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Fall is the perfect time to consider your home’s maintenance and renovation needs and is an ideal season to tackle these projects before the winter chill sets in. However, it’s crucial to approach them with a solid financial strategy in mind.  Let’s explore how you can prepare financially for fall home maintenance and renovations.  Assess Your Home’s Needs  Before diving into planning, assess what your home requires. Take a walk around your property, noting any areas that need attention. This

Running a business presents unique challenges and opportunities that can significantly impact retirement planning. Here, we’ll share some reasons why retirement planning differs for business owners and explore some key considerations they should consider.  Business Owners Are Both Plan Sponsor and Contributor  One of the primary distinctions for business owners is the dual role they often play as both business operators and retirement planners. Unlike employees who contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans, business owners must establish and manage their own

Retirement strategy is a bit like setting sail on a journey. You can plot your course, prepare your route, and set off with a clear destination in mind, but things can always change, no matter how well-prepared you are.  Maybe you envisioned a quiet life in the countryside but now find yourself drawn to the vibrancy of city living. Maybe health concerns have prompted a reassessment of how you want to spend your golden years. Perhaps you decide that you

Freelancing offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility, allowing individuals to craft their careers on their terms. In 2022, Fiverr, a leading freelance marketplace, predicted that 78% of companies would rely on freelancing rather than hire staff in 2023.1 Freelancing has undoubtedly increased since 2020, when many companies and employees learned that much work can be done remotely.  While it does offer more flexibility, freelancing also comes with considerations. One obstacle for freelancers is retirement planning. Unlike traditional employees with access to

U.S. Markets Following a rocky start, stocks finished the second quarter higher as investors remained optimistic the Fed will manage interest rates with inflation trending lower. For the quarter, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 3.92%, and the Nasdaq Composite picked up 8.26%. By contrast, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.73%.1 Rocky Start in Q2 Stocks lost ground in April as investors struggled with mixed economic news and mixed signals from the Fed. Fresh Consumer Price Index data

When it comes to information-stealing scams, there’s good news and bad news. The good news is that we are getting scammed less. According to Motley Fool, there were 1.036 million reports of identity theft in 2023, down from 1.107 million in 2022 and 1.4 million in 2021.1 The bad news is that scammers are becoming more sophisticated, so we must stay diligent about protecting our personal information.  In this article, let’s look at some of the most common information-stealing scams

As our parents age, we often find ourselves stepping into new roles. One of the most challenging and sensitive discussions to have is about their finances. While uncomfortable, this conversation is crucial for ensuring their well-being and making informed decisions. Here, we’ll explore why this conversation is important and how you can approach it with empathy and respect. We will also provide tips for a productive dialogue.  Why You Should Talk to Your Parents About Their Finances  Many aging parents

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was an amendment to the Internal Revenue Code rolled out in 2018. It had implications for businesses and individuals. However, most TCJA provisions are set to expire at the end of 2025. What does this mean for filers?  Let’s look at the TCJA, how it impacts individuals and businesses, and what to expect when some provisions are sunsetted.  What was the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act?  The TCJA was an amendment that “changed

Summer is just around the corner and for many, that means it’s time to embark on exciting international adventures. Whether you’re planning to explore the historic streets of Europe, relax on tropical beaches in Southeast Asia, or immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of South America, one thing is for sure: proper preparation is vital to a smooth and stress-free journey.  Here, we’ll walk you through everything you need to consider before jetting off on your next international trip.  Inform

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, it doesn’t replace the need for a human financial professional who understands your unique goals. Let’s look at how AI can be a helpful tool in some ways and also examine its limitations. Understanding the Limitations of