Blog
Continuing Care Retirement Communities: What They Cost, How They Work, and When to Start Preparing
Why Is This Conversation So Important Right Now? The U.S. is in the middle of a sustained demographic shift. More than 61 million adults are aged 65 and older as of 2025, and that number is projected to reach approximately 82 million...
Read MoreMaryland Estate Planning Steps Before Business Succession
Discover estate planning steps Maryland business owners often miss, and how exit planning can protect family wealth and ensure a smooth succession.
Read MoreHow Does a Trump Account Work?
Although the IRS started accepting tax returns on January 26, 2026, some “soon-to-be” filers may have lingering questions about how to identify the new Trump accounts on their federal tax return. Here’s a recap of what’s known about...
Read MoreWhen Should I Start Taking Social Security: 5 Factors to Consider
Social Security decisions are often framed as a single question: “When should I start drawing benefits?” That question matters, but it can also be limiting. The better question is: how does Social Security fit into my overall...
Read MoreTeaching Teens and Young Adults Financial Literacy Through Real-Life Decision Making
If you are a parent of a teen or young adult, how do you teach them to make confident money decisions before the stakes are high? Teaching teens and young adults about money is less about formal instruction and more about repeated...
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Helping Adult Children Buy a Home: How to Gift a Down Payment The Smart Way
Key TakeawaysHere are some questions this blog aims to answer:How can parents or grandparents help with a down payment for adult children?What are ways to gift a down payment, and how do the annual gift tax exclusion and lifetime...
Read MoreThree Numbers Every Woman Should Know
Key TakeawaysHow much wealth are women on track to control in the next decade, and why does that matter?What does the life expectancy gap between women and men mean for how long money needs to last?How common is it for women to be...
Read MoreQuestions to Ask in a First Meeting
Choosing a wealth management advisor is about more than performance. Here are the key questions to ask in your first meeting to evaluate philosophy, process, compensation, credentials, and long-term fit.
Read MoreUnderstanding the Emotions Behind Financial Decisions
Key TakeawaysEmotions and biases might influence financial choices more often than most people realize.Behavioral patterns, such as loss aversion, familiarity bias, and herd mentality, can impact long-term results.Recognizing emotional...
Read MoreTax Prep vs. Tax Strategy: The Difference Matters More Than You Think
Key TakeawaysTreat tax strategy as a continuous process, not a once-a-year filing exercise.Coordinate with financial and tax professionals throughout the year to identify opportunities for efficiency.Review contribution limits,...
Read MoreAI and the New Face of Fraud: How to Protect Your Identity and Finances in 2026
Artificial intelligence (AI) may be the most revolutionary technology of our time, with industries scrambling to embrace its possibilities. AI’s early influence seems similar to the positive disruptions brought about by past...
Read MoreI Just Got Back from Heckerling — And Business Owners Should Pay Attention to This
I just got home from the Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning. It’s one of those conferences where you leave with a notebook full of ideas and a short list of things that really matter.One topic stood out more than the rest.QSBS....
Read More2025 in Review and What You Should Know
As we begin a new year and consider the opportunities ahead, reflecting on the past year helps put today’s financial landscape into perspective and informs the strategies that can move us closer to our goals. 2025 was a year marked by...
Read MoreGoal Setting That Sticks: Simple Ways to Turn January Motivation into Lasting Wins
Key Takeaways and Suggestions for Successful Goal Setting Use SMART Goals for Clarity and FocusSet goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This proven method helps break big ambitions into manageable...
Read MoreYear-End Giving Strategies: Tax-Smart and Impactful
Key Takeaways A third of annual donations: About one-third of all charitable contributions are made in December. Donating before December 31 may offer tax advantages. New rules starting in 2026 (via the OBBB Act) may affect deductions...
Read MoreThe True Costs of Caring for Aging Parents
Key Takeaways Caring for aging parents is a growing reality for many Americans. The number of family caregivers in the U.S. has jumped to 63 million, a 45 percent increase over the past decade, making 1 in every 4 Americans a...
Read MoreMoney Talks: How to Use Holiday Gatherings to Start Family Financial Conversations
Key Takeaways Year-end holidays may be a good time to initiate a discussion about financial matters that may impact your family. If you have adult children, you may want to discuss your financial situation, estate strategy, and legal...
Read MoreShould You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?
Receiving a bonus, inheritance, or an increase in income often prompts a key financial question: Should I use this money to pay off my mortgage, or invest it? At first glance, the answer might seem simple. But in reality, it requires...
Read MoreA 2025 Guide to Protecting Seniors from Fraud
If you’ve found yourself stepping into a more active role in your parents’ financial lives, you’re not alone. Some of us are helping aging parents navigate everything from healthcare decisions to bill payments—and increasingly, we’re...
Read MoreSmart Moves to Consider Before Year-End
The final months of the year can sneak up quickly, and with them come deadlines, decisions, and distractions. Before the holiday season takes over your calendar, fall can be a valuable window to revisit your financial strategy and...
Read MoreBreaking Down the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: What You Need to Know
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) included lower federal income tax brackets, bigger standard deductions, and higher gift and estate tax exemptions, among other provisions. The law stipulated that some of those tax breaks would...
Read MoreWhen Presidents Go to War with the Fed
When Presidents Go to War with the Fed: A History of High-Stakes Clashes Over Money
Read MoreWhat the Buffett Estate Fight Teaches Us About Legacy Planning
It’s hard to imagine a more idyllic legacy than that of Jimmy Buffett—sun, music, and a laid-back fortune estimated at over $275 million. But two years after his passing, that legacy is now tangled up in a courtroom battle between his...
Read MoreEssential Financial Advice When Retiring: A Comprehensive Guide
Ultimately, the key to a successful retirement lies in preparation, flexibility, and ongoing education. With the right approach, individuals can navigate the complexities of retirement and create a fulfilling and financially secure future.
Read MoreWhy Business Valuations Are So Different, and Why That’s a Good Thing
This article explains why business valuations often vary and why those differences can be useful rather than frustrating. It outlines the three most common types of valuations: Low, Medium, and High.
Read MoreThe Slow Death of the Death Tax? What the Proposed Changes Could Mean for Your Legacy Plan
Learn how proposed changes to the federal estate tax could impact high-net-worth families, gifting strategies, and philanthropic planning.
Read MoreWhat Warren Buffett Can Teach Us About Building Wealth and Leaving a Legacy
Warren Buffett is widely considered one of the greatest investors of all time—not just for his staggering financial success, but for the timeless principles he’s shared over decades. At Vintage Financial Partners, we believe his...
Read MoreVintage Financial Partners Welcomes New Financial Advisor, Daniel C. Ronis, CFP®, CRPS™, CLTC®
Rockville, Maryland – Vintage Financial Partners, a distinguished financial services firm, is excited to announce that Daniel C. Ronis, CFP®, CRPS™, CLTC®, has joined the team as a Financial Advisor. With nearly a decade of experience...
Read MoreReflecting on the S&P 500’s Performance: A Decade of Ups and Downs
Why Staying the Course Matters: Trying to time the market—predicting when it will rise or fall—is notoriously difficult and often counterproductive. Instead, taking a long-term view and sticking to your investment strategy is usually
Read MoreWhat Horse Racing and Artificial Intelligence Taught Me This Summer
This summer, I dove into the world of horse racing and artificial intelligence. To say I am a novice gambler is an understatement. Terms like Exacta, Trifecta, and Superfecta are as foreign to me as a Starbucks newcomer navigating the...
Read MoreBrian Oettinger named to the LPL Ambassador Council
Brian Oettinger from Vintage Financial Partners, with multiple locations based in the Metro Washington DC area, announces that he has been named by LPL Financial as a new member of the LPL Ambassador Council Program. Brian is one of 60
Read MoreONE OF LPL FINANCIAL’S TOP FINANCIAL ADVISORS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [ROCKVILLE, Maryland] — [February 9th, 2024] – Vintage Financial Partners headquartered in Rockville, today announced that his achievements have been recognized with inclusion in LPL Financials’ Summit Club* for 2024.
Read MoreThe Ultimate Guide to Exit Planning for Business Owners
Exit planning is a crucial aspect of managing a business, yet many business owners often overlook or delay it. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the importance of exit planning and provide you with key elements of a suc
Read MoreVintage Financial Partners Welcomes New Director of Operations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Vintage Financial Partners Welcomes New Director of Operations, Anna Squier Rockville, Maryland, January 2nd, 2024 – Vintage Financial Partners, a distinguished financial planning firm, is thrilled to...
Read MoreMaximizing Financial Health: Essential Year-End Financial Planning Tips
As the year draws to a close, it's a crucial time for individuals and families to review their financial situation and plan for the upcoming year. Effective year-end financial planning can help make a big difference.
Read MoreFeds Managing SVB, Inflation
For the Federal Reserve, credibility is everything. And its credibility is being tested by how it plans to manage the banking system in the days leading up to its March 21-22 meeting.Last month, Fed Chair Powell confidently told Wall...
Read MoreSECURE Act 2.0: An Overview
In the final days of 2022, Congress passed a new set of retirement rules designed to make it easier to contribute to retirement plans and access those funds earmarked for retirement.The law is called SECURE 2.0, and it's a follow-up to...
Read MoreInside Baseball
The San Diego Padres signed infielder Fernando Tatis, Jr., to a 14-year, $340 million contract roughly one year after the Los Angeles Dodgers inked outfielder Mookie Betts to a 12-year, $365 million deal. That brings the total to 8...
Read MoreBuffett and Powell Talk Inflation
What does it mean when two of the most powerful voices in American financial life seem to be saying two different things? In one corner, we have the “Oracle of Omaha,” investor Warren Buffett. As one of the nation’s...
Read MoreManaging Your Retirement Plan When Switching Jobs
To maximize your savings, understand your options — if any — for your retirement plan when you switch jobs. Changing jobs can impact your retirement plan. To minimize disruptions to your contributions and the vested portion...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Coping with Pandemic Stress
If your stress and anxiety levels are reaching a breaking point, you’re not alone. A recent Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) poll found 45 percent of adults in the United States are feeling worry and stress related to the coronavirus....
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Happy Birthday, America!
2020 is destined to become an indelible chapter in American history. In just six months, we have suffered a pandemic, encountered economic and financial disruption, and tackled civil justice issues. After all that, we deserve a...
Read MoreHas the Economy Begun to Recover?
As coronavirus restrictions ease and businesses reopen, the American economy should gain steam. Data released in May and June, including employment, payroll, and manufacturing numbers, suggested the economy may have hit bottom in April...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - It’s Dad’s Day!
Break out the socks and neckties! It’s time to celebrate your dad. See what you know about Father’s Day by taking this quick trivia quiz: 1. When is Father’s Day in the United States? a. Second Sunday in Mayb. Third Sunday in Junec....
Read MoreLife and Finances in a Pandemic World
Life as we know it has changed dramatically during 2020. As the coronavirus spread across the United States, cities and states issued shelter-in-place orders to slow the spread of the coronavirus and prevent healthcare facilities from...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Showing Gratitude on Memorial Day
At 3:00 p.m. local time on Monday, May 25, 2020, the National Moment of Remembrance takes place by silently thanking the men and women of the United States military who gave their lives for our country.1 Originally, Memorial Day was...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Moms are Priceless
Whether they stay at home or work for a company, moms rarely have just one job. They’re event planners, coaches, interior designers, chefs, art directors, judges (and juries), housekeepers, maintenance supervisors, network...
Read MoreResources to Help You Through the Coronavirus Crisis
If you have ever been flattened by a rogue wave while fishing or sunbathing on the shore, you probably recognize the emotional responses that have accompanied the pandemic wave crashing across the United States – shock, anxiety, and...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - A Celebration of Irish Culture on St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day is a day of unity. In the past, St. Patrick was celebrated by Irish Protestants and Irish Catholics. As it has been said, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. See what you know about this celebration of Irish...
Read MoreThe Coronavirus Correction
In late February, concern that efforts to contain Coronavirus Disease 2019 (a.k.a. COVID-19) might result in slower global economic growth disrupted global markets. Share prices fell as economists and financial analysts revised growth...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Coronavirus 101: The Basics
The coronavirus, which is now officially called Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), has received a lot of attention. Since the outbreak began in China, late in 2019, the disease and efforts to understand and manage it have made...
Read MoreThe SECURE Act Changed Retirement, Estate, and College Plans
There was a little something for everyone in the ‘Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement’ (SECURE) Act, a piece of bipartisan legislation that was attached to the United States federal spending bill and signed into law...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - The Changing Soundtrack of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day and love songs go hand-in-hand. If you’re looking for a way to show love and appreciation, consider sharing some of the most popular love songs of all time. Here are a few of the most popular, according to Billboard...
Read MoreWhere is Your Best Place to Retire?
The best place to retire in the United States is in dispute. There’s no formal debate, but a review of reliable publications showed surveys have named different states and cities as the “best” place to retire. For instance: • Iowa was...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Hang On to Your Optimism!
In 2019, a Pew Research Center survey reported many Americans were pessimistic about the future. Their worries included the national debt, the gap between the rich and the poor, and automation.1 Martin Luther King was sometimes...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Do You Know What Your Smartphone Can Do?
Since 2011, the number of Americans owning smartphones has increased from 35 percent to 81 percent, although there remains a significant digital divide, demographically. A Pew Research survey found the vast majority of younger...
Read MoreRetirement: You’ve Got This!
Not everyone is financially prepared for retirement. Earlier this year, the Employee Benefit Research Institute estimated almost 41 percent of American households will run short of money in retirement. That’s an improvement over 2014...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Celebrate the New Year Your Way
If you’re not fond of New Year’s resolutions, then start or adopt new traditions that help get the year off to a positive start. Your new tradition should be something you can repeat each year with family and friends. Here are a few...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Wishing Joy and Laughter this Holiday Season
No matter what holiday you celebrate, we hope it’s filled with joy, laughter, and heartfelt happiness. That said, we know holiday cheer can be overwhelmed by the pursuit of perfection and opinions of relatives. Just in case your...
Read MoreWhat’s the Best Gift this Holiday Season?
You’ve probably never asked your adult children and younger relatives whether they have security software on their computers and devices. Why would you? They’re digital natives, born with keyboards under their fingertips.It may be time...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - What Are You Thankful For?
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude. In 1621, the Plymouth colonists shared an autumn feast with the Wampanoag Indians. They were celebrating survival and friendship. It’s also a poignant story.1About one-half of the passengers who...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - What Do You Know About Veterans Day?
After World War I, many nations celebrated the end of “The Great War” by establishing Armistice Day. Eventually, the holiday was broadened to celebrate those who served in all wars. In the United States after World War II and the...
Read MoreDoes Your Company Offer a Retirement Plan?
One of the most discussed topics in the United States is retirement security. Few Americans have set aside enough savings to live comfortably throughout retirement. In fact, the most recent National Retirement Risk Index (NRRI)*...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Save Money with a Green Halloween!
Americans expect to spend $8.8 billion on costumes, decorations, candy, and other Halloween purchases, according to the National Retail Federation.1That’s enough money to purchase the New England Patriots ($3.8 billion), the Los...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - The Secret Life of Data
What data about you is most important?The data that identity thieves are after – social security, credit card, and bank account numbers – is important, as well as more basic data which is being collected by companies whose devices you...
Read MoreWill There Be A Recession?
The simple answer is probably.Historically, the American economy has grown in fits and starts, otherwise known as recessions and expansions. As a result, it is likely there will be another recession in the United States.What are...
Read MoreUnused Vacation Days Can Be Costly
Would you give up a share of $62 billion?Would you give up a share of $62 billion?If your answer is no, then you may be a member of the relatively small group of Americans (36 percent) that takes all of the vacation days available to...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Labor Day is an Important Day
Just over 100 years ago, Americans typically worked physically demanding jobs. Adults toiled 12 hours a day, seven days a week for low wages. Americans did not take lunch breaks. They did not get sick days or vacations. They were not...
Read MoreProtect Yourself in a Smart and Connected World
The world is becoming smarter and more connected all the time – and that has serious implications for people who want to protect their personal data and their privacy. If you’ve been enjoying the convenience of smart utilities and...
Read MoreLifestyle Newsletter - A Prescription for Dementia Prevention
A Prescription for Dementia Prevention If you’ve ever played a party game that asks you to make difficult decisions, you may have run into a question like this one: Would you rather enjoy good physical health all of your life or good...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Life, Liberty, and Tax-Advantaged Investing
Life, Liberty, and Tax-Advantaged Investing Americans are passionate about taxes. We have reason to be. In recent years, Americans have spent more on taxes than on food, clothing, and housing combined.1 The Tax Foundation estimates...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Collect the Best Recipes for Dads’ Cook Book
Most dads have at least one recipe they like to cook for family and friends. Some have dozens. This year, celebrate Father’s Day by collecting the recipes from the men in your family. Bring a notebook to your next family celebration...
Read MoreWhere There’s a Will, There’s a Plan
Throughout history people have made inheritance choices that are inexplicable to others. In 1926, Harry Houdini left his magical equipment to his brother, his pulled-from-the-hat rabbits to the children of friends, and a series of...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Memorial Day Quiz
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance. It’s the time when we pay our respects to the men and women who died fighting for our country. See what you know about this important holiday by taking our Memorial Day quiz.1. What did the...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Moms are Unique
Moms are like snowflakes. No two are exactly alike. So, when you’re thinking about what to give your mom for Mother’s Day, consider a gift that is as unique as she is -- share your memories with her. Here are some prompts to get you...
Read MoreFinding the ‘Goldilocks’ Retirement Plan
Where do you set aside the money you’re saving for retirement? If you’re like many Americans, you save for retirement primarily through an employer’s retirement plan, according to Pew Research.1Unfortunately, less than one-half of...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Sleep: It’s More Elusive as We Get Older
If someone tells you older people need less sleep than younger people do, don’t believe it. Older Americans need about eight hours of sleep, just like everybody else. What’s different is quality sleep is harder to come by as you age....
Read MoreHow Will Rising Healthcare Costs Affect Your Retirement?
It’s no secret healthcare costs are going up. Medical expenses have been steadily increasing for years. In 2007, costs were up almost 12 percent. However, the rate of increase slowed to 6 percent during the past five years and that...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day
On St. Patrick’s Day, it’s okay to celebrate even if you’re not Irish. St. Patrick himself wasn’t Irish. As we celebrate, we would like to share some of our favorite facts and tidbits about St. Patrick’s Day:1 • St. Patrick’s Day is an...
Read MoreBaby Boomers and Digital Assets
How many password-protected accounts do you have?If you keep mental inventory, use a password manager, or have a written record of your passwords (which is not recommended by anyone), take a quick count. You’re likely to find you may...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Valentine’s Day Spending
Valentine’s Day means different things to different people. Some welcome Valentine’s Day as a time for romance, while others see it as an opportunity to cherish friends and family. No matter how it’s celebrated, Valentine’s Day...
Read MoreMake Sure Your Smart Home is Safe from Cyber Attack
Whether you own a house or rent an apartment, building a smart home is easier than it has ever been. Homeowners and renters can purchase kits that integrate specific smart items or they can select smart home products, such as light...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - A Day On, Not a Day Off
In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation establishing the third Monday of January as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.1 Dr. King, who is remembered for his powerful oratory and transformative ideas, once said, “Life’s most...
Read MoreJust Another Member of the Family
Bella. Coco. Charlie. Lucy. Max. No matter the name, many pets are considered to be members of the family, providing companionship, protection, and unconditional love. The pet-owner relationship has some powerful benefits, which may...
Read MoreTax Season is Here Again
It’s only January, but you may want to jumpstart your 2018 taxes since there are a slew of new regulations that may affect you. The Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 goes into effect this year so make sure you understand how tax...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - How to Keep a New Year's Resolution
Eat healthier. Get more exercise. Save more money. Those were the top New Year's resolutions for 2018, according to Statista.1 Few people achieved them. One of the reasons so few resolutions become reality is because people tend to...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Fill Your Holidays with Happiness
Holidays can be joyful and a little stressful. Here are a few ways to bring a moment of happiness into your life and the lives of those around you:1 • Take time to call an old friend.• Buy coffee for a stranger.• Briefly chat with your...
Read MoreAre Volatile Stock Markets Good for Investors?
When the ups and downs of stock markets leave you stressed and wondering whether stocks really will help you pursue your long-term financial goals, there are two things to remember:1. Historically, over long periods, stocks have tended...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Thanksgiving: A True American Holiday
Thanksgiving is a true American holiday. It celebrates generosity and gratitude, and it recognizes the relationships that helped colonists who arrived on the Mayflower in 1620 survive beyond their first winter. History.com explained:1...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Gratitude for Our Veterans
There are more than 20 million veterans living across the United States. These men and women fought in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, the Iraq War, the War in Afghanistan, which continues today, and many...
Read MoreShould Parents Pay for College Tuition?
It’s a pricey question.It’s a pricey question.College Board estimated the average cost for full-time, in-state students who live on campus at four-year public colleges or universities during the 2017-18 school year is $25,290...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Halloween Jokes for Children
If trick-or-treating in your neighborhood requires a trick to get a treat, your little ghosts and goblins will need some short and easy-to-remember options. Here are a few that were recommended by Reader’s Digest:1• What has hundreds...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Just Give Me that Countryside…
Remember the television classic, Green Acres? Eddie Albert, who portrayed a New York City lawyer, and Eva Gabor, who portrayed his sophisticated spouse, move from the big city to the country – and it’s not quite what they expected...
Read MoreWomen and the Retirement Crisis
Here’s a number that will knock your socks off: $400 trillion.1By 2050, the retirement savings shortfall in eight of the world’s largest economies is expected to reach $400 trillion, according to estimates from the World Economic Forum...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Labor Day and Labor Unions
Labor Day is set aside to celebrate the social and economic achievements of American workers. It was proposed as a holiday by Matthew Maguire in 1882 while he served as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York, NY. The labor...
Read MoreCan Social Security Benefits Help with Longevity Risk?
How long will you live? How long will you live? It’s not a question anyone can answer with any certainty, and that creates a significant risk when planning for retirement. Your retirement may last for a long time, and you will need to...
Read MoreReady, Set, Trade War?
In recent years, investors have largely ignored geopolitical risks. Russia’s invasion of the Crimean Peninsula, the Brits’ vote to leave the European Union (EU), unrest in the Middle East, and other global events have not affected...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Are You a Subscriber?
In the olden days, the word ‘subscription’ typically was applied to just magazines and newspapers. Today, that’s not the case. Americans are buying everything from meal kits to baby products to vitamins by subscription. A McKinsey &...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Out of Revolution a New Nation was Born
On July 4, 1776, the American colonies banded together and declared independence from Great Britain. The countries had been at war for more than a year due to a number of issues, particularly in regards to harsh taxation and a lack of...
Read MoreWhat Happens When the Well Runs Dry?
To the relief of many South Africans, Day Zero has been pushed back to 2019. Day Zero is the date on which Cape Town will run out of water, and its four million residents will begin to collect daily water rations of about seven gallons...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Make It All About Dad
There are many perceived requirements of being a dad. “One of the jobs of a good dad is to help kids become a little tougher, a little more resilient, a little more separate…dads push kids to leave the nest; they brush off the dirt...
Read MoreHow to Prepare for a Changing Bond Market
The words ‘bear market’ have been bandied about a lot lately. When you read or hear them, remember to respond the same way you would if you saw an actual bear in the woods – by staying calm and keeping your wits about you. A changing...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Mindfulness and Memorial Day
If you’ve ever composed a grocery list in your head while driving carpool and listening to your children discuss who got in trouble at school and why, then you know what it’s like to have your attention divided. If you’ve ever worked...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - 10 Reasons Moms are Important
Mother’s Day is almost here! We all have moms and, whether they gave birth to us or not, they have helped us become the people we are today. Here are 10 reasons moms are so important, adapted from Psychology Today:
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Life in the Future
Technology is a life changer. GPS has improved interpersonal relations by eliminating arguments about asking for directions. Apps for car services, food delivery, video streaming, news media, and social media have changed the way we...
Read MoreHome is Wherever You Make It
“There’s no place like home.”Conjuring an image of ‘home’ was a lot easier for Dorothy than it is for people who are on the cusp of retirement. After all, isn’t retirement supposed to be a new start? Aren’t retirees supposed to wave...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - St. Patrick and the Irish
It’s almost time to don green and gold. That’s right, March 17 is upon us. There’s more to the holiday, however, than eating corned beef and cabbage and celebrating the Irish. For instance, St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland,...
Read MoreTwo Ideas Worth Thinking About When Markets are Moving
Here’s a number most people would like to see on an annual statement: 21.6 percent. That was the annual return for the Standard & Poor (S&P) 500 Index during 2017. In general, U.S. stock indices did quite well last year – and the year...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - It’s Almost Valentine’s Day
If you’re looking for a gift that will express your love better than chocolates or a bouquet of flowers, don’t fret. Trendhunter.com has some innovative and unconventional suggestions:• Literary love tattoos. Perhaps, you’d like Rainer...
Read MoreWhat Would You Do?
Here’s a riddle for you: Some people are reluctant to start me, unless I’m automatic. I’m frequently exhausted when I don’t roll over. I’m sometimes left behind. Retirees devour me. What am I? Answer:...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - What Do You Know About Martin Luther King, Jr.?
Most Americans know Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Baptist minister and the leader of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States until he was assassinated in 1968. Test your knowledge with this quiz about Dr. King.1. Before...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Are We Ready for the Baby Boom Retirement?
Fifteen years ago, a Health Services Research report described the challenges ahead for the United States as the Baby Boom generation aged into retirement. Four issues were paramount: 1) improving payment and insurance systems for...
Read MoreWill Interest Rates Move Higher?
The last bear market in bonds began in the middle of the last century and lasted for about 31 years. Some investors who bought bonds in 1950 locked in relatively low rates of return for a very long time. On January 1, 1950, 10-year U.S...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - 2018: A Really Big Year!
New years bring new adventures, and 2018 is no different. To paraphrase Ed Sullivan: 2018 could be a really big year. Here are a few of the events we can look forward to:• Men’s World Cup in Russia. CBS’s power rankings put Brazil at...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Finding Joy During the Holidays
“The holidays are often seen as a time of joy: ruddy cheeks, festive parties, and twinkling laughter, all wrapped in a warm, tinsel-framed glow. It’s the most wonderful time of the year! It may be the ‘season to be jolly,’ but not...
Read MoreAre You Ready to Retire?
There is a simple and unsettling reality in the United States. Most Americans are not financially prepared for retirement. There is a simple and unsettling reality in the United States. Most Americans are not financially prepared for...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Let’s Talk Turkey!
Thanksgiving is the mother of all family dinners. It’s a celebration of our great nation and the many blessings that occur when people unite together in the spirit of communication. As you’re gathered around the table this...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Fight for the Brave Men and Women Who Fought for Us
All too often, we assume the men and women who fought for our country can take care of themselves. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. There are some important ways ordinary Americans can help those who are returning from...
Read MoreMaximizing Your Social Security Benefits
Retirement and Social Security are inextricably linked. Not only did Social Security help establish the official U.S. retirement age at 65, it also provides a significant portion of today’s retirees’ incomes. Retirement and...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Halloween Trivia Anyone?
Halloween is almost upon us! Whether you’re wearing a costume, decorating your yard/house, or handing out treats, you won’t be alone. More than 179 million Americans are expected to participate in 2017’s Halloween...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - A Sturdy Case Isn’t All You Need to Protect Your Smartphone
Smartphones are incredibly handy. That may be why about three of every four Americans own them.1 On average, smartphone users spend almost three hours a day – 86 hours every month – using their phones. They send texts and...
Read MoreCollege is Coming – Have You Started Saving Yet?
How times change! In 1940, half of Americans finished their education in eighth grade. College degrees were relatively rare. Just 6 percent of men and 4 percent of women had one.1During the past 80 years, college has become far more...
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