making a mistake can be significant. Back to Basics: Diversification and Asset Allocation Understanding how the two work can help you put together a portfolio that targets your specific needs. Debt Consolidation You may be looking to make debt repayment easier. Debt consolidation may be the answer. Market Month: August 2025 The Markets (as of market close August 29, 2025) Medicaid and Nursing Home Care By learning as much as you can about Medicaid right now and planning appropriately, you may be able to create a more comfortable future. Before You Move Out, Do the Math In this article, we’ll highlight many expenses young adults tend to overlook and provide tips to ensure your budget is realistic and tested. Career Shift? Weigh Your Options First. In this article, we’ll help you discover and evaluate employer benefits so you can make an informed decision that supports your day-to-day needs and long-term goals. Advantages and Disadvantages of Self-Employment Whether you're running your own business or working as an independent contractor, you'll soon realize that working for yourself isn't just another job, it's a way of life. Market Month: July 2025 The Markets (as of market close July 31, 2025) Navigating Financial Conversations with Aging Parents Here are some practical tips to help you navigate these discussions. Saving Social Security: Which Solutions Do Americans Support? Quarterly Market Review: April-June 2025 The Markets (second quarter through June 30, 2025) Establishing a Budget Does it seem like you're never able to get ahead? If so, you may want to establish a budget to help you keep track of how you spend your money and help you reach your financial goals. Interest Rates on Federal Student Loans Drop Slightly for 2025-2026 Every May, interest rates on federal student loans are reset for the upcoming school year. The rates are calculated by combining the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note with an additional fixed amount set by Congress. Tips to Help Preserve Your Inheritance If you expect to receive an inheritance one day, these tips may help you better manage your financial windfall. A Woman's Guide to Health Care in Retirement At any age, health care is a priority. But when you retire, you should probably focus more on health care than ever before. That's why it's particularly important for women to factor in the cost of health care, including long-term care, as part of their retirement plan. Four Things Women Need to Know about Social Security Social Security provides other important benefits too, including disability and survivor benefits that can help you and your family members. Market Month: May 2025 The Markets (as of market close May 30, 2025) The Power of Dividends in a Portfolio As baby boomers approach retirement and begin to focus on income-producing investments, the long-term demand for high-quality, reliable dividends is likely to increase. Borrowers in Default on Federal Student Loans Face Imminent Collection Efforts A history of payment pauses and court challenges. Financial Basics for Millennials Become familiar with the basics of planning now, and your future self will thank you for being responsible. Financial Planning: Helping You See the Big Picture With a financial plan in place, you'll be better able to focus on your goals and understand what it will take to reach them. Market Month: April 2025 The Markets (as of market close April 30, 2025) Are You Missing the Bull's-Eye with a Target-Date Fund? Target-date funds are not as simple as they appear to be. Like all investment options, they have strengths and weaknesses. Quarterly Market Review: January-March 2025 The Markets (first quarter through March 31, 2025) Tariffs: How They Work and Potential Economic Effects On February 1, 2025, President Trump authorized an additional 25% tariff on all goods entering the United States from Canada and Mexico and an additional 10% tariff on all goods from China. Tax Time: Procrastination Is Common and Can Be Costly If you procrastinate, you might face an unexpected tax bill with little or no time to come up with the money. All About Credit Scores Whether buying a car or purchasing a home, credit has become an integral part of our everyday lives. How much money should I keep in a savings account for emergencies? Without an adequate emergency fund, a period of crisis could be financially devastating. The Roth 401(k) Roth contributions could play an important role in maximizing your retirement income. Five Questions about Long-Term Care Long-term care refers to the ongoing services and support needed by people who have chronic health conditions or disabilities. Annual Market Review 2024 The year 2024 was extraordinary for the economy and the markets. Eight Great Investing Quotes From successful investors, economists, and other insightful thinkers that may help provide perspective and focus for your own investing strategy. If You Don't Have a Will Yet, Why Not? There are many reasons people put off drafting a will — here are four that you might relate to. It's Complicated: Inheriting IRAs and Retirement Plans The SECURE Act of 2019 dramatically changed the rules governing how IRA and retirement plan assets are distributed to beneficiaries. Market Month: February 2025 The Markets (as of market close February 28, 2025) There's Still Time to Fund an IRA for 2024 The tax filing deadline is fast approaching, which means time is running out to fund an IRA for 2024. Funding a Roth IRA With the potential for tax-free retirement income, Roth IRAs may be appealing investment vehicles. Federal Student Loans: Direct and PLUS Loans This article focuses on federal student loans, highlighting current interest rates, borrowing limits, and repayment options. Can You Access Your 401(k) Money While You're Still Working? Generally speaking, plan distributions prior to age 59½ may be subject to both income tax and a 10% early distribution penalty. Deciding When to Retire: When Timing Becomes Critical Deciding when to retire may not be one decision but a series of decisions and calculations. Does the federal government insure pension benefits? The federal government insures certain pension benefits. How will my 529 plan be treated for financial aid purposes? The treatment varies depending on whether the account is owned by a parent or by a grandparent. The Top Performing Stock Market Sectors in 2024 In 2024, nearly all S&P 500 sectors posted gains in a year defined by AI enthusiasm and a robust U.S. economy.