Western States Financial

06/22/2026

You’ve built up your retirement savings, and now it’s time to use it! But have you mapped out a tax strategy for your retirement income plan yet? Check out our blog on tax-efficient ways to prepare for your summer and beyond!

For many retirees, the idea of retirement is synonymous with freedom. You can exercise that freedom by choosing to spend your days traveling, spending summers with the grandkids, or simply relaxing and taking it day by day without a harried schedule.

06/15/2026

Have you ever considered annuities for your retirement strategy but then heard they were too expensive or complex? Let us set the record straight in this week’s blog about annuity myths and facts. Check it out here:

When you think about retirement income, Social Security might be the first thing that comes to mind. But many pre-retirees are realizing that Social Security was never designed to replace a full salary. In fact, it typically replaces only about 40% of pre-retirement earnings. To bridge

06/08/2026

June is Annuity Awareness Month! Let’s take a look at how annuities work and how they might be able to play a part in your retirement income strategy:

June is typically recognized for the start of summer, which means graduation ceremonies, homebuying season, and wedding season. But for those who are thinking about their financial future, June also represents Annuity Awareness Month. Created by the National Association

06/05/2026

Is it possible to align your values with your investing? And what are the options? In celebration of World Environment Day this Friday, let’s take a look at values-based investing in this week’s blog.

You’ve likely seen it while scrolling through your 401(k) options or during a quick check of your brokerage account: a little leaf icon next to a fund labeled ESG. Initially, ESG was presented as a revolutionary framework, gaining significant traction as investors sought to align their

05/27/2026

This Friday is 529 Day! Get it? May 29th? 5-29? It’s a fun reminder to consider this education-focused investment tool and whether it might be helpful to you or your family.

Check out our breakdown of the 529’s advantages in this week’s blog!

May 29th is quickly approaching, so let’s celebrate 529 Day with a look at this unique financial tool and how it could help benefit you or your family. A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged investment account designed to help

05/22/2026

Have you ever considered what would happen to your lifestyle or retirement goals if you suddenly lost your paycheck? Disability insurance is a way to help protect your plans against unexpected illness or injury.

Read more here:

Disability Insurance: Widening Your Family’s Safety Net In modern America, the “traditional” household has undergone a significant transformation. Gone are the days when a single breadwinner was the norm; today, the dual-income household is the engine of the American economy. Families now rely

05/15/2026

Friday, May 15th, is National Senior Fraud Awareness Day, and in honor of that, we’ve created a quick look at some of the more prevalent scams out there today, how to recognize them, and what to do if you think you’ve been targeted.

Check it out here:

This Friday, May 15th, is National Senior Fraud Awareness Day. This day is dedicated to shedding light on pervasive crimes that have cost older adults billions of dollars in recent years. In 2024, scams reported to

05/13/2026

Confused about the best time on when you should take your social security? There is over 1,000 ways to take it. Come join us at the Norco Library on June 3, 2026 to learn what the best way is for you. You don’t want to miss out!

05/08/2026

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) celebrates Older Americans Month each May, and for 2026, the theme is “Champion Your Health.” Check out our blog to learn some ways to incorporate healthcare planning into your overall retirement strategy and why it’s important!

https://westernstatesfinancial.com/champion-your-health-empowering-older-americans/

04/29/2026

If you’re someone who loves history or is just interested in how your own story fits into the larger human narrative, researching your ancestry offers a meaningful way to connect with the generations that came before you and leave a legacy beyond finances for those coming after.

Check out our blog for some ideas on how to get started.

Genealogy can be a truly fascinating hobby, and uncovering your family’s history can bring the past to life in a fresh and personal way. If you’re someone who loves history or is just interested in how your own story fits into the larger human