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Get Time On Your Side: Late Retirement Planning Strategies
If you’re feeling behind when it comes to retirement savings, you’re not alone. A surprising 70% of Americans are either falling short or don’t know where they stand.1 If you find yourself in this predicament, it’s time to stop...
Read MoreAlternative Funding Strategies for Long-Term Care
As we get older and become frailer, we may find ourselves needing help with everyday activities that’s as simple as getting dressed, eating, or getting in and out of bed. Even if we’re healthy, accidents may necessitate assistance with...
Read MoreBuild Tax-Free Income For Retirement
If there’s one thing almost everyone can agree on, it’s not wanting to pay taxes. After all, who wants to give up their hard-earned money to the government? The retirement savings gap is a multifaceted issue for many working people....
Read MoreBoost Your Savings Goals with Tax Diversification Strategies
After working hard all your life and planning diligently to achieve financial independence, the last thing you want is having to fork over a large percentage of your income to the IRS. Even when you’ve left the workforce, taxes will...
Read MoreExplore the Advantages of Annuities
When planning for retirement, annuities can be critical to your strategy. They can provide a guaranteed stream of monthly payments that’ll last the rest of your life. Even though annuities may come in all shapes and sizes, here are...
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Three Tips to Start Saving Now
Saving is something many people wish to do more of, but a study finds 58% of Americans have less than $1,000 tucked away in their savings.1 Because we live in a society of consumerism and consumption, we spend beyond our means and have...
Read MoreWhy Even Single People Need Life Insurance
Life insurance isn’t just for those married with children, single adults without children can benefit from it, too. When you’re single, healthy, and childless, a life insurance policy is probably the last thing on your mind. You might...
Read MorePreparing for Tax Season
Happy New Year! It’s a new year, a new you, and a new time to do things differently—like your taxes. Tax-filing season is officially here and there are many things you can do to be prepared and organized. Here are a few simple tips...
Read More2020 Retirement Calendar
The New Year marks the opportunity for a new beginning. It’s a time to reflect, refresh, and recommit. A great way to start may be with solid financial resolutions that can help you reach your goals. You can start by making a list, but...
Read MoreThree Signs You’re on Track for an Early Retirement
The average age most Americans expect to retire is 66, but there are a number of people settling into their golden years early. Planning for a traditional retirement isn’t always that simple and striving to retire early requires even...
Read MoreHoliday Financial Woes
Many of us get so caught up in the holiday madness that we toss our budget aside and fall into what seems to be a never-ending spending cycle. Last year’s report shows about 51% of Americans overspent their budget on holiday gifts and...
Read MoreYear-End Financial Planning
As we set our eyes on the new year, it’s an ideal time to sit down and review your financial strategy. Take a few moments to review some of these deadlines and take advantage of the opportunity to grow your wealth and better position...
Read MoreOne Simple Trick for Saving More in Retirement
We all have financial responsibilities that can become a balancing act. Some that are significant to us while others aren’t. With competing financial obligations, there never seems to be enough money to go around and retirement becomes...
Read MoreIs Working in Retirement Worth It?
Today, Americans 65 and older are more likely to be working than in 1985. More than 20% are working part- or full-time, and the numbers are projected to continue climbing, according to a recent study.1 Reasons for working longer? There...
Read More2020 Social Security Changes You Should Be Concerned About
Every day, thousands of baby boomers are reaching their retirement age. A report revealed the U.S. population age 65 or older has increased by at least 50 million people in the last ten years.1 With the growth of the retirement...
Read MoreLong-Term Care Can Ease Family Burdens
If you’re like most people, you don’t like the thought that you might need long-term care (LTC) at some point in your life. Today, there’s a 70% chance that you’ll be needing some type of LTC service when you turn age 65.1 However, LTC...
Read MoreRetirement Reality Check
It’s a fact that many Americans aren’t saving enough for retirement with 69% only having 10% or less of their income saved.1 Reasons? They’re clouded by many misconceptions that leads them to ignoring the steps needed to secure their...
Read MoreUncovering Truths About Life Insurance
Life insurance may seem bewildering at first glance, but it can be very simple. This insurance serves the purpose of lessening the financial burden on the family when a loved one passes away. If you have anyone that relies on you...
Read MoreMaximizing Your Retirement Benefits
Retirement might sound like a far-off dream, but it’ll become reality sooner than you think. You’ve worked hard for it and if planned right, you can enjoy the retirement that you’ve always envisioned. Here are a few tips that can have...
Read MoreProtect Your Finances from Natural Disasters
In the past few months, we’ve witnessed a number of natural disasters. With Hurricane Season looming over our coastal areas, being prepared can help you, your family or your business minimize the impact of not just hurricanes, but of...
Read MoreAre You Aware of These Three Unique Social Security Benefits?
For many retirees, Social Security is a key component of retirement with 97% either receiving or will receive it.1 It provides a foundation of income on which workers can build to plan their golden years. Though Social Security remains...
Read MoreUnexpected Ways to Fund Long-Term Care Expenses
Believe it or not–someone turning 65 today has almost a 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care (LTC) service.1 When you think about it, the odds of being in a nursing home are a lot higher than totaling your car or losing...
Read MoreNew Parents: Plan for Financial Success
As parents, we bear the great duty of raising our children to be strong, independent, and better versions of ourselves. This responsibility comes with many financial obligations to balance for the goal of setting them up for success...
Read MoreTips for Getting the Most Out of Your Insurance Policy
Life can be full of surprises and you want to be ready for whatever lies ahead. Through life insurance, you can prepare for the unexpected by providing financial security for your loved ones in the event of your death. An important...
Read MoreThe Three Pillars of Happiness in Retirement
What does it mean to be truly happy in retirement? Is it financial independence, health, adventure, or all of the above? The vision of the ideal retirement is often different from person to person, but the foundation of a happy and...
Read MoreThree Tax Advantages of a Health Savings Account (HSA)
Many Americans are aware of the tax benefits such as individual retirement accounts, or 401(k) savings plans; but the less-known HSA can provide some major tax relief. Here are three ways:Tax-free contributions. All money you set aside...
Read MoreWhat Medicare Won’t Cover During Your Retirement
A person turning age 65 today has almost a 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care service. It’s considered one of the largest potential expenses in retirement with the average lifetime long-term care expenditure being $138...
Read MoreThree Mistakes to Avoid in Your First Year of Retirement
Congratulations! You’re finally at the finish line. Your years of hard work are coming to an end and your days of freedom are here. Although a huge weight has been lifted off of your shoulders, there are a few blunders to avoid in...
Read MoreImportant Conversations to Have with Your Spouse About Finances
Marriage is about joining your life completely with someone else’s. It’s not what’s his is hers or what’s hers is his. No one said it’s easy when it comes to having to share your entire life. Studies revealed one of the top issues...
Read MorePlanning for Retirement: Five Essential Questions to Ask
Retirement is the time where we should be able to kick back, relax, and enjoy being free of responsibility. While we’re relieved from the heavy demands of being in the workforce, in retirement, we’re in charge of our own lives and...
Read MoreEstate Plan: Do I Need One?
There’s a common misconception that estate planning is only for the wealthy. Regardless of your financial situation, an estate plan allows you to have a plan in place after your death. Especially if you have a house, children, and...
Read MoreSituations When Life Insurance Makes Sense
The last thing you’d want to think about is your own death. But the fact is–death is inevitable. While it’s a difficult topic to process, it’s a good thing to be prepared and plan ahead for when the time comes. Ask yourself these...
Read MoreThe Next Five Things You Can Do to Achieve Financial Success
July marks the halfway point of the calendar year and is the perfect time to financially reflect on what’s already passed and what’s to come: Have I saved enough? How much have I spent so far? Where am I in reaching my goals? Is it too...
Read MoreLong-Term Care Insurance: Factors to Consider
Over the years, the cost of nursing home and long-term care costs have risen and continues to surge. Studies reveal 69% of retiring Americans will need some sort of long-term care during their life.1 And if there’s a single unsolved...
Read MoreShould You Pay Off Your Mortgage Before You Retire?
Among the many challenges of retirement planning is whether you should pay off your mortgage before you retire. Though it’s collective knowledge to be debt-free as much as possible, it may not make sense or be possible for everyone. On...
Read MoreImmediate vs. Deferred Annuities: Which is Right For You?
Running out of money in retirement is a major concern for many Americans. You don’t work hard to just save for retirement and hope for the best. You want security and the stability and annuities can provide just that. Think of a...
Read MoreGetting the Most Out of Your Social Security Benefits
Social Security benefits are the bedrock of retirement income for many Americans as they approach the end of their careers. As a vital part of a retirement plan, it’s important to understand what Social Security can mean to you and...
Read MoreWhen You Should Invest in an Annuity: 5 Life Scenarios
As retirees look ahead to a retirement with uncertainties, they need to have an adequate, dependable, and long-lasting stream of income. With an unpredictable stock market, grim outlook on Social Security and pensions, and a continuous...
Read More3 Myths About Annuities You Need to Know
When it comes to investment types, annuities are often misunderstood. Annuities can play an important role in your retirement plan because it’s not just about saving, it’s also about generating a steady stream of income so you can...
Read More6 Signs You’re Not Saving Enough
We can all almost say money is always on our minds…how much do I have in my account? Am I able to afford that? Do I simply enough? Being aware of your financial health is important. Studies reveal Americans could be saving more with...
Read MoreUnderstanding the Two Primary Types of Life Insurance
Many people may think life insurance is just another unnecessary expense without realizing its purpose and benefits. The question to ask yourself is would someone in your life suffer financial hardships if you were to pass away? If the...
Read MoreSimple Steps You Can Take Now to Prepare for Retirement
It’s never too early nor too late to start thinking about retirement and planning for one. It takes careful planning for your money to last a lifetime. Here are simple action steps you can take today to start preparing for your golden...
Read More3 Common Myths About Caregiving Costs
Many Americans significantly underestimate the impact that a loved one’s long term care needs could have on their own lives, marriages, work, and not to mention their finances. As a matter of fact, 57% of caregivers surveyed tapped...
Read MoreSetting Realistic Financial Goals For Your Future
Oftentimes we tend to be unrealistic when it comes to planning how much we can achieve and how long it will take, especially when it comes to setting money goals. A general rule to reaching your financial goals is to establish a plan...
Read MorePreparing for Your Children’s College
For many, our children’s high school graduation is just around the corner and then they’re off to college. And we ask ourselves–where did the years go by? Besides seeing an empty nest, parents are also seeing empty pockets; thus,...
Read MoreDocuments that are Essential to Planning Your Estate
Estate planning is something that’s never easy to do or even to begin thinking about for that matter. But it can help give you comfort knowing your estate and loved ones are protected after your death. Avoid missteps and get your...
Read MoreThe Importance of Life Insurance for Women
Today, women are providing more financial value to their household than ever before. Studies show 51% of women are responsible for household finances while 37% reported to be the primary breadwinner of their family (compared to 31% in...
Read MoreWays You Might Get Taxed in Retirement
Seniors can benefit from many discounts and offers; however, taxes aren’t one of them. Retirees will be shocked to find that much of their income is, in fact, subject to taxes. Here are a few that you can expect to face in...
Read MoreCommon Misconceptions About Annuities
When it comes to annuities, misinformation surrounds them. To help you make a sound decision on whether or not an annuity is right for you, here’s the truth behind some of the most common misconceptions:They’re only for retirees. While...
Read MoreWomen Face Greater Risks in Retirement
When it comes to retirement, both men and women face many risks. However, women are faced with greater financial obstacles:Living longer. It’s a known fact that women enjoy a longer lifespan than their male counterparts. As a matter of...
Read MoreTaxes 2019: Common Filing Mistakes to Avoid
For many of us, we look forward to this time of year where we can expect some extra money in our pockets. The sooner we file, the sooner we can receive our tax refund. And you can do so by filing electronically, requesting your refund...
Read MoreRetirement Mistakes You Will Regret
Many of us look forward to our golden days, the days where we can simply kick back, relax, and do a lot more things we didn’t have time for during our days of labor. How comfortable and secure your retirement will be depends on how...
Read MoreWhen Does An Annuity Make Sense?
Running out of money in retirement is a worry for many people. In fact, 55% of baby boomers and 57% of Generation X expressed outliving their savings is one of their greatest fears. 47% of millennials also have similar concerns.1...
Read MoreWhen’s the Right Time to Find Long-Term Care for Your Loved One?
Making the decision to place your spouse, partner, or family member in long-term care (LTC) might be one of the hardest decisions in your life. Nobody wants to think about putting their loved ones in assisted care. For many, it is a...
Read MoreYour Tax Prep Checklist
Filing season for the 2018 tax year is officially underway. To help you stay organized as you prepare to file, use the checklist below to gather all the forms and documents you’ll need.1Identification for You and Your SpouseFull...
Read MoreFalling Behind on Retirement? It’s Still Not Too Late.
Nearly 50 percent of Americans aren’t prepared for retirement.1 However, there’s still time to catch up. Here’s some insight on how you can better position yourself for securing a happy retirement:Pay off large debts. By focusing on...
Read MoreTax Deductions 2018: Tax Write-Offs You May Be Unaware Of
It’s January of the New Year and other than starting fresh and enduring frigid temperatures, tax season has arrived. Below are some of the 2018 tax deduction changes you should know when filing in 2019.1Medical and dental expenses. You...
Read More3 Features Your Life Insurance Policy Needs
Have a life insurance policy? That’s great! If you don’t, well, you may want to reconsider. But what are some of the features that a life insurance policy should have built-in to it? There are a lot of different options, but here are...
Read MoreCritical Retirement Age Milestones to Remember
Every birthday is special – but these are particularly important in your retirement journey.1 Here are some age milestones to keep in mind:Age 55 – Penalty-free distributions allowed from 401(k), if retiredAge 59 ½ – Penalty-free...
Read MoreWelcome 2019 – Tips for Financial Success This Year
Happy New Year! We are officially in 2019, and there’s no better time to start fresh with your finances than now by laying out your goals for the New Year. Follow these simple tips below to help your financial year start off on the...
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