Watching the news unfold in this era of COVID-19, many of us are experiencing varying levels of anxiety and stress – especially if you have family members who are at high risk for complications.

If you’ve ever looked closely at your paycheck (or your self-employment taxes, if you’re self-employed), you’ve probably noticed a portion of your earnings is taken out every month for Social Security. Those contributions are tied to a benefit you could be eligible for someday, one that many Americans take advantage of in retirement. According to the Social Security Administration, 66 million people received monthly Social Security benefits in 2022—and 51 million of those were retirees and their families.  

It's not January 1st, but who says you can't make a resolution at any time of year? Now is a great time to review your saving, investment, insurance, and tax strategies for retirement. Not sure where to start? Use this guide to make sure you don't forget anything!

Once the kids move out and the house is paid off, it may seem like you don’t really have a need for life insurance anymore—after all, some of the main things you would want a death benefit for are now behind you (phew!). But as you approach retirement, life insurance—specifically permanent life insurance—can still fulfill many different roles in your financial plan.

A new study from Northwestern Mutual highlights the state of financial planning in America and the role of financial advisors in boosting confidence and trust. According to the data, about two-thirds of Americans believe their financial planning is insufficient, with younger adults showing even higher concern. Economic uncertainty has prompted some people to seek or plan to work with financial advisors.

Freedom. Enjoyment. Stress-free. 

Those are the top three words that workers surveyed by the TransAmerica Center for Retirement Studies said they associate with retirement. However, to enjoy freedom in retirement and live stress-free as you age, you need to take steps to protect your finances. Otherwise, you could end up facing the biggest fears that those surveyed by TCRS said they have about retirement: outliving savings and declining health that requires long-term care.

On May 23rd, we celebrate National Lucky Penny Day. The penny may be the smallest denomination of American currency, but it has a big story to tell. In today's society, finding a penny is often seen as a sign of good luck.

This is also a perfect day to look at the power of the penny when it comes to saving and investing!            

Your best friend invites you to her unexpected destination wedding. The $3,000 tropical trip is next month.

When we fall in love, everything is idealized. We promise to spend our lives together. We make plans for the future. And we often forget to talk about money.

As more couples wait until later into adulthood to get married, it becomes more of a challenge to blend households, says Ted Chapin, Ph.D., President of Chapin & Russell Associates in Peoria, Ill., and a licensed clinical psychologist.

If you’re looking to generate extra income, a great place to start is by looking at the things to which you’re already devoting time and energy.