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When we think about financial planning, our minds often go straight to investments, savings accounts, or retirement planning. But one of the most overlooked (and most important) aspects of building a strong financial foundation is...

For generations, the “American dream” often included going to college, getting a degree, and then landing a stable, high-paying job. But in today’s world, that path isn’t the only option—and for many, it may not even be the best option...

When you think about famous board games, Candy Land® has to be near the top of everyone’s list. But did you know the bittersweet origins of this classic game all started with the polio epidemic? If you don’t know, Candy Land is a game...

The smell of sharpened pencils, the sight of brand-new backpacks, and the rush to get everyone out the door on time—it’s officially back-to-school season. While kids are busy learning their ABCs and algebra, it’s a perfect reminder for...

There’s a lot that goes into saving for your child’s education. And though every parent has the best of intentions, life happens, and sometimes we can get behind on our savings goals. If that is the case, I would be happy to...

When it comes to managing money, saving is essential—but saving alone often isn’t enough to help you meet long-term financial goals. That’s where investing comes in. As a financial advisor, I often explain investing not as a luxury for...

Every summer, the world tunes in to witness one of the most grueling and awe-inspiring sporting events on the planet: the Tour de France. While it’s thrilling to watch elite athletes push their limits across the mountains and...

On July 4th, President Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” into law, enacting sweeping legislation that makes changes to everything from the debt ceiling to Medicaid to immigration to taxes.1 The new law is one of the most...

There’s something peaceful about a quiet summer evening in the park — until, of course, you see a dog chasing squirrels. One moment it’s after a squirrel to the left, then it spots another to the right, and off it goes again. Ten...

When we think about the remarkable changes that have taken place over the last century, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pace of innovation. But sometimes, history offers us the perfect lens to appreciate how far we’ve come—and...

When most people hear about financial scams targeting older adults, their minds often jump to the cliché “Nigerian Prince” emails or the well-known tech support fraud calls claiming to fix a nonexistent computer virus. While these...

When a major geopolitical event happens, I can always count on three things happening. First, there will be headlines. Sometimes positive, sometimes negative, but nearly always sensational. Second, there will be a reaction in the...

Shopping online can be convenient, but it also comes with cybersecurity risks. The FBI report details more than 800,000 cybercrime-related complaints filed in 2022. Meanwhile, total losses were over $10 billion, shattering 2021’s total...

My goal is not only to help you grow your wealth — but also to help you protect it. And that means staying alert to one of the biggest threats in today’s digital age: cybercrime. June is Internet Security Awareness Month, making it the...

On May 12, President Trump announced that tariffs on Chinese goods would be temporarily lowered from 145% to 30%. 1 China, meanwhile, agreed to cut duties on American imports from 125% to 10%.1 While this isn’t really a trade deal, in...

As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, summer is just around the corner. For many of us, this season brings vacations, backyard barbecues, and higher spending. But before you dive into your summer plans, take a moment to get...

Graduation season is here—a moment of immense pride and accomplishment for students and their families. Whether it’s high school, college, or graduate school, this milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter. As a financial advisor,...

As a financial advisor, one of the most common questions I get from clients approaching retirement is: “When should I start taking Social Security?” It’s a simple question with a surprisingly complex answer. Understanding how Social...

As a financial advisor, I often tell clients: “The best investment you can make is in yourself and your dreams.”And there are few better examples of this than Barbara Hillary. Barbara Hillary wasn’t a famous explorer growing up. In...

April is Financial Literacy Month—a perfect reminder that good money habits start at home and early in life. As a financial advisor, one of the most common questions I hear from parents is: “How can I teach my kids about money?” The...

April is Financial Literacy Month—a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of understanding and managing your personal finances. As a financial advisor, I see firsthand how powerful it can be when individuals and...

A lot has happened, economically speaking, in the last week. If you didn’t see Thursday’s news about President Trump enacting sweeping tariffs, you’ve likely seen headlines about the markets’ response to it. As of the close on Friday...

As all our thoughts are turning to taxes for the year, I thought I’d give you a list of some creative deductions business owners should be looking for, but often don’t. First, look at your online spending. Do you run ads on Facebook,...

They set the standard. They were the first. They were innovators. And you’ve probably never heard of them. I’m referring to the twenty-five Black men of the Freedom House Ambulance Service who, in 1967, became the first fully trained...

When we talk about investments and markets, we often say things like accounts are “down in value” or will go “up and down” as they trend upward. I think this is a pretty straightforward analogy for what happens in the markets and in...

“What should we do about tariffs?” It’s a question I’ve heard a lot lately, often with a note of fear in the voice of whoever is asking it. In this message, I want to answer that question. I also want to talk a little about fear, how...

Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time for spring cleaning. But wait! Before you pick up that dustpan, give a thought to your financial spring cleaning first. What do finances and spring cleaning have to do with each other?...

We’ve known it was coming, but on February 1, President Trump made it official: The U.S. intends to levy a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, plus a 10% tariff on imports from China. (This is on top of tariffs that were...

February may be the shortest month of the year, but it presents a great opportunity to take control of your finances. Frugal February is all about adopting mindful spending habits, cutting unnecessary expenses, and resetting your...

Tax season is a prime time for cybercriminals to target individuals and businesses. With sensitive financial data being shared online and through various platforms, safeguarding your personal information is more important than ever. As...

Tax season can be a stressful time, and one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to file your taxes yourself or hire a professional. Both options have their advantages, depending on your financial situation, comfort level...

As the 2024 tax filing deadline approaches, we want to ensure you feel confident and well-prepared. Whether you’re anticipating a refund, preparing for payments, or aiming to stay compliant, thoughtful planning can simplify the process...

As we head into 2025, the IRS has announced adjustments to the standard deduction amounts to account for inflation. These updates can have a meaningful impact on your tax planning and financial strategy. Here’s what you need to know:...

As 2024 draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the year’s financial landscape and plan for a prosperous 2025. Whether you’re managing your personal finances or overseeing business portfolios, understanding key trends,...

Student Loan Payments to Resume in October The U.S. Department of Education has officially announced that student loan payments will resume in October, ending the three-year-long pause that was implemented due to the pandemic. Starting...