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When considering your retirement strategy, how much thought do you give to how long you might live? It can be an uncomfortable reality to consider, but this shouldn’t dissuade you from giving it some serious thought.  For many people preparing for retirement, one of the biggest fears is running out of money. If you’ve lived to 65 years, you will probably live to at least 84 years if you’re male and 87 years if you’re female, according to Social Security

August is National “Make a Will” Month, and it’s a great annual reminder to update your will if needed and create a will if you don’t have one already. A will is an important estate-planning document that can help you transfer your assets with ease. Having a proper will can make the difference between a smooth transfer of assets and a probate nightmare.  Let’s learn more about what wills are, why you need one, and some tips on how to

With family health insurance premiums rising 297 percent since 2000, averaging over $25,000 annually, some employees feel the squeeze. Deductibles, too, have jumped nearly 50 percent over the last decade, further increasing out-of-pocket expenses. In this environment, understanding and using Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) can help families take more control of their healthcare finances.1 What Are HSAs and FSAs? HSAs and FSAs are special accounts designed to help manage medical expenses. If you have an

U.S. Markets  Markets rose in the second quarter as investors witnessed the new U.S. trade policy’s impacts unfold, while tensions continued in the Middle East.  The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 10.57%, while the Nasdaq Composite climbed 17.75%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 4.98%.1  April Showers  Soon after the closing bell rang on April 2, investors were caught off guard by a tariff update from the White House. Global markets reacted to the news overnight. Stocks declined over

It seems like when summertime hits, time slows down. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is over, taxes are complete, and vacation days are scheduled. If you find yourself with some extra time on your hands in the upcoming months, you may want to use this opportunity to check in on your family’s finances. While conducting a thorough analysis of your wealth may sound intimidating, we’ve broken the process down into eight simple steps to keep you focused

Life is unpredictable. One day, everything is running smoothly, and the next, you’re hit with a medical emergency, job loss, or unexpected home repair. That’s why having an emergency fund is crucial. But how much should you save? The answer depends on your financial situation, lifestyle, and risk tolerance. Let’s dive in. The General Rule: 3 to 6 Months of Expenses Financial experts commonly suggest setting aside three to six months’ worth of essential living expenses. This range offers a

Financial setbacks happen to everyone at some point. Job losses, unexpected medical expenses, or poor financial decisions can strain your finances. While setbacks can feel overwhelming, recovery is possible.  Here are some tips on rebuilding and regaining control of your financial future after a setback.  Assess the Damage  The first step to recovery is to determine where you stand. Dig deep into your finances, listing all your debts, expenses, and income sources, and then identify the root cause of the

Financial literacy is more than just a valuable skill—it is a necessity. Many young people enter adulthood without a solid understanding of money management, which can lead to long-term financial struggles. According to one study, nearly three out of four teens (74 percent) are not financially literate.1  Teaching financial literacy to teens and young adults equips them with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed financial decisions. Here are some of the key benefits of financial literacy for

A vacation should be a time to relax, explore, and create lasting memories, not a financial burden that follows you home. Yet, according to a Bankrate survey, more than one in three (36%) are willing to go into debt to pay for it.1 The good news is that you can enjoy a fantastic trip without going into debt. Here are some tips for planning a debt-free vacation. Set a Realistic Budget Before choosing a destination, determine how much you can

In today’s digital age, our online presence has become as vital as our physical belongings. Our digital footprint is extensive, spanning social media profiles to online banking, email accounts, and even cryptocurrency wallets. However, what happens to all these assets when we can no longer manage them? Enter the concept of a digital estate. Just as you would safeguard your home, car, and financial accounts, securing your digital assets is crucial. Here’s how you can take proactive steps to protect