Individual vs. Joint Trust: Which Do You Need? Make sure your estate plan reflects your wishes and provides protection

Creating an estate plan is a vital step in securing your financial legacy, and if you’re doing it for the first time with a spouse or partner, you’ll quickly face an important decision: Should you set up a Joint Revocable Trust or create separate Individual Revocable Trusts? Understanding the difference between the two can be…

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CyberAttack Risks on Defined Contribution Plans: Tips for protecting financial assets and preserving confidence in the system

It is not just about protecting financial assets; it’s about preserving the confidence in a system that In the landscape of modern financial security, defined contribution plans stand as fortresses safeguarding the future of the workforce. The towering $10.2 trillion in assets within these plans is a testament to the collective effort of countless individuals…

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DOL Confirms Cybersecurity Guidance Application: Tips for retirement and health and welfare plan fiduciaries to stay vigilant

On Friday, September 6, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) confirmed that its 2021 cybersecurity guidance extends to all employee benefit plans, including health and welfare plans. This clarification, issued through a Compliance Assistance Release, underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity practices across all sectors of employee benefits, not just retirement plans. The retirement…

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Fall Season: 5 Steps to a Secure Financial Future Take action and position yourself for a financially healthy winter and beyond

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures cooler, we are officially in the fall season—a time often associated with preparation, change, and reflection. Just as we prepare our homes for colder weather or harvest the final fruits of summer labor, fall is an ideal time to evaluate and prepare your financial future. Here are…

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Famous Estate Planning Blunders

By Elaine Floyd, CFP ® Celebrities have enough money to hire the best estate planning lawyers. You would think celebrities, of all people, should have ironclad estate plans that keep their affairs private, leave money and possessions to the people they love and the charities they care about, and take advantage of legal ways to avoid…

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Fall Season: 5 Steps to a Secure Financial Future – Take action and position yourself for a financially healthy winter and beyond

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures cooler, we are officially in the fall season—a time often associated with preparation, change, and reflection. Just as we prepare our homes for colder weather or harvest the final fruits of summer labor, fall is an ideal time to evaluate and prepare your financial future. Here are…

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The Unique Advantages of Special Needs Trusts: A vital solution for your loved ones without jeopardizing their public benefits

A Special Needs Trust (SNT) is a crucial financial tool designed to benefit individuals who rely on needs-based public assistance. These trusts enable beneficiaries to maintain their eligibility for public benefits while receiving additional financial support from an inheritance. For clients with dependents or loved ones who receive public benefits, an SNT can offer peace…

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A Financial Checklist as Summer Starts to Fade: Key questions to ask to strengthen your financial planning before year-end

As the warm days of summer begin to fade and the routine of fall approaches, it’s the perfect time for pre-retirees to revisit their financial plans. Whether you’re planning to retire in a few years or a decade, conducting a comprehensive review now can prevent last-minute surprises and ensure you’re on track to achieve your…

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