As 2025 comes to a close, now may be the ideal time to review your tax strategy and find potential opportunities. The steps you take before the end of the year might help you reduce your tax bill. Here are some ideas to consider. Save now, have more later: If you’re participating in an employer-sponsored 401(k) […]
Balancing Life in the Sandwich Generation
Are you a middle-aged adult juggling raising children and providing care for an aging parent? If so, you’re not alone. Welcome to the “sandwich generation,” a growing group of people supporting both their children and elderly parents at the same time. While caring for others can be rewarding, the day-to-day demands of supporting multiple generations […]
Online Shopping in the Tariff Era
The de minimis exemption is a long-standing trade policy that has allowed U.S. shoppers to buy goods worth $800 or less directly from online sellers based outside of the United States without having them pass through customs or incur duties. The term “duty” refers broadly to multiple types of fees paid by importers when goods […]
Strategies for Smarter Giving
With Americans contributing about $592 billion to charitable organizations in 2024, it is clear that charitable giving remains a powerful way to support the causes that matter most.1 In addition to advancing philanthropic goals, charitable donations may offer tax advantages. Here is an overview of some strategies to consider. Donating appreciated assets If you own […]
Key Tax Law Changes to Higher Education Coming Soon
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law in July 2025, includes many provisions that affect higher education. Here are some key changes and the implications for students, parents, and colleges. New borrowing limits and payment pause rules Parent PLUS Loans. Starting July 1, 2026, Parent PLUS Loans will have a $20,000 annual limit […]
Market Strategies: Three Ways to Play Defense in Your Stock Portfolio
Defensive investment strategies have a goal in common — to help a portfolio better weather an economic downturn and/or bouts of market volatility. But there are some key differences in the details, including the specific criteria by which particular stocks are selected. If you are nearing retirement or just have a more conservative risk tolerance, […]
Are You Prepared for the High Cost of Dying?
End-of-life care and the death of a loved one not only carry an emotional price tag but they might impose a substantial financial strain on families, compounding the emotional challenges that come with losing a loved one. Considering the true costs and unexpected fees can help illustrate why it is important to plan ahead for […]
What Happens to Your Time Horizon at Retirement?
In investing, “time horizon” refers to the amount of time you have to pursue a financial goal. Along with that goal and your tolerance for risk, your time horizon is one of three key factors that typically help determine the mix of investments in your portfolio. In your early retirement saving years, your time horizon […]
Navigating Medicare Open Enrollment
If you have Medicare coverage, the Medicare Open Enrollment period is a good time to review your options, compare costs, and make sure that your current Medicare coverage meets your needs. When is Medicare Open Enrollment? Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7 of each year. During this window, anyone with Medicare can make […]
FAFSA for 2026-2027 School Year Opens on October 1
After opening late the last two years, the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for the 2026-2027 school year is back on track to open on the usual start date of October 1. Last year, in addition to the FAFSA opening late in December, families faced government processing delays that resulted in late financial […]
