National surveys keep finding the same thing: a lot of people are unsure if they’re on track for retirement. In recent Federal Reserve reports on household well‑being, only about one‑third of non‑retirees say their retirement savings are on track, even though most retirees say they’re doing at least “okay” financially. That gap between “I hope we’ll be okay” and “I know the numbers” is where a simple retirement plan can make a big difference.
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Our goal is to keep you, your family, and your friends up to date on everything from finance to health care. We strive to help you make the most informed financial decisions to help you achieve financial success, so you can enjoy everything life has to offer. That’s what our blog is for!
Health: The Most Underrated Investment You’ll Ever Make
If someone offered you an investment that improved your energy, lowered your stress, boosted your confidence, reduced future costs, and made your retirement years way more enjoyable… you’d at least hear them out, right? Good news: that investment exists. Bad news: it doesn’t come with a ticker symbol. It’s your health. Health is one of the most talked-about things in the world—and somehow still one of the most overlooked when it comes to long-term planning. We talk about eating better “someday.” Exercising more “after things slow down.” Managing stress “once life settles.” (Spoiler alert: life does not settle. It just changes outfits.)
The Economy, Explained: What the Numbers Say, What the Headlines Miss, and Why It Matters to You
If the economy had a personality, it would be that one friend who texts “we need to talk” and then disappears. Suddenly everyone’s anxious, headlines get dramatic, and you’re wondering if buying eggs now qualifies as a long-term strategy. The truth is much calmer—and far more practical. The economy isn’t a mysterious force controlled by Wall Street or Washington alone.
What Retirement Means for Men and Women
In general, retirement rates have increased during the pandemic. Before COVID-19, the retired population grew by about 1 million retirees per year. But during 2020 and 2021, 3.5 million more people retired
COVID, Life and Insurance
By mid-January 2022, the United States had recorded more than 865,000 deaths attributed to COVID-19. Once the vaccine was available in early 2021, life insurance companies expected COVID-related deaths to decline.
Replenish Emergency Funds
Americans have largely been on one of two tracks since the beginning of the pandemic: Those who suffered income and net worth losses and those who gained wealth. A good example of this was the result of relief checks mailed out by the federal government.
Tax Notes
This year, the official start date for filing 2021 income tax returns was Jan. 24, and the season ends on April 18 for most filers. According to the IRS, the typical period for refunds is three weeks or less. Be aware that you can speed up the process by filing electronically and submitting your direct deposit information.
The 2022 Economy: Reasons To Be Positive
Year-end brought a resurgence of COVID-19 panic, led by the onset of the omicron variant in the United States. Families and friends met in large gatherings during the holiday season, the weather got cooler — sending people indoors — and hospitals became overwhelmed with new coronavirus cases.

Top 10 Actions When Preparing For Retirement
Planning for retirement income may seem like a daunting task, but can help you get a handle on preparing for your financial future.
Financial Planning for Retirement: A Friendly Guide for People 50 and Older
National surveys keep finding the same thing: a lot of people are unsure if they’re on track for retirement. In recent Federal Reserve reports on household well‑being, only about one‑third of non‑retirees say their retirement savings are on track, even though most retirees say they’re doing at least “okay” financially. That gap between “I hope we’ll be okay” and “I know the numbers” is where a simple retirement plan can make a big difference.
Retirement Makeover
Many babies born today in the developed world are expected to live nearly 100 years. Given the vast changes over the past two decades in medicine, technology and the ways we work, communicate and even entertain ourselves, it’s almost hard to imagine how different life will be in 100 years.
Consumers: Buying Power in 2022
One of the biggest economic stories of the first quarter was the rising rate of inflation, as consumer prices reached a 39-year high by the end of 2021. In the first quarter, the inflation rate floated around 7%.
What’s Up With Real Estate?
The U.S. housing market is still suffering from low inventory: too few houses available for the numbers of home-seeking buyers. Naturally, the capitalist principals of supply and demand kick in, meaning that prices inevitably rise when there are too few products available to purchase.
What Retirement Means for Men and Women
In general, retirement rates have increased during the pandemic. Before COVID-19, the retired population grew by about 1 million retirees per year. But during 2020 and 2021, 3.5 million more people retired
COVID, Life and Insurance
By mid-January 2022, the United States had recorded more than 865,000 deaths attributed to COVID-19. Once the vaccine was available in early 2021, life insurance companies expected COVID-related deaths to decline.
Financial Planning for Retirement: A Friendly Guide for People 50 and Older
National surveys keep finding the same thing: a lot of people are unsure if they’re on track for retirement. In recent Federal Reserve reports on household well‑being, only about one‑third of non‑retirees say their retirement savings are on track, even though most retirees say they’re doing at least “okay” financially. That gap between “I hope we’ll be okay” and “I know the numbers” is where a simple retirement plan can make a big difference.
Balancing “Real Life” With Caregiving
During 2020, more than 65 million American women provided unpaid care for their children, family members, and elderly relatives. It’s easy to imagine that many of them likely juggled caring for a combination of these types of dependents. If you’ve ever provided ongoing caregiving duties for a parent, partner, child, sibling or someone else, you may recognize common feelings of being overwhelmed, exhausted, out of your depth and even somewhat resentful — and then feeling guilty.
Retirement Makeover
Many babies born today in the developed world are expected to live nearly 100 years. Given the vast changes over the past two decades in medicine, technology and the ways we work, communicate and even entertain ourselves, it’s almost hard to imagine how different life will be in 100 years.
Consumers: Buying Power in 2022
One of the biggest economic stories of the first quarter was the rising rate of inflation, as consumer prices reached a 39-year high by the end of 2021. In the first quarter, the inflation rate floated around 7%.
What’s Up With Real Estate?
The U.S. housing market is still suffering from low inventory: too few houses available for the numbers of home-seeking buyers. Naturally, the capitalist principals of supply and demand kick in, meaning that prices inevitably rise when there are too few products available to purchase.
What Retirement Means for Men and Women
In general, retirement rates have increased during the pandemic. Before COVID-19, the retired population grew by about 1 million retirees per year. But during 2020 and 2021, 3.5 million more people retired
