Insights

Retirement can bring a shift from accumulating more to living with greater freedom and ease. Reassessing a second home or other long-held responsibility may be emotional, but simplifying can reduce stress, create financial flexibility, and make more room for the experiences that matter most now. ...

Trump Accounts are a new retirement savings option for eligible children that employers may choose to support through a separate contribution program. Before offering this benefit, employers should weigh the potential value to employees against the program’s administrative, payroll, tax, and compliance requirements—especially as the regulatory framework continues to develop. ...

Naming a trusted contact is a simple, optional step that can add protection to your financial accounts. If your advisor cannot reach you or notices unusual activity, this person can help verify information and provide context—without gaining access to your account or authority to make financial decisions. ...

An annual financial review is a valuable opportunity to identify expenses that may be quietly reducing your savings. Cell phone plans, subscriptions, prescription costs, travel programs, and automatic payments can change over time or continue long after they are useful. Taking a few minutes to review these areas could uncover simple ways to reduce recurring costs and keep more of the money you earn. ...

The end of summer is a valuable checkpoint. As summer winds down, vacations come to an end, schools reopen, and business calendars begin filling up again. For retirement plan sponsors, this is one of the last opportunities to step back and review plan operations before year-end notices, compliance testing, open enrollment, budgeting, and other deadlines begin competing for attention.  ...

None of us like to think about the unexpected, but being prepared is a meaningful way to support loved ones during difficult circumstances.  A "just in case” binder is simply a well-organized collection of the information your loved ones would need if you or your spouse were to pass or become incapacitated. Instead of scrambling to find account numbers, passwords, insurance policies, or legal documents, everything is in one place. At a time when things are already disrupted, the last thing someone wants to do is search for information.  ...

Many people believe that once they sign a Power of Attorney (POA), they're covered for whatever life may bring. In reality, there are several types of powers of attorney, each serving a different purpose. Understanding the differences can help ensure that the right person can make decisions on your behalf if you're unable to do so. ...

As summer approaches, many clients are traveling, spending more time online, and making financial decisions in less controlled environments. Unfortunately, this is also a time when fraud attempts and cybersecurity risks increase. ...

Fall: The Perfect Time for a Fresh Look Fall brings cooler air, shorter days, and a natural pause before the year wraps up. It is also a great time for plan sponsors to step back and take stock of their retirement plan. ...

October brings pumpkins on porches, children in costumes, and neighborhoods filled with Halloween decorations. It is also a reminder that the year is drawing to a close and that this is the season when many sponsors review their retirement plan design. ...