How many of your financial choices are based purely on logic? It could be fewer than you think. That’s because most of us make money decisions with our emotions in play. 1 With that, certain biases can follow. When they do, those biases can lead even the smartest, best-intentioned investors astray. Here’s how to recognize three common biases - hindsight bias, fear of missing out (FOMO), and survivorship bias - and avoid their traps. The...
Tax season might not spark joy, but a refund sure can. In 2025, the IRS estimates the average federal income tax refund will top $3,170. 1 That means a lot of folks are suddenly asking the same question: What should I do with it? Splurge? Save? Invest? The good news: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But there are a few options that tend to deliver more peace of mind and long-term upside. Here are five smart...
What will happen to your business when it’s time for you to take a step back? That can be a tough question that many business owners eventually have to face. Yet, far too many admit they don't have a formal succession plan in place. In fact, looking at family businesses alone, about 61% say they do not have a documented succession plan. 1 Why? Many business owners say they haven’t put together a succession plan...
What financial habits have helped you most in life? Which ones have held you back? No matter how you answer those questions, your money habits have a lot to do with how you grew up. 1 They also can be shaped by when you grew up. That’s because each generation can have a distinct perspective and different experiences shaping their approach to money and financial choices. With that, every generation can bring its own strengths...
Market volatility can feel like a rollercoaster. Thrilling on the way up, stomach-churning on the way down. Even seasoned investors get a little uneasy when the market takes a dive. But here’s the thing: While market fluctuations are inevitable, maintaining a disciplined investment approach has historically helped investors stay on track toward their financial goals. If market swings make you nervous, don’t worry. You’re not alone. We’re going to walk through some key strategies to...
Tax season doesn’t have to feel like an uphill battle. With the right strategies, you can minimize your tax bill and keep more of your hard-earned money where it belongs, in your pocket. Whether you’re a DIY tax filer or rely on a pro, understanding these key moves can help you make smarter financial decisions and sidestep costly mistakes. Let’s dive in. 1. Adjust Your Withholding to Avoid Surprises Getting a big refund might feel...
What do you do when faced with a complex financial challenge? Do you seek an immediate solution, or do you take the time to fully understand the issue before acting? The way you approach financial decisions often depends on your perception of time - specifically, how much time you believe you have to respond. 1 When dealing with complex financial matters, urgency can sometimes create pressure on us to act quickly. However, reacting too quickly...
Is your retirement savings on track? If you’re like most people, you may feel it’s not. In fact, concerns about running out of money in retirement are very common. 1, 2 Many people today believe they’ll need at least $1.5 million saved to retire comfortably. 3 But is that number right for you? The real “magic number” varies widely depending on your current savings, future goals, and lifestyle plans. A clearer picture of retirement readiness...
If you’re like many investors, the thought of paying capital gains taxes on your successful investments might feel overwhelming. But what if there was a strategy to potentially reduce some of those taxes? It’s called tax loss harvesting, and while the term might sound complicated, it's actually a fairly simple concept that could save you money. Let’s break it down. What Is Tax Loss Harvesting? Think of your investments like a fruit-bearing tree. Some branches...
What money topics are the most taboo to talk about? Earnings, debt, inheritance, or net worth? For most of us, many financial topics are simply off-limits. 1 That means that many of us are not discussing money as much as we probably should be. 1 Without those talks, myths about money and financial conversations can get a much stronger grip on our perspective and our financial decisions. That silence may end up stunting our financial...
Birthday celebrations at 50 and each year after can be meaningful opportunities to reflect and feel grateful for life’s journey. Some also mark important milestones in retirement planning and your financial life. Here’s a look at why, with a focus on each milestone birthday after 50 and the role it can play in your overall financial wellness. Age 50: Catch-Up Contributions When you turn 50, you can start to make "catch-up" contributions to your 401(k)s...
What’s the first thing you think of when it comes to money? Are your thoughts more positive or negative? Whatever’s natural to you can speak to your money mindset. 1 And that money mindset can shape your financial views and habits. It can also reveal more about your values and beliefs, not just about finance but about life in general. 1 With that, understanding your money mindset can start to highlight where it may be...