Personal Insights

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How Empty Nesters Are Downsizing

Today's empty nesters are taking four different approaches to downsizing—including upsizing.

The tried-and-true strategy of buying a smaller home once your kids become independent may still be the best option for many.

Ideas for Preserving Generational Wealth

Once your retirement is secure, you may want to pursue strategies to preserve wealth beyond your lifetime.

One of the biggest things we talk about in planning is what your lifestyle bucket looks like and what your legacy bucket looks like.

A Strategic Approach to Social Security Benefits

Determining when to start your benefits is one of your key pre-retirement decisions.

Figuring out the right time to claim may also depend on your spouse's situation, your work plans and the other savings you have to support your retirement.

HELOC Versus Home Equity Loan: How to Choose

Before tapping into your home's equity, know the pros and cons of a HELOC versus home equity loan.

While the two options share similar benefits, there are some critical differences between a HELOC and home equity loan that may impact which is the right fit for your goals.

10 Home Improvements That Increase Value

See which home remodeling projects actually pay for themselves.

When it comes to home improvements that add value, projects that increase curb appeal tend to have high return on investment.

Comparing Loans for Home Improvement

Learn the pros and cons of six popular types of loans for home improvement projects.

When it comes to financing home renovations, you have many options to choose from—each with its own pros and cons.

How to Take Full Advantage of a Pay Raise

Learn how your next steps after a raise can help you take control of your finances and your future.

Once you have a sense of how much extra income the pay raise will actually produce, you can begin figuring out the best ways to put it to work.

Wealth Management Technology Can Help Power Your Financial Planning

There's no replacement for professional advice, but tech tools can add power and precision to the advice you get from your human advisor.

Wealth management technology isn't just an option—it's essential to your pursuit of prosperity.

Car Buying Trends in the 2024 Market

The markets for new, used and electric vehicles are shifting rapidly.

While inventory levels continue to stabilize, semiconductor chip shortages are still playing a role in keeping dealer supply relatively low in 2024.

Ease Fears of Running Out of Retirement Money

No amount of worry can increase your account balance, so focus on what you can control.

With retirement, it's not just about the numbers. It's asking, 'What is retirement going to look like? What do I really need to survive? What do I need to be happy?

Put Your Retirement Plans Through a Stress Test

It's good to take a realistic look at your dreams and interests before your retirement date arrives.

While there are plenty of unknown variables in any retirement outlook—think market volatility, life expectancy and inflation—you can try to control and plan for certain aspects.

A Guide to 2024 Housing Market Trends

Our bankers weigh in on what may happen to home sales in light of interest rate moves and changes to agents' fees.

Things may be looking up for both buyers and sellers.

Securing Your Financial Future During a Divorce

It's important to surround yourself with the right advisors and follow some crucial steps during a divorce.

Creating a plan and being sure you're making decisions about everything that's in your control at this time is critical.

Unique Planning Challenges When Caring for a Child With Special Needs

From special needs trusts to government resources, families need to consider a broad array of options.

There's an entire ecosystem of factors influencing financial planning for families with special needs.

Save Smarter for Retirement With These Strategies

Once you have enough for retirement, other saving options may hold advantages.

For 401(k)s, watch out for the notion that retirement planning is merely is limited to opening a 401(k) and then putting as much money into it as you can.

College Savings: The Rules are Changing

529 plans have more flexibility than they once did, and there are other ways to save for college.

While 529s are the only tax-advantaged savings vehicle for college, there are other options that do create flexibility.

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This material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be an offer, specific investment strategy, recommendation or solicitation to purchase or sell any security or insurance product, and should not be construed as legal, tax or accounting advice. Please consult with your legal or tax advisor regarding the particular facts and circumstances of your situation prior to making any financial decision. While we believe that the information presented is from reliable sources, we do not represent, warrant or guarantee that it is accurate or complete.

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