End-of-Year Estate Planning

End-of-year is a good time to reflect on where you’ve been, where you are now, and on what lies ahead. One’s estate plan is, often, reflective of each of these states of life. If you have already completed your estate plan, this checklist provides items for review. If...

Financial Help for Parents of Children with Special Needs

If you are planning to be a parent or are thinking of having more children, the scenario of having a child with a disability has probably crossed your mind. Disabilities can form before birth or after birth as a result of accidents or illnesses. According to the U.S....

What Raising the Social Security Retirement Age Would Mean

In a new fiscal year 2025 budget, policymakers call for raising the Social Security retirement age. The proposal is the latest to target the largest program in the federal budget — and the largest income source for many retirees. It comes as the Social Security...

COLA Update: Social Security Benefits for 2025

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has officially released its annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) figures for 2025. These newly issued numbers will have an impact on monthly Social Security benefits payouts for retirees, as well as recipients of Social...

Can I Create a Will On My Own?

Yes, you can create a will on your own, often referred to as a “holographic will” or a DIY will. Creating a will on your own can be convenient, but it comes with several potential risks and problems. Legal Validity: If your will doesn’t meet your state’s...