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What’s on our mind? You can read about it in our blog. Our goal is for you to find a window into our minds, our thought process, our philosophies. So keep checking in. We’re glad to have you reading along.

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

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...

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

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...

Thursday, April 2, 2026

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...

Monday, March 23, 2026

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...

Monday, March 2, 2026

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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Tuesday, February 24, 2026

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,...

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

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...

Thursday, January 29, 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...

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

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...

Thursday, December 18, 2025

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...

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

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...

Thursday, November 13, 2025

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...

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

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...

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

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...

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

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...

Thursday, September 18, 2025

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...

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

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...

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

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....

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

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...

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

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...

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

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...

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

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...

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

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...

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

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...

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

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,...

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

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...

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

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...

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

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...

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

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...

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

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...

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

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...

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

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...

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Looks like New Year's resolutions are still going strong in 2025! 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...

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

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...

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

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...

Thursday, November 21, 2024

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...

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

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...

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

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...

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

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...

Thursday, September 26, 2024

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...

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

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...

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

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...

Thursday, August 15, 2024

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...

Thursday, August 1, 2024

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...

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

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...

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

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...

Friday, June 14, 2024

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...

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

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...

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

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...

Monday, May 13, 2024

Stocks notched a solid gain last week as rate-cut expectations paced the rally as the Q1 earnings season wound down. Stocks Climb Steadily Monday opened with stocks picking up where they left off the prior Friday. Stocks were still...

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

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...

Monday, May 6, 2024

Stocks notched a solid gain last week, rallying behind upbeat earnings, a dovish Fed, and mixed economic data. Stocks Pop, Drop, Then Rally Markets began the week with an upward bump as positive news from some mega-cap tech companies...

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

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...

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

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 pressure can...

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

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...

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

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...

Monday, February 12, 2024

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...

Tuesday, February 6, 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...

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

It’s a fun time of year for football fans. The NFL playoffs are starting, and the Big Game is just around the corner. While football fans will tune in for the matchups, commercials, and Usher’s Big Game halftime show, you...

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

With the start of the new year, we wanted to discuss a topic that will likely garner attention throughout 2024: the potential sunsetting of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in 2025. Although some of the provisions within the TCJA are...

Monday, December 11, 2023

Your Child is Turning 18: Handling Healthcare, Academics, and Finances Together As your child blows out the candles on their 18th birthday, you may still see your baby girl or boy. But in the eyes of the law your child is considered a...

Monday, December 4, 2023

As we get ready to turn the page on 2023 and welcome the new year with all its possibilities, we’d like to take some time to reflect on the year that was—the notable events, trends, and developments that defined our...

Thursday, April 7, 2022

Owning Stocks Is Not As Easy As It Looks One recent summer afternoon, my friends and I met at the BMW Performance Driving School in Spartanburg, SC to test our mettle behind the wheel of some of the most beautiful, powerful sports cars...

Friday, February 25, 2022

How much do I need to save for retirement? Do you remember when a million dollars used to be the gold standard for the amount to have saved at retirement? Well, as we all know, a million dollars is not what it used to be!...

Tuesday, January 25, 2022

Friday, January 14, 2022

Category: The economy The Answer: Inflation The Question: What is the word that has been googled more in the United States this year than in any year since 2004? 1

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Welcome back to our series of blogs on Blind Spots! We all have Blind Spots, things that are potentially hazardous that we don’t even see, things that we should know, or have awareness of, but don’t. This series of blogs...

Thursday, September 5, 2019

The Dog Days of Summer were on full display this past month, as a variety of concerns pushed stocks and bond yields lower. After reaching new record highs in late July, the S&P 500 Index dropped approximately three percent in August as...

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Welcome back to our series of blogs on Blind Spots! We all have Blind Spots, things that are potentially hazardous that we don’t even see, things that we should know, or have awareness of, but don’t. This series of blogs...

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Is charitable giving important to you? Is it possible that charitable giving might become more important when you know you have enough money to be okay for the rest of your life? Do you like paying less income tax? If so, you might...

Friday, June 7, 2019

Welcome back to our series of blogs on Blind Spots! We all have Blind Spots, things that are potentially hazardous that we don’t even see, things that we should know, or have awareness of, but don’t. This series of blogs...

Monday, May 13, 2019

We’ve shared a lot about financial blind spots on our Blog lately- things we don’t see or miss in our financial lives that may cause problems later, but blind spots are not confined to just our finances or physically while...

Monday, April 29, 2019

I grew up enjoying baseball. I liked to play it, watch it on TV and listen to it on the radio. I can remember sitting in my room at night listening to the Washington Senators and the Baltimore Orioles on my AM transistor radio. I can...

Thursday, April 18, 2019

Welcome back to our series of blogs on Blind Spots! We all have Blind Spots, things that are potentially hazardous that we don’t even see, things that we should know, or have awareness of, but don’t. This series of blogs...

Friday, April 5, 2019

Welcome back to our series of blogs on Blind Spots! We all have Blind Spots, things that are potentially hazardous that we don’t even see, things that we should know, or have awareness of, but don’t. This series of blogs...

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Here is a “Dadism.” Save early and save a lot. I know. You don’t have the money to save. I know, it’s important that you experience life now. I know, things are expensive; it probably costs more for you to live...

Friday, March 15, 2019

Welcome back to our series of blogs on Blind Spots! We all have Blind Spots, things that are potentially hazardous that we don’t even see, things that we should know, or have awareness of, but don’t. This series of blogs...

Friday, March 15, 2019

Many of us go through life without financial goals…other than to make sure we can pay our bills every month. Some set goals but do not take consistent steps to pursue them. Still others set goals, develop and take action steps...

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Second Half Strategies opened its doors in Charlotte, NC in 2009 to serve the needs of families in the second half of their lives. We decided to focus on this group because financial issues are very different for families once they...

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Welcome back to our series of blogs on Blind Spots! We all have Blind Spots, things that are potentially hazardous that we don’t even see, things that we should know, or have awareness of, but don’t. This series of blogs...

Friday, January 25, 2019

LPL Research Outlook 2019: FUNDAMENTAL: How to Focus on What Really Matters in the Markets is filled with investment insights and market guidance for the year ahead. LPL Research believes the following three themes will be key to the...

Monday, December 31, 2018

Earlier this year, Irina and I climbed Mt. Hood in Oregon. We spent the day before the climb training - climbing and descending with crampons, practicing footwork, using ropes, and working on self-arrest with an ice axe. When we...

Monday, November 26, 2018

Many of our clients participate in Medicare which provides health insurance primarily for Americans aged 65 and older. Participants who enroll in traditional Medicare typically have Parts A, B and D as well as a Medicare Supplement...

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Welcome to our series of blogs on Blind Spots! We all have Blind Spots, things that are potentially hazardous that we don’t even see. One of the most well-known Blind Spots is that area over your shoulder to the side of your car....

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Goals are important. Without goals, it’s difficult to have success. Think about this for a moment. If the Philadelphia Eagles didn’t have a goal to win the 2017 Super Bowl, they probably wouldn’t have hoisted the...

Friday, August 10, 2018

Recently, someone asked me what investors should be doing with their investments now that US stocks are creeping back toward record levels. Later in this blog, you will see my response, but let me begin by setting the stage for my...

Friday, July 20, 2018

Presenting the LPL Research Midyear Outlook 2018: The Plot Thickens, packed with investment insights and market analysis to guide you through all the action we may see in the year ahead. When we as investors began 2018, we were tuned...

Monday, June 4, 2018

Imagine you are riding in the cockpit of a commercial airliner. The pre-takeoff checklists are complete, and the airplane has just turned to line up on the runway. Through your headset, you hear “Cleared for Takeoff,” and...

Friday, March 23, 2018

We like to think that the planning work we do for our clients is based on mathematical principals. Although there is some art to financial planning, much is based on science. It’s true – we analyze, sort, manipulate and...

Thursday, March 1, 2018

A Quick and Easy Guide to Wedding Budgets Do you have children and grandchildren who are planning for a wedding? Are you planning for your own wedding? If so, read this before you do anything else - because weddings can be very...

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

My wife and I like to climb mountains. Any mountains. Small mountains like Crowder Mountain near Charlotte, bigger mountains in the Northeast like Mt. Washington and Mt. Katahdin and even more imposing mountains out West, like Mt....

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Presenting the LPL Research Outlook 2018: Return of the Business Cycle, packed with investment insights and market analysis to guide you through all the action we may see in the year ahead. “Return of the business cycle”...

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

I’ve always had a fascination with the word why. Like most people, I started asking why around the age of 3. Unlike most people, I never stopped! I think my natural inclination toward curiosity is one reason I love this business...

Monday, October 9, 2017

As many of you know, my wife and I are climbing to the top of as many of the US State Highpoints as we can. We just finished number 45, Borah Peak in Idaho. What an awesome experience! We climbed about 5,500’ up to the summit in...

Thursday, August 31, 2017

One of the biggest mistakes I see as a financial planner is clients who have purchased too much house. What defines too much house? Total monthly costs that keep one from meeting other goals such as saving for college and retirement or...

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

The LPL Research Midyear Outlook: A Shift In Market Control states the following four themes may be key to the markets over the balance of 2017: Monetary policy: Slow path to normalization. Maintaining economic growth without...

Friday, July 7, 2017

Remember the game show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire? The show first aired in the United States in 1999. Essentially, contestants answer increasingly difficult multiple-choice questions to win cash - up to $1 million, or even more in...

Monday, May 22, 2017

The other day, my children were joking about my getting older and how I better not expect them to take care of me as I age. Initially, this was said with straight faces – it took me a moment to realize they were just kidding. But...

Friday, April 21, 2017

I hate annuities! Well, I really don’t. But I am amazed at how many people do. I heard this phrase just last week from one of our clients. I hear it all the time on the radio, on tv, from people who work in the financial services...

Monday, March 20, 2017

I’m really saddened by the lack of financial literacy in our country. Study after study shows that we don’t understand basic financial concepts. A 2015 study conducted by the FINRA Foundation found that nearly 2/3 of...

Monday, February 13, 2017

Ok, before I even begin, I want you to know that I believe your investments are important, that their results are important, that we should spend a lot of time making sure your investment strategy is appropriate for your goals. There I...

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Please read our latest blog on why comparing investment performance to "the market" may not be the best idea.

Friday, December 9, 2016

One of the more challenging tasks for families is determining how much money they can withdraw from their investment accounts each and every year during retirement. The task is challenging because most families want to make sure they...

Friday, November 11, 2016

Wow! That’s what I feel at the moment. On one hand, I’m glad this election cycle is over. On the other hand, I feel a sense of history. As a nation, we nominated the first woman to be President of the United States. As a...

Friday, October 7, 2016

A little over two years ago, I was looking for something different to do on our wedding anniversary. I’m not sure how I came to the conclusion that doing something outdoors would be appropriate, but that’s what I decided....

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Sign #1: You have no idea how much annual income your investments will generate during retirement. Why it matters: Most retirees don’t understand what level of spending is sustainable over the course of what could be a long...

Sunday, August 7, 2016

Choosing a financial planner could be the one of the most important decisions you make. With so many candidates from which to choose, it might be helpful to learn some of the industry jargon, understand the...

Monday, July 25, 2016

A client recently commented, “I heard that minimizing the expenses of my mutual funds is the most important part of investing.” My response was, “you have been the victim of unbelievably effective advertising!" After...