Blog
Market Timing: Gotta Be Right Twice, Twice
Market timing requires a skill that’s almost impossible to master.An investor not only has to determine when stock prices have peaked (so you can sell), but also when they have bottomed (so you can buy).In recent weeks, many people...
Read MoreWhat's Happening in the Markets and What It Means for You
You've likely been following the headlines about the military conflict in the Middle East, and we wanted to reach out directly to share our perspective on what it means for your portfolio.Here's what's happening:The escalation of...
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2026 Federal Tax Updates Announced
When the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act was passed on July 4, the legislation left several unanswered questions that the IRS is now addressing. The IRS undergoes this process every year, but this time around, the OBBB has added to...
Read MoreDoes Your Spouse Know the Financial Plan?
Does your spouse know the financial plan? Many households have one “money manager,” but if that spouse passes away first, the surviving partner may face confusion and stress. Learn five key areas every couple should review together
Read MoreThe One Document Every College Student Should Have Before Leaving Home
When your child turns 18, parents lose access to medical information without consent. Learn why a health care directive is essential for college students and how to set one up.
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Life After Retirement – Why a Plan for Your Time Matters as Much as a Plan for Your Money
Retirement isn’t just about money—it’s about purpose, health, and fulfillment. Learn 5 key ways to design a meaningful life after work with Straight Forward Financial.
Read More10 Key Tax Changes from the One, Big, Beautiful Bill: What You Need to Know
On July 4, 2025, the One, Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB) was signed into law, introducing significant tax changes that will affect individuals, families, and businesses starting in the 2025 tax year. Many of the provisions made under the...
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Weekly Market Insights June 16, 2025 | Market Attention Turns to Trade and Oil
Stocks fell last week as an up-and-down mix of trade progress and anxiety, economic news, and geopolitical tensions netted out. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slid 0.39 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index slipped 0.63 percent....
Read MoreHow often should you update your estate strategy?
Here’s a question I always hear from people who come in for a consultation: How often should I update my estate strategy? Here are some general guidelines, although everyone has unique financial circumstances. You might want to update...
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Stock Pullbacks Are Helpful, Not Hurtful
Do me a favor: print the chart in this blog and pin it to your wall. I want you to have a constant reminder that stock prices see pullbacks several times during the year. It’s a normal, healthy part of the investing cycle. Is it...
Read MoreWhat is the Social Security Fairness Act?
You may have heard about the recently signed Social Security Fairness Act and wondered what it was and how it might affect you.The Social Security Fairness Act eliminates two longstanding provisions for Social Security: the Windfall...
Read More3 Tips for Navigating Stock Market Volatility
3 Tips for Navigating Stock Market Volatility As market fluctuations continue to make headlines, it’s natural for investors to feel uneasy. However, reacting to short-term volatility can often do more harm than good. Here are three...
Read MoreWhy is Tax Planning Essential for Retirees
Why is Tax Planning Essential for Retirees? As retirees transition to living on a fixed income, the importance of minimizing taxes becomes increasingly critical. Without proper planning, retirees may end up paying more in taxes than...
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How to Manage Market Volatility
The trader's adage goes, “The stock market takes the stairs up and the elevator down.” The saying helps illustrate the speed at which stock prices can move, especially over the last few days. Here's how the recent stock market drop...
Read MoreProtecting Your Business with a Buy-Sell Agreement
Secure Your Business Legacy with a Buy-Sell Agreement Creating an estate strategy is crucial for ensuring your loved ones are taken care of after you're gone. Equally important is having an estate strategy for your business. Whether...
Read MoreWhen Should I Take Social Security Payments?
Stocks defied the skeptics in a very unpredictable 2023. The Dow Jones finished at an all-time record high on December 28, and the S&P 500 came within a whisker of a fresh all-time high after the index rallied more than 20% for the...
Read MoreMedicare vs. Medicaid
Exploring Healthcare Options: Medicare vs. Medicaid Healthcare can be complex, and understanding your options is crucial. Let's shed some light on the differences between Medicare and Medicaid to help you make informed...
Read MoreIRS Releases 2024 Tax Brackets, Retirement Contribution Limits
The Internal Revenue Service recently released updated income tax brackets, standard deduction, and retirement contribution limits for the 2024 tax year. While these taxes are not due for some time, it may benefit you to start...
Read MoreThe A, B, C, and D of Medicare
The A, B, C, & D of Medicare. Breaking down the basics. Whether your 65th birthday is on the horizon or decades away, understanding the different parts of Medicare is critical, as this government-sponsored program may play a role in your...
Read MoreManaging Money as a Couple
What are the keys to prepare to grow wealthy together? When you marry or simply share a household with someone, your financial life changes—and your approach to managing your money may change as...
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Wall Street Focuses on Debt Ceiling
Would it surprise you to hear that investors have moved past worrying about inflation? They have, at least for now. Wall Street has shifted its attention to Washington’s budget negotiations.
Read MoreWays to Fund Special Needs Trusts
Ways to Fund Special Needs TrustsA look at the different options & strategies. Provided by Paul Friedman If you have a child with special needs, a trust may be a financial priority. There are many crucial goods and services...
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Words of Wisdom from Warren Buffett
The stock market can provide some head-scratching moments, which is why I like Warren Buffet’s quote, “...don’t watch the market closely.”Stocks have been strong this year, and they rallied sharply before...
Read MoreSECURE Act 2.0: An Overview
In the final days of 2022, Congress passed a new set of retirement rules designed to make it easier to contribute to retirement plans and access those funds earmarked for retirement.The law is called SECURE 2.0, and it's a follow-up to...
Read MoreExploring your options for Long-Term Care
Planning for potential long-term care expenses is an part of your retirement plan. By taking the time to understand your options and save for the possibility of needing extended care, you can help ensure that you have the means to
Read More3 Shrewd Maneuvers in a Down Market
It’s natural to think “defense” during a bearish market season. But why not mix in some “offense” with your defense? Here are three moves we can discuss together that may be helpful during the current...
Read MoreNew Retirement Contribution Limits for 2023
The Internal Revenue Service has released new limits for the coming year. After months of high inflation and financial uncertainty, some of these cost-of-living-based adjustments have reached near-record levels.Individual Retirement...
Read MoreHow will you pay for college tuition?
Remember when a college education was reasonably priced? In the past 20 years, the cost of college tuition for public universities has risen 165%. College students and their families have been taking on more and more debt, and they are...
Read MoreWhere There's A Will
"Where there's a will, there's a way." Sage advice that applies not only to our lives but to your estate strategy.When was the last time you reviewed your will or estate strategy? August is National "Make a Will" Month, an excellent...
Read MoreTax Efficiency in Retirement
Tax Efficiency in Retirement What role should taxes play in your investment decisions? Provided by Paul Friedman Will you pay higher taxes in retirement? Do you have a 401(k) or a traditional IRA? If so, you will receive income from...
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Inflation, Interest Rates, & Indiana Jones
Stop me if you heard this already—roughly half the population wasn’t alive last time inflation was at this level.It’s true. According to IMDb.com, Raiders of the Lost Ark was the #1 movie at the box office the last...
Read More3 Shrewd Maneuvers in a Down Market
It’s natural to think “defense” during a bearish market season. But why not mix in some “offense” with your defense? Here are three moves we can discuss together that may be helpful during the current...
Read MoreSearching for the Goldilocks Economy
At the risk of slowing economic growth, the Fed has driven short-term rates higher to rein in inflation. But it’s a tricky proposition.Raise rates too much, and you may trigger a recession. Don’t raise rates enough, and you...
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Tax Changes: What's In, What's Out?
Tax Changes: What's In, What's Out? While it’s still too early to draw any final conclusions, Congress is getting closer to outlining what tax law changes are under consideration to pay for the proposed $1.75 trillion Build Back...
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