Blog
Forever Grateful for Doylestown
Sometimes you never know what you have until it’s gone (for a little while). When I was a young resident of Doylestown and moving through CB West, I could not wait to get out of here. Every university I applied to was at least 1...
Read MoreVets, Don't Miss Out on 'Hidden Benefits'
After his grandfather died more than a decade ago, Lamarr Couser and his family were caught by surprise when the funeral director asked whether the World War II veteran was covered by a life insurance policy from the Department of...
Read MoreA Halloween Miracle!
Happy Halloween! This year, instead of giving out Hershey Bars to the little ones, I decided to pass out nuggets of incredible information that could change your life forever if you start early. Many folks refer to the miracle of...
Read More7 Changes to the FAFSA and How They Could Impact You
Deciding on which college to attend is an exciting time. Still, it can also be stressful. The Department of Education has been working to simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application process with a few...
Read MoreLessons from Barbie and Ken (If They Split Up)
Crucial financial steps to take when separating from your life partner Separating from a life partner, whether you're not married or legally bound, can be emotionally and financially challenging. Just like any significant life change,...
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Empowering Financial Independence for Women
Women face unique financial challenges and need to proactively plan As we witness a societal shift with more women taking control of their financial health, it's clear that financial empowerment is no longer a men's only domain. This...
Read MoreKick-Starting Your Retirement with a 401(k) Plan
Take control of your retirement planning with a defined contribution plan The 401(k) pension plan, named after that section of the Internal Revenue Service Code that created it, has become one of the most popular retirement plans in...
Read MoreBack to School and Grande Latte’s
As summer begins to wind down, our thoughts tend to meander to what is to come in the latter half of the year. The crunch of leaves will soon be felt and heard beneath your feet. Sweater weather is right around the corner. The kids...
Read MoreThe Great Wealth Transfer: Women, Are You Ready?
A great wealth transfer is coming as the Baby Boomer generation moves on, and women are likely to be the largest beneficiaries of passed-down wealth. Women are also building their own wealth despite continuing gender wage discrepancies...
Read MoreWhat to Know Before You Open Your Next Investment Account
Understanding the difference between taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-exempt accounts can improve portfolio diversification and make a difference in how much you earn over time. But investors may not fully understand how a strategy...
Read MoreFinances and Fireworks: 5 Strategies to Help Preserve and Celebrate Your Financial Freedom
Your finances are probably one of the last places you want to experience fireworks—unless they are celebratory. With new year's resolutions firmly in the rearview mirror, the summer months allow you to revisit your financial...
Read MoreSummertime and the Living is Easy
Ahhhh…Let that ocean breeze wash over you. Smell that salt air. Feel the sand beneath your feet. Take in the sounds of the boardwalk. There is nothing quite like the shore in summer and the memories you will……the...
Read MoreLPL Financial Research Midyear Outlook 2023: The Path Towards Stability
Our 2023 investing outlook started with a theme of returning to normalcy. Considering 2022’s market volatility and the aftereffects of the pandemic, the idea of finding balance was certainly a welcomed change. It’s a theme...
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 MorePre-Vacation Home Safety Tips
Vacation is something that we all look forward to, but it’s important not to forget about your home—and its safety—while you’re away. With some pre-planning, it’s easy to make sure your house is safe and...
Read MoreThe Endless Summer Vacation
By now you have probably turned on the air conditioner and fired up the grill. Perhaps you have enjoyed a water ice and a night on the porch listening to the crickets as the sun slowly fades away. Summer is back and along with it come...
Read MoreNew Rules for 529 Plans
529 plans have always been great vehicles to help families save money for education and use that money, tax-free, to pay for qualified education expenses.Recently, Congress passed a spending package that included a number of new...
Read MoreA Day to Remember Those Who Gave Their Lives
As a former Navy surface warfare officer who does not typically open up about my military service, I very rarely push my convictions about the military onto anyone. However, as we commemorate this Memorial Day, I want to remind those...
Read MoreThis is Why You Should Hire a Military Veteran
Americans do a lot to celebrate and show appreciation to veterans after they return home from active service. However, the picture for them returning to employment after leaving the service has typically not been nearly as rosy. With...
Read MoreMoney Matters: Financial Literacy For The Whole Family
Financial literacy is crucial, not only for adults but for everyone in the family. When you have a good foundation of financial literacy, you will have a greater understanding of money and prepare yourself for a brighter financial...
Read MoreSocial Security Survivor Benefits
When you think of Social Security, you probably think of retirement. However, Social Security can also provide much-needed income to your family members when you die, making their financial lives easier.Your family members may be...
Read MoreFinancial Spring Cleaning
Well, the winter that never was has finally come to a merciful end. For those of us who love being snowed in, this “winter” was a total letdown. However, for all you spring lovers out there, time to get moving on those warm...
Read MoreWomen’s History Month: The Single Woman
Ten financial tips for single women in order to live life on their terms Women’s History Month has its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed and authorized a resolution and requested the President to...
Read MoreA Woman's Guide to Health Care in Retirement
At any age, health care is a priority. But when you retire, you should probably focus more on health care than ever before. That's why it's particularly important for women to factor in the cost of health care, including long[1]term...
Read More7 Tips for Time Management
When you’re busy juggling career, family, social life, and multiple other obligations, you may end up feeling as if you don’t have enough time to do it all. Often, the solution lies in improving how you manage your time. To...
Read MoreTax Issues Related to Divorce
What are the tax issues related to divorce?If you're separated or divorced, it's important for you to become familiar with certain tax issues. Familiarity with the tax consequences of your financial and personal decisions might cause...
Read MoreHow to Teach Your Children Financial Wellness
Teaching children about financial wellness should start at an early age. Learning how making money, saving, and spending is related and the first step in teaching your child how to understand the value of money. Children learn from...
Read MoreLPL Financial Research Outlook 2023: Finding Balance
Through all the challenges, newfound opportunities, and every high and low we’ve experienced during the last couple of years, it’s no surprise why we might be striving for more balance. Whether it’s about the markets...
Read MoreOh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree: 5 Christmas Tree Facts
One of the most popular icons of the Christmas season is the Christmas tree. It has become a symbol of the holidays and the center point for Christmas displays, party decorations, and events. During the Christmas season, you may find...
Read MoreFinancial Steps to Take If Your Spouse Dies First
Including this: don’t make big decisions within the first 6 months if possibleWhen a spouse dies, the emotional magnitude of the loss can send your life reeling. It can also affect your finances. You are pressured to do many...
Read MoreMembers of the Military - Personal Financial Planning
Financial planning is the process that can help you pursue your goals by evaluating your whole financial picture, then outlining strategies that are tailored to your individual needs and available resources. Just as the success of a...
Read MoreStudent Loan Forgiveness: Everything You Need to Know
After weeks of uncertainty, borrowers of student loans can now apply for the Biden administration’s debt relief program. Full or partial federal student loan debt cancellation of up to $20,000 is available to Federal Pell Grant...
Read MoreRussia, China, Future Headlines & Your Mindset
Remember the long-term trends of owning great global companies What can you and other investors do about Russia, China, volatile energy costs or whatever tomorrow’s headlines bring? How does the Ukraine crisis affect your...
Read MoreInvesting After the Death of a Spouse
The death of a spouse is one of the most traumatic experiences a person can endure.1 Adding financial stresses at such a delicate time can only make matters worse—and your emotional recovery harder. Learn more about what to...
Read MoreThe Roth 401k
Some employers offer 401(k) plan participants the opportunity to make Roth 401(k) contributions. If you have access to this option, Roth contributions could play an important role in helping enhance your retirement income.What is a...
Read More529 College Savings Plans: A Cheat Sheet for Common Questions
Whether your child was just born or is heading toward high school graduation, a 529 savings plan may help you put aside funds to pay for college expenses without paying taxes (federal and some states) on any dividends and gains.1...
Read MoreA Survival Guide for a Bear Market
A bear market is a prolonged period of price declines in securities, an index such as the S&P 500, or the overall stock market of usually 20% or more from a recent high. Bear markets can also signal economic downturns such as a...
Read MoreSun, Fun, and Summer Savings: 5 Thrifty Tips for Summer Traveling
Summer is here, and it could be time to hit the road on a new adventure. If you’re on a tight budget, you don’t have to give up your summer vacation dreams. Here are a few tips you may be able to use to create the perfect...
Read More2022 Midyear Outlook: Navigating Turbulence
Markets are always forward looking, so it’s important to remain focused on what lies ahead. There will most certainly be challenges, but there are also some tailwinds from a strong job market, still resilient businesses, and the...
Read MoreHow to Find a Lost 401(k)
Over 20% of 401(k) plan funds are lost or forgotten—here’s how to reclaim yoursIf you’re one of the many workers who have quit their jobs at a record-setting rate during the pandemic, you may have forgotten your...
Read MoreThe Staycation Guide You Need in Your Life
Have a free day or two but don’t want to spend money on travel? Try a staycation.First, plan ahead Just like a regular vacation, you’ll want to plan ahead what you’ll be doing even if it’s a loose...
Read MoreTips to Shape Up Your Fiscal Fitness this Summer
A regular program of disciplined financial practices can help you in the long-run.Many people realize that the best way to stay in shape is to develop an appropriate fitness regimen and then stick with it. If you start a fitness...
Read MoreIRS Makes Contribution Limit Changes for 2022
Talk to a financial professional to help create an appropriate financial plan for you The Internal Revenue Service announced that the amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2022 has increased to $20,500, up from $19...
Read MoreWhy Trying To Time The Market Is Unwise
Market timing is a “strategy” of deciding when to buy and sell stocks by attempting to predict which way and when stocks will move. Let’s look at an example and the data to determine why market timing is unwise....
Read More10 Best Financial Benefits for Military Families
Members of the military have a lot of special financial challenges that most people don't encounter. However, they have access to many benefits, tax breaks and legal protections that can make a huge difference in their families'...
Read MoreWhat Causes Inflation and What to Do About It
A huge challenge is planning for your retirement savings to outpace inflation Some of us may remember the “good old days,” when gasoline prices were as low as 25¢ per gallon. Others may recall when a can of soda cost...
Read MoreFinancial Planning for Veterans is Different
Every Veteran is unique and requires personalized financial advice. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Census, there are over 17 million Veterans in the United States and more than nine million of these Veterans are served...
Read MoreUkraine and Your Investments - Update
It’s natural to be worried during a time like this. You wouldn’t be human if you turned on the news, or checked your portfolio, and felt nothing. As humans, it is hard not to feel angst and fear during these uncertain times...
Read MoreThe History of the Roth IRA
Although the Roth IRA has been a part of the retirement lexicon for years when compared to other types of retirement accounts, it's quite young—it's only been in effect for 25 years. It was introduced as part of the Taxpayer...
Read MoreUkraine and Your Investments
The recent unfolding events in Ukraine have no doubt left the world in complete shock. This type of blatant military aggression, on the European Continent, has not been seen since the dawn of World War Two. This will have ripple...
Read MoreMaximizing Military Retirement Benefits
Retiring from the military is a profound accomplishment. For many, this retirement will provide you with positive things, including the time and geographic stability you need to start a new career or simply enjoy leisure activities...
Read MoreGet Out of Debt in 2022
Welcome to February! How are those New Year’s resolutions coming along? If one of those resolutions was to work your way out of debt in 2022, then you are in luck. Figuring out a mound of debt can be frightening and leave you...
Read MoreTax Prep Checklist: Everything You Need to Be Ready for Tax Season
Regardless of whether you prepare your taxes yourself or use a professional's services, it's a good idea to gather the information and documentation you need well in advance of your actual tax filing date. Below, we've listed some key...
Read MoreWhat You Should Know About TSPs and 401(k)s
When you were in the military, you probably had access to a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) to save for retirement, but do you know what your options look like once you are no longer on active duty? Your Post-Active Duty Options Once you...
Read MoreNew Year, Thicker Wallet
Happy New Year! You made it through 2021 and are poised to start 2022 off right! For many of us, The New Year focus tends to be on shedding pounds to get healthier. I would argue that we should be worried about putting weight on where...
Read More2022 Outlook: Passing the Baton
Our resurgent economy grew at over a 6% pace in the first half of the year and is on track for over 5% growth for the year when 2021 draws to a close. The current economic recovery, which started in May 2020, has benefited from...
Read MoreA Financial Review Can Pay Off at Year End
Today, many people find themselves bombarded by a constant stream of financial news from television, radio, and the Internet. Yet, does all this “information age” data really help you manage your finances any better now...
Read MoreWhat Veterans Should Know About Retirement Planning
Veterans' retirement benefits are among some of the most generous out there, in large part due to the risks and sacrifices that come from military service. But navigating this array of benefits may seem complicated. What should...
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