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…
When choosing a financial advisor, most people focus on services, investment strategies, and performance. While those things certainly matter, they don’t tell the whole story. At Anchor Wealth Management, our approach is guided by something deeper: our values. The word Anchored is more than our name; it’s our philosophy. It’s the foundation for every recommendation…
Captain’s Log UTMA Accounts vs. Trump Accounts: What Families Should Know For families who want to save and invest for a child or grandchild, UTMA accounts and Trump Accounts can both play a role, but they are built for different goals. UTMAs offer broad flexibility and simple setup, while Trump Accounts are more retirement-style accounts…
Vacation should be something you look forward to — not something you’re still paying off months later. With a little planning and intentional spending, you can enjoy a memorable trip without blowing your budget or setting yourself back financially. In fact, a successful, stress-free vacation often starts with the same habits you build at home:…
Captain’s Log Chasing Shiny Objects – Why Discipline Outperforms Hype In the high-stakes theater of modern investing, the “bright shiny object” (revolutionary AI startup, the explosive meme stock, or the latest medical cure) acts as a siren song. It promises a shortcut to wealth, fueled by social media echo chambers and the hope of rapid…
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…
Captain’s Log Why Working with Multiple Advisors May Be Costing You More Than You Think It’s not uncommon for us to meet families who have assets spread across two or three different advisors. In fact, while this only applies to less than 3% of Anchor Wealth clients today, we see it frequently in new relationships.…
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…