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…
Deciding who should inherit your wealth isn’t just a financial decision — it’s a deeply personal one. And while many people assume their intentions will be carried out without issue, the reality is that unclear or incomplete planning can lead to confusion, conflict, and even legal battles among family members. The good news is that…
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…
Spring is the season of fresh starts. As you clean out closets, organize your garage, and open windows to let in fresh air, don’t forget one area that could benefit just as much from a reset — your finances. A financial spring cleaning gives you a chance to refocus your strategy, eliminate unnecessary clutter, and…
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…
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 How the “Big Beautiful Bill” Affects Your Financial Plan On July 4, 2025, the federal government passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—a sweeping new law that impacts taxes, retirement, business ownership, employee compensation, and federal benefits. Because these changes often include complex rules like phase-outs and limits, it’s important to understand…