Applied Financial Planning

10/23/2026

Pay taxes now or when you retire? A Roth IRA conversion lets you pay taxes on retirement savings today so you can withdraw that money tax-free later if you meet certain requirements. But whether that trade-off makes sense depends on your income, your tax situation, and when you’ll need the money.

Wondering if a Roth IRA conversion could fit into your retirement plan? Learn about the benefits, the costs, and why timing matters:

With larger traditional IRA account balances and changing tax laws, Roth IRA conversions have emerged as a compelling strategy in retirement planning,

10/21/2026

When you’re steeped in the day-to-day of running a business, it can be hard to find time to plan for an eventual exit. But there’s a lot to consider, including keeping taxes in check, ensuring a smooth transition, and making sure you have enough money to retire on your terms.
Weighing your options for a future exit? Learn about five common business exit planning mistakes and how to avoid them:

Business succession plans and business exit planning are critical for small business owners. Learn what common exit planning mistakes you should avoid.

10/19/2026

Midterm elections are almost here. History suggests stocks could have more room to run, but much of this bull market’s strength depends on AI.

How is AI spending affecting corporate profits, bond yields, and inflation, and what could that mean for investors? Explore these trends in our latest Market Commentary:

The S&P 500 fell 1.9% last week (total return). What’s amazing is that 10 of the 11 sectors that make up the S&P 500 outperformed the index. But

10/14/2026

As a small business owner, you probably end up wearing a lot of hats. But one of the most important of your many responsibilities is managing finances—it can be the difference between a thriving business and one that’s struggling.

Need some support in this area? Check out our 7 tips for keeping your business financials in check over the long run:

Running a small business involves juggling multiple responsibilities, and managing the business’s finances is one of the most crucial aspects. Proper

10/12/2026

What a ride the past four years have been. With so many seeing a recession ahead in late 2022, we were bullish. And four years later, we still think this bull may have more room to run.
But how will the upcoming midterm elections affect the market? Get our insights in the latest Market Commentary:

The S&P 500 hit a new closing high Tuesday last week, its first new high since August 13. A new high confirms we’re still in a bull market and this

10/09/2026

Retirement can be exciting. But it can also bring a lot of uncertainty.

The good news? Thoughtful planning can help you feel more confident about what comes next.
Avoiding these common retirement planning mistakes can help you start the next chapter on the right foot:

You’re about to approach one of the biggest milestones in your lifetime: retirement. For many retirees, this is a momentous event that gives you much

10/07/2026

Now is a good time to take a closer look at your financial picture, including your tax situation.
You may still find opportunities to make strategic moves that could help reduce your tax burden today and support your long-term financial goals.

Check out 10 year-end tax planning strategies we think you should consider:

October is here. As the year draws to a close, it’s crucial to review your tax situation and take advantage of any tax and estate planning strategies that

10/05/2026

The latest economic data is giving investors a mixed picture. The labor market remains solid, which is encouraging for the economy and markets. At the same time, inflation is proving to be persistent.

What does it mean for investors? Our latest market commentary breaks down what’s happening with jobs, inflation, rate hikes, and the markets:

Stocks bounced to close the week, with the Nasdaq jumping 1.2% on Friday and finishing the week up 0.5%. It wasn't a clean sweep. The S&P 500 slipped

10/02/2026

A low monthly premium can look appealing when you’re comparing Medicare plans. But it’s only one piece of the decision.

The doctors you want to keep seeing, the prescriptions you take, and even where you spend your time can all affect which coverage works better for you.

Here are a few things worth looking at before you choose: https://ow.ly/JLw550ZSra9

09/30/2026

Medicare timing can sneak up on you.

Your initial enrollment period usually starts three months before the month you turn 65 and continues for three months after. But things like employer coverage can change when you need to sign up.

A little planning now can help you understand which window applies to you:

Your plan shouldn't look the same when you’re 55 as it did when you were 35, and part of that is because you have ever-changing goals. So how do you know when it’s time to adjust your financial plan?