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All couples hope for a “happily ever after,” but it’s no secret that money issues can be primary reasons partners split up or divorce. To avoid future battles over finances, it’s smart to put all your cards—credit and otherwise—on the table.

When someone uses your name, credit card, social security number, or other financial information to commit a crime, you are a victim of identity theft. Luckily, you can take steps to make it more difficult for thieves to access your personal data.

We’ve discussed the debt ceiling crisis in past articles, and now it’s back in the headlines. What does this mean, and why are we watching it now? Several months ago, the United States borrowed as much money as it’s legally allowed to borrow and, since then, has been prohibited from borrowing more. In the language of the headlines, we have hit the “debt ceiling.” If that sounds like an awkward situation, that’s because it is awkward. It also raises very real economic and market risks, which are being played out in the headlines. Let’s analyze in detail what this all means.

In recent weeks, there has been much ado about the dollar. Questions and concerns have arisen about de-dollarization, central bank digital currencies, and what the government might do to your savings. The root of these concerns seems to be the notion that the value of the dollar will collapse sometime soon, making our savings valueless. Let’s address that core question, and then dig into similar scary headlines.

The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank set off a whirlwind of activity in the banking sector, the markets, and the global economy. How can we make sense of what occurred and what it means going forward? Brad McMillan, CFA^®, CAIA, MAI, managing principal and chief investment officer at Commonwealth Financial Network^®, the firm we partner with to serve you, shares a summary of the situation in his recent article, “The Week of Bank Collapses: A Q&A.” Brad offers a recap of what happened and his perspective on the potential implications.

Contributing to a Roth IRA is an extremely efficient way to save for retirement. The earlier contributions are made, the more time savings have to grow tax free. Wouldn’t it be great if your children could take advantage of a Roth IRA and start saving in their teenage years? Good news! They can. Your child may be eligible to open a minor-owned Roth IRA to start saving for retirement, as well as other future expenses.

Whether you’re looking to make a New Year’s resolution or you’re simply trying to implement some information security best practices, you would be well served to start using a password manager. Why?

On December 29, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, an omnibus spending bill that includes the SECURE 2.0 measure (a.k.a. the Securing a Strong Retirement Act 2.0). Broadly, SECURE 2.0 is intended to make retirement saving more straightforward and accessible to a wider range of people. As such, it encompasses many aspects of financial planning and retirement saving.

Retirement is hardly as easy as stopping work on Friday and breaking out the golf clubs on Saturday. Here are some things to think about before your co-workers take you out for a final, celebratory meal.

Retirement planning is complicated. Many individuals put off saving, thinking that retirement is years away—until it isn’t. Then, in their 40s and 50s, they start to panic and wonder how they’ll catch up.