Investing

What Investors Should Know About IPOs: SpaceX and Beyond

The excitement is palpable as investors wait eagerly for the upcoming SpaceX initial public offering (IPO). Given SpaceX’s prominence in the aerospace industry and its pioneering advancements in space exploration, many are considering jumping in. While the allure of a SpaceX IPO, or any high-profile company’s, is strong, it’s important for investors to approach such […]

What to Know About 401(k) Hardship Withdrawals

A report from Vanguard in 2026 highlights that a record 6% of 401(k) participants withdrew funds from their accounts for financial hardships in 2025. This marks a steady increase from 4.8% in 2024 and 3.6% in 2023. While having access to these funds can serve as an important safety net, withdrawals should generally be considered […]

Two Financial Lessons Inspired by Lou Holtz

Football Sitting on a Football Field

The sports world recently said goodbye to coaching legend Lou Holtz, who passed away on March 4th, 2026. His passing has led many to reflect on the lasting impact he made. Holtz was known not only for his success on the field but also for the wisdom he imparted that stayed with people long after […]

401(k) Catch-Up Contribution Changes in 2026: What to Know

Calculator with 2026 typed out

Catch-up contributions can give you a chance to boost your retirement savings, especially if earlier years were focused on family needs, career growth, or major expenses like a mortgage. As of January 1, 2026, 401(k) catch-up contributions for people age 50 and older may work a bit differently than they have in the past. Financial […]

12 Year-End Financial Planning Tips: Part 2

In “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” the list keeps growing, much like the financial to-dos that pile up at the end of the year. This year-end financial checklist is designed to turn that growing list into a clear, actionable plan. In Part 1, we shared the first 6 tips to help you stay focused, avoid […]

12 Year-End Financial Planning Tips: Part 1

We all know the beloved Christmas carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” with its partridge in a pear tree and ever-escalating gifts. This year, let’s borrow the spirit of the song and turn it into something even more valuable: a practical 12-point financial checklist for year-end. In Part 1 of this series, we’ll focus on […]

Santa Is Coming… to Markets: What Is the Santa Claus Rally?

If you’ve followed investment-related media around the holidays, you’ve probably heard a familiar phenomenon: the “Santa Claus rally.” It’s a short, seasonal stretch when stocks often rise. While no market pattern is guaranteed, the Santa rally has shown up often enough historically that investors pay close attention. But what actually drives this trend, and how […]

The 4th Quarter Playbook: Strategies for Investors in 2025

Man at table reviewing his investment plan

As we enter the final quarter of 2025, investors face a critical window to review and adjust their portfolios. With the fourth quarter often bringing heightened market volatility, strategic moves can help manage risks and prepare for the year ahead. This playbook outlines steps to help navigate the challenges of portfolio management in Q4 and […]

Your Playbook: What Football Can Teach About Money

As the 2025 football season kicks off, there’s more overlap between the gridiron and sound money management than you might think. Just like a winning team, a strong financial plan requires strategy, discipline, and the right balance of offense and defense. Here are four lessons from the field that can help you move the ball […]

Social Security COLA 2026: What Retirees Should Know

Senior couple walking along path

As 2025 draws to a close, many retirees and Social Security beneficiaries are looking ahead to the anticipated Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026. Current projections suggest that the Social Security Administration is likely to announce a COLA increase of approximately 2.6% to 2.7%. Each year, the Social Security Administration calculates the COLA using […]