Celebrating 529 Day – Boost Your College Savings
As higher education costs continue to rise, finding effective ways to save for college becomes increasingly important. May 29 (5/29) is a national day of awareness for 529 college savings plans. It’s a day to reflect and a reminder for families to evaluate their education...
Aging in Place vs. Assisted Living: The Financial Considerations
As you plan for your later years, one of the biggest decisions you may face is where to live. Many older Americans prefer to stay in their own homes or downsize to an apartment or smaller home, a concept known as aging in place. Others opt...
Borrowers in Default on Federal Student Loans Face Imminent Collection Efforts
On April 21, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education announced that it will resume collections on defaulted federal student loans starting May 5, 2025. The federal government hasn't collected on defaulted loans since March 2020. Here is some background followed by answers to questions about...
Housing Market Legacy: The Property Boom and Its Generational Impact
The post-war property boom created a seismic shift in wealth accumulation, profoundly benefiting the Baby Boomer generation and reshaping the modern real estate landscape. Decades of sustained property appreciation allowed Boomers to amass substantial equity, fueling economic advantages that have widened the generational wealth gap. Since...
The Emotional & Financial Toll of Being in the Sandwich Generation
Balancing the responsibilities of caring for aging parents while supporting children can be both emotionally and financially overwhelming. Middle-aged adults caught in this position, often called the "Sandwich Generation," face unique challenges that can impact their long-term financial security. The rising healthcare, education, and daily living...
Understanding Living Trusts and Estate Management
Living trusts have evolved from specialized legal instruments into fundamental components of comprehensive estate planning. These sophisticated arrangements provide precise control over asset distribution while delivering substantial privacy benefits and eliminating probate complications that often plague traditional estate transfers. "A well-structured living trust can be the...
The New Era of 529 Plans: Maximizing College Savings Flexibility
The educational investment landscape has witnessed a remarkable transformation in recent years, ushering in a new era where 529 plans have become more adaptable and powerful than ever before. These tax-advantaged savings vehicles, once strictly limited to traditional college expenses, now offer families unprecedented flexibility in...
Building a Multi-Generational Retirement Strategy
Recent surveys reveal retirement planning remains a primary financial stress point for Americans, with particular anxiety among Generation X (ages 43-58). Approximately one in six respondents ranked retirement preparedness as their leading financial concern, surpassing other money matters. This worry stems from uncertainty about retirement...
Financial Resilience: The Key to a Strong Financial Future
Navigating life's unexpected challenges has become a critical component of financial well-being. The concept of financial resilience has gained significant traction in recent years as both individuals and policymakers recognize the need to build a stronger financial safety net. From job losses and medical emergencies to...
National Caregivers Day: Planning for Long-Term Care Costs
Every year on National Caregivers Day, we take a moment to honor the selfless individuals who devote their time, energy, and love to caring for family members in need. For many, caregiving is a labor of love—but it’s also a responsibility that comes with emotional,...