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If you ask yourself what retirement will look like, the answer may be a comfortable home near a golf course. Or perhaps it’s free time to spend with grandchildren, or maybe it’s a cross-country journey or trip around the world? The dreams you have today about the future can be yours tomorrow--if you understand what is required to fulfill them, set a course to meet the challenge, and seek solid professional assistance along the way.
With a retirement date several years in the future, it’s a good time to begin preparation. A look at factors affecting the future of all retirees can help potential retirees focus on the importance of preparing for the future. Consider the following:
Once goals have been identified, assign a monetary value to them, and then review progress towards the goals. The following checklist is a good starting point.
A financial professional can help work through items on the checklist, as well as assist in the following areas:
A financial professional can personalize a plan that works for your unique situation and set you on a path towards your future retirement dreams, whether it’s a home on the golf course, time with grandkids, or that trip around the world.
The New Year is a time for fresh starts and setting goals, but when it comes to financial planning, the resolutions often seem predictable: save more, spend less, and budget better. While these are undeniably important, there’s an opportunity to think outside the box. Below are ten unique financial resolutions that might surprise you — and inspire you to approach your financial goals with creativity and purpose.
Take a close look at your spending habits from the past year and ask yourself: “Does this align with my values?” Identify areas where you’re spending money on things that don’t truly matter to you and redirect those funds toward what brings joy and fulfillment. This is less about cutting back and more about intentionality.
Find a way to use your financial resources to make a direct impact in your community. This could mean contributing to a local non-profit, funding a micro-loan for a small business owner, or even starting a neighborhood improvement project. Consider it a way to grow your wealth in goodwill and connections.
Just like cleaning out your wardrobe, take a “cleaning house” approach to your financial accounts. Close old bank accounts, consolidate retirement plans from past jobs, and eliminate unused credit cards.
Simplifying your financial life can reduce stress and help you stay organized.
Financial planning doesn’t always have to be serious. Set aside a specific amount of money for unplanned, joyful experiences. Whether it’s a last-minute weekend getaway or tickets to a surprise concert, this fund ensures you can say “yes” to life’s unexpected delights without guilt.
Explore bartering as a way to save money and build relationships. Offer your skills in exchange for something you need. For example, if you’re a graphic designer, trade your expertise for yoga classes. This resolution is a fun way to stretch your budget and create meaningful exchanges.
Each month, write down three things you’re grateful for about your financial situation. This could include things like being debt-free, having a supportive partner who contributes financially, or even just having access to clean water. Cultivating gratitude can shift your mindset and help you appreciate progress over perfection.
Instead of resolving to cut back in a general sense, choose one month out of the year to engage in a no-spend challenge.
During this month, only spend on essentials and use the opportunity to get creative with what you already have. The savings from this challenge can be redirected toward a specific financial goal.
Rather than focusing solely on financial outcomes, make it a goal to learn a skill that enhances your financial literacy. This could be mastering the art of negotiating, learning the basics of investing in cryptocurrency, or even understanding how to read financial statements. Knowledge is a powerful financial asset.
Set aside one day to think about the legacy you want to leave behind. This isn’t just about estate planning; it’s about how your financial decisions today can positively impact future generations or causes you care about. Document your wishes and take steps to align your actions with your legacy goals.
Invite friends or family to a financial planning brunch or game night. Share tips, set goals together, or even create accountability groups. Turning financial planning into a community effort can make it less daunting and more enjoyable.
These resolutions push you to go beyond the basics and think creatively about how you approach money. They focus on values, community, and personal growth rather than rigid rules. By incorporating even one or two of these unique ideas into your New Year’s resolutions, you’ll not only build a healthier financial future but also foster a deeper connection to what truly matters.
U.S. Stocks continue gains, the longest streak since 2021! Even so, consumer fears persist. See how the “Mag Seven” are performing as we close 2025. Additionally, a look at emerging stock index differences with adding South Korea. Finally, a historical look at Fed rate cuts.
Many companies earmarked year-end bonuses earlier in the year, while the markets were on an upward trend. As such, you may find yourself fortunate to receive a year-end bonus for the year.
Shelve for a moment your visions of exotic trips and instead evaluate how to make the most of this extra money.
A year-end bonus remains taxable income and it’s a good decision to use it responsibly. That doesn’t mean a little can’t be enjoyed but keep priorities in mind. Consider these ideas:
Tackle debt first. Using a bonus to accelerate debt repayment is smart, especially when putting extra funds towards any debt that carries the highest interest rate: the higher the rate, the more money balances cost over time.
For those who aren’t sure, call the credit card companies to find out which card has the highest rate. Not sure about student loan rates? Log in to the account at studentloans.gov, where the details can be reviewed.
Set up an emergency fund. It’s a good idea to establish an emergency one, and these extra funds are an easy way to get it started. Create it in a liquid account (meaning the money is easily and quickly accessible and where it’s easy to add to it). An emergency fund is protection from stumbles that might bust the monthly budget, such as sudden job loss.
A good goal for an emergency fund is three to six months of expenses, for those earning a regular, dependable paycheck. For those whose income or job situation is less stable or less predictable, consider six to twelve months of expenses.
Also consider setting aside money for other expenses that are difficult to plan in a budget. For example, set up a separate account to cover car or home repairs, a health savings account (for unpredictable medical bills) or just set aside money in your savings account for medical care. Some pet owners maintain pet emergency funds to cover veterinary bills.
Max-out the 401(k) or individual retirement account. Using a bonus to maximize annual 401(k) contributions may not seem like a lot of fun now, but this saves for the future, reduces taxable income this year and takes full advantage of job’s benefits. Another option is to talk with a financial professional about funding an IRA or Roth IRA.
Invest in yourself. What about investing in increasing your own productivity, happiness or knowledge? There are a variety of classes at local colleges and community centers. Consider continuing a formal education or simply adding to current skills.
Splurge wisely. An increase in funds often enables people to build security and stability but it might also bring a little happiness when spent wisely. Consider a small splurge on an experience with family or close friends.
For those who aren’t sure what to do with a year-end bonus, dividing it into different buckets is a smart way to handle the increase in funds. Putting 50% towards debt, 30% towards savings and then using the remaining 20% for a splurge will touch on all the categories. But ultimately, the best use of a bonus depends on your individual needs and goals. Be mindful on what matters the most to you and then make a plan.
As the year-end holidays approach, there are many plans to be made with family and friends. Along with the holiday cheer, there are financial plans to consider as well. Review these financial opportunities and deadlines before 2026 arrives.
As we count our many blessings and share time with our loved ones, we can express our thanks through giving to others. Donate to your favorite charity before the end of the year. In general, to be tax deductible, the gift must be made to a qualifying organization and made during the 2025 calendar year.
Cash and assets may be gifted to children, relatives or even friends, to take advantage of the annual gift tax exclusion. Any individual may gift up to $19,000 this year to as many individuals as he or she desires – and a couple may jointly gift up to $38,000. Whether gifting singly or jointly, there is a lot of leeway before reaching the current $13.99 million lifetime exemption ($27.98 million for couples).
Grandparents, aunts, uncles and parents too, can fund 529 college saving plans this way, but keep in mind that December 31st is the 529 funding deadline for 2025.
Most employers offer a 401(k) or 403(b) plan, and contributions can be made until December 31st to boost annual contributions.
Did you inherit an IRA? For anyone inheriting an IRA, the rules vary based on whether the beneficiary is a spouse, a minor, and whether the decedent had started taking distributions. Check with your financial professional on the rules for each situation. In some cases, a distribution may need to be taken by December 31st.
Business owners’ retirement plans. Those who are self-employed can save for the future by using a self-directed retirement plan, such as a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan or a one-person 401(k), the so-called Solo (k).
Contributions to SEPs and Solo (k) s are tax-deductible. December 31st is the deadline to set one up, however, contributions can be made as late as April 15th of next year (or mid-October with a federal extension).
In approaching the end of 2025, there are many rules, deadlines and contribution limits to consider. In thinking about your year-end financial planning, talk to a trusted financial professional to determine what is best for your unique situation.
Employee benefits are an important part of any company's strategy to attract and retain top talent. As the workforce continues to evolve, employee benefit trends are also changing to meet the needs of employees. Here are five trends that will define employee benefits in the future.
1. Mental Health Support: Mental health is becoming an increasingly important issue for employees, as many people experiencing stress and burnout from the demands of work and personal life. In response, more companies are offering mental health support as part of their employee benefits package. This can include access to counseling and therapy services, as well as employee assistance programs (EAPs) that provide confidential support for a wide range of personal and work-related issues.
2. Wealth and Wellness Programs: With a growing emphasis on preventative care, companies are increasingly offering health and wellness programs as part of their employee benefits. These programs can include things like gym memberships, health screenings, and nutrition education. By promoting healthy habits, companies hope to reduce healthcare costs and improve employee productivity.
3. Flexible Work Arrangements: Remote work has remained popular in recent years, and this trend will likely continue. Companies are recognizing the benefits of flexible and hybrid work arrangements, including increased employee satisfaction and productivity, as well as reduced absenteeism.
4. Employee Development and Training: With the fast-paced nature of the modern workforce, companies are recognizing the importance of investing in employee development and training. Many companies offer professional development opportunities as part of their employee benefits package, such as tuition reimbursement and training programs. This allows employees to improve their skills and advance their careers, which in turn benefits the company.
5. Voluntary Benefits: Voluntary benefits are employee benefits that employees can opt into at their own expense. These benefits can include things like life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and accident insurance. As companies look to provide more comprehensive benefits packages, voluntary benefits will become increasingly popular in the future. This allows employees to tailor their benefits package to their own specific needs and preferences, rather than being limited to a one-size-fits-all package.
Employee benefits will continue to play an important role in attracting and retaining top talent in 2026. Companies wanting to remain competitive will need to continue to offer a variety of benefits, including mental health support, health and wellness programs, some flexible work arrangements, employee development, and voluntary benefits.
These benefits help improve employee productivity, reduce healthcare costs, and promote a positive work-life balance. As the workforce continues to evolve, it will be important for companies to stay current on the latest employee benefit trends to attract and retain top talent.
In reviewing stocks from May through October, it’s been a historically strong season, but not for stock mutual funds or ETFs. What about bonds, equities, and alternatives? How does AI growth compare to the “dot com” era? Finally, the continued importance of diversification.
For investors seeking to support charitable causes while maximizing their tax benefits, donating stock instead of cash can provide significant advantages. By contributing appreciated securities to a qualified charity, investors can potentially deduct the full fair market value of the donated stock on their federal income tax return.
Here are a few reasons why donating stock can deliver more "tax bang for the buck" compared to cash donations and how you can leverage this strategy to optimize your charitable giving.
One of the key benefits of donating appreciated stock to charity is the ability to write off the full fair market value of the donated securities on your federal income tax return. This differs from cash donations, where the deduction is limited to the amount contributed.
When investors sell appreciated securities, such as stocks, mutual funds, or other capital assets, they are typically subject to capital gains tax on the profit earned. However, by donating these appreciated assets directly to a qualified charity, investors can potentially avoid paying capital gains tax altogether.
By donating appreciated securities instead of cash, you can unlock two significant tax benefits:
Deducting the Full Fair Market Value: When donating appreciated stock, the donor is eligible to deduct the full fair market value of the securities on their federal income tax return. This means that the deduction is based on the current value of the stock, not just the initial purchase price. As a result, you can potentially claim a larger tax deduction, thereby maximizing their tax savings.
Eliminating Capital Gains Tax: By donating appreciated securities directly to a qualified charity, you can bypass the capital gains tax you would have incurred if you had sold the stock first. This can result in substantial tax savings, especially for individuals with significant capital gains.
To make the most of donating stock to charity and maximize tax benefits, investors may consider the following strategies:
Donating stock to charity instead of cash offers investors a powerful tax strategy for optimizing their charitable giving. With careful planning and professional guidance, you can effectively navigate the tax landscape, reduce your tax liabilities, and support the philanthropic initiatives that are most meaningful to you.
Giving Tuesday, celebrated annually on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, is a global movement that inspires individuals, families, and organizations to contribute to causes they care about. This year, on December 2, 2025, people around the world will unite to give back – whether through donations, volunteer work, or acts of kindness.
As this special day approaches, it’s an ideal time to reflect on how charitable giving fits into your financial plan. Giving should be more than an afterthought; it can be a deliberate and fulfilling aspect of your financial goals.
1. It Aligns Values with Finances
Charitable giving allows people to support causes that resonate with their personal values. By integrating philanthropy into financial planning, it ensures money is working towards creating change in the places that matter most.
2. Tax Benefits
Contributions to qualified charities can provide significant tax advantages. Depending on the financial situation, donations may be deductible from taxable income, reducing the overall tax liability. Strategic planning helps to maximize these benefits while staying within budget.
3. Teaches Generosity and Financial Responsibility
When giving is included in the financial strategy, it sets an example for family members, particularly children. It teaches them the importance of generosity while reinforcing the principles of budgeting and financial discipline.
4. Supports Long-Term Goals
Charitable giving doesn’t have to conflict with other financial priorities, such as saving for retirement or education. When done thoughtfully, it complements the overall financial objectives, ensuring long-term success and impact.
1. Set a Budget for Giving
Treat donations like any other financial commitment. Determine a percentage of income or set a fixed amount to allocate to charity each year. This ensures giving remains intentional and affordable.
2. Choose Causes Wisely
Focus on charities that align with personal values and that have a clear impact. Research organizations to ensure they are reputable and use donations effectively. Websites like Charity Navigator and Guidestar can help with evaluating nonprofits.
3. Use Strategic Timing
While Giving Tuesday is a wonderful opportunity to make donations, consider spreading contributions throughout the year. This enables a bigger impact when there are matching donation campaigns or seasonal needs, such as winter shelters or back-to-school programs.
4. Leverage Employer Matching Programs
Many employers match charitable contributions made by their employees. Check with the HR department to see what programs are available and the requirements for participating.
5. Consider Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)
DAFs allow lump sum donations with an immediate tax deduction, and the ability to distribute the funds anonymously to different charities. This option is good for reducing taxable income in the current year while streamlining giving over time.
6. Monitor and Adjust
Regularly review the financial plan to ensure giving goals are aligned with the current financial situation. Adjust as needed, based on changes in income, expenses, and priorities.
Giving Tuesday is more than a single day of generosity – it’s a reminder of the power of collective giving. By incorporating philanthropy into your financial plan, you create a sustainable way to support meaningful causes while maintaining financial stability. This December 2nd, take a moment to give thoughtfully, making sure that your generosity is both impactful and aligned with your long-term financial goals. Whether you contribute funds, time, or resources, you can make a difference.
For many of us, buying locally matters. We’ve all heard the term and seen the signs: Shop Locally. Eat Locally. But let’s extend that thought for a minute: do you consider giving to your local charities? The fact is, we are bombarded with requests from worthwhile charitable causes. Many of these are well-known national or international organizations with sophisticated fund-raising efforts. Amid their appeals, requests from local charities may be easy to overlook. Yet many small organizations do a great deal of good in their hometowns.
Before deciding whether giving locally or nationally is a better option, here are a few things to consider:
Remember that giving is an individual decision. Choose the level and type of giving that fits best for you, instead of trying to match what others do, or by giving what someone else thinks you should. Finally, keep a balanced perspective. There are many worthwhile organizations, and you can't possibly give to them all. Don't waste energy feeling guilty about the ones you skip. Instead, enjoy making a difference where you can, and let it add joy and satisfaction to your life.