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…
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Captain’s Log Why Doing Less Often Leads to More: The Hidden Cost of Constant Trading There is an old saying in investing: “Portfolios are like a bar of soap—the more you touch them, the smaller they get.” It is a funny image—but it is also true. The more investors try to “help” their portfolios by…
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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…
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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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