The prices of major home appliances fell 19.5% over the three years between April 2022 and March 2025. They now cost less than they did ten years ago, despite having lots of convenient new features.1 The flip side is that repair costs for today’s complicated appliances have gone through the roof. Plus, many homeowners are convinced […]
Staycations Are About More Than Saving Money
In March 2025, 61% of respondents to a travel-related survey expressed concern that a recession might impact their vacation plans. The same percentage were planning a staycation instead.1 Common during the pandemic when air travel and large crowds were not viable options, staycations involve spending your vacation at or near home. While they may be […]
Avoiding Probate with a TOD Deed and TOD Account
If you want to leave your home to your children or other heirs and keep the property out of the costly and time-consuming probate process, you could place your home in a living trust. Trusts offer numerous advantages, but they incur up-front costs, often have ongoing administrative fees, and involve a complex web of tax […]
Navigating Financial Conversations with Aging Parents
Having a conversation with your parents about their finances can seem like a daunting task. However, it is an essential step in helping to ensure their financial well-being as they get older. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate these discussions. Start the conversation Talking about money can be difficult. However, it’s important […]
Consider Munis for Tax-Free Income
In 2024, the municipal bond market saw record trading for the third consecutive year. New issues also set a record at $508 billion, the first time muni issues exceeded $500 billion. The trend continued through the first quarter of 2025, with trades and new issues both higher than the first quarter of 2024.1 This increased […]
Family Fun for Less: Tips to Help Cut Costs on Your Next Vacation
Rising prices can make planning a budget-friendly family vacation challenging. In fact, the average cost for a week-long vacation for a family of four to a theme park can easily run upwards of $6,000.1 Consider these saving strategies when planning your next family getaway. Set a budget. Your first step should be to set a realistic budget […]
Tips to Help Preserve Your Inheritance
According to the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances, taken every three years, slightly more than one in five U.S. households had received an inheritance as of 2022.1 If you expect to receive an inheritance one day, these tips may help you better manage your financial windfall. Wait a while before you act. Emotions run high after […]
Buying a Condo? Focus on the Financials
Condominiums, or condos, appeal to home buyers of all ages and life stages, but they are especially attractive to younger families and retirees who want to reap the benefits of homeownership while spending less time and money on upkeep. Residential condos are typically individually owned apartments in multi-family buildings, but a condo is a form […]
ESG Investing in the Spotlight
People generally choose an investment with an eye toward adding financial value to their portfolio. Over the past two decades, however, many investors have added another layer of values in making investment decisions. The most common criteria are related to environmental, social, and corporate governance issues, typically referred to as ESG factors. More recently, ESG […]
Have You Set a Retirement Savings Goal?
It’s difficult to reach a destination unless you know where you’re heading. Yet only 54% of workers or their spouses have tried to estimate the savings they would need to live comfortably in retirement.1 To get a start on establishing a retirement savings goal, use the simple worksheet on this page to compare the income […]
