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Do you dream of retiring before you turn 60? How about before you turn 50? If so, you might want to think twice before you make the move. If your heart is set on leaving work early, be sure you leave with the right mindset and a realistic understanding of your financial situation.  Retire With a Realistic Picture of Your Income Needs  If you’re like many Americans, you may find that your retirement expenses are roughly 75–80% of your pre-retirement

U.S. Markets  Stocks were mixed in the third quarter as economic, geopolitical, and corporate earnings news pushed the broader market higher while weighing on the Dow Industrials.  The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 2.03%, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 2.47%. However, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 2.70%. 1,2  A Jumbled July  Stocks were mixed in July as investors weighed crosscurrents of news on the outlook for artificial intelligence (AI) spending and Q2 corporate reports. As the month ended,

You can’t read about investing for very long without hearing about inflation. The concept may be a little difficult to understand, but at its most basic, it comes down to the following: prices rise over time, causing your money to lose some purchasing power. If you could buy a movie ticket in1980 for around $2.89, compared with $16.08 for a movie ticket in 2025, that speaks to the change in purchasing power. Sure, your 2025 movie ticket probably has a

Of all the financial strategies that many people have in place, an inheritance strategy is usually not one. Discussing estate planning among family members can be uncomfortable even with the best relationships, let alone discussing the contents of an estate plan and what you may inherit after your loved one is gone.  However, having a plan in place can save you headaches down the line. Losing a loved one is difficult emotionally and logistically but understanding what to expect and having a plan for your inheritance can

No matter where you’re starting from, your path to retirement may include unexpected twists, turns, and slides. Preparing for what lies ahead can make the journey a bit more enjoyable. Here are some of the challenges you might encounter along the way.  Market Volatility Is Inevitable  Changing interest rates, global developments, and even investor psychology can cause markets to move higher or lower. In uncertain times, it can be tempting to react out of fear. However, a balanced portfolio that reflects your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon

AI has become increasingly popular in recent years, and with the advent of ChatGPT, it seems like it can do almost anything! But, can AI help you plan your retirement? The answer is that while AI can be a powerful tool for research, education, and analysis, it doesn’t replace the value of a human financial professional who understands your unique goals and circumstances.  Let’s look at where AI can be helpful—and where human guidance still matters.  Understanding the Limitations of AI  Retirement planning is a deeply

On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law. This sweeping piece of domestic legislation extends, revises, and in some cases permanently establishes a wide range of tax rules affecting individuals, families, and businesses. Some provisions took effect immediately, and many are set to expire in future years.1  Because this law introduced new concepts and ideas, it’s worth understanding which changes apply to you and when.  Some provisions may create planning opportunities before they expire. Throughout this article, you’ll see labels noting whether a

An orchestra is simply a collection of instruments, each producing its own unique sound. It is only when a conductor brings them together that they create the beautiful music envisioned by the composer.  The same can be said about your retirement strategy.  A well-designed retirement plan is often built on three primary savings vehicles: employer-sponsored retirement plans, IRAs, and taxable investment accounts. When these pieces work together, they can help support the retirement you’ve envisioned.¹  Hierarchy of Savings  Maximizing the effectiveness of

U.S. Markets U.S. stocks posted strong gains during the second quarter, fueled by encouraging economic data, ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, and solid first-quarter corporate earnings. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 14.87%, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 21.41%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 12.90%. April Set the Tone Stocks surged in April, posting their strongest monthly performance since 2021 as investors welcomed easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and renewed efforts to reopen the

Decisions surrounding retirement are rarely simple. This further becomes the case when there is an age gap between couples, resulting in differences in retirement dates, life expectancy, health and more.   For couples of varying ages, traditional retirement advice may not always be fully applicable. Their retirement savings will need to support two individuals potentially navigating different life and career stages. If there is an age gap between you and your spouse, here are a few considerations to keep in mind.  Consideration #1: