Blog
Buying Insurance: What Savvy Consumers Should Know
You're ready to buy an insurance policy, but you feel a bit uneasy embarking into the insurance world. After all, the language can be technical, and you're wary of insurance agents throwing sales pitches at you. Whether you're buying...
Read MoreTeaching Your Teen about Money
Your teen is becoming more independent, but still needs plenty of advice from you. With more money to spend and more opportunities to spend it, your teen can easily get into financial trouble. So before money burns a hole in your...
Read MoreWhy Your Credit Score Matters in Retirement
Regardless of the stage of life, your credit score is an essential component of your financial health when you're in retirement. A consistently strong credit score can pave the way for greater confidence, easy loan access, and lower...
Read MoreDivorce and Social Security
How does divorce affect Social Security retirement benefits? After a divorce, you can claim retirement benefits based on your own earnings record (if you have been employed and have accumulated enough credits over the years), or you...
Read MoreTaxation of Investments
It's nice to own stocks, bonds, and other investments. Nice, that is, until it's time to fill out your federal income tax return. At that point, you may be left scratching your head. Just how do you report your investments and how are...
Read MoreShow All
Your Wallet May Love These 6 Sweet Valentine's Day Gifts
You may not have to spend much money to celebrate Valentine's Day. Instead, you may show your special someone that you love them with sweet gifts that might be easier on the wallet. Want to spread the love without overspending? Then...
Read MoreTips to Navigate Tax Filing Season and the IRS
Tax filing season can be a stressful time for many individuals. Dealing with the IRS and ensuring compliance with tax regulations can seem daunting. However, with proper preparation and a proactive approach, you can navigate the tax...
Read More7 Things You Can Do to Trim Your 2023 Tax Bill
Managing your tax liability can literally save you thousands of dollars Tax season can be a stressful time for many people, especially if you're not fully prepared. However, with some advance planning and preparation, you can take...
Read MoreKey Financial Wellness Metrics for Near-Retirement Individuals
As one approaches retirement, monitoring your financial situation by understanding your net worth and assessing the assets and resources needed to maintain a comfortable lifestyle throughout retirement is vital. This article explores...
Read MoreCreating Financial Resolutions as a Couple
It's a new year and the time of year when you want to make resolutions about your personal life, business life, and finances. It is the perfect time for couples to get together and set their own financial goals for the upcoming year....
Read MoreCheers to a New Year of Investing
For many investors, this year has been a wild ride—with interest rate increases, a crypto implosion, and whipsawing values in the major market indices. It might be tough to catch one's breath and look ahead to next year. But the...
Read MoreA Year-End Wealth Checklist
If the end of the year has you in planning mode, you’re not alone—starting a new year may be a great opportunity for a review and renewal. What steps might you take for next year? Review Asset Allocations Most...
Read MoreThe 12 Days of Year-End Planning: Things to Consider Going into the New Year
At the end of the year, it is necessary to reflect on your financial picture, review the last 12 months, and plan for the future. With all that is involved, it can seem overwhelming. Consider breaking up the responsibilities over 12...
Read MoreRaising Financially Aware Kids in the Internet Age
Today's kids have more information at their fingertips than past generations could ever have dreamed—but not all this information is always accurate. And when it comes to financial literacy, the ability to weed out misinformation...
Read MoreWith Holidays Ahead, Can Consumers Keep Carrying the Economy
Consumer spending accounts for about two-thirds of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), so it plays an outsized role in driving economic growth or slowing it down.1 For the last 18 months, U.S. consumers have kept the economy strong...
Read MoreYour Traditional 401(k) Year-End Review Checklist
A 401(k) plan is one of the most popular and effective techniques for saving for your retirement. A company will automatically withdraw and contribute money from each paycheck to your 401(k) plan. Some employers will even match a...
Read MoreThree Massive and Often Hidden Costs of Divorce
Navigating health insurance, retirement accounts and real estate. Divorce, while an emotionally taxing experience, also comes with several financial implications that, if not properly managed, could result in long-lasting financial...
Read MorePROSPERITY – A QUARTERLY UPDATE ON FINANCIAL AND FAMILY ISSUES FOR WOMEN
YOUR PLANNING PROCESS, TIPS FOR REMARRYING AND ALLOCATING YOUR ASSETS. Traditionally, women have been the caretakers of both the older and younger generations of their families. But providing care for family members is becoming...
Read MoreTypes of Long-Term Care
What is long-term care? In general, long-term care refers to a broad range of medical and personal services designed to assist individuals who have lost their ability to function independently. The need for this ongoing care arises...
Read MoreInvestor Psychology When Bull Markets Take Hold
Why most investors are not at all positive during a bull run – and miss out In the world of investing, there are few phrases as exhilarating as "bull market". These words conjure images of an economy burgeoning with opportunity,...
Read MoreHigh-Net-Worth Retirement Planning: 6 Ideas to Help You Get Your Finances in Order
Do you consider yourself a high-net-worth individual (HNWI)? Most people tend not to categorize themselves or see themselves as anything more than a spouse, parent, sibling, neighbor, boss, or business owner. However, society does...
Read MoreNational Life Insurance Awareness Month
Baby boomers’ huge numbers and surprisingly shaky health threaten government old-age benefits. That’s why you need to bolster your own retirement finances more than ever – and pay attention to your insurance needs.
Read MoreCredit Card Debt & The Implications for Investors
As Americans grapple with the challenges of dwindling purchasing power, credit cards have become a popular way to bridge the financial gap. This has led to a startling surge in credit card debt.
Read MoreSECURE 2.0 Adds New Early Withdrawal Exceptions
The SECURE 2.0 Act added new exceptions to the federal income tax penalty for early withdrawals from tax-advantaged retirement accounts and expanded an existing exception to employer plans. Here is more information.
Read MoreA Mid-Year Review of Your Bond Allocations
Investing in financial markets requires a proactive approach, and one key aspect of maintaining a healthy investment portfolio is conducting periodic reviews.
Read MoreInvestment Planning: The Basics
Why do so many people never obtain the financial independence that they desire? Often it's because they just don't take that first step — getting started. Here are some tips to get you familiar with the basics.
Read MoreCommon Cents: Financial Tips Everyone Should Know
Some people may find themselves nearing retirement without a solid grasp on certain topics like required minimum distributions or Social Security taxation. Here are some tips that may help improve your finances.
Read MoreBack to Basics- Diversification and Asset Allocation
Shouldn’t every person have a Retirement List that they go through every year, much like a Back-To-School List? And knowing that the answer is yes, what should this Retirement List look like? Consider these items.
Read More5 Compelling Reasons to Rethink Social Security
It's important for individuals to reconsider relying solely on Social Security benefits as a retirement plan. Here are five compelling reasons why you should not solely depend on Social Security as part of your retirement plan.
Read MoreA Financial Checklist for Life-Changing Events
Are you financially prepared for a life-changing event?
Read MoreDebt Ceiling & Potential Impact on Asset Classes
As the nation grapples with the possibility of not raising the debt ceiling, it is essential to understand the historical context and potential consequences.
Read MoreHigh Earning Women and Wealth Management
High-earning women have become the newest face of wealth and will increase their net worth even more.
Read MoreGenerational Wealth and the Gift of Financial Freedom
Those who receive an inheritance with the passing of a loved one are potentially given the gift of financial freedom if they choose to manage the wealth carefully.
Read More3 Ways Planning For Retirement is Like Planning For Summer Break
For kids, teens, and college students, summer break often represents freedom from schedules, responsibilities, and all those other drains on your time. Retirement actually can provide a similar level of freedom, but only if you've...
Read MoreLast Minute Considerations for the FAFSA Deadline
For many, the expenses of college or technical school can be overwhelming. But, with financial aid programs, tuition, room and board, books, and other college-related costs can become more affordable. To determine if your student...
Read More401(k) Rollovers Can Make or Break Retirement
In an era characterized by high job turnover, it is more important than ever for employees to carefully manage their retirement savings. With a significant portion of Americans withdrawing money from their 401(k)s when they change...
Read MoreRetirement Annuities Explained: What They Are and How They Work
Having enough retirement income is a top concern for many Americans nearing or in retirement. Even though they may have saved consistently throughout the working years, they may be concerned that their retirement plans will succeed. A...
Read MoreA Tough Times Survival Guide for Small Businesses
Small businesses may often find themselves struggling, and there are many situations in which business owners may find themselves weathering a storm and hoping to make it through. While the strength and fortitude of those who run small...
Read MoreRetiring as a Small-Business Owner: What to Know Before You Go
The thought of retiring may be intimidating for anyone—but if you own your own business, handing your "baby" to new owners might be enough to stop you in your tracks. What might you do to set your successor up for success? What...
Read More6 Ways to Improve Joint Health
Your joints are vital to a healthy and active life, but when they cause pain, you might find it harder to enjoy everyday activities. The good news is that there are easy ways to protect and improve joint mobility so you can do things...
Read MoreMedicare Will Not Cover All Health Care Costs
There are out-of-pockets, limitations and gaps that Medicare doesn’t coverMedicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 or older and certain younger people with disabilities.And despite being a widely...
Read More4 Financial Skills All Business Owners Should Learn
Running a business requires gaining expertise in many things over a short period—especially financial matters. If finances do not come naturally to you, you may quickly feel like you are in over your head. Fortunately, mastering...
Read MoreFrom Riches To Rags In Three Generations: Managing Generational Wealth Checklist
When discussing multigenerational wealth it is common to come across proverbs that acknowledge the fact that generational wealth typically won’t make it past the third generation. In the United States the saying goes, “from...
Read MoreMinimizing Taxation of Your Social Security Retirement Benefit
Your Social Security retirement benefit may be taxableDid you know that you might have to pay federal income tax on your Social Security retirement benefit? If the only income you had during the year was Social Security income, then...
Read MoreWealth Due to Inheritance
What is it?IntroductionIf you're the beneficiary of a large inheritance, you may find yourself suddenly wealthy. Even if you expected the inheritance, you may be surprised by the size of the bequest or the diverse assets you've...
Read MoreA Beginner’s Guide to Investing
When you start to consider if investing is an appropriate option for you, you may have questions. You might want to ask:How do I invest money, and where?How much money will I need?What are some common strategies for someone that has...
Read MoreTrust as Beneficiary of Traditional IRA or Retirement Plan
What is it?A trust is a legal entity that you can set up and use to hold property for the benefit of one or more individuals (the trust beneficiaries). Every trust has one or more trustees charged with the responsibility of (1)...
Read MoreDeveloping a Spending Plan
What is a spending plan?Your spending plan is your active strategy for getting where you want to go. Think of your spending plan as a road map that helps you reach your goals, as well as give you a sense of direction. Your spending...
Read MoreDon't Miss Out on These 5 Commonly Overlooked Tax Deductions
When you own a business, you get to deduct business expenses from your business income. This general rule applies, subject to certain limitations, whether you are a sole proprietor with employees or a self-employed freelancer...
Read MoreDebt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche: The Cold Hard Facts
What would you do if you didn't have a single monthly payment each month on debt? No car, credit card bills, student loans, or even a house payment! Living a debt-free life with no monthly payments is possible for everyone, regardless...
Read MoreWhat Should Small Business Owners Know About Data Privacy Obligations?
Each year, some of the biggest companies in the world fall victim to data breaches—in 2020, this list included Microsoft, Facebook, and Instagram. But just because small businesses aren't dealing with billions of electronic...
Read MoreUnderstanding Capital Gains Tax as an Investor
As an investor, you may be impacted by capital gains if you sell your investment – whether at a gain or loss. Understanding capital gains may help with your overall investment strategy and the potential to preserve your wealth....
Read MoreIRS Increases 401(k) Limit By Record Amounts
On October 21st, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that the amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2023 has increased to $22,500, up from $20,500 for 2022. The IRS today also issued technical guidance...
Read MoreA Holiday Survival Guide for Your Finances
The average family spends an extra $1,000 or more during the holiday season. From gifts and travel to dinners, shows, and decorations, each purchase adds up.1 How might you take full advantage of holiday cheer while avoiding...
Read More5 Do’s and Don'ts for Charitable Giving During the Holidays
The fourth quarter holidays are often seen as one of the prime times to take out your checkbook — not only do many charities put in extra efforts helping others this time of year, but donating is also a smart financial move....
Read MoreCountdown To Investing in the New Year: 10 Questions To Ask Yourself
If one of your New Year's resolutions involves enhancing and expanding your investment portfolio, look no further. In a true New Year's Eve countdown tradition, ask yourself these 10 questions to help review your investment plans...
Read MoreA Year-End Wealth Planning Guide
As we approach the end of the year, you may want to review areas that may impact your wealth and estate planning next year. In this year-end planning guide, we examine four critical areas to consider that may affect your finances:...
Read MoreMid-November Means Open Enrollment Time
Reviewing your benefit choices will maximize your employment benefits Open enrollment for employee benefits kicks off this month. While you plan your Thanksgiving menu, review your benefit choices. Even if little changed in your life...
Read MoreA Guide to Incorporating Philanthropy into Your Financial Planning
If you're considering giving back to society or a cause as part of your financial planning, there are many ways you can do so. You can make an impact while receiving tax benefits by including philanthropic giving as part of a holistic...
Read MoreYear-End Donations and #GivingTuesday
A list of things to consider as you think about year-end charitable donationsWith its family traditions and festive celebrations, the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year. And according to GivingTuesday.org, the giving...
Read MoreHigh Net-Worth Individuals: Are You Missing Opportunities in Your Financial Planning?
High Net-Worth executives and those that have been self-employed, can experience common problems in their financial planning journey. Often, they have missed opportunities in their financial planning because they haven’t planned...
Read MoreFinancial Planning at Every Age
In 2013, a Gallup poll found that only about one in every three U.S. households maintained a budget.1 A 2021 survey of 1,000 Americans found that 80% now say they have a budget.2Americans are budgeting more due to the pandemic....
Read MoreWhat Is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional
A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, or CFP® practitioner, is a financial professional who meets the requirements established by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. While some professionals may...
Read MoreA Fall Financial Checklist
For many, autumn is the best time of year. The return of cool breezes, comforting foods, and pumpkins can be invigorating. It’s also a bookmark of sorts, especially for your finances—a perfect time to take stock of your...
Read MoreAll You Need To Know About Eldercare Arrangements
How far in advance do you plan vacations? A month at the very least, right? You’ve booked the flights and hotels, taken time off of work, gotten the kids out of school and looked forward to it from the moment you made the final...
Read MoreLife Insurance for Children
If you're thinking about buying life insurance for your child, consider the decision carefully. The main purpose of life insurance is to replace income lost after someone dies, and there's little doubt that your income could decrease...
Read MoreTax Planning Tips: Life Insurance
Understanding the importance of life insurance is one thing. Understanding the tax rules is quite another. As insurance products have evolved and become more sophisticated, the line separating insurance vehicles from investment...
Read MoreAn Essential Guide to Estate Planning Preparedness
A recent survey by Caring.com found that a whopping two in three American adults do not have an estate plan1—an alarming statistic, considering that an estate plan can protect your assets and ensure that they go to the right...
Read MoreLife Insurance at Various Life Stages
Your need for life insurance changes as your life changes. When you're young, you typically have less need for life insurance, butthat changes as you take on more responsibility and your family grows. Then, as your responsibilities...
Read MoreFundamental Concepts for New Investors
Investing involves setting goals for the future and weighing the risks and potential rewards associated with a wide variety of investment opportunities. If you are a new investor, this might seem like an overwhelming task.But take...
Read More4 Tips and Resources to Help Seniors During Periods of High Inflation and Market Volatility
In 2022, U.S. inflation hit a 40-year high, with prices for food, housing, gasoline, and other key staples increasing by nearly 10% over the previous year.1 During these uncertain times, stocks have continued a roller-coaster ride...
Read MoreHow Grandparents Can Help Grandchildren with College Costs
As the cost of a college education continues to climb, many grandparents are stepping in to help. This trend is expected to accelerate as baby boomers, many of whom went to college, become grandparents and start gifting what's...
Read MoreAlternative Savings Options: When You Already Have A Knack for Budgeting and Saving
If you've moved beyond basic financial advice—live below your means and set aside funds for a rainy day—you may be wondering what to actually do with these rainy-day funds. With inflation on the rise, keeping...
Read MoreFinancial Freedom vs. Financial Independence: Key Differences and How to Work Towards Both
Working towards financial independence can often be a lifelong process. But for many, financial freedom may come far sooner—and include some fun along the way. What are the differences between financial independence and financial...
Read MoreCritical Ages on the Social Security Benefits Timeline
It's essential to know the critical ages regarding taking Social Security that may impact the amount of your benefits. Getting the most out of your Social Security retirement benefits can be the difference of thousands of dollars over...
Read More401(k) Rollover Options to Consider
When people are leaving their employer, one of the decisions they need to make is what to do with their 401(k). A retirement plan participant typically has four options (and may engage in a combination of these options), each choice...
Read MoreFinancial Planning Challenges and Strategies for the Sandwich Generation
Almost half of all adults are part of the "sandwich generation." These are adults in their 40s and 50s who are helping support or care for a parent while also supporting or caring for a child.1 Being caught between two generations of...
Read MoreKeeping It Simple: The Benefits of Simplifying Your Investment Strategies
When it comes to investing, having fewer investments might help streamline your portfolio to manage stress better. Here are some benefits of a simple portfolio and some ways to help you create one.The Benefits of SimplicityUnless you...
Read MoreGrow Old with Me--Live (Almost) Tax-Free
What will you look for as you approach your "golden" years? Sunshine and the beach at your feet, or colder climates with your favorite cross-country skiing course outside your door? An affordable condo on the golf course with room for...
Read MoreCharitable Gifting
What constitutes a gift to charity?A gift to charity is simply a gratuitous transfer of property to a charitable organization. The key is that your gift must be some kind of property--your time or personal services do not count. There...
Read MoreMedicare Late Enrollment Penalties: How a New Bill May Help
A bipartisan bill introduced in the Senate in March 2022 hopes to help eliminate Medicare Part B penalties for late enrollment for Americans. If passed, the bill would require the federal government to notify people about Medicare...
Read More3 Reasons New Parents Should Consider Creating an Estate Plan
When you prepare to have your first child, the to-do list may seem endless—from purchasing a car seat to furnishing a nursery, lining up day care options, and planning for time off from work. These tasks, while sometimes...
Read MoreAnnouncing our new Doylestown Location
Secure Planning Group is happy to announce a new office in Doylestown
Read More