Blog

Our blog includes news and commentary on financial topics related to your family, business, and nonprofits. Stay up-to-date on news and financial planning strategies by visiting us online often.

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Donor Advised Funds: A Benefit To All

At Ambassador Advisors, we understand that—although it’s not the primary motivation—making a charitable donation wisely can provide a degree of ...

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‘Women and Wealth’ Study

Although early legacy planning is imperative to all, it is becoming increasingly evident that women, in particular, need to get more involved in long-...

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Choosing an advisor who values what you value

If you’re looking for some guidance in the area of your finances, you may benefit from finding a financial advisor to help you navigate decisions ah...

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Standing Firm and Building Trust

The more things change, the more they stay the same.   This cliché is spot on target in today’s world, and knowing who you can trust wit...

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Client Christmas Event 2019

We enjoyed celebrating this holiday season together with you, our valued clients and friends. We participated in a short, informative financial sessio...

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A Multi-Generational Wealth Transfer

At Ambassador Advisors, we believe that money is a gift from God for us to wisely steward as we live our lives. That’s why we strive to offer you Bi...

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Medicare and Medicare Supplemental Plans (Medigap) Part 2

How Proper Senior Care Planning Will Determine Your Financial Future Part 2: Medicare and Medigap: How to apply and what you should know   ...

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Medicare and Medicare Supplemental Plans (Medigap) Part 1

How Proper Senior Care Planning Will Determine Your Financial Future Part 1: Medicare 2019 – What you need to know before 2020   Ameri...

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This "FIST" Can Knock Out Multigenerational Family Wealth

Ambassador Advisors' unique perspective on finances is rooted in our value of Biblical stewardship. We believe everything we have is from the Lord, an...

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The Added Value of Working with an Advisor

You may have seen the news that the financial services industry is experiencing a trend towards index funds–passive fund management options in which...

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Is your SIMPLE ready to graduate to a 401k?

If you have a growing business with a SIMPLE IRA retirement plan, it may be time to “graduate” to a 401(k) plan. In an era dominated by big, expen...

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How Many Millenials Plan to Retire Early

Millennials currently are the largest generation in the U.S. workforce. Millennials differ from other generational groups both in their lifestyle and ...

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Avoid Bankruptcy in Your Retirement Years

For many born into American society over the past century, “the game of life” came with instructions that read, in part: go to college, find an ex...

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A Family Affair: Involving Family in Financial Decisions

Finances may seem like a private, personal matter, but significant headache and heartache can be avoided by involving those you love in discussions ab...

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Where Your Treasure Is

A recent study released by Giving USA contained some sobering information for churches (and for Christians). The study, which was released on June 18,...

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Retirement Planning Should Prioritize Healthcare

A recent white paper released by HealthView Services emphasizes that healthcare should be an integral aspect of any retirement plan. The data reveals ...

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You Don’t Have to be a Millionaire to Retire Like One

There is no magic wand that will turn your retirement fund worth $85,000 into a million dollars, and being a millionaire shouldn’t be your focus. Am...

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A Mistake You Can’t Afford to Make

Many of us have spent our lives pursuing a dream. For some, defining what exactly that dream looks like in retirement can be complex. The professional...

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When Your Age Matters Most

If you’re planning for retirement and wondering if you have made the right decisions to ensure your future financial security, you are not alone. Ma...

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A Truer Steward

If anything can be learned from the realization that financial literacy doesn’t improve responsibility, it’s that information itself isn’t enoug...

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A New Perspective

In order to experience life changes, we need to experience perspective changes, specifically in the area of finances.   Ambassador Advisors...

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The Curse of Knowledge

In a 2016 study, Fortune magazine announced that two-thirds of Americans cannot pass a basic financial literacy test1. Understandably, this statistic ...

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Make the Most of Your Charitable Giving with a Donor Advised Fund

There are a variety of reliable ways that you can choose to invest or donate your money.   Ambassador Advisors strives to fully understand ...

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Don’t Become a Retirement Statistic

As significant numbers of Americans are facing the financial realities of impending retirement, many questions and concerns have become frighteningly ...

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Embracing a Life Well Lived: Leaving a Legacy of Christian Stewardship, Part 3

As we finish this series on legacy building based upon a life well lived, we turn our focus to the topic of reward.   We know that nurturin...

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A New Social Security Telephone Scam is on the Rise

The Federal Communication Commission and the United States Attorney General’s office has issued a new warning concerning a growing wave of Social Se...

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Employing Your Kids in the Family Business

Your kids looking for a bigger “allowance;” you looking for a bigger business tax break? Keep reading…   Paying children in a family ...

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Embracing a Life Well Lived: Leaving a Legacy of Christian Stewardship (Part 2)

In the first exploration of what defines a well-lived life, we focused on how the legacy we leave has meaning beyond financial gain. Let us dig deeper...

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Charitable Clumping and Other 2019 Strategies

Pancakes are Saturday morning favorites in many households. Whether you top them with "SEER-up" or "SIR-up", pile on the blueberries, or even the choc...

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Embracing a Life Well Lived: Leaving a Legacy of Christian Stewardship

Let’s explore the question of what defines a well-lived life and how the legacy we leave has meaning beyond the humanistic value that we place on fi...

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Securing Your Retirement Plans

Retirement is probably the biggest milestone of the second "half" of life. Some face it with great anticipation, but some also face it with a good dea...

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Long-Term Care for Women

Much is said these days about the equality of the sexes. And while there is every reason that men and women can and should stand equally before the la...

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Year-End Charitable Giving 2018

As we come to the end of the year, it is time to consider opportunities for last-minute giving to help the ministries, nonprofits and places of worshi...

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Client Christmas Event 2018

We enjoyed celebrating this holiday season together with you, our valued clients and friends. We participated in a short, informative financial sessio...

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Active or Passive Management

Over the last two decades, there has been a marked increase in indexing, or passive management, over active management–where a manager or team of ma...

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Financially Savvy States

A major key to sound financial health is financial literacy, and the financial savvy that springs from literacy is what makes for true financial stabi...

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Life Stages: Blessed by Significance

Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago. Warren Buffet   A forest of dense trees surrounds us...

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Life Stages: Finding Success

When was the first time you tasted financial success?   Was it when you made your first sale?  Or received that big bonus? When your inves...

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Life Stages: Struggling to Survive

Do you remember when you were first starting out? Before the comfortable paychecks. Before the security of your investment portfolio. Before the house...

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Two Percent Increase in Fundraising Effectiveness

A product of the Fundraising Effectiveness Project (FEP) and the Growth in Giving database, the Fundraising Effectiveness Survey Report shows that don...

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Physical–and Financial–Fitness

A recent survey1 by Bankrate.com states that roughly half (48 percent) of employed Americans aren’t saving more for retirement this year than last ...

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Responsible Investing Trends and Opportunities

Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) or Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI) offers the investor a choice to invest in vehicles that align with clos...

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Our Biblically Responsible Investment Portfolio

Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) is a widespread investment philosophy. Investors everywhere are increasingly seeking vehicles that line up with t...

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Biblically Responsible Investing: Naysayers

When it comes to Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI), the outlook is not unanimously positive. Many financial say their clients just aren’t inter...

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SRI: What is it?

You have some money to invest. No matter how much it is, deciding where it goes can be daunting. There are, after all, almost four thousand publicly t...

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Are you ready for retirement?

When you’re in your forties, retirement can seem so far away. Yet two decades later, retirement can seem like a looming deadline. How will retiremen...

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Healthcare Expenses in Retirement (Part 2)

Staying silent allows concerns to intensify into fear According to the most recent Nationwide Retirement Institute survey, six in ten affluent, older...

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Healthcare Expenses in Retirement (Part 1)

The complication you should be discussing, but (probably) aren’t   We’ve all heard similar stories: Sally and Bob were planning to go cro...

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Are Trump trade negotiations increasing market volatility?

Donald Trump’s negotiating style is unlike any president we’ve seen in our lifetimes and, perhaps, unlike any that has ever sat in the Oval Office...

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Be An Everyday Hero

A hero is a person noted for courageous acts of nobility or character. Many times, courageous acts are sacrificial in nature, benefitting someone el...

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A Battle in the Background: Immigration's Economic Effects

When Wolverine’s claws are out, you likely aren’t thinking about when the Dazzler will show up to help. When Deadpool is throwing a punch, you...

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AMBASSADOR ADVISORS HONORED AS BRONZE STEVIE® AWARD WINNER IN 2018 AMERICAN BUSINESS AWARDS®

“Catchy, Entertaining, and Informative” Superhero-Themed Newsletter Catches Judges’ Attention   Ambassador Advisors, LLC, was named the...

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Living Up to Faith Heroes, Part 2

[Continued, catch up on Part 1 here]   Wow—now that is the stuff comics and movies are made of, right? But biblical superheroes did eve...

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Living Up to Faith Heroes, Part 1

By Bernie Bostwick, Executive Vice President   I must confess, I never really was much into superheroes. Today, they are much the rave! Th...

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Super Equity Markets

So many good superhero stories start with a picture of peace, tranquility, and prosperity, followed by a period of gloom and doom. Then, our superhero...

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Rule Changes for Partnerships

  As you’re likely aware, the Bipartisan Budget Act that took effect at the beginning of this calendar year introduced several changes regar...

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The Hard Truths about Caring for Parents

With the advances made recently in extending life expectancy, Americans are facing a difficult reality: great costs come with the care of aging parent...

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Table for Ten: Sharing that Inspires and Ignites Generosity (Part 3)

  As I was reading through The Almanac of American Philanthropy by Karl Zinsmeister, I was inspired by the lives of many individuals who trans...

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Table for Ten: Sharing that Inspires and Ignites Generosity (Part 2)

When a family member or friend walks through the legacy planning process with positive results, their story encourages others. But talk of money, and ...

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Table for Ten: Sharing that Inspires and Ignites Generosity (Part 1)

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasu...

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Exchange Traded Funds 101

There are several options for investment beyond individual stocks and bonds. One such option is the ETF or exchange-traded fund. These types of invest...

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Mutual Funds 101

A big buzzword for investing is diversity. With mutual funds, the diversity is baked right in! A mutual fund is an investment vehicle made up of a poo...

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Bonds 101

While stocks involve buying a piece of a company to share in its profits, bonds actually represent debt. A government, corporation, or other entity th...

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Stocks 101

Our previous entry looked at the basic definition of a stock, and this installment will take a look at some of the different characteristics of stock....

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Stocks and Bonds

It is a long-held Christian belief that we are each responsible to be good stewards of the finances with which we have been blessed.  The approach to...

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Long-Term Care, Part 3

We must ultimately face the fact that long-term care (LTC) is a reality for many people. Here are some significant statistics: 70 percent of peop...

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Long-Term Care, Part 2

When considering the realities of long-term care (LTC), it’s helpful to understand what is involved. LTC may or may not include nursing and other me...

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Long-Term Care, Part 1

One of the blessings of modern life is that people can generally expect to live longer than they did in times past. In the middle ages, someone was ve...

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For A Limited Time

The Advent and Christmas seasons look forward to and celebrate the birth of Jesus. He is traditionally understood as the eternal second person of the ...

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Constant Change and Christmas Traditions

One of the great universal truisms is that change is the only real constant. When it comes to Christmas traditions, however, change is the exception! ...

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Shepherds and Life Insurance

They have become a required element of any Christmas or Nativity presentations: the trusty shepherds. We regard them with a sacred reverence, but at t...

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The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 Summary

After a series of negotiations in both the House and Senate, a final reconciled version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) appears to be head...

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Client Christmas Event 2017

Thank you to everyone who joined us last Tuesday for our annual Client Christmas Event! We were blessed to enjoy your company, great food, and Christ...

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The Three Wise Plans

One of the cherished elements of Christmas is the Three Wise Men. Scripture doesn’t specify that there were three, but custom —and the mention of ...

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Year-End Charitable Giving 2017

As we come to the end of the year, it is time to consider opportunities for last-minute giving to help the ministries, nonprofits and places of worshi...

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Retirement Plans for the Self-Employed

If you're self employed, retirement planning can be confusing. There are three common retirement plans available for self-employed individuals: &n...

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Is an ETF better than a Mutual Fund?

Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) hold an advantage over mutual funds. ETFs are similar in that shareholders of both will pay any tax due on the income, d...

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The Train Isn’t Leaving the Station Yet

You may be watching the financial markets and worrying you’ve missed the train.  When we hit a period of the market doing well, like we’re experi...

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What's the difference between a fixed and variable annuity?

A fixed annuity is a contract offered by an insurance company that is much like a bank CD. You deposit a certain amount of money and the insurer agree...

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How are mutual funds taxed?

Whenever a mutual fund company passes earnings and other payouts to shareholders, they are known as a distribution.  The tax treatment of these distr...

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How long will $1 million last in retirement?

CNBC recently published a fascinating article about retirement savings. How far will your dollars go in different areas of the country?  The article...

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Ahead of the Curve

We've recently made the decision to reduce our use of mutual funds, and instead rely on individual stocks & EFTs. Here's why we made the switch.

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Celebrating 100!

Ambassador Advisors is pleased to recognize the very special centennial birthday of our client Mary Hannum, born June 9, 1917 in Philadelphia.

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Central Penn Business Journal Spotlights Ambassador Advisors

Read the Central Penn Business Journal article on the growth of faith-based financial planning, featuring our very own Bernie Bostwick.

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Life Insurance Rules and Taxes

Here are some final thoughts to consider when dealing with life insurance policies, including the rules and tax cost of employer-paid life insurance.

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Avoiding Life Insurance Tax Traps

There are some significant traps that can snare you when utilizing life insurance. Here are three life insurance tax traps and their potential solutions.

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Taxes and Life Insurance

Life insurance has an important role in achieving financial independence is one thing. Learn more about insurance and the tax laws that affect it.

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Saving Enough for Retirement

Do you know how much money you will need for your retirement? Make sure you save enough for your retirement years, whether that is 30-35 years or longer.

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Finance In Your Fifties

As you reach age 50, the decisions you make can have a lasting impact on your retirement savings & legacy. Learn how the Planning Life Cycle model can help.

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A Little Pays Off Big

Start saving for retirement as soon as possible and let compound interest work to your advantage. Learn how much adding 1% could mean to you in retirement.

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What's the Best College Savings Account?

If you are a parent or grandparent looking start a college savings account, there are plenty of options available. Learn the benefits & features of each.

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Good Morning, Sun

Many have felt there was a cloud over the economy in recent years. But this morning, while the sun's not yet out, the clouds are lifting.

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Dirk Olds Earns CHARTERED ADVISOR IN PHILANTHROPY (CAP®) Designation

Dirk Olds, a financial advisor based in Binghamton, NY, received his Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®). Learn how this can help with your non-profit.

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Curtis D. Stoltzfus Earns CHARTERED ADVISOR IN PHILANTHROPY (CAP®) Designation

Curtis D. Stoltzfus recently received his Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) designation, so he can better serve nonprofit organizations.

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How Seniors can Cope with Financial Stress

Financial stress is a cyclical problem which is generating health problems and more debt for our senior citizens. Learn how to cope with these issues today.

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Client Christmas Event 2016

See highlights from the 2016 Ambassador Advisors Client Christmas Event. We look forward to seeing you again next year!

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September is Life Insurance Awareness Month

In the 2016 Insurance Barometer Study, 1 in 4 people said they feel they need more life insurance protection. Plan for your legacy with life insurance.

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The Fed and Interest Rates

Bank deposits and treasury securities remain at their lowest levels in fifty years. Here's our thoughts on how this will impact the markets.

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An Unfavorable Unemployment Report

Here's our thoughts on the recent unemployment report, how it will affect the markets, and what you should do about it.

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Back-to-School Tips for 529 College Savings Accounts (Forbes)

Here are some tips for investing in a 529 College Savings account, including how to optimize your savings by geography.

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Financial Planning Tips For US Veterans And Those Who Serve (Forbes)

Here are six financial planning tips for US veterans and those who currently serve, helping them take control of their financial future and feel empowered.

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Dads Share Their Personal Finance Tips

In honor of Father's Day this Sunday, here is some heartfelt & genuine advice from fathers to their children on personal finances.

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Chances of Disability

May is Disability Insurance Awareness Month and is a great time to think about protecting your income with long-term disability insurance.

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Caring in the Workplace

As more individuals are becoming primary caregivers for their parents and loved ones, businesses and employers will need to adjust how we support them.

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Shortcomings of a “Minimum” Retirement Rule (Part 2)

Figuring out how much to save for retirement can be a huge challenge. While some suggest a minimum retirement rule, here is another shortcoming of that plan

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Shortcomings of a “Minimum” Retirement Rule (Part 1)

Figuring out how much to save for retirement can be a huge challenge. While some suggest a minimum retirement rule, here are some shortcomings of that plan.

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Five Common Tax Myths Debunked

Around this time every year, a handful of tax myths rear their ugly heads. Some of them change year to year, but a few stubborn ones just won’t go away.

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How Your Retirement Savings Stack Up (Part 3)

Are you part of the 61% of Americans with a retirement account? Here's how your account compares to others approaching retirement age.

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How Your Retirement Savings Stack Up (Part 2)

41% of Americans approaching retirement have no retirement account. Here's how this group plans to pay for their retirement.

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How Your Retirement Savings Stack Up (Part 1)

As you approach retirement, how does your savings compare against others in your age group? Here are some hard numbers on retirement savings in America.

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Five Common Retirement Saving Mistakes to Avoid (Part 2)

Avoid these common retirement saving mistakes, like diversifying your retirement assets, to set yourself up for a stronger financial future.

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Five Common Retirement Saving Mistakes to Avoid (Part 1)

Avoid these common retirement saving mistakes, like withdrawing funds early, to set yourself up for a stronger financial future.

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Retirement Statistics That You Need to Know, Part 2

There is a retirement crisis in America, but you can still start saving for retirement. Here's what you need to know about retirement in the United States.

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Retirement Statistics That You Need to Know, Part 1

There is a retirement crisis in America, but it's not too late to change your situation. Here's what you need to know about retirement in the United States.

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Goldman Sachs: Recession fear overblown, market to gain 11%

Goldman Sachs recently released a projection report stating that market fears of a recession are overblown. Read a summary of the report.

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Believing the Boom or Bust?

Here at the start of 2016, we have seen pundits worry about the global markets this year. Here are 3 reasons why we think 2016 will be a strong year.

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Self-Evident Truths of Business Growth (Part 4)

Here is the final part of our 4-part series on key areas for business owners to focus on for high performance.

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Self-Evident Truths of Business Growth (Part 3)

Here is part 3 of our series on key areas for business owners to focus on for high performance.

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Self-Evident Truths of Business Growth (Part 2)

Here is part 2 of our series on key areas for business owners to focus on for high performance.

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Self-Evident Truths of Business Growth (Part 1)

Business owners who want their business to have consistently high performance should consider the following key areas to improve.

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Doing More With Your Giving Dollars

There are three ways to meet the challenge of giving more fully: increase income, cut spending, and/or use tax laws to increase your ability to give.

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The Protecting Americans From Tax Hikes Act Of 2015

The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 renews and makes permanent several important tax incentives. Here's what to know about this law.

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Patience: Giving Your Retirement Plan Time To Grow

Like gardening, retirement planning takes time, careful planning, knowledge, and patience.

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Making Sense of “Alphabet Soup”

Our team of qualified financial advisors have a host of designations after their names, including CFP, ChFC, CFA, and CAP. Here's what these mean.

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Trading Tools

In the face of countless investment tools and resources, our team of advisors rely on the right ones to provide you with information about your portfolio.

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Myths and Facts about Social Security (Part 2)

There are many myths and misconceptions about Social Security and how it relates to your retirement plan. Here's part 2 of a blog series on Social Security.

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Myths and Facts about Social Security (Part 1)

There are many myths and misconceptions about Social Security and how it relates to your retirement plan. Here's part 1 of a blog series on Social Security.

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Retirement Considerations for Different Stages of Life (Part 2)

Your plans for retirement should adjust for different stages of life. Here are some more things to consider for your retirement planning.

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Retirement Considerations for Different Stages of Life (Part 1)

Your plans for retirement should adjust for different stages of life. Here are some things to consider for your retirement planning.

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How You Can Help Those You Love with College Costs (Part 2)

As the cost of college education continues to climb, many “outside” family members are stepping in to help. Here's how a 529 account can help with college.

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How You Can Help Those You Love with College Costs (Part 1)

As the cost of college education continues to climb, many “outside” family members are stepping in to help. Here's how to give cash gifts for college.

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What To Do With Extra Cash: Pay Off or Invest? (Part 2)

Should you pay off your mortgage or invest your extra cash? Here are some more things to consider when deciding where to send extra money.

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What To Do With Extra Cash: Pay Off or Invest? (Part 1)

Should you pay off your mortgage or invest your extra cash? Here are some things to consider when deciding where to send extra money.

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Potential Sources of Income in Retirement (Part 2)

Planning out your retirement income can be difficult and may feel like putting together pieces of a puzzle. Here are some additional ideas for where you can look for potential income when nearing retirement.

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Potential Sources of Income in Retirement (Part 1)

Planning out your retirement income can be difficult and may feel like putting together pieces of a puzzle. Here are some ideas for where you can look for potential income when nearing retirement.

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Guide to Growth: Your Business Plan

Whether you’re a current business owner or a budding entrepreneur burning with the next great idea, one of the most important steps you can take on your road to success is creating a business plan.

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Family Legacy Journey

Our Family Legacy Journey is a unique process enabling you to provide your children with essential guidance in handling your affairs.

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Things to Consider When Nearing Retirement (Part 3)

You’ve worked hard your whole life to retire. Here's some final advice to help you carefully manage your assets so your retirement savings will last.

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Things to Consider When Nearing Retirement (Part 2)

You’ve worked hard your whole life to retire. Here's some more advice to help you carefully manage your assets so your retirement savings will last.

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Things to Consider When Nearing Retirement (Part 1)

You’ve worked hard your whole life to retire. Here's some advice to help you carefully manage your assets so your retirement savings will last.

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Protecting Your Identity (Part 2)

You may never be able to completely prevent your identity from being stolen, but here are some more tips to help protect yourself from becoming a victim.

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Protecting Your Identity (Part 1)

You may never be able to completely prevent your identity from being stolen, but here are some tips to help protect yourself from becoming a victim.

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Inside the Market: Growth vs. Value (Part 2)

Here are some of the investment styles our team of advisors rely on when making investment recommendations for your portfolio.

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Inside the Market: Growth vs. Value (Part 1)

Here are some of the objective criteria our team of advisors use when making investment recommendations for your portfolio.

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2015: What Lies Ahead

Warren Buffet famously stated, “Forecasts may tell you a great deal about the forecaster, but they tell you nothing about the future.”  With the ...

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