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Social Security is a cornerstone of financial security for millions of Americans. One of the essential features of Social Security benefits is the annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), which ensures that the purchasing power of benefits keeps up with inflation. Let’s look at how COLA has evolved over the years. The Origins of Social Security COLA Social Security was introduced during the Great Depression, with the Social Security Act signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1935.1

U.S. Markets Investors welcomed the Fed’s decision regarding short-term interest rates, causing stocks to post solid gains in the third quarter. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which dipped in Q2, picked up 8.21% for the third quarter. The S&P 500 Index rose 5.53% while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite gained 2.57% as investors rotated away from technology names in favor of other groups (See Sector Scorecard).1 Small Caps Shine in July Stocks were mixed in July despite economic data that marked

As the holiday season draws near, most people are thinking about their finances over the next few months and budgeting for how they can celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Which is perfect timing because October is National Financial Planning Month! Let’s use this month to celebrate the importance of proper financial planning and share some tips and tricks on how to get your financial planning in order. Create a Budget The first step in understanding and taking

Estate strategies for the future may be essential, especially when it comes to securing the well-being of your loved ones after you’re gone. Your strategy is not a one-time task but a process that should evolve with you and your family’s needs. Let’s explore why regularly examining your estate strategy and updating it when necessary is key to generational financial well-being.  How Often Should I Update My Estate Strategy?  Many people wonder, “How often should I update my estate strategy?”

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