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…
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Picture this: you’ve just been paid, and before the weekend is over, your paycheck feels like it’s already gone. Credit card bills, car payments, subscriptions, eating out — it can feel like you’re working just to stay afloat. For many, this is where the journey toward debt-free living begins: with the realization that something has…
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Captain’s Log A Smart Move at Age 59½ Did you know that once you turn 59½, most retirement plans allow you to take what’s called an in-service distribution? In plain terms, this means you can roll money out of your employer’s plan and into an IRA—without leaving your job. Why does this matter? Proactive Management:…
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College is one of the biggest milestones for many students and their families and one of the biggest expenses, too. With tuition costs climbing every year, it is easy to worry about how to pay for it all. Many graduates leave school with debt that takes years, even decades, to pay off. The good news?…
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Captain’s Log Start Investing Your Excess Savings Begin investing your excess savings—cash, CDs, and money markets—that exceed your 3–6 months of living expenses and any large purchases you anticipate over the next 12 months. For example, if your monthly expenses are $5,000, you should have between $15,000 and $30,000 in your emergency fund. In addition,…
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As we get older, it’s easy to look back and see where we could have made smarter financial choices, especially when it comes to retirement. Maybe you didn’t take full advantage of your 401(k) match, or you didn’t build that emergency fund when you had the chance. The good news? You can still take control…
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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…
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Captain’s Log The Loss of Purchasing Power on Excess Cash, CDs, and Money Market Holdings: A Look Back at 2020–2024 I remain fascinated—not by clients’ and prospects’ decisions to hold excess cash beyond their emergency funds and upcoming large purchases—but by the reasons behind them. Often, it’s due to fear of losing principal, the safety…
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When it comes to retirement, Social Security is one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. You’ve likely heard a mix of advice from friends, family, or headlines: “Claim as early as you can,” “Wait until you’re 70,” “Take the money before it runs out.” With so many…
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Captain’s Log Simplify Your Financial Life with One Trusted Advisor In today’s complex financial landscape, investors often seek professional guidance to manage their portfolios and plan for the future. While some may consider hiring multiple advisors—believing it provides diversification or additional insight—the reality is that working with a single trusted financial advisor can offer far…
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