Start 2026 With a Financial Backup Plan
By Doug Reed How to regain control after a layoff—and design a smarter path to retirement A new year always gives us permission to pause. To breathe. To take stock. But if you’ve gone through a layoff—or you’re worried one could be coming—that pause isn’t just symbolic. It’s necessary. At Life By Design 360, we…
Read MoreA New Year Isn’t About Resolutions — It’s About Redesigning Your Financial Life
By Doug Reed The start of a new year has a way of waking people up. Suddenly, we’re motivated to eat better, clean out the garage, or finally tackle that stack of unopened mail on the kitchen counter. But for many people, the real questions show up around money. Am I on track? Am I…
Read MoreFinancial Discipline Is an Easy Resolution to Make, but a Hard One to Keep
We all say we want to save more and spend less. The key is to think more broadly. By Annabelle Williams for WSJ January is often thought of as a blank slate, a white canvas on which to paint a new self. For me, it’s an opportunity to establish some balance in my life. It’s the…
Read MoreThree Year-End Strategies That Can Cut Your 2025 Tax Bill
By Robyn A. Friedman Did you lose your job this year and receive a severance payment for which taxes are due? Maybe you inherited money or earned more than expected and face a bigger tax bill than you planned for. Or perhaps you’re just looking to reduce the taxes you’ll have to pay on this year’s…
Read MoreMaking Christmas joyful without the financial strain
The festive season is a time of joy, family gatherings, and giving, but it can also bring a significant financial burden. With the right strategies, however, it’s possible to enjoy Christmas without breaking the bank. Here are some tips to help you save some of your hard earned money and manage your finances during the…
Read More6 Financial Do’s and Don’ts for the Holidays
While you might look forward to attending fun events and spending time with loved ones this holiday season, it’s probably a much different story for your holiday spending. A recent Thrivent survey found that half of Americans were worried about money management over the holidays, and an even larger percentage was looking to cut their expenses. In a recent YouTube…
Read MoreTax-Loss Harvesting and Year-End Tax Planning Turning Market Volatility into Opportunity
Retirees often see volatility as a threat to hard-earned nest eggs, but with careful tax planning, it can also be an opportunity. As 2025 draws to a close, savvy tax moves—especially tax-loss harvesting—can make a measurable difference in your after-tax income, portfolio sustainability, and peace of mind. What Is Tax-Loss Harvesting? Tax-loss harvesting is the…
Read MoreCharitable Donations: The Basics of Giving
Donating to eligible charities can help lower your taxes, but how you donate can make a big difference, both for you and the charities you support. Remember the adage “It’s better to give than to receive”? If your financial goals include giving to causes that are important to you, you can strategize to make the…
Read More9 important money moves to make before the end of the year: Start 2026 off on solid financial footing by checking off these tasks by year-end.
By Bob Haegele – Yahoo Personal Finance The end of the year is more than just holiday parties and last-minute shopping—it’s also your chance to give your finances a strong finish. Before the calendar flips, there are a few smart money moves that can help you lower your tax bill, boost your savings, and set…
Read MoreFinancial Planning for Seasonal Expenses
The holiday season is synonymous with increased spending—gifts, travel, entertainment, and charitable giving can strain even well-managed budgets. With ongoing market volatility and policy uncertainty, intentional financial planning becomes critical for maintaining long-term goals while enjoying seasonal festivities. Set a Holiday Budget Start with a total holiday budget—the “holiday fund”—determined by what you can afford…
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