Kenneth K. Apessos, CFP - Equitable Advisors

11/02/2026

🧠 Here’s a thought…
“Estate” isn’t just about assets; it also involves thoughtful preparation for how responsibilities and decisions may be handled in the future. Whether you're outlining your wishes or reviewing existing strategies, TODAY is a great time to reflect on what matters most.

Have you also considered…
💭 Updating your will
💭 Considering powers of attorney
💭 Exploring strategies for future generations
💭 Aiming to reduce potential stress for loved ones

Everyone’s situation is unique. Work with your team of professionals today!

10/30/2026

Approaching age 50? This milestone opens the door to catch-up contributions, allowing you to supercharge your retirement savings:

* 401(k) Plans: Contribute an additional $8,000 annually, raising your limit to $32,500 (for 2026).

* IRAs: Add an extra $1,100 annually, increasing your limit to $8,600 (if eligible). Catch-up contributions are a great way to close savings gaps and accelerate progress toward your financial goals. At this stage, it’s also wise to:

* Review Your Savings Plan: Ensure contributions align with your retirement timeline and lifestyle goals.

* Balance Risk & Growth: Adjust your portfolio to reflect your evolving needs as you near retirement.

* Optimize Tax Efficiency: Explore tax-advantaged strategies to maximize savings along with your tax professional.

Let’s connect to tailor a plan to your unique financial situation!

10/26/2026

Thinking about rolling over your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan into an IRA? Here are some compelling reasons to consider this move:

* Greater Investment Options: IRAs typically offer a wider range of investment choices, allowing for a more tailored strategy to meet your retirement goals.

* Account Consolidation: Simplify your financial life by consolidating multiple retirement accounts, making it easier to manage and track your progress.

* Potential for Lower Fees: IRAs can often have lower administrative fees compared to employer plans, potentially enhancing your returns over time.

* Improved Estate Planning: Enjoy more flexibility with beneficiary designations and distribution options, beneficial for estate planning.

* Continued Tax Advantages: Like your current plan, IRAs offer tax-deferred growth, allowing investments to compound without immediate tax impact.

Considerations:

* Employer Plan Benefits: Some plans have unique perks worth considering, such as institutional options or loan provisions.

* Withdrawal Penalties: Be cautious of penalties and tax implications for early withdrawals.

* Potential Expenses: Rolling a 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan into an IRA could come with higher fees or charges.

Consider expenses before making a decision.

Let’s connect to explore if a rollover aligns with your financial strategy!

10/07/2026

The price you see on the shelf may not be the exact amount you pay at checkout.

With penny production ended, some merchants have started rounding cash purchases up or down to the nearest nickel. Depending on the total, that could mean a few cents more or a few cents less.

Paying by credit card may come with another wrinkle. Some retailers and service providers are adding surcharges to help offset card processing costs, which may increase the final price.

That means the same purchase could cost slightly different amounts depending on whether you use cash, debit, or credit.

Before you pay, take a second to compare the total for cash, debit, and credit so you know which option makes the most sense for that purchase.


Source:

More merchants are rounding change for cash purchases to the nearest nickel due to the end of penny production, or adding surcharges to credit card transactions.

10/01/2026

🌴 More Americans are deciding that enjoying life now matters just as much as making financial progress for later.

A recent SoFi survey found that 72% of Americans would be willing to make slower progress toward their financial goals so they can spend more time with family, travel more, and prioritize meaningful experiences.

That doesn’t necessarily mean abandoning long-term goals. In fact, 59% of respondents said enjoying life is how they define financial progress, compared with 27% who pointed to owning a home.

The challenge is finding a balance between what matters now and what matters later. ✈️ That can mean making room for a vacation, concert, or family event while still keeping an eye on retirement savings and debt.

But charge that trip to a credit card and carry a balance, and interest can turn a two-week memory into a much longer bill.

What does financial progress look like to you: reaching the next milestone, enjoying more of life now, or some mix of both?


Source:

SoFi found 72% of Americans are willing to make slower progress on financial goals to prioritize family, travel and meaningful experiences.

09/30/2026

Life insurance is often framed as something you only think about "just in case."

But for many people, it can be part of a broader financial foundation—supporting both current flexibility and future considerations.

From how coverage works to what employer benefits actually provide, understanding the basics can make it easier to decide what fits your situation.

Several factors affect the cost and availability of life insurance. And any guarantees associated with a policy depend on the issuing insurance company's ability to continue making claim payments.

09/24/2026

Check out LPL Financial Research's Weekly Commentary on the market: "What's Holding Up Record Margins?"https://static.fmgsuite.com/media/documents/97aaf834-e042-444e-86eb-7e95e6028f62.pdf

09/16/2026

Check out LPL Financial Research's Weekly Commentary on the market: "What History Says About Fed Hikes and Stocks". https://static.fmgsuite.com/media/documents/9a071a37-9e1e-4c8d-91c7-0ffb26a3195e.pdf

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day! 🛠️
Today, we take a moment to recognize and appreciate the hard work of individuals across the nation.

Whether you're relaxing at home or enjoying a well-deserved day off, I hope you're able to recharge and enjoy this special day.

To the builders, creators, and doers: Happy Labor Day!

09/05/2026

There are so many reasons to create a will this month, but here are three big ones to consider:

Direct Your Property: Creating a will tells the courts how you want your property distributed. Without a will, state laws will determine how your estate is divided, which may not align with your intentions.

Provide instructions to the probate court: A will can help manage the probate process, providing instructions to the court.

Designate Guardianship for Minor Children: If you have minor children, a will allows you to appoint a guardian to care for them. This crucial step directs that your children are raised by someone you trust, rather than leaving the decision to the courts.