Some years pass quietly. 2025 wasn't one of them. Between market swings, geopolitical shocks, and a news cycle that never seemed to pause, this year tested patience across the board. And yet, as we close out December, the real story isn't about what the markets did. It's about how we responded. 2025 Market Volatility: A Year in Review Even those who tried to tune out the noise found it crashing through anyway: The Spring Selloff...
Many people don’t regret being retired. They regret how they got there. 1 “I wish I had saved earlier.” “I didn’t think long-term care would matter.” “I should’ve waited to claim Social Security.” Hindsight hits hard when it’s tied to your potential freedom and options. The good news? There may still be opportunities to make meaningful changes that could benefit your future. Let's break down the most common retirement regrets—and what you can do right...
It’s possible for one economy to tell two different stories. One of growth, opportunity, and abundance. Another of constraint, anxiety, and scarcity. This isn't new. But recent economic data makes the divide unusually visible. Recognizing this divide can change how we think about (and react to) the headlines. When Economic Signals Might Contradict Economic indicators paint a puzzling picture. Market gains create wealth while financial stress intensifies. Corporate profits surge while consumer confidence splits. Premium...
These conversations aren’t easy. Bringing up long-term care or estate planning with aging parents can feel like stepping on a landmine—awkward, emotional, maybe even a little intrusive. But if you wait until something happens—a fall, a diagnosis, a hospital stay—you're not just having the conversation late. You're having it under pressure. So how do you start the talk without it turning tense? Here’s a guide to help you open the door with empathy, avoid common...
Inflation has been the boogeyman of the economy for months. Sticky prices. Rising gas costs. A looming rate hike. The latest report provided useful data for planning ahead. When inflation cools—even slightly—it can affect everything from interest rates to your travel budget. September's numbers provided important context about the direction of inflation and interest rates. For anyone trying to make sense of their money right now, understanding these shifts matters. Inflation Didn’t Disappear—But It’s Slowing...
Rethinking Retirement: Why True Wealth Is More Than Money You’ve mapped out your dream retirement. Maybe it’s a cozy beach town, golf twice a week, time with family, or finally starting that side project. But here’s the truth most planning overlooks: even with a solid financial plan, your ideal retirement could still fall flat. That’s because real wealth in retirement doesn’t just live in your portfolio. It lives in your health, your relationships, and your...
A comfortable retirement doesn’t come with a fixed price tag. Expenses can change over time, and some of the most important ones are easy to overlook. That’s one reason about 45% of retirees could run out of money in retirement. 1 The good news? That outcome isn’t inevitable. The key is recognizing which costs get overlooked and building flexibility into your plan. Let’s explore five common blind spots and what you can do to prepare...
The Dow crosses 45,000. Your brain whispers: "This has to be the top." The market drops 15%. Your brain screams: "Get out before it gets worse!" Different scenarios. Same result: your brain hijacking your long-term investment strategy. If you've ever felt paralyzed by market highs or panicked during market lows, you're not an outlier. You're human. The brain’s wiring is great for responding to immediate danger, like avoiding a snake. But that same instinct can...
Over the course of your investing life, you’ll encounter market lows and highs. Headlines often spotlight the extremes, especially when markets reach record levels. Take, for example: “Stocks Hit Record Highs. What’s Behind the Rally.” 1 All-time highs have an interesting effect on investor behavior and psychology. Many investors can feel a nagging voice that whispers "wait for a better entry point" when markets are climbing. It's human nature to want to buy low and...
What financial habits have helped you most in life? Which ones have held you back? No matter how you answer those questions, your money habits have a lot to do with how you grew up. 1 They also can be shaped by when you grew up. That’s because each generation can have a distinct perspective and different experiences shaping their approach to money and financial choices. With that, every generation can bring its own strengths...
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Worried about outliving your income? Here’s how to start planning for your retirement needs.
