Personal Finance

What to Do With Your 2025 Tax Refund: A Practical Guide

Why 2025 Tax Refunds May Be Higher If you’re filing your 2025 tax return in early 2026, you may notice your refund looks larger than expected. One reason may be the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law in July of 2025. This legislation made several Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) elements […]

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 […]

Financial Lessons from College Football’s Coaching Carousel

Every December, the college football world turns into controlled chaos. Rumors fly, coaches jump from one program to another, surprise hires appear out of nowhere, and fanbases refresh social media like it’s an Olympic sport. Whether it’s a rising coordinator landing a big job, a high-profile coach holding a press conference to deny rumors, or […]

“6-7” Year-End Financial Planning Tips for 2025

If you’re a parent like me, or a grandparent, you’ve probably heard your kids or grandkids running around the house shouting “6-7!” multiple times a day and at any opportunity that presents itself. I’ve asked people of all ages what it means, and, after a few confusing explanations, I’ve finally accepted two things: I’m officially […]

Getting Ahead of Cognitive Decline: Financial Steps

Cognitive decline has become a devastating reality for millions of Americans. This progressive condition, which largely impacts those over the age of 65, not only diminishes memory but can also create complex legal and financial challenges. Without preparation, these pressures can be overwhelming for individuals and their families alike. While legal planning helps establish authority […]

Getting Ahead of Cognitive Decline: Legal Steps

Senior woman with nurse outside

Cognitive decline, particularly from Alzheimer’s disease, is a growing concern for millions. According to the 2025 Alzheimer’s Association annual report, approximately 7.2 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer’s, a number projected to rise sharply over the next 20 years as the population ages. While this progressive disease affects memory and cognitive function, it also creates […]

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 […]

Saving for Your Child’s Future: Expanded Options in 2025

If you are a parent, you likely dream of giving your child a strong financial start, whether that means paying for college, helping with a first home, boosting their retirement savings, or simply providing extra funds for life’s adventures. The good news? There are many ways to achieve that. However, as with any financial decision, […]