Leaving the Wrong Beneficiary on Your IRA Plan Can Be a Costly Mistake: Many savers pay little attention to retirement-account beneficiaries
By: Laura Saunders Do yourself a favor: Check the heirs named on your IRA or 401(k) retirement plans. Then check your parents’ accounts. A lot is riding on these designations, and it’s easy for life to outrun planning in this area. Has there been a death, a new grandchild or other key change? Beneficiary forms…
Read More5 Things to Do Now to Make Your Estate Simpler for Your Heirs: It’s easy to put off doing many of these things. But get them done, and your heirs will be thankful you did.
By Cheryl Winokur Munk No one likes to think about their own demise, but planning can make life after your death significantly easier for heirs. Here are five ways to help heirs avoid extra time, money, stress and acrimony after you pass: Keep documents updated Having a will or living trust is essential—but it isn’t…
Read MoreDating, Marriage & Money: Must-Have Chats: Transparent financial conversations sets you up for a prosperous future
Money is one of the leading causes of relationship stress, yet many couples avoid financial discussions until problems arise. Whether you’re dating, engaged, or married, having transparent financial conversations is key to long-term success. Talking Money While Dating Discussing finances early can feel awkward, but it helps set expectations. Key topics to explore: Spending habits:…
Read MoreWelcoming a New Family Member This Year?: What every new parent and grandparent should know about wealth planning
Having a child or grandchild is a joyful milestone, but it also marks a new era of responsibility – especially when it comes to your family’s long-term financial wellbeing. If you’re a new parent or grandparent, now is the time to confront the “what if” questions that may have seemed remote before. What would happen…
Read MoreUnderstanding Succession and Legacy Planning: How to begin securing your family’s future with a strong, flexible foundation
Succession and legacy planning goes beyond drafting a will; it involves creating a strategic framework for transferring your wealth, values, and responsibilities to the next generation or chosen beneficiaries. As you accumulate assets or approach later stages of life, it becomes increasingly important to ensure that your estate is managed and distributed according to your…
Read MoreDebt Repayment vs. Retirement Contributions : A sustainable, customized strategy that balances both will serve you best
Another common question we hear is, “Should I prioritize paying down debt or focus on saving more for retirement?” It’s a smart question – and the answer is rarely black and white. Today’s financial landscape, shaped by high interest rates, inflationary pressures, and competing demands, makes this balancing act especially challenging. For many in their…
Read MoreCash Flow and Emergency Fund Optimization: An emergency fund is not just a defensive measure, it is foundational
While advanced tools and long-term goals attract attention, the foundation of financial stability lies in cash flow and emergency planning. Without sufficient liquidity, even the best investment strategies can unravel when unexpected expenses arise. The Case for Emergency Funds Most advisors recommend 3–6 months of essential expenses as an emergency buffer. In today’s climate of…
Read MoreThe Emerging Cybersecurity Threats in 2025 – What You Can Do To Stay Ahead
Contributed by Softchoice. Written by Abel E. Molina, Principal Architect, Security, Microsoft. Source: Cloud Security Alliance The landscape of cyber threats is evolving at a rapid pace, posing significant challenges for businesses, governments, and individuals. I felt it appropriate to list the top 10 emerging cybersecurity threats of 2025 and provide insights on how organizations can…
Read MoreHow and when to apply for Medicare
What is Medicare, and how does it work? Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 and over. If you are under 65, you may be eligible to get Medicare earlier if you have a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Medicare is divided into four parts:…
Read MoreWhat is Disability Insurance and How Does It Work?
Disability insurance can help protect your income and peace of mind. Learn how short-term and long-term disability insurance works, how to get them, and more. By: Chris Kawashima Many workers will experience a temporary or permanent disability at some point in their working years. You can plan ahead for this possibility by considering disability insurance.…
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