The 15% savings rate is a widely used benchmark in the industry. Fidelity suggests that saving approximately 15% of income annually (including employer contributions) may help individuals work toward a retirement that replaces a portion of their pre-retirement income. Current Savings Rates (Recent Industry Data) Fidelity’s Q4 2025 Retirement Analysis […]
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The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed in 2025, gives taxpayers 65 and older an increased standard deduction through 2028. Married filing jointly with both spouses 65+: extra $6,000 each, total $12,000 added to the base standard deduction. Single filers 65+: extra $6,000. No itemizing needed. Key planning considerations: […]
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As we approach the end of 2025, the IRS has rolled out updated contribution limits for various retirement and savings accounts, reflecting inflation adjustments and ongoing provisions from the SECURE 2.0 Act. These increases provide opportunities for savers to bolster their nest eggs, but they also require careful planning to […]
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It is our belief that true financial success isn’t just about growing wealth, it’s about keeping that wealth working for you over time. Client’s goals are typically specific to them and that is something we try to identify as the first step of our financial planning process. We have seen […]
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The market came through two of the worst two months historically (August & September) unscathed, and was resilient in October, the most volatile month. Could the best months of the year also run contrary to history? We do not believe so, but we still cannot rule out some backing & […]
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Roth conversions involve transferring funds from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, offering potential tax and retirement planning benefits. We want to outline the considerations of strategic Roth conversions, focusing on managing conversions to stay within your current federal income tax bracket, based on 2025 tax rules. Consult a […]
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Gabe Fransen | September 15, 2025 We believe that retirement planning extends beyond accumulating savings. When regular paychecks stop, retirees may face challenges such as generating income, managing taxes, protecting assets, and addressing health and family needs. Many strategic retirees rely on informed decisions rather than guesswork to navigate their […]
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Home prices have been climbing, which may make it challenging for middle-class families to buy a home and build stability. With the national median home price around $423,000 as of May 2025, we believe it’s important to approach buying with a clear plan. As financial advisors helping families, we see […]
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Gabe Fransen | June 25, 2025 Crooks are using clever texts, emails, and phone calls to trick folks, and a little know-how can keep your money safe while you enjoy the season. Here are some popular scams to be on the lookout for: You can stay ahead. If a text, […]
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