Getting your finances started on the right foot doesn’t require drastic changes. Small, consistent steps—such as prioritizing savings, using tax-advantaged accounts, and understanding cash flow—can build lasting financial momentum over time.
We all deal with interest rates in various ways: in the interest we pay to mortgage lenders or credit card companies; in the interest we collect from our fixed-income and other interest-bearing investments. The difference—both in the effect of interest rates on our financial situation and our attitude toward them—is largely determined by which side of the interest rate transaction we happen to be on.
What many may not realize is that beneficiary designations supersede the terms of wills and trusts, which means that such misalignment can do serious damage to even the most carefully crafted estate plan.
You had a will drawn up, signed, and notarized; you created a power of attorney and a health care directive. You’re all done, right? Your estate planning is set, and you can move on to more pleasant endeavors.
Not necessarily.
Many of us think of insurance as the product we hope we’ll never need. Indeed, insurance remains a vital part of most financial plans. For many of the important things in life, it makes sense to shift some or all of the financial burden onto an insurance company. And in many cases—your home and your vehicles, for example—insurance is a legal requirement.
Let’s face it: no one actually looks forward to a discussion that touches on the passing of a loved one. Maybe that’s why so many families tend to avoid the topics of inheritance and estate planning.
Recently featured in NAPFA Advisor, The Planning Center has garnered recognition for its unique and multi-generational approach to financial planning. Leading this innovative strategy is Michael
Are you an owner of a corporation, LLC, limited partnership, or any entity whose existence is created by a filing with a secretary of state in any state? If so, your business may be subject to new requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act’s (CTA) Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting.
“Retirement age” doesn’t mean the same thing it did twenty years ago—or even ten years ago. From the “FIRE” movement—with advocates focused on retiring in their 50s or younger—to those pursuing a “second act”—a second career following a full first career—retirement age has come to mean many different things to many different people. But what’s the right age for you? Our article can help you decide.
An older businessman once asked a young associate what the term “financial independence” meant to him. The young man thought a moment, then replied, “It’s when your paycheck is always enough to take care of your expenses.” The older man smiled and shook his head. “Financial independence,” he said, “is when it doesn’t matter whether you get a paycheck or not.”
The nuances of executive compensation require careful attention to some specific elements and potential issues. Let’s talk about some of the basics of executive compensation, how they might fit into your long-term financial strategy, and some particular matters that deserve specific focus.
In a fascinating article from USA Today, JJ Sessions provides valuable insight into the intricacies of inheriting a Roth IRA. As a guest, Sessions delves into
Stay informed with the latest financial insights from our experts.
ALASKA
310 K Street
Suite 405
Anchorage, AK 99501
FRESNO
7055 N Maple Ave
Suite 108
Fresno, CA 93720
QUAD CITIES
1615 Fifth Avenue
Moline, Illinois 61265
IOWA CITY
136 S Dubuque St,
Iowa City, IA 52240
CHICAGO
303 West Erie Street
Suite 311
Chicago, IL 60654
NEW ORLEANS
1521 Washington Ave.
Suite B
New Orleans, LA 70115
TWIN CITIES
1650 West End Boulevard
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
The Planning Center © 2026
