From Our Pen
Exceptions to the 10% Early-Withdrawal Penalty
Withdrawing taxable funds from a tax-deferred retirement account before age 59½ generally triggers a 10% federal income tax...
Annuities & Inflation: Protect Your Income
We’re often asked what an annuity guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit is. Simply put it’s a rider that is attached to...
Dollar-Cost Averaging: Maximize Returns
For investors seeking a disciplined approach to building wealth and mitigating market volatility, dollar-cost averaging...
Is Long-Term Care Insurance Tax Deductible?
Updated: August 20, 2026 While taking a look at the taxation of long-term care insurance (LTCI), several questions arose...
Transferring a Family Business to Heirs
As a business owner, someday you’re going to have to decide when will be the right time to step out of the family business...
Trump Accounts for Grandchildren: Rules
Trump Accounts opened for contributions on July 4, 2026. That means if your grandchildren were born on or after January 1,...
Business Succession Planning Guide
In recent years, the family drama surrounding an aging media mogul — and his unresolved succession plans — have been at the...
How a Family Limited Partnership Can Power an Estate Plan
Most business owners want a smooth transfer of wealth and protection of assets, especially when generational concerns are...
Tipflation: How to Handle Tip Fatigue
Traditionally, tipping has been a way to reward workers for providing good service. But the norms around tipping are...
Eight Great Investing Quotes Worth Remembering
Investing doesn't have to be all numbers and spreadsheets—it can be fun, too! Sometimes, a clever quote or a bit of humor...
2026 IRS Key Numbers: What Taxpayers Should Know
Tax updates can feel tedious, but they matter more than most people realize. Each year, the IRS adjusts income thresholds,...
Retirement Planning for a Stay-at-Home Spouse: What to Know
Married couples often decide together that one spouse should be the primary breadwinner while the other stays home to take...
Retirement Planning Tips for Women: What to Know Now
When it comes to retirement planning, women often carry more than their fair share of responsibility, and not just...
10 Years from Retirement: What to Consider Now
When retirement is about ten years out, it has a way of moving from a distant idea to something much more real. Questions...
A Retirement Strategy High Earners Should Know
If you’re a business owner, high earner, or partner in a professional firm looking to significantly boost your retirement...
Surprise Fees at Checkout? Here’s Why
For years, U.S. consumers enjoyed the convenience of online shopping from international retailers with few, if any,...
Annual Market Review 2025
2025 was anything but predictable. Against a backdrop of persistent inflation, sweeping trade tariffs, a protracted...
Paying for College Just Got a Rewrite
Higher education funding is about to undergo a major overhaul. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), passed in July 2025,...
Closed-End Funds Could Help Boost Investment Income
In today’s interest rate environment, many investors - especially retirees - are seeking reliable income strategies that go...
Beneficiary Designations: Who Gets the Money?
The end of the year is a natural time to reflect, reconnect, and refocus - especially when it comes to your financial and...
Balancing Life in the Sandwich Generation
Caught between raising children and caring for aging parents? You’re not alone. Millions of adults - often in their 40s and...
Finish the Year Strong by Considering These Tax Moves
As 2025 comes to a close, now may be the ideal time to review your tax strategy and find potential opportunities. The steps...
3 Defensive Stock Strategies for Investors Nearing Retirement
As market volatility continues to grab headlines, many investors - especially those nearing retirement - are asking how to...
What October 2025 Really Changed for Investors
October delivered a mixed bag of economic signals — and a market rally that caught many by surprise. Despite a backdrop of...
Are You Prepared for the High Cost of Dying?
The emotional toll of losing a loved one is immense - but the financial burden can be equally overwhelming. Between...
How Grandparents Can Help Grandchildren with College Costs
As the cost of college continues to rise, more grandparents are stepping in to help cover the gap—and for many, it’s about...
Should I choose a single life annuity for my pension or a joint and survivor annuity that makes payments to my spouse when I die?
Q&A with GREG Answer: It depends on your circumstances. In This Article Single Life Annuity: Maximum Income Now Joint...
Having the Talk: Financial Conversations with Aging Parents
Talking with aging parents about money isn’t easy—but it’s one of the most loving, responsible conversations you can have....
Staycations Are About More Than Saving Money
In uncertain economic times, many Texans are rethinking how they vacation—and increasingly, they’re opting to stay close to...
Market Summary – August
The Markets (as of market close August 29, 2025) Markets continued their strong performance in August, with major U.S....