Educational Insights

For many Americans, Social Security is one of the most important components of retirement planning. Established in 1935, the program was designed to provide income security for older adults who could no longer rely on wages. Today, it continues to play a vital role in...

Investing can feel overwhelming, especially with all the financial jargon that gets thrown around. But at its core, most portfolios rely on three simple building blocks: stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. These instruments form the foundation of investing because they...

Medicare is a cornerstone of health coverage for millions of Americans, yet the rules for eligibility and enrollment can feel confusing. Understanding who qualifies and when to sign up is essential to ensuring you receive the benefits you deserve without unnecessary...

Retirement planning often involves balancing two competing goals: preserving principal and achieving growth. Fixed Index Annuities (FIAs) have become increasingly popular because they offer a way to bridge this gap. By combining the security of traditional fixed...

As retirement approaches, many people worry about whether they have saved enough to support their future lifestyle. While starting early is ideal, the reality is that not everyone maximizes their retirement savings during their younger years. To help address this,...

A successful retirement is built on more than savings alone. To maintain financial stability and peace of mind, retirees need income streams that cover both everyday expenses and unexpected costs. Retirement income planning brings together different sources of funds,...

Annuities are financial contracts offered by insurance companies designed to provide steady income—often in retirement—while helping protect against the risk of outliving one’s savings. They can seem complex at first because of the different types, rules, fees, and...

When it comes to estate planning, two of the most common tools are wills and trusts. Both serve the purpose of directing how your assets are handled after death, but they operate in different ways and offer distinct advantages. Choosing between them — or deciding...

Investing comes in many forms, but two of the most widely discussed approaches are active and passive investing. Each method reflects a different philosophy about how to build wealth and manage risk, and each comes with its own advantages and trade-offs. Understanding...

Deciding when to start taking Social Security benefits is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make as you approach retirement. With the option to begin claiming as early as age 62 or as late as age 70, each choice comes with its own set of pros and...