Financial Plan
The Fed and the Housing Market
Chief Economist Eugenio J. Alemán discusses current economic conditions. The Federal Reserve Bank (Fed), the central bank of the United States, has a difficult task ahead. The most important objectives of the Fed are: “maximum employment, stable prices, and moderate long-term interest rates in the United States.” In order to do that, the Fed has,…
Read MoreGet to Know Special Needs Trusts
ESTATE & GIVING Trust assets can be used for a variety of helpful and enriching benefits, all while not jeopardizing valuable government assistance. Caring for a family member or friend with a disability or special needs can be difficult to navigate without expert help and the right plan. Whether due to an accident or mental…
Read More“No Kids” Shouldn’t Mean “No Estate Plan”
ESTATE & GIVING Regardless of your family situation, it’s important to have certain estate planning essentials in place so that your legacy is left the way you intend. Estate planning can sometimes feel overwhelming, and those without children or close family members may be especially uncertain about where to begin. You may feel as though…
Read MoreTrim Your Future Tax Bill by Thinking Ahead
Don’t procrastinate when it comes to prepping for tax season. The tax code can be a labyrinth to navigate. Nevertheless, taking action now – while you, your financial advisor and accountant have time to think through the possibilities and maximize your tax savings – could be more than worth the effort. Consider adding one or…
Read MoreHome, Sweet Home(s): Investing in Real Estate
In his celebrated 1822 song, Home, Sweet Home, playwright John Howard Payne profoundly and firmly holds his own home as a more revered spot than a royal palace (even if the said home is a “lowly thatched cottage”). While you may not know Payne by name, you’ll undoubtedly be aware of his brilliant and imperishable…
Read MoreInspiring Confidence: Persevering Financially After the Loss of a Loved One
Many of us don’t want to think about our own mortality, much less that of those we hold dear. But death is something we all will face eventually — and sadly, it can happen at any moment. While the topic may make you uncomfortable, wouldn’t you rather be prepared as much as you can be?…
Read MoreBetter Together: Essential Small Business Survival Tips for Right Now
The stunning beauty of a Maidenhair tree is matched only by its remarkable resilience to survive all sorts of environmental challenges that topple less hardy species. The tree agelessly defies strong winds, pollution, and drought. The secret of how a Maidenhair tree can live for more than 1,000 years was recently discovered—its ability to adapt…
Read MoreThe Top 7 Social Security Myths (and How To Get the Most from Your Hard-Earned Benefits)
Social Security seems simple. But this retirement benefit is in fact quite nuanced, with many variables to consider–including when to start collecting, how to maximize your benefit, and what to do if you choose to go back to work. Here, we shine some light on common Social Security misconceptions to help get the most from…
Read MoreWhy Rethinking Retirement Can Lead to a Healthier and Happier Life
Picture this… what’s the first thing that enters your mind with these words? Flower Friend Retirement Music Anyone can quickly imagine a flower, a friend or music. But, retirement? What does retirement look like? Most of us think about retirement as “life after 65”, having taken a nice, clean, dramatic transition from the grind of…
Read MoreA Crisis Is A Terrible Thing to Waste
I’ve been reading a book called, “The Road Less Stupid” by Keith J. Cunningham and the title of this blog is taken from one of his chapters. When I turned the page and saw those words, I had to stop for a minute to process how the words made me feel. I don’t like the…
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