Weekly Wrap-up

One of the most common questions I get from clients is: "What budgeting app do you recommend?" My answer usually surprises them. I still use Excel. Yep... good old-fashioned Excel. After more than 35 years in financial planning, I've found that the "best" budgeting...

The recent changes to federal 529 plan rules have generated a lot of excitement—and a lot of confusion. We've already had clients ask, "Great! So I can take $20,000 per year out of my 529 plan for my child's private school tuition completely tax-free." The answer is:...

Using an HSA for Medicare, Long-Term Care, and Other Premiums You can use HSA funds for certain insurance premiums, including Medicare premiums after age 65 and qualified long-term care insurance premiums, but with specific rules and limits. Medicare Premiums Once you...

6 Ways to Maximize Your HSA Contributions in 2026 Key Takeaways Find a qualified HSA trustee, such as a bank, credit union, or insurance company, to set up your account if you don't already have one. Contribute the maximum annual amount and receive your employer's...

9 Out of 10 HSA Owners Are Missing a Tax Break That’s Even Better Than a Roth IRA Some savers use HSAs for current expenses, while others invest the balance for the future. Key Takeaways Most health savings account holders use the accounts to cover current healthcare...

Politics aside, a new savings vehicle is about to enter the financial planning world, and it's worth understanding. The newly created Trump Account is generating plenty of headlines because of the government's $1,000 contribution for eligible newborns. While that...

SpaceX has become one of the most talked-about investments in the world. After years of being available only to private investors and venture capital firms, the company's IPO has generated enormous excitement among retail investors eager to own a piece of Elon Musk's...

The latest inflation report showed consumer prices rising 4.2% year-over-year in May 2026, the highest reading in three years. Headlines are focused on rising gasoline prices and the impact of conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted oil markets and pushed...

If you looked at the headlines over the past week, you probably expected the stock market to be down.  We have ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Oil prices have been volatile. Interest rates remain elevated. Inflation is still a concern. And every day seems to...

It feels like everyone is talking about higher prices, economic uncertainty, and concerns about the future. If you've found yourself delaying a purchase, spending less, or worrying about job security, you're not alone. Consumer sentiment in the United States recently...