Cynthia Branca, Certified Financial Planner

09/02/2026

A windfall from a loved one can be both rewarding and complicated. Learn how to cope with such an outcome with this message.

09/02/2026

This Monthly Recap summarizes market performance, major events and news from August 2026. Read more here:

U.S. stocks returned to gains in August after the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite both ended negative the prior two months while the Dow Industrials capped a…

08/31/2026

What will this week's economic data mean for rate hike odds?
Join Chief Market Strategist Brian Klimke on this week's episode of as he breaks down key reports on manufacturing, services, employment, and Friday's closely watched jobs report. With the Fed meeting just two weeks away, markets will be looking to see whether the data strengthens or weakens the case for another hike.

“Cetera Financial Group” refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. All firms...

08/31/2026

Not sure which option makes more sense for you? This calculator lets you compare two scenarios head-to-head so you can make a more informed choice.

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08/28/2026

Some hospitals and medical providers are asking patients to pay more before receiving non-emergency care.

The trend comes as deductibles, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket costs continue to rise.

Traditionally, many patients received bills after treatment. Now, some providers are collecting preservice deposits based on their estimate of what a patient may owe.

A KFF Health News report noted that the average deductible for employer-sponsored family coverage is $3,762 per person. The average deductible for Affordable Care Act marketplace coverage rose 37% this year to $3,786.

For patients, upfront payment requests can create confusion, especially when insurance networks, deductibles, and estimated costs are unclear.

Emergency care has different rules. Hospitals that accept Medicare funding cannot demand upfront payment before stabilizing a patient who arrives at an emergency room.

For non-emergency care, it may be worth asking for an itemized estimate, confirming network status, and checking with the insurance company before making a large payment.


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Hospitals and other medical providers are increasingly asking for payment before providing care, collecting more of what patients might owe.

08/28/2026

How much life insurance is enough? Use this calculator to get a better sense of the coverage that may make sense for your family and financial situation.

Estimate how much life insurance coverage may be appropriate for your situation.

08/26/2026

Renter? Think you’re covered by the owner’s insurance? Do a double check.

Don’t overlook the need for renter’s insurance if you rent your home.

08/25/2026

For many homeowners, the biggest weather risk may no longer be hurricanes.

New research from First Street found that severe convective storms, including tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds, have become the costliest insured natural disasters worldwide.

In 2025, these storms accounted for one-third of global natural disaster economic losses. Insured and uninsured losses totaled $82 billion, with $68 billion concentrated in the U.S.

Hail is the biggest driver of insurance payouts within this category, followed by severe winds.

These storms tend to move quickly, but they can cause widespread damage to homes, cars, businesses, and infrastructure.

For homeowners, the growing cost of severe weather can show up in more than repairs. It may also affect insurance premiums, property maintenance, emergency savings, and long-term housing costs.

As weather risks shift, it can be worth reviewing coverage, deductibles, and how prepared your household is for unexpected property damage.


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Severe "convective" storms account for roughly a third of global natural disaster economic losses, a new study finds.

08/24/2026

Markets face plenty of uncertainty, but investors may be looking past the next rate decision and toward Jackson Hole.
In this week's episode of , CIO Gene Goldman discusses what to expect from the first Jackson Hole symposium under Fed Chair Kevin Warsh, including the future of Fed communications, the message behind rising Treasury yields, and how policymakers are navigating an economy that is sending mixed signals.

“Cetera Financial Group” refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. All firms...

08/24/2026

The truth is a little more complicated with these personal finance idioms.

Check out this video to begin separating fact from fiction.