The One Big Beautiful Bill: What’s In, What’s Out, and What It Means for You
Designed to address the expiration of key provisions in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, this landmark tax and spending bill has just rewritten major parts of the U.S. tax code—permanently. With over three dozen changes packed into 900 pages, the new law touches everything from your paycheck to your 529 plan. Whether you’re […]
What Are You Retiring To? Turning Purpose Into Your New Paycheck
The idea of retirement can be incredibly appealing—more time with friends and family, traveling the world, playing golf, or hiking your favorite trails. But have you considered the non-financial aspects of retirement and what you might be leaving behind? Your career likely offers more than just a paycheck. The relationships you’ve built at work may […]
This time is different and yet we will still get through it
While the current administration’s trade and fiscal policies are commendable – to narrow the trade and budget deficits and eventually strengthen the U.S. economy, their approach has been unprecedented and unconventional – roiling the financial markets. In almost every scenario we can imagine, we see heightened volatility and risks in the short-term (next three and […]
Trump and Tariffs Do Not Change Our Outlook
With talk of tariffs and trade wars commanding front-page headlines, it’s important for investorsto pause, take a breath and evaluate the events through a long-term lens. What are the actual,lasting impacts of tariffs on the United States and other countries? Will they outweigh otherfactors driving the growth of the world’s largest economy? And what happens […]
Social Security Fairness Act and Important Dates & Deadlines
Social Security Benefits Update The Social Security Fairness Act, which was recently passed in January 2025, eliminates the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). This change is expected to benefit nearly 2.5 million people in the U.S., particularly those who receive pensions from non-Social Security-covered employment, such as certain government jobs. […]
2024 Year-End Financial Checklist & Important Deadlines and Dates
As the holiday season draws near, we extend our gratitude to our valued clients, friends, and partners for their support. While the financial markets are beyond your control, the year-end checklist provided below offers 20 actionable steps that are well within your grasp. These actions, spanning from the pragmatic to the aspirational, have the potential […]
The Markets Don’t Care Who’s in Office
Many of us care deeply about which political party wins the presidential election but the stock market doesn’t. It mainly cares about corporate profits and over the past century, it hasn’t mattered who’s the president – profits grow. Presidents don’t have as much power as they would lead you to think they do because they […]
Homeowners Insurance Premiums May Be Topping Out
If you own a home, you may be unpleasantly surprised to see your insurance bill growing like a beanstalk. Homeowners nationwide saw a 20% increase from 2021 to 2023, and another 6% is predicted for 2024. Here in California, my bill rose 19% this year alone! What’s going on? The most expensive homes to insure […]
Ten signs you might be ready to retire.
Deciding when you’re ready to retire is a big decision, and it’s not just about reaching a certain age or financial milestone. Here are ten signs you might be ready. Ultimately, retirement readiness is a personal decision that involves a combination of financial preparedness, emotional readiness, and lifestyle considerations. It’s important to take the time […]
Empowering Seniors: Navigating Care Resources
Kevin Goulding shared his article, “How to Become an Educated Consumer of Elder Care,” a few years ago, providing valuable guidance for navigating the complexities of elder care. Recently, Kevin’s volunteer work as an Ombudsman with Senior Advocacy Services was spotlighted (near the bottom) in the Spring 2024 Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman […]