For Illinois educators, a pension is one of the most valuable retirement benefits you’ll ever receive. But despite its importance, many teachers and school administrators don’t fully understand how it works until they’re approaching retirement. The good news is that you don’t have to figure it out alone. By learning the basics of your pension…
Captain’s Log History Teaches About Long-Term Investing As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, it is a good moment to step back and remember that progress has never come in a straight line. Our country has lived through wars, recessions, inflation spikes, political division, market crashes, and periods of deep uncertainty, yet over time…
If you’re just getting started on your taxes in April, the honest answer is: you’re late. But you’re not out of options. While many of the best tax strategies require year-round planning, there are still a few meaningful steps you can take before the filing deadline, and even more importantly, steps you can take now…
Captain’s Log Are CDs Really “Safe” Right Now? Interest rates are beginning to drop — and CD rates are already falling. In some cases, banks lowered CD yields before the Fed even moved because they anticipated what was coming. That raises an important question: If inflation is 3% and your CD is earning about the…
Captain’s Log What Does Your Money Need to Do for You in the Next 12 Months? At Anchor Wealth, we believe money is not the goal. It is a tool. A tool that provides security. A tool that creates freedom from worry. A tool that gives you options when life presents opportunities—or challenges. As we…
Credit cards are often marketed as convenience, a simple swipe now, deal with it later. But for many households, that “later” turns into months or even years of payments, interest charges, and stress. Left unchecked, credit card debt can quietly undermine your financial progress and limit your ability to build real wealth. The truth is…
Captain’s Log Merry Christmas! The team at Anchor Wealth wishes you a very Merry Christmas and a safe, happy New Year! We are deeply grateful for you—our clients. Your trust, partnership, and commitment have made 2025 another year of meaningful growth and prosperity for our entire Anchor Wealth family. Thank you for continuing to walk…
Most people approach retirement planning with good intentions: you save diligently, invest consistently, try to picture what life will look like after your working years. But even the most thoughtful plan can overlook a few major factors that have a significant impact on your long-term financial stability. Health Care Costs Before and After Medicare Health…
The holidays have a way of sneaking up on us. One minute it’s pumpkin spice season, and the next you’re wondering how your Christmas budget disappeared faster than the last cookie on the plate. It’s easy to get caught up in the spirit of giving, but come January, those credit card bills can put a…
Captain’s Log Staying Calm During the Government Shutdown As I write this, the government has been shut down for nine days and counting. The Kalshi betting markets currently estimate it could last around 25 days. The fact that people can bet on things like this is a bit wild—but then again, maybe they should find…