Applied Financial Planning

06/12/2026

Social Security timing is more personal than many people realize.

Waiting can increase monthly benefits for some retirees. For others, claiming earlier may help address cash flow needs, survivor benefit decisions, or pressure on investments during a difficult market.

The key is knowing which scenario actually applies to you.

In many cases, our parents, grandparents, and great grandparents started collecting their Social Security benefits as late in life as possible. Their

06/10/2026

Estate planning can feel like one of those things you know matters, but keep pushing off.

That makes sense. It asks you to think through your assets, your wishes, your family, and the people who may need to make decisions later.

Our Estate Planning Checklist can help you see what’s already handled and what may still need attention.
https://ow.ly/Gutq50Z8X21

06/08/2026

Good economic news does not always get a good market reaction.

The S&P 500 sold off Friday after a stronger-than-expected jobs report, ending a nine-week winning streak.

But one day rarely tells the whole story.

This week’s commentary looks at why the move may say more about profit-taking and rate expectations than a major shift in the economy.

Friday was a challenging day for stocks. The S&P 500 fell 2.6%, which ended the index’s extraordinary nine-week winning streak. We have not had a

06/03/2026

When people picture retirement, they often focus on a savings goal. The bigger question is what happens next. How will you spend your time? What will give you purpose? How might your lifestyle change over the years?

A retirement plan should account for more than finances.

During your working years, retirement can feel like a distant, far-off time in your life that you hope to get to someday. And though you may think of it

06/01/2026

The S&P 500 just posted its ninth consecutive week of gains. At the same time, consumers continue to spend despite slower income growth and a lower savings rate. Strong markets can make the story feel simple. The reality is often more nuanced.

This week's commentary explores what's happening beneath the headline numbers. https://ow.ly/1MzY50Z6ov7

05/29/2026

A Roth IRA conversion is not just moving money from one account to another.
It is a tax-timing decision.

For some savers, it may help create more flexibility later. For others, the upfront tax bill may not make sense. See what to weigh before making the move: https://ow.ly/9amL50Z4so5

05/27/2026

Early retirement has a nice ring to it.
More room for travel, family, projects, or just a slower morning. But the financial side needs to support that freedom for the long run. If stepping away early is starting to feel real, check how prepared you may be: https://ow.ly/umbZ50Z4sjr

05/26/2026

The rally is real. The question is whether it’s telling the full story.

Stocks have pushed higher for eight straight weeks, but the bond market is moving in the opposite direction. Higher yields are not just noise. They point to inflation pressure, shifting rate expectations, and changing demand for Treasuries.

This week’s Market Commentary takes the wider view: where momentum is still working, where pressure is building, and what to watch from here.

We might sound like a broken record, but stocks gained again last week as the bull market rolls on. The Dow joined the party, as it climbed back above

05/11/2026

The market is sending two messages at once.

Stocks continue to make new highs, helped by strong earnings and a steadier labor market. But inflation is still running hot, and the Fed’s response could shape what comes next.

This week’s Market Commentary breaks down what investors should keep in view.

We might sound like a broken record, but stocks had another great week last week and made more new highs. The S&P 500 traded above 7,300 for the first

05/01/2026

Getting to retirement is one milestone. Making the transition work is another. The planning conversation shifts from “how much have I saved?” to “how does this actually support the life I want next?”

Use this webinar to pressure-test what retirement could look like for you.

Thinking about retiring soon? Make sure you’re prepared for the big transition by watching our What You Need to Do Leading Up to Retirement webinar, now available on-demand.