Financial Anxiety Is Real But You Don’t Have to Face It Alone
It’s no secret that money worries weigh heavily on many Americans. Way back in 2021, 71% of employees said they were anxious about their financial futures. Fast forward to today, and that number has skyrocketed to a stunning 91%. Inflation—surprise, surprise—tops the list of anxieties across all generations. But it’s far from the only concern.…
Read MoreTax Season has begun: What You Need to Know…
This week marks the official opening of the 2026 federal tax filing season, when the Internal Revenue Service begins accepting and processing 2025 individual income tax returns. For many Americans, this filing period will feel different from prior years—not just because of new forms and digital tools, but because of a significant wave of temporary…
Read MoreDe-Risking & Asset Allocation Shifts in DB Plans : Strategic de-risking is an opportunity to realign with organizational goals
Shifts in DB Plans Defined benefit plans are undergoing a strategic transformation. Many sponsors are now enjoying improved funded statuses, largely due to robust equity performance and a prolonged high-interest-rate environment. This shift presents a crucial inflection point for plan management. The core driver of today’s de-risking efforts lies in the mathematical interplay between plan…
Read MoreThe Sandwich Generation Balancing College, Eldercare, and Retirement
Many investors in their late 30s, 40s, and early 50s find themselves squeezed between competing responsibilities: saving for retirement, supporting children, and helping aging parents. This “sandwich generation” faces a unique set of financial and emotional challenges. Without a plan, the pressure can lead to reactive decisions that undermine long‑term security. With a structured approach…
Read MoreNew Year. Real Life. A Smarter Financial Reset
By: Doug Reed Every January, we hear the same phrase: New year, new you. But here’s the truth most people won’t say out loud— You don’t need a “new you.” You need a new plan that works in real life, especially if you’re facing uncertainty, job instability, or even a layoff. At Life By Design…
Read MoreMoney Lessons for 2026: What Martin Luther King Jr. Still Teaches Us About Financial Freedom
By Doug Reed As we move through 2026, many people are facing something they never planned for—career disruption, layoffs, forced reinvention, or the unsettling question of “What now?” Moments like these invite fear, but they also invite clarity. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is rarely quoted for financial wisdom, yet his philosophy offers some…
Read MoreManaging Your Monthly Money Leaks This Year: Spending on non-essential services can hinder your wealth-building efforts
From streaming services and gym memberships to AI assistants and meal kit deliveries, the modern economy thrives on subscriptions. While these recurring charges offer convenience, they can also create a silent drain on your finances. How can you take control of your subscriptions without sacrificing what matters most? The Rise of the Subscription Economy The…
Read MoreEmergency Funds & Strategic Debt Management : The long-term benefits make these foundational efforts worth the investment
Strong emergency savings and thoughtful debt strategies are critical for staying secure and flexible through life’s changes. And financial security begins with two foundational habits: building emergency savings and managing debt effectively. While these areas may not be the most glamorous, they form the essential groundwork for achieving all other financial goals. Emergency Savings: Your…
Read MoreStart 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…
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