Stars and Stripes Financial Services

06/24/2026

A will is essential, but it’s not meant to hold every detail of your life. Including the wrong assets can trigger legal battles, lost inheritances, or public exposure of private information. Consider these guidelines:

Keep beneficiary accounts out: Life insurance, 401(k)s, and IRAs pass directly to named beneficiaries and will override anything in your will, causing conflicts.
Never list passwords or account numbers: Wills become public court documents after death, exposing sensitive financial data to anyone who requests it.
Use trusts for special cases: Pets, special needs dependents, business interests, and fi****ms require separate legal structures to avoid complications.
Source: https://bit.ly/qokTh

If you're unclear about the 10 things you should leave out of your will when drafting your estate plan, check out what legal experts have to say.

06/23/2026

Few retirees plan for the day they may need to stop driving, but for many families, that moment eventually comes. Since loss of independence can nearly double depression symptoms, frame the discussion with empathy and a solution-oriented approach:

Begin with supportive steps like vision checks, safer cars, and driving evaluations
Watch for early warning signs and involve medical professionals when needed
Prepare alternatives from rideshares to community programs to help them stay connected and independent
Source: https://bit.ly/qilpTh

Does your older spouse or parent need to stop driving? It's one of the hardest transitions in aging, and there's no simple fix.

06/22/2026

Gen Z may be delaying traditional milestones, but they’re becoming the generation most on track for a secure retirement. This success is largely attributed to auto-enrollment, early savings habits, and decades of compounding. See why their head start matters: https://bit.ly/awyuM

A higher share of Gen Z is on track to be ready for retirement at age 65 than any other adult generation, and time isn't the only factor on their side.

06/21/2026

Surprising twist: 72% of Americans say they'd be happier saving more money, not spending it. Even high earners prefer building wealth over buying stuff. Find out why "keeping up" with peers now means matching their savings rate, not their lifestyle: https://bit.ly/eplkiM

While financial happiness is typically framed as a choice between spending on material goods or spending on experiences, many Americans are expressing a different desire for their money: saving more.

06/20/2026

Think estate planning ends with a will? Think again. Trusts aren’t just for the ultra-wealthy—they can simplify your legacy, protect assets, and keep family affairs private. Three things to know:

Revocable trusts offer control and flexibility butdon’tshield assets from taxes or creditors.
Irrevocable trusts reduce taxes and protect assets, but you give up control onceestablished.
The right trust depends on your goals—privacy, protection, or tax strategy.
Source: https://bit.ly/relkTu

Your choice to set up a revocable vs an irrevocable trust could have a big impact on your heirs.

06/19/2026

Financial scams targeting older Americans now cost seniors more than $28 billion each year, often using impersonation, fear, and sophisticated tactics. Learn how banks are stepping up to stop elder fraud — and the warning signs families should know: https://bit.ly/4aRoypO

Older Americans are losing billions of dollars annually to financial exploitation. Banks and investment firms are training employees to spot red flags and stop the transactions.

06/18/2026

Did you know that artificial intelligence (AI) tools can help with personal money matters? These chatbots can offer basic yet valuable insights. However, for complex finances, consulting a human is key. Learn how to balance AI with expert advice: https://yhoo.it/3PcT7KZ

06/11/2026

May was a strong month for investors, with major indices reaching record highs, earnings beating expectations, and gains broadening beyond big tech. Watch the latest Market Thoughts video from Commonwealth to learn what this could mean for portfolios: https://bit.ly/43bKIOU

In his latest Market Thoughts video, Chris Fasciano explores the economic and market landscape, including what investors can expect in the months ahead.

06/10/2026

Many business owners plan to fund retirement by selling their company someday. But a profitable business and a sellable business aren’t always the same thing.

Profit doesn’t guarantee a buyer: Buyers want a company that can run without the founder. If sales, relationships, or daily decisions depend on you personally, the value may be lower than expected.
The transition window is getting crowded: Millions of small businesses are expected to change hands by 2035, which could mean more sellers competing for qualified buyers.
Start earlier than feels necessary: Strong exits usually take years of preparation, from documenting systems to building a team that can operate independently.
If your exit strategy is “sell the business someday,” here’s more about what that requires: https://bit.ly/4eiTJMa

06/09/2026

Some Gen Zers are opening the door to homeownership earlier than expected, even in a tough market. Here are a few things they’re doing differently:

Save with purpose: Some younger buyers are cutting costs, living at home longer, or saving aggressively to build a stronger down payment.
Think beyond major cities: More affordable markets can make buying realistic when larger metro areas feel out of reach.
Use every available tool: Down payment assistance, careful student loan decisions, and early financial planning may help improve readiness.
See what future buyers can learn from today’s young homeowners: https://bit.ly/4vtMzL3

Gen Z homeowners now outpace millennials at the same age. They're more likely to be single and less likely to use help from parents.