Hillcrest Financial Group

05/28/2026

Retirement redefined! Former teacher, Jeff Kellert, found a new purpose and community through volunteering. But it isn't just about giving back; it's a powerful way to boost health and happiness. Ready to make a difference post-career? Learn more: https://bit.ly/3yJt3T0

When helping others, volunteers also help themselves. They might even live longer. Jacquelyn Stephens is a psychologist at the nonprofit Mather Institute who researches how to age well.

05/27/2026

Retirement doesn’t have to mean stopping work all at once. Here are 3 ways to shape a next chapter that fits you:

Ease in gradually: Cut hours, shift to a mentor role, or take a sabbatical. Staying connected to work on your terms feels more natural than a hard stop for many people.
Turn passions into paychecks: Hobby jobs, travel gigs, and part-time roles in fields you love add income, structure, and purpose without the grind.
Reinvent entirely: New certifications, entrepreneurship, or a second career can bring the fulfillment your first one never did.
Read more ideas for building a retirement that feels right for you: https://bit.ly/3RAfSN4

Ease into retirement at your own pace and in a way that aligns with your interests.

05/27/2026

A few strategies that may help you maximize your Social Security income.

There are other ways to maximize Social Security benefits, in addition to waiting to claim them.

05/26/2026

Identity theft can happen fast, but a few smart habits can make you harder to target.

Lock your credit: A credit freeze at all three bureaus can help prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
Strengthen logins: Use unique passwords, a password manager, and two-factor authentication whenever possible.
Stay alert: Review financial accounts and credit reports regularly so you can catch suspicious activity early.
Read the full checklist of steps to help protect your personal and financial data: https://bit.ly/3RhIs5P

Taking strides to protect personal data is important to safeguard one’s financial security.

05/25/2026

05/25/2026

Are you looking for a balance? Find yours, starting with this video.

The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.

05/24/2026

Congress wants EV owners to pay an annual road maintenance fee since they skip the gas tax that funds highway repairs. Critics say the proposed charge is nearly double what most gas drivers pay. Read about the debate and what the fee could mean for you: https://bit.ly/42F4qlM

A House transportation bill introduced this week would require owners of electric cars to pay $130 to cover the cost of road repairs.

05/23/2026

Retirement planning isn’t always one shared timeline. When spouses have different ages, work plans, or Social Security dates, income may need to be planned in stages. See how a phased approach can help: https://bit.ly/4eUa2jq

I am eight years younger than my spouse. He retired at 61 and just took Social Security at 62. I left my full time job at the same time as his retirement, at 53, but I am still working in a part-time remote manner. When plugging in our figures into retirement calculators, they seem to […] The post...

05/22/2026

One hospitalization can put major pressure on a family’s savings, especially when aging parents don’t have the right health coverage. Before choosing a policy, here are a few details to check:

Access: Some rules now make it easier for seniors to apply, but premiums, exclusions, and conditions can still vary.
Fine print: Waiting periods, co-pays, and limits on hospital room coverage may leave families paying more than expected.
Claims: Advertised claim numbers don’t always show how policies perform for older adults specifically.
Source: https://bit.ly/4drUvor

You are sitting outside the operation theatre. One of your parents has just had a heart attack and needs open-heart surgery. The other is diabetic. Both are over 60. Neither has health insurance. One hospitalisation is all it takes to wipe out years of savings and disrupt every plan your family has....

05/22/2026

Ever wonder about those free credit scores you get once a year?

What’s the deal with your yearly free credit report?

05/21/2026

A will isn’t a “set it and forget it” document, and an outdated plan can create stress for the people you care about.

Review every few years: Even without major changes, laws, finances, and family needs can shift over time.
Act after life events: Marriage, divorce, a new child, a death, or a major financial change may be a reason to revisit your documents.
Check the details: Beneficiaries, executors, trustees, and guardians should still reflect your current wishes.