Planning and Investment Insights
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“Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.”
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Retirement Is More Than Reaching a Number
How much do you need to retire? It’s an important question, but retirement planning involves much more than reaching a savings goal. From managing withdrawals and taxes to Social Security, healthcare costs, and sequence of returns risk, a thoughtful retirement income strategy can help your plan adapt throughout retirement.
Looking Beyond the Headlines
Inflation, interest rates, and market news can make every day feel like investors should take action. In reality, long-term success is rarely determined by reacting to headlines. Discover why focusing on your financial goals, maintaining a disciplined investment strategy, and keeping a long-term perspective can help you navigate changing market conditions with greater confidence.
Why Diversification Can Feel Uncomfortable
It can be frustrating when one part of your portfolio seems to be underperforming. But that may be a sign that diversification is working as intended. Because market leadership changes over time, a well-diversified portfolio can help reduce risk, provide balance, and keep your long-term investment strategy from depending on a single sector or asset class.
What to Do With Your 401(k) When You Change Jobs
Changing jobs is the perfect time to review your retirement savings. Whether you leave your 401(k) with your former employer, roll it into a new employer's plan, transfer it to an IRA, or cash it out, each option has important tax and long-term planning implications. Learn the pros and cons of each choice so you can make an informed decision and keep your retirement goals on track.
Life Insurance in Retirement: Do You Still Need It?
Many people assume life insurance is no longer necessary once they retire, but that isn't always the case. Whether you're protecting a spouse, planning your estate, or covering final expenses, your insurance needs may have changed. Here's how to determine whether your current coverage still fits your retirement plan.
Understanding Social Security: When Should You Start Taking It?
When should you claim Social Security? The answer can have a major impact on your retirement income. From claiming early at age 62 to delaying benefits until age 70, each option comes with tradeoffs that affect your monthly payments, lifetime benefits, and financial security. Learn how Social Security claiming strategies work and what factors to consider before making this important retirement decision.
Why “Sell in May and Go Away” Often Misses the Bigger Picture
The phrase “Sell in May and go away” resurfaces every year, but history shows that trying to time the market based on the calendar can lead investors to miss important opportunities. Our latest blog explores why staying disciplined and focused on long-term goals may matter more than reacting to seasonal market narratives.
Investing at all-time highs & Reading Consumer Confidence
Markets reaching all-time highs can feel uncomfortable, but history suggests they’re often a sign of strength—not a warning. When paired with consumer confidence data, a clearer picture emerges: sentiment frequently lags reality, and long-term success is driven more by discipline than timing.
The First 90 Days After a Job Change: Financial Moves That Matter
Starting a new job is more than a career move. Learn why the first 90 days can be critical for retirement accounts, benefits elections, cash flow, and long-term financial planning.
Why Smart Investors Still Make Emotional Decisions
Investing is often perceived as a logical process driven by data and analysis. However, human emotions like fear and excitement significantly influence financial decision-making. This blog post explores how behavioral finance reveals the psychological factors that can lead investors to make impulsive decisions during market volatility. Learn how to recognize these emotional triggers and develop strategies to maintain discipline, ensuring that your long-term investment goals remain intact.
Why Market Headlines Are a Terrible Investment Strategy
Headlines often make markets feel fragile, but history tells a different story. From the Gulf War to COVID-19, investors have faced countless moments of uncertainty. Despite these challenges, the S&P 500 has continued to grow over time—reminding us why patience and a long-term perspective remain key principles of successful investing.
Cash Flow Mistakes We See and How to Fix Them
Struggling to align your spending with long-term goals? Learn the most common cash flow mistakes — from delaying retirement savings to overlooking irregular expenses — and practical steps to strengthen your financial foundation.
How to Build a Financial Plan That Grows With Your Life Stages
A financial plan is not a one-time decision. From early career steps to retirement and beyond, thoughtful planning evolves as life changes, helping provide clarity, direction, and confidence at every stage.