Your ability to earn a paycheck may be your most valuable asset. In a 2024 survey, 48% of Americans without disability insurance said their household would have to use personal savings to pay daily expenses in the event of a disability, and 26% said they would have to tap retirement savings.1 Social Security offers some […]
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Are Extended Warranties Worth It?
When you purchase a vehicle, a major appliance, a laptop, or other big-ticket item, chances are you’ll be asked to buy an extended warranty or service contract. Extended warranties are offered by retailers for an additional cost and cover product repairs for a specific period of time under certain conditions. Selling extended warranties may be […]
QLACs: Your Retirement Accounts Can Act Like Pensions
These days, most people who work in the private sector don’t have pensions, so they can only guess how long their retirement savings might need to last. Those who withdraw too much or live longer than expected could eventually run out of money; others may withdraw too little and live more frugally than might be […]
Life Insurance in Retirement
What role can life insurance play in your retirement plan? Most of us think of life insurance as protection against financial loss should we die prematurely. But when we reach retirement and the kids are all self-sufficient, do we still need life insurance? The answer is maybe. Here are some situations where life insurance may […]
Versatile 529 Plans Can Help with More than Just College
529 plans were originally created in 1996 as a tax-advantaged way to save for college. Over the past several years, Congress has expanded the ways 529 plan funds can be used, making them a more flexible and versatile savings vehicle. College, plus other education expenses A 529 savings plan can be instrumental in building a […]
Concerned About Cyberattacks? The Threat Is Real
According to a 2024 survey, 60% of small businesses believe that cyberattacks are the biggest threat they currently face, and rightly so.1 When a data breach occurs, hackers gain access to the personally identifiable information of customers or other individuals, opening the door for identity theft and other financial crimes. Even small companies can be […]
Breaking Down the Numbers: The Soaring U.S. National Debt
The U.S. national debt is the total amount of money owed by the federal government. As of January 2025, it stands at $36.16 trillion.1 The difference between deficit and debt When the federal government spends more money than it collects in taxes in any given fiscal year (the government’s fiscal year runs from October 1 […]
The Lock-In Effect: Will It Ever Let Go of the Housing Market?
Since 2022, many homeowners have been reluctant to sell and move because they would have to finance their next homes at much higher rates than they pay on their current mortgages. According to a federal analysis, this widespread conundrum — known as the lock-in effect — has contributed to a nationwide housing shortage and a steep rise […]
Have You Checked Your Social Security Statement Lately?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides personalized Social Security Statements to help Americans age 18 and older better understand the benefits that Social Security offers. Your Statement contains a detailed record of your earnings and estimates of retirement, disability, and survivor benefits — information that can help you plan for your financial future. You can […]
Return of Premium Term Life Insurance: Is It Right for You?
You have decided you need life insurance coverage and are considering buying a term policy. But you might be wondering, “Do I get any of my money back at the end of the term?” It’s possible, if you consider buying a special kind of term insurance called return of premium term insurance, or ROP. How […]
