Blog

Why Your Credit Score Matters in Retirement

Melissa Osuch

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Regardless of the stage of life, your credit score is an essential component of your financial health when you're in retirement. A consistently strong credit score can pave the way for greater confidence, easy loan access, and lower...

How to Plan for a Healthy Retirement

Melissa Osuch

Thursday, February 1, 2024

Planning for retirement often involves focusing on your finances and ensuring that you not only will have enough to sustain you during your retirement but adequate funds to do the things you enjoy doing. While this strategy is a...

Health Is the New Wealth: HNW Individuals, LTC Insurance and Healthcare

Melissa Osuch

Thursday, February 1, 2024

A perspective shift occurs in the wealth landscape; many now recognize health as the new wealth. Healthcare, long-term care (LTC) insurance, and other wealth-related financial instruments have become essential considerations for HNW...

How Portfolio Diversification Can Be Sweet Like a Box of Chocolates

Melissa Osuch

Thursday, February 1, 2024

In the world of investing, risk and reward go hand-in-hand. To help manage risk and reward, investors often utilize a portfolio diversification strategy that mitigates risk while working toward accumulation across asset classes....

5 Financial Bad Habits to Cut This Year

Melissa Osuch

Friday, December 29, 2023

When it comes to financial bad habits, the most common are also well known — don’t spend too much, don’t take on unsustainable debt, and avoid living paycheck to paycheck. But what happens once you’ve...

4 Tax Planning Tips for High-Net-Worth Families

Melissa Osuch

Friday, December 29, 2023

Tax planning might be complex, but it's also essential—especially for high-net-worth families, where missing tax breaks or failing to optimize income could cost significant dollars, maybe millions, over a lifetime. And even in...

5 Financial Wellness Myths Surrounding Near Retirees

Melissa Osuch

Friday, December 29, 2023

When people think of retirement, they often have an image formulated in their minds of what it will be like. The thing about it, the reality might not be what they expected. The internet is full of retirement information; however, not...

4 Most Common Medicare Mistakes People Make

Melissa Osuch

Monday, November 27, 2023

Medicare policies are the health insurance benefits you have worked toward throughout your life, and having the proper policy is critical as you are likely to face more health problems as you age. While these policies can provide you...

Why Business Owners Need Financial Planning

Melissa Osuch

Monday, November 27, 2023

If you're a business owner, you are likely the Chief Everything Officer at work and have many responsibilities. A business owner's situation is unique since they are asset-rich and cash-poor since their wealth is in their...

A Look at Tax Planning for Retirement

Melissa Osuch

Monday, November 27, 2023

After years of saving and planning for their golden years, many people nearing retirement fail to consider the tax burden they may face on income they receive after they stop working. While you will likely see a reduction in the amount...

Philanthropy and Charitable Giving: Innovative Ideas for High Net Worth Individuals

Melissa Osuch

Monday, November 27, 2023

Many high-net-worth individuals are aware of their capacity to impact the world to make it a better place through giving. Philanthropy and charitable giving provide a platform for them to affect positive change beyond wealth...

How Estate Planning Can Help Prepare for Long Term Care

Melissa Osuch

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

The cost of long-term care can vary widely based on location (both city and state) and level of care needed. However, one thing is for certain: with 7 in every 10 people requiring long-term care at some point, preparing for this...

Year-end Tax Planning for High-Net-Worth Individuals

Melissa Osuch

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

As the year’s end approaches, High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) must prepare for one of the most critical monetary tasks: year-end tax planning. Due to the nature of their holdings and dynamic financial situation, HNWIs often...

Caregiving: A Decision That May Impact Your Retirement Savings

Melissa Osuch

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Many women have been a caregiver while raising children. Still, now many are caring for a loved one out of necessity as the older family member can no longer care for themselves. The Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies report,...

Year-End Donations and #GivingTuesday

Melissa Osuch

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

With its family traditions and festive celebrations, the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year. And according to GivingTuesday.org, the giving in the U.S. alone totaled $2.7 billion to nonprofits and community...

Retiring as a Small-Business Owner: What to Know Before You Go

Melissa Osuch

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

The thought of retiring may be intimidating for anyone—but if you own your own business, handing your "baby" to new owners might be enough to stop you in your tracks. What might you do to set your successor up for success? What...

Data breaches are inevitable – here’s how to protect yourself anyway

Melissa Osuch

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

It’s tempting to give up on data security altogether, with all the billions of pieces of personal data – Social Security numbers, credit cards, home addresses, phone numbers, passwords and much more – breached and...

5 Expensive Long-Term Care Planning Mistakes to Avoid

Melissa Osuch

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

The vast majority of Americans need long-term care. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 70% of people over age 65 may need some long-term care during their lives.1 Unfortunately, planning for long-term care...

What to Know About Multigenerational Estate Planning

Melissa Osuch

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Baby Boomers — those born between 1946 and 1964 — hold about $20 trillion in wealth.1 Over the next few decades, many Boomers may transfer this wealth to their Gen X, millennial, and Gen Z children, perhaps incurring a...

4 Reasons Working with a Financial Professional Is Not as Scary as You Think

Melissa Osuch

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

For some people, the thought of using financial services is a scary experience. It involves planning for a future where you may not know how the economy may be, how your health may be, or what your financial needs might be. One of the...

The Facts of Life Insurance: Debunking 5 Common Life Insurance Myths

Melissa Osuch

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Having a solid life insurance policy in place is crucial for any adult who has assets, a business, or a steady income. While most adults know that having a life insurance policy is a vital piece in their financial puzzle, there are...

Figuring Out a 401(k) Strategy That Works for You

Melissa Osuch

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Everyone wants a comfortable retirement, but the road you take there will depend on your specific situation. When you invest, you assume a certain level of risk (but like everyone you’re hoping that your holdings will increase in...

A Guide to Student Loan Repayment Plans: 9 Options for Consideration

Melissa Osuch

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

In a 6 to 3 vote, the Supreme Court struck down the Biden administration’s student loan forgiveness plan denying a chance for at least 43 million eligible participants to eliminate up to $20,000 of their debt.   Despite new...

5 Emergency Savings Tips for Building a Financial Safety Net

Melissa Osuch

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

From unemployment to a sudden health crisis to a crippling accident, being financially prepared for life's many challenges may smooth the road ahead. Whether you are just starting out or have been working toward financial health for...

3 Ways To Improve Your Finances for Self-Improvement Month

Melissa Osuch

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

September is self-improvement month and a great time to work on your financial health. When you think of self-improvement, you likely think of your health or career but may pay little attention to your finances. Getting your financial...

Do You Know What Type of Investor You Are?

Melissa Osuch

Monday, August 7, 2023

Do you know the answer if your financial professional asks you what type of investor you are? While it may be challenging to classify yourself off the top of your head, knowing what type of investor you are might help you avoid making...

Understanding 401(k) and IRA Withdrawals for Education Expenses

Melissa Osuch

Monday, August 7, 2023

A student's education expenses may be reduced when a parent uses their tax-advantaged retirement account to help cover tuition and other related costs. With many students graduating with college loan debt, using a 401(k) or IRA may...

It's Never Too Late to Improve Your Financial Awareness

Melissa Osuch

Monday, August 7, 2023

Financial education is constantly evolving. As investments, financial priorities, and the economy change, so do financial strategies and plans. To stay on top of your retirement and ensure that you are on your way toward your financial...

Women and Money: Taking Control of Your Finances

Melissa Osuch

Monday, August 7, 2023

As a woman, you have financial needs that are unique to your situation in life. Perhaps you would like to buy your first home. Maybe you need to start saving for your child's college education. Or you might be concerned about planning...

Financial Independence for the Sandwich Generation

Melissa Osuch

Friday, July 7, 2023

The “Sandwich Generation” faces a lot of struggles. If you’re unfamiliar with this term, it describes a demographic where usually middle-aged individuals must support aging parents at the same time...

What You Need to Know About Purchasing Life Insurance

Melissa Osuch

Friday, July 7, 2023

Life insurance is a great addition to your portfolio that can help protect your loved ones and beneficiaries if you unexpectedly pass away. While no amount of money can ease the grief of losing someone, life insurance may help reduce...

When you think of your financial wellness, you are likely not considering how it may affect your social life or vice versa. While many factors may influence your financial situation, social influence is the component that is given the least

A Financial Planning Guide for Families with Disabilities

Melissa Osuch

Friday, July 7, 2023

About 61 million adults in the U.S. live with a disability. Many of these disabilities are serious enough to impact a person’s daily life.1 There may be financial benefits available to those whose disabilities leave them unable...

If you have always thought estate planning was just for those nearing retirement or already retired, think again. If you own a home, it is important to have a plan in place. Without a will or other arrangements that allow your home to...

Did you know that you can gift a new or existing life insurance policy to your favorite charity? When properly designed, a charitable life insurance program may improve your overall financial situation and offer tax benefits, all while...

For kids, teens, and college students, summer break often represents freedom from schedules, responsibilities, and all those other drains on your time. Retirement actually can provide a similar level of freedom, but only if you've...

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, your college student can remain on your health insurance plan until age 26. But there are other insurances you may want to consider for your college student while they're away from home. Whether an...

Those that choose to invest in the education of a family member, friend or acquaintance are investing not only in that individual’s future, but also the future of society. It is an act of generosity, forward-thinking, and love....

Mental health is essential to everyone’s wellbeing. Mental health disorders, diagnosed or not, may be playing a role in your daily life. Often, financial problems or worries may impact your mental wellbeing, especially if...

Small businesses may often find themselves struggling, and there are many situations in which business owners may find themselves weathering a storm and hoping to make it through. While the strength and fortitude of those who run small...

You may already be aware of the importance of having enough life insurance coverage to handle financial matters that could affect your family in the event of your death. However, determining the appropriate amount of coverage for your...

Planning for retirement is exciting, but it may come with a bit of stress. If you worked hard all your life, now might be the time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. One of the things that you may need to consider is when it...

Most people know that once they approach retirement age, their reward for years of work comes from Social Security payments they put money towards during their employment. Deciding when to file for your Social Security payments is...

When people think of “myths,” they often think of such stories as Pandora’s Box (the woman who took the lid off of a jar releasing all of the world’s ills upon the world, were taxes one of them?), or the Tale of...

As a woman, you have financial needs that are unique to your situation in life. Perhaps you would like to buy your first home. Maybe you need to start saving for your child's college education. Or you might be concerned about planning...

Spring can be a fantastic time to refresh your retirement plan and savings habits. With 2023 bringing increased limits for 401(k)s, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and other tax-advantaged...

In the U.S., men are investing and accumulating wealth at a greater pace than women, fueling the gender investing gap. Closing the investing gap is essential so that women accumulate enough retirement assets for their entire lives. On...

Having a good credit score doesn't just get you the best interest rates. It can also reduce your auto insurance premiums, allow you to avoid security deposits, and in some cases, even help you get hired.1But what goes into your credit...

Whether you’re one to set ambitious New Year’s resolutions or simply use the beginning of the year to reset on a few habits, there’s almost always some value in reflecting on the past year before looking ahead. The...

An emergency fund is like a life preserver, it can keep you afloat when the unexpected happens and prevent you from moving backward financially. No one likes to think about tragic scenarios they might need to save for, but it’s...

Financial wellness is a state of being when one is in control of their finances, can cover expenses, and save for future goals. Consider financial wellness as your relationship with money; it can be either healthy or unhealthy....

We wish you a happy New Year and hope you were able to close out 2022 with friends and family.The beginning of a calendar year is often the time when the previous year’s reflections transition to a new year’s hopes. Given...

Tax preparation tools and products continue to evolve even more quickly than the federal tax code itself. Which tax prep tools are worth the hype, and which may be passed over? Below we discuss five high-tech tools to help make tax...

Regardless of whether you prepare your taxes yourself or use a professional's services, it's a good idea to gather the information and documentation you need well in advance of your actual tax filing date. Below, we've listed some key...

Change may be difficult, especially when you try to change your financial habits. The process might be easier if you take an incremental approach. Do you want to get on top of your finances this year? Are you looking for ways to...

4 Simple Ways To Give Back

Melissa Osuch

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

As you take a moment to reflect upon all of the things that bring you comfort and joy this holiday season, consider giving back to those in need. Whether you are participating in an organized fundraiser or diving headfirst into your...

Through all the challenges, newfound opportunities, and every high and low we’ve experienced during the last couple of years, it’s no surprise why we might be striving for more balance. Whether it’s about the markets...

If you ask someone their favorite part of the holiday season, giving or receiving gifts will likely be their response nine times out of ten. Gift-giving is a huge part of the holidays—it’s why there are entire days...

THINGS TO CONSIDER GOING INTO “THE NEW YEAR" (YEAR-END PLANNING CHECKLIST) The end of the year is necessary to reflect on your financial picture, review the last 12 months, and plan for the future. With all that is involved,...

Your Financial Fresh Start: 12 Resolutions in 12 Months

Melissa Osuch

Friday, December 2, 2022

Change may be difficult, especially when you try to change your financial habits. The process might be easier if you take an incremental approach. Do you want to get on top of your finances this year? Are you looking for ways to...

As we approach the last quarter of each year, it is a good time to plan for the next one. Year-end planning is especially important for existing retirees and those hoping to retire in the next few years. There are tax and income...

October is now behind us and it has delivered on its track record as a historically favorable month for stocks, offering some respite for investors as major equity indices rose for the month. The downside pressure on equities had...

‘Tis the season to give thanks for the many blessings that you have received throughout the year and blessings that help you as you move into the future. One thing to be truly thankful for is financial wellness. When you are...

It's generally a good idea to review your employer-sponsored retirement savings plan at least once each year and when major life changes occur. If you haven't given your plan a thorough review within the last 12 months, now may be a...

Have you ever made a purchase that has thrown your monthly budget off-kilter? Or maybe you’ve put financial restrictions on yourself that push you away from spending on things that bring you joy. The phrase “treat...

The first step to improving your finances is to get organized.These top Amazon finds can help you create a monthly budget, plan your spending, and safely store your important insurance or personal documents for easy access when...

If the thought of reviewing your finances with the help of a financial professional strikes more fear into your heart than giving a public speech, you are not alone—two in every three Americans report regularly feeling stressed...

Why did you purchase life insurance? If you're like most people who buy life insurance, you're looking to provide a source of income for someone (e.g., a spouse, parent, or child) after you die. Buying the policy was the first step....

When it comes to saving for retirement, the options can seem endless. From 401(k) plans to IRAs, to Roth IRAs, health savings accounts, even life insurance policies, there are a variety of financial vehicles that allow you to set aside...

The more money that you can save when you are working, the easier it should be for you to retire and enjoy your golden years. Unfortunately, Social Security may no longer provide a sufficient income to live on during retirement. To...

Your life insurance needs change as your life changes. When you are young, you may not have a need for life insurance. However, as you take on more responsibility and your family grows, your life insurance needs increase. Your needs...

Investing for your retirement isn't about getting rich quick. More often, it's about having a game plan that you can live with over a long time. You wouldn't expect to be able to play the piano without learning the basics and...

Last week was epic for market-watchers. A Federal Reserve (Fed) rate hike, a much-anticipated gross domestic product (GDP) report, and the busiest week of earnings season got most of the headlines. There was even a surprise out of...

Labor Day is right around the corner. The weather is starting to turn a little cooler, college football returns and the kids are back in school. For me, it’s always been the kids going back to school that really marked the end of...

In 2022, U.S. inflation hit a 40-year high, with prices for food, housing, gasoline, and other key staples increasing by nearly 10% over the previous year.1 During these uncertain times, stocks have continued a roller-coaster ride...

Why do so many people never obtain the financial independence that they desire? Often it's because they just don't take that first step — getting started. Besides procrastination, other excuses people make are that investing is...

 All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal, and there can be no guarantee that any investing strategy will be successful.Dollar-cost averaging does not ensure a profit or prevent a loss. Such plans...

Communicating openly can help everyone prepare and plan for the future Many parents may find it uncomfortable, or even believe it is unnecessary, to inform their children about personal finance matters. Yet, communicating openly with...

Today, many individuals are finding it necessary to help elderly parents or relatives manage their personal finances. One area of particular concern is property management. This issue may arise when seniors reach their late seventies...

As the calendar has turned to July, investors would certainly like to forget the first six months of 2022. However, the Fourth of July Independence Day holiday does bring with it reason for celebration. Not only is it the 246th...

Talking about long-term-care (LTC) can be challenging, and it can be especially difficult to know where to start. How you choose to broach the conversation may depend on your loved one’s personality, age, health status, cognitive...

Almost half of all adults are part of the "sandwich generation." These are adults in their 40s and 50s who are helping support or care for a parent while also supporting or caring for a child.1 Being caught between two generations of...

When people plan for retirement, most think about the stock market, potential returns, and occasionally what their future retirement expenses might look like. And while it’s pretty easy to calculate future expenses for most...

Many investors still adhere to the old adage—"sell in May and go away"—while others remain fully invested even as the summer heat waves begin. What goes unsaid is that if your asset allocation accurately reflects your risk...

A Bear Market is Officially Here

Melissa Osuch

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

A bear market is officially here thanks largely to stubbornly high inflation. For many of us, it has probably felt like a bear market for a while now, but the S&P 500 Index didn’t close more than 20% below its January 3 record...

Whether you dream of a travel-filled retirement or would prefer to relax and enjoy spending more time at home, you are probably wondering what you might consider to make your golden years as stress-free as possible. For those who...

Save More Every Month with These Smart Strategies

Melissa Osuch

Wednesday, June 8, 2022

Saving money can be difficult, even when you stick to a budget. It’s easy to feel like you’re not getting anywhere. You wish you could save more, but where do you start? At home. Implement these simple strategies...