Ask an Adviser: What should I do with Paper U.S. Savings Bonds? How to Convert Paper U.S. Savings Bonds to Electronic Bonds.
Converting your paper savings bonds to an electronic format allows you to access their current rate and value, which is especially important as you plan for retirement.
Ask the Adviser: How Can I Help My Children Achieve Financial Independence Without Spoiling Them?
Many parents want to help their family achieve financial independence without “spoiling” them. Discover how gifting through Roth IRAs and HSAs can provide a lasting legacy and tax-free growth for the next generation.
Avoiding the Unpleasant Surprise of a Mutual Fund Capital Gain Distribution
Capital gain distributions from mutual funds can create unexpected tax bills—especially when investing in taxable accounts near year-end. Understanding realized gains, unrealized gains, and distribution timing can help investors avoid costly surprises.
Ask the Adviser: If I don’t have earned income can I Fund my Retirement Accounts Based on my Spouse’s Income?
If you don’t have earned income of your own, you might think your path to retirement savings is blocked. However, if you are married and filing a joint return, your spouse’s income can unlock the door to your own IRA. Whether you are looking to catch up on savings or protect your assets from future medical costs, the “Spousal IRA” is a powerful wealth-building tool you should be using.
New Year, New Tax Laws
Two major tax law changes take effect in 2026—charitable deductions for non-itemizers and mandatory Roth catch-up contributions. Here’s what they mean for your retirement plan.
The Three Ghosts of Retirement (Past, Present, and Future)
Your retirement is personal, but it’s easy to worry if it’s as secure as it could be. Inspired by *A Christmas Carol*, we explore the three “ghosts” that haunt retirees: taxes, inflation, and sequence of returns. Learn how planning can drive away these common fears.
Securing Your Legacy: Using Trusts to Protect Wealth in Pennsylvania
Trusts can be an effective tool for protecting your wealth in Pennsylvania. Discover how different types of trusts can help minimize taxes and secure your legacy.
Ask the Adviser: What is the Difference Between Capital Gains and Capital Gains Distributions?
Many investors are surprised to learn that mutual funds can trigger taxable gains even when nothing is sold. This article explains the difference between capital gains and capital gains distributions—and how choosing the proper investment structure can help reduce surprise taxes.
“It Won’t Happen to Me”: Why Scam Victims Are More Common Than You Think
When it comes to scams, most people have the same reaction: “I’d never fall for that.” We like to think we’re too smart, too cautious, or too experienced to be tricked. Yet, year after year,…
Ask the Adviser: How Should I Title My Vehicles to Limit Liability?
To properly assess the risk that liability poses, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your overall net worth. Vehicle titling and insurance strategies can then work together to limit exposure and help protect your finances.
Ask the Advisor: Should You Name Your Estate as Your IRA Beneficiary?
IRA beneficiary rules can be tricky. The wrong choice may trigger taxes, probate costs, and delays. Learn expert retirement planning advice to protect your heirs.
5 Things Retirees Should Know about “the Big Beautiful Bill”
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduces tax law changes that may reshape your retirement financial planning. From enhanced deductions to estate exemption increases, here’s what retirees need to know now.
Ask the Adviser: How can I Find Fulfillment in Retirement?
In 1986, David Barrett wrote the song titled “One Shining Moment”. This song is now played to wrap up coverage of the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament championship game. Highlights…
Protect Your Path to Retirement: Managing Risk with Insurance
A well-rounded financial plan isn’t just about growing wealth—it’s about protecting it. Life and disability insurance play a crucial role in safeguarding your financial future and ensuring that your loved ones are provided for, regardless of what life brings.
How do I fix a missed RMD?
RMD rules can be highly complex, and it’s easy to make mistakes by taking the wrong RMD amount, taking an RMD from the wrong account, or missing an RMD altogether.
Ask the Adviser: What is Form 5498, and why did I receive it so late?
Form 5498 must be mailed to the IRS by May 31. However, because IRA contributions can be made up until April 15, you might not receive Form 5498 until after Tax Day.
Three Questions to Ask When Inheriting an IRA in 2025
The distribution rules for inherited IRAs can be very confusing. Here, we look at three key questions to help you see through the fog and avoid unnecessary pitfalls.
I Just Inherited an IRA From My Parent. Now What?
The new rule for adults who inherit an IRA from their parents in 2020 and beyond is that they must liquidate that account within 10 years.
Ask the Adviser: What’s the difference between premium bonds and discount bonds?
Bonds can be sold on the secondary market for more—or less—than par value. That sale price separates a “premium” from a “discount” bond.
Downsizing for Retirees: A Practical Guide
Downsizing is an opportunity to embrace a new chapter— with less maintenance, more mobility, and the chance to explore hobbies, travel, or community living.
