Blog
What are some financial topics you're looking to learn about? Occasionally, I will post general financial topics and answer questions. Feel free to submit a request for a topic.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities: What They Cost, How They Work, and When to Start Preparing
Why Is This Conversation So Important Right Now? The U.S. is in the middle of a sustained demographic shift. More than 61 million adults are aged 65 and older as of 2025, and that number is projected to reach approximately 82 million...
Read MoreWhen Should I Start Taking Social Security: 5 Factors to Consider
Social Security decisions are often framed as a single question: “When should I start drawing benefits?” That question matters, but it can also be limiting. The better question is: how does Social Security fit into my overall...
Read MoreTeaching Teens and Young Adults Financial Literacy Through Real-Life Decision Making
If you are a parent of a teen or young adult, how do you teach them to make confident money decisions before the stakes are high? Teaching teens and young adults about money is less about formal instruction and more about repeated...
Read MoreHelping Adult Children Buy a Home: How to Gift a Down Payment The Smart Way
Key TakeawaysHere are some questions this blog aims to answer:How can parents or grandparents help with a down payment for adult children?What are ways to gift a down payment, and how do the annual gift tax exclusion and lifetime...
Read MoreThree Numbers Every Woman Should Know
Key TakeawaysHow much wealth are women on track to control in the next decade, and why does that matter?What does the life expectancy gap between women and men mean for how long money needs to last?How common is it for women to be...
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Tax Prep vs. Tax Strategy: The Difference Matters More Than You Think
Key TakeawaysTreat tax strategy as a continuous process, not a once-a-year filing exercise.Coordinate with financial and tax professionals throughout the year to identify opportunities for efficiency.Review contribution limits,...
Read MoreUnderstanding the Emotions Behind Financial Decisions
Key TakeawaysEmotions and biases might influence financial choices more often than most people realize.Behavioral patterns, such as loss aversion, familiarity bias, and herd mentality, can impact long-term results.Recognizing emotional...
Read MoreAI and the New Face of Fraud: How to Protect Your Identity and Finances in 2026
Artificial intelligence (AI) may be the most revolutionary technology of our time, with industries scrambling to embrace its possibilities. AI’s early influence seems similar to the positive disruptions brought about by past...
Read More2025 in Review and What You Should Know
As we begin a new year and consider the opportunities ahead, reflecting on the past year helps put today’s financial landscape into perspective and informs the strategies that can move us closer to our goals. 2025 was a year marked by...
Read MoreGoal Setting That Sticks: Simple Ways to Turn January Motivation into Lasting Wins
Key Takeaways and Suggestions for Successful Goal Setting Use SMART Goals for Clarity and FocusSet goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This proven method helps break big ambitions into manageable...
Read MoreYear-End Giving Strategies: Tax-Smart and Impactful
Key Takeaways A third of annual donations: About one-third of all charitable contributions are made in December. Donating before December 31 may offer tax advantages. New rules starting in 2026 (via the OBBB Act) may affect deductions...
Read MoreThe True Costs of Caring for Aging Parents
Key Takeaways Caring for aging parents is a growing reality for many Americans. The number of family caregivers in the U.S. has jumped to 63 million, a 45 percent increase over the past decade, making 1 in every 4 Americans a...
Read MoreMoney Talks: How to Use Holiday Gatherings to Start Family Financial Conversations
Key Takeaways Year-end holidays may be a good time to initiate a discussion about financial matters that may impact your family. If you have adult children, you may want to discuss your financial situation, estate strategy, and legal...
Read MoreShould You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?
Receiving a bonus, inheritance, or an increase in income often prompts a key financial question: Should I use this money to pay off my mortgage, or invest it? At first glance, the answer might seem simple. But in reality, it requires...
Read MoreA 2025 Guide to Protecting Seniors from Fraud
If you’ve found yourself stepping into a more active role in your parents’ financial lives, you’re not alone. Some of us are helping aging parents navigate everything from healthcare decisions to bill payments—and increasingly, we’re...
Read MoreSmart Moves to Consider Before Year-End
The final months of the year can sneak up quickly, and with them come deadlines, decisions, and distractions. Before the holiday season takes over your calendar, fall can be a valuable window to revisit your financial strategy and...
Read MoreBreaking Down the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: What You Need to Know
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) included lower federal income tax brackets, bigger standard deductions, and higher gift and estate tax exemptions, among other provisions. The law stipulated that some of those tax breaks would...
Read MoreWhy More Families Are Choosing to Gift Wealth Earlier—and How to Do It
Estate management isn’t just about what happens after you’re gone— it’s also about what you can do now to help manage future estate taxes, transfer wealth strategically, and attempt to create a meaningful impact during your lifetime....
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know About the 2025 Changes to Inherited IRA Rules
The rules regarding inherited IRAs have changed in the last five years, and failing to comply with the new requirements may result in IRS penalties. These changes affect people inheriting IRAs and those looking to leave retirement...
Read MoreBeyond Salary: Understanding Your Total Compensation
Compensation is more than just a number on a paycheck. Whether you're exploring new opportunities, preparing for a promotion, or evaluating your current benefits, it’s important to understand the full value of your total...
Read MoreHow Much Do You Really Know About Stock Market Indexes?
While you may follow the various stock indexes on the nightly business news, how much do you know about their histories, how they work, and why they're important? We pulled together some information and interesting facts about some of...
Read MoreHow Do You Turn Retirement Savings into a Reliable Income Strategy?
You’ve likely spent years building your retirement nest egg—saving diligently, investing wisely, and contributing to retirement accounts along the way. But transitioning from earning a paycheck to relying on your savings can feel...
Read More“The Four Most Dangerous Words In Investing Are: ‘This Time It’s Different.’” – Sir John Templeton
Despite those who say the conventional wisdom that has guided investor actions over the years is no longer valid in 2025, remember the famous quote from legendary investor Sir John Templeton: "The four most dangerous words in investing...
Read MoreWhat’s the Job Market Look Like for 2025 Graduates?
It’s graduation season—a time of celebration and new beginnings. For families with college seniors, this time can bring both excitement and uncertainty. While some graduates have jobs lined up, many others still are navigating job...
Read MoreIs It Smarter to Buy or Rent a Second Home?
As summer approaches, your thoughts may drift toward escaping your daily routine. Whether your idea of a perfect vacation is sitting on a pristine beach, fishing in a mountain lake, or playing the back nine between pickleball matches,...
Read MoreFrom College Acceptances to Affordability: Considerations for Families in the Final Stretch
April is a pivotal time in the college admissions process. After years of preparation, saving, and investing—not to mention the countless hours spent on exam prep, campus visits, and perfecting applications and essays—the finish line...
Read MoreSpring Into Financial Wellness: Actionable Steps for Financial Literacy Month
April isn’t just about filing taxes—it’s also Financial Literacy Month, a perfect opportunity to reflect on your financial habits, expand your knowledge, and take meaningful steps toward improving your financial well-being. Whether...
Read More10 Things You Can Do Now to Help Simplify Your Estate for Your Heirs
One of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones is a thoughtful estate strategy that outlines your wishes after you are gone. Discussing estate details with your team of professionals is another way to help manage your legacy...
Read MoreThe Evolving Role of Women in Family Finances
March is Women’s History Month, and according to a recent survey, 49% of women consider themselves to be the chief financial officer of their households, up from 41% in 2021.1 Those numbers are even more impressive when you consider...
Read MoreDon’t Leave Money Behind: Finding Your Missing 401(k)s
You've worked hard throughout your life to build assets to support your retirement. As financial professionals, one of the most critical functions we provide is helping clients determine their retirement income needs and structuring a...
Read MoreTax Season Brings a New Wave of Identity Theft Risks
Tax season brings a new wave of identity theft risks, with criminals ready to exploit your personal data to file fraudulent tax returns in your name. Imagine the shock of discovering that a criminal beat you to filing your...
Read More10 Facts You May Not Know About Social Security
Social Security is often misunderstood or underestimated in retirement strategy. However, as financial professionals, we've seen how it can play a crucial role in our clients' overall financial strategy, regardless of their income...
Read MoreInnovative New Year's Resolutions: Financial and Personal Growth Strategies for 2025
Looks like New Year's resolutions are still going strong in 2024! A recent Pew survey found that about a third of Americans kicked off the year with at least one resolution, and many people actually went for multiple goals. It's...
Read MoreKey Financial Insights from 2024 and Looking Ahead to 2025
As we approach the end of 2024, it's an opportune time to reflect on the year's financial developments and consider what 2025 may bring. We believe in understanding both the past and potential future of our economic landscape, which...
Read MoreNavigating Healthcare Costs in Retirement: Life After Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance
As you approach retirement, a critical aspect of your retirement strategy can catch even the most financially savvy individuals off guard: healthcare costs. For decades, you may have enjoyed employer-sponsored health insurance. As...
Read MoreA Different Kind of Year-End Review: 10 Steps to Reflect and Recharge
Financial professionals typically have a year-round focus on monetary goals and wealth management strategies. However, we also believe that true financial well-being is intrinsically linked to your overall life satisfaction and...
Read MoreYear-End Giving Strategies: Maximizing Your Impact
America is a generous country. People with diverse backgrounds can unite for a good cause, whether to benefit their local communities or the broader world. As we enter the holiday season, now is a great time to think about your giving...
Read MoreExploring the Financial Impact of Electric Vehicles
As financial professionals, we’ve noticed a trend among our clients: an increasing interest in electric vehicles (EVs). To help address some of your questions, we’ve compiled this high-level guide to provide insights into the...
Read MoreSafeguarding Your Identity: Essential Tips for Financial Security
Statistics show that nearly 33% of Americans have faced some identity theft attempts in their lives, and experts estimate there is a new case of identity theft every 22 seconds. As financial professionals, one of our primary goals is...
Read MoreNavigating the Recent Federal Reserve Rate Cut: Implications and Reassurances
The Federal Reserve's recent decision to cut interest rates by 50 basis points has sent ripples through financial markets. While this move is intended to stimulate economic growth, it may also have implications for various aspects of...
Read MoreThe Impact of Elections on the Markets and Tax Policy
The Impact of Elections on the Markets and Tax Policy With Labor Day behind us, we're in the final stretch of the 2024 presidential election race. As we follow the news and parse the most recent polls, some may ask, "How might what...
Read MoreDon’t Be A Victim Of The Retirement Crisis
Don’t Be A Victim Of The Retirement Crisis If you think the United States has a retirement crisis, you are not alone. A recent survey found that 79% of working-age Americans believe the same thing. That percentage is up from 67% in...
Read MoreArtificial Intelligence’s Influence on the Investing Landscape
In 1999, Bill Gates wrote, “How you gather, manage, and use information will determine whether you win or lose.” Companies looking to be successful in the future should heed these words when making decisions about implementing...
Read MorePreparing to Send a Child Off to College? Don't Forget These Important Topics
Sending a child off to college is a major milestone for any family, whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or close friend. It’s an exciting time, filled with anticipation and perhaps a bit of trepidation. There’s so much to do, and...
Read MoreDo You Know About the New Filing Requirements for Small Business Owners?
If you are a small business owner—or plan to be one—you should be aware of a new reporting requirement. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), passed in 2021, changed beneficial ownership rules, which is expected to impact 32 million...
Read MoreTen Common Estate Strategy Mistakes You Should Avoid
Legacy preparation can play a key role in any financial strategy. Legacy management lets you consider what happens to everything you’ve accumulated—and may continue to accumulate—throughout your lifetime. But far too often, we’ve seen...
Read MoreFinancial Wedding Tips for a Memorable “I Do”
As we enter the traditional wedding month of June, we wanted to explore the range of expenses that can be related to this special event. The average US wedding costs $35,0001 According to The Knot Real Weddings Study of nearly 10,000...
Read MoreThe Evolving Relationship Between Stocks and Bonds
Sir John Templeton once said, “The four most expensive words in investing are: ‘This time it’s different.'” And normally, we would agree. But the phrase “This time it’s different” may apply to what's happened in financial markets in...
Read MoreHow Much Do You Need To Retire?
A few years ago, there were ads from financial services companies asking, “What’s your number?” The number was the money you needed to retire comfortably. This was an effective way for financial services companies to get people...
Read MoreIdentity Protection Strategies – Are You Doing Enough To Keep Your Information Safe?
There isn’t a week that goes by when you don’t read about some data breach. Safeguarding your personal information starts with understanding cybersecurity risks, knowing what to look for, and doing everything you can to help protect...
Read MoreCreate a Strategy to Protect Your Wealth with Potential Estate Tax Changes Looming
At the end of 2025, portions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) are set to expire. Many changes will come with the sunsetting of many rules, including the possibility that federal estate and gift tax exemption levels will revert to...
Read MoreGive Your Children the Gift of Financial Literacy
Give your children the gift of financial literacy. They’ll thank you later! As a parent, you are well aware of your responsibility in helping your children grow up happy and healthy. Once they enter their teen years, the...
Read MoreInvesting in a Presidential Election Year
As the presidential election race heats up, a common question on investors’ minds is, “How might the looming White House vote impact the markets?” Some may wonder if they should tweak their portfolios or sit tight...
Read MoreSECURE Act 2.0 Includes New Provision On Special Needs Trusts
Experts estimate there are more than 44 million people with disabilities in the U.S., representing 13.4% of the population.1 Many parents of children with disabilities choose to establish a special needs trust. This can help provide...
Read MoreThe Psychology of Love and Money
Money can be a touchy subject, especially regarding our closest relationships. Whether we like it or not, finance plays an integral role in our partnerships, families, and friendships. So, how can we foster healthy attitudes and...
Read MoreRules and Regulation Changes That Could Impact Your Finances in 2024
In the ever-evolving financial landscape, staying informed about the latest changes and potential implications for your retirement savings is crucial. Shifts in retirement regulations define 2024, and we’re committed to keeping...
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VIDEO: Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments
Anyone paying their mortgage monthly should watch this to explore ways to decrease total interest paid and possibly pay down the mortgage sooner than scheduled.
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BLOG - Weekly Chart 02/27/2023 - Bear Markets
This week's chart is on former bear markets and where the 2022-present market stands in comparison.
Read MoreVIDEO: Weekly Chart 02/27/2023 - Bear Markets
A video explaining a chart showing former bear markets in comparison with the current bear market.
Read MoreVideo: Midterm Election Markets
This video discusses Midterm Election Year Markets
Read MoreInvestor vs Speculator
Today we'll review the difference between an investor and a speculator.
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Should I Roth Convert in 2021?
Should I Roth Convert in 2021? This is a difficult question to answer, but let’s look at a few reasons why one may want to convert prior to year end.
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Asset Allocation and Diversification. WHAT?!?
Asset Allocation and Diversification. WHAT?!? These finance people always use industry jargon. What’s it supposed to mean for me? Let’s start with the definitions: “Asset Allocation 101 Asset allocation involves dividing an investment...
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What is a SPAC?
What is a SPAC? This is a very popular investment lately. Let’s explore what it is. ““SPAC” stands for special purpose acquisition company—what are also commonly referred to as blank check companies. SPACs have become a popular vehicl...
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Inflation!
What is inflation? “In economics, inflation (or less frequently, price inflation) is a general rise in the price level of an economy over a period of time.[1][2][3][4]”1...
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What are REITs? What are MLPs?
“What are REITs? Real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) allow individuals to invest in large-scale, income-producing real estate. A REIT is a company that owns and typically operates income-producing real estate or related assets. These...
Read MoreCheck out our new 1 min video on Divorce and Finances
View our 1 min Video on How Divorce Affects Your Finances.
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What are 529s? What are Coverdells?
What are 529s? What are Coverdells? Both of these are education investment/savings accounts. 529 Plans Let’s first look at the definition of 529 Plans, according to the Securities and...
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What are Annuities?
An annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company that is designed to meet retirement and other long-range goals, under which you make a lump-sum payment...
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Mutual Funds VS Exchange Traded Funds
What are Mutual Funds? "A mutual fund is a company that pools money from many investors and invests the money in securities such as stocks, bonds, and short-term debt..." (reference here and below.) What are Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)?
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What are CDs and Bonds? Are they different?
What are CDs and Bonds? Are they different? The short answer is, they are very different. First, let’s start by clarifying that a CD is a Certificate of Deposit. Merriam-Webster defines it as: a money-market (short-term debt...
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What is a Stock?
Today, and in the coming posts (not necessarily sequentially, depending on news/current events, etc) we will be discussing different types of investments. The topic of this post... Stocks....
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Risk Tolerance Questionnaire?
I recently sent a risk tolerance questionnaire to a client. What I didn't realize is that it was not interpreted well, so the results were completely inaccurate. Let's take a look at some of the questions: These things start off simple wi
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Happy Mother's Day!
I'm dedicating this post to some of the most important people in my life. The mother's. Happy Mother's Day!
Read MoreNew One Min Video - Soc Sec Benefits
This video provides a brief overview of how social security benefits are calculated.
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Retirement Plan Contribution Limits
As promised from my last post, I'm going to share retirement plan contribution limits. IRA Contribution limits are below: Traditional - $6,000 with a potential catch up contribution of $1,000...
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Tax Filing Extension, Stimulus Checks, Contributions
Today is typically the day after your tax filing is due. Hopefully you are receiving my updates via social media related to these important topics. If not, follow me here: https://www.facebook.com/nathancsumner Also, many Americans...
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College Planning - What are my options?
Parents often don't know where to start planning for funding their child's college. This can be scary. First, how much will it cost?... That depends: Will they go to an in state college? Will they go out of state? Will they live on cam...
Read MoreFinancial Literacy Month - Defining SMART Financial Goals
Are your financial goals well-defined? While "I want to have lots of money" may sound like a great goal, it's just too vague. How much is "lots?" If you don’t know … how will you know when you have it? And will the...
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Trading and Wash Sales - NEED TO KNOW
Have you ever traded stocks at a loss and not been able to claim the loss? Read on for info as to why this happened. My last post Trading and Taxes discusses how timing matters related to gains. This post will focus on losses or losses tha
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Trading and Taxes - Timing Matters
With all of the trading happening on sites like Robinhood and other "free" brokerage platforms (read the fine print). many novice investors may be in for a shock in the coming month. There are rules when it comes to investing that professio
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What exactly is Per Stirpes, and why should I care?
Per stirpes (/pɜːr ˈstɜːrpiːz/; "by branch") is a legal term from Latin used in the law of inheritance and estates. An estate of a decedent is distributed per stirpes if each branch of the family is to receive an equal share of an estate. W
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The Speed of Life...
Bear with me on this post, because although it's a family update, I am first and foremost an educator and want to attempt to impart some wisdom with this blog. As you see...
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Decumulation... What's that?
A lot of clients and prospects that I've worked with over the last few years have believed Retirement Planning (the 4th area of Financial Planning, see previous blog in link) to be Accumulation or investments. It is actually quite the oppos
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Do You Love or Hate Valentine's Day?
What's your answer? Do you love or hate Valentine's Day? My kid, pouting because his brother had a Valentine party before his "class" (COVID has changed "class") was able to, so we (his mother...
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Reddit, Gamestop, Market Volatility!
Unfortunately, markets have a tendency to be volatile. There has been a lot of information in the news of late. Information is becoming more and more accessible, from many platforms.
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Three Ways to Deal With Debt?
1. Stop using debt, stop spending, pay off everything asap. 2. Pay off your highest interest debt first. 3. Pay off your lowest balances first.
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Your Best Interest?
I began this blog by wanting to talk about unbiased advice. With assistance and edits from my incomparible wife, we landed on a different interpretation. The people should have a bias toward doing what is in your best interest. That said, h
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"The only constant in life is change"
Welcome to the Weekly SUMmary - 01/08/2021 “The only constant in life is change”-Heraclitus As we begin 2021, this statement comes to mind with so much change in the last year. The way we work has changed. The way we...
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5 Potential Resolutions Everyone Should Consider!
HAPPY NEW YEAR! 1. Pay off debt! 2. Stop using Credit Cards 3. Invest your stimulus payment 4. Contribute to a retirement plan 5. Begin your wealth transfer with an annual gifting plan
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Happy Holidays!
Welcome to the Weekly SUMmary - 12/25/2020 Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas! While I may not be the most religious person, I like to think that I am able to get in the Holiday spirit and be thankful for everything I have. For me, it's a...
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Challenging Year
Welcome to the Weekly SUMmary - 12/18/2020 2020 has been the most challenging year most of us have ever seen. There has been much disruption to our lifestyles, work, personal, both. The holidays have always been my favorite time of...
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End of Year Tax Problems? Some Strategies to Consider...
This week we are discussing strategies for additional funds at Year End. This includes mitigating taxes, charitable giving and more.
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Three Reasons for 2020 Retirement Contributions
Welcome to the Weekly SUMmary - 12/04/2020 Below are just a few reasons to consider contributions to your retirement account.
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Capital Gains - What are they?
According to this IRS page, Capital Assets are virtually anything of value in our possession. This time of year, many investment companies distribute Capital Gains. If your assets are held inside a retirement account, you need not be...
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Three Reasons To Consider Roth Conversions
Welcome to the Weekly SUMmary - 11/20/2020 Today I'm going to talk about Roth Conversions, the "Backdoor Roth", "Loophole" and any other name that one can come up with for this strategy.
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Family Wealth Management and Wealth Transfer
Welcome to the Weekly SUMmary - 11/13/2020 If you are over the age of 50, and have ANY assets, this may be one of the most important conversations you'll ever have. As we know, Boomers are one of the largest generations we've seen, to...
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What you MUST know about Roth funds?
Welcome to the Weekly SUMmary - 11/06/2020
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CARES Act, SECURE Act, Unique Opportunities - Taxes: Part 3
Welcome to the Weekly SUMmary - 10/30/2020
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Advanced Directives and Your Family, Your Plan
Welcome to the Weekly SUMmary - 10/23/2020
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National Retirement Security Week - Plan Vacation or Retirement?
Welcome to the Weekly SUMmary - 10/09/2020
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Since You're NOT Paying Too High of Taxes, Now What? - Taxes: Part Two
Welcome to the Weekly SUMmary - 10/09/2020 Last week, we addressed some of the history of taxes. This week, let's address some options for planning for taxes near and long term. One of the most frequently asked questions to advisors is...
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What to know about the COVID-19 stimulus bill.
As I’m sure you know, the $2 trillion “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security” (“CARES”) Act was recently signed into law. The CARES Act is designed to help those most impacted by the COVID-19...
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Reasons You're NOT Paying Too High of Taxes - Taxes: Part One
Welcome to the Weekly SUMmary - 10/02/2020
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Volatility is Back - 3 Ways to Handle
Welcome to the Weekly SUMmary - 09/25/2020 Market volatility appears to be back to round out the year. There is a lot going on in the nation and around the globe that would indicate a choppy ride into 2021. That said, there is an...
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The 2020 Election
Welcome to the Weekly SUMmary - 09/18/2020 Who's going to win? How will it affect the markets? What do I do? If any of these questions sound familiar, you should register for a presentation I'm hosting next week. Link below....
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National 401(k) Day
Welcome to the Weekly SUMmary - 09/11/2020 Today is National 401(k) Day.
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Payroll Tax Holiday
This week, some employers may be utilizing the Payroll Tax Holiday. Before we look at options of how to handle this, let's cover the basics. The Payroll Tax. What is it? Tax paid by employers and employees. If you happen to be...
Read MoreIntro to Nathan
What makes you do what you do? My answer... Family. You may think, "Family makes Nathan (Nate, truly no preference), work in financial services?" I have some family that have been adversely impacted by decisions that were made based on...
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2018 Retirement Contributions
The deadline for 2018 retirement contributions is approaching. Find out more in this blog post.
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