Chealsea Fuqua 
Welcome to 2025 — a fresh year with fresh possibilities! If you are joining millions of others in setting New Year’s resolutions, do not forget about your finances. There is no better time than now to embark on a journey toward a more secure financial future. The following financial planning resolutions can help you start … Read more
Most people know that a budget is an important step toward achieving financial security. However, establishing a budget is hard work, and sticking to one is even more difficult. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to improve your chance of success. The following tips can help. #1 – Calculate your money in versus … Read more
“Estate planning” and “legacy planning” are closely related terms that are often used interchangeably. While both terms refer to planning for how to leave assets to your loved ones after you die, there are some important differences between the two. Estate planning typically refers to financial bequests, while legacy planning refers to the process of … Read more
Alternative investments are an area of increased interest for many investors as they offer additional diversification to traditional stocks and bonds, can provide a buffer against volatility, and may enhance the overall performance of your portfolio. While it is true that alternatives often provide an opportunity for enhanced returns and diversification, they also come with … Read more
It is no secret that the housing market has been challenging for first-time homebuyers recently. High mortgage rates, rising prices and limited inventory can sometimes feel like impossible challenges to overcome. However, there are some steps you can take to help make your dream of homeownership a reality. The following tips can help. #1 – … Read more
If you hold company stock within your employer-sponsored retirement plan, you may be eligible to take advantage of a valuable tax planning strategy called net unrealized appreciation (NUA). NUA refers to the difference between the cost basis of employer stock and the stock’s current market value. The NUA tax benefit allows investors who hold company … Read more
If your financial goals include making charitable donations to the causes that are important to you, why not take steps to maximize your impact while also minimizing your taxes? The following charitable planning strategies can help you do just that. #1 – Donate appreciated securities rather than cash. The most common way to donate to … Read more
When thinking about the components that make up a comprehensive financial plan, many people fail to consider healthcare. However, healthcare and medical expenses are among the largest expenses faced by many people, especially retirees. In fact, recent research estimates that a 65-year-old couple retiring in 2024 may need $330,000 in after-tax savings to cover healthcare … Read more
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 introduced a charitable giving strategy that is particularly beneficial for retirees hoping to make an impact while also reducing their tax exposure. A qualified charitable distribution (QCD) allows you to make a direct transfer from your tax-deferred retirement account to a charitable organization of your choice without … Read more
The Los Angeles Times recently reported that a hacking group had stolen the personal records of 2.9 billion people from National Public Data, a firm that provides personal information to employers, staffing agencies, private investigators and other organizations conducting background checks.[1] The information released included individuals’ Social Security numbers, full names, birthdates, addresses, phone numbers … Read more