Century Business & Financial Services SM

05/04/2026

This is a hypothetical example and is not representative of any specific investment or combination of investments. Illustration assumes Early Investor contributes $10,000 annually to a tax-deferred retirement account for ten years, while Late Investor contributes $10,000 annually for thirty years. Both accounts earn a hypothetical 6 percent annual rate of return. Consider your ability to make contributions over time before committing to a long-term strategy.

The early investor put in $100,000.
The late investor put in $300,000.

They ended up with nearly the same amount.

Let that sink in.

Starting early didn't just save money—it saved $200,000 in contributions. Same destination, a third of the effort. That's not a financial trick. That's time doing what money alone never can.

If you've been waiting for the "right time" to start investing, this chart is your sign. Save this post and share it with someone who needs to see it.

05/01/2026

Extended care is one of the biggest wild cards in retirement.

Costs vary by location, care type, and health needs—but they've all been rising faster than many realize.

These five insights can help you understand what drives costs and why they often catch retirees by surprise.



Sources:
CareScout, Cost of Care Report, July–December 2024
AALTCI, Long-Term Care Insurance Statistics & Data 2025
EBRI/Greenwald, 2025 Retirement Confidence Survey, April 2025

05/01/2026

A growing number of Americans are carrying credit card balances, highlighting ongoing financial pressure for many households.

Recent data shows that about 50% of credit card holders—roughly 111 million people—currently carry debt, marking a notable increase over the past several years.

At the same time, borrowing costs remain elevated. Average credit card interest rates are now above 23%, making it more expensive for balances to grow over time.

Some households are adjusting by cutting back on discretionary spending, delaying larger purchases, or relying more heavily on credit to cover everyday expenses.

These trends reflect how shifts in costs, interest rates, and income can influence day-to-day financial decisions across a wide range of households.


Source:

About 111 million Americans are carrying credit card balances, a 17% increase in five years, new research shows.

04/30/2026

A common online security tool is now being used in a new type of scam.

Cybercriminals are increasingly using fake CAPTCHA prompts — the familiar “I’m not a robot” checks — to trick users into taking actions that can compromise their devices.

Instead of a simple verification, these prompts may ask users to click “Allow,” enable notifications, or follow additional steps that can lead to persistent pop-ups, phishing attempts, or unwanted software.

These scams often appear through ads, suspicious links, or redirected web pages, making them harder to spot at first glance.

Security experts note that legitimate CAPTCHA tests do not require enabling notifications, downloading files, or entering system commands — making those requests a potential red flag.

As these tactics evolve, staying cautious when interacting with unexpected prompts can help reduce exposure to online threats.


Source:

Cybercriminals are increasingly using fake CAPTCHA prompts to trick users into enabling malware and scam notifications Security experts warn the ta

11/11/2025

Are you working on your estate planning package? Keep reading to learn about a few important points you should include.

11/11/2025

Money is one of the top sources of tension in relationships — but experts say even strong couples can stumble if they avoid key conversations.

After studying more than 60 couples, money expert Heather Boneparth found that the happiest partners share five habits:

1. They adapt when circumstances change, rather than sticking to outdated money routines.

2. They don’t dwell on financial regrets or let shame define their decisions.

3. They avoid holding past mistakes over each other’s heads.

4. They focus on shared priorities instead of constant comparison.

5. They stay honest about spending and goals, building trust through transparency.

The takeaway? Communication matters as much as cash flow. Open conversations can help partners align values and expectations — and reduce unnecessary stress around money.


Source:

"You can love each other deeply and still allow money to erode your relationship if you're talking about the wrong issues, or not talking at all," writes money expert Heather Boneparth.

11/10/2025

Picture this: You’re 30, juggling a mortgage, daycare pickup, and that promotion you’ve been working toward. Estate planning? That’s for…

11/09/2025

Dreaming of your own city apartment? The latest “Carrie Bradshaw Index” from The Economist shows that in many places, it’s getting harder to afford.

The report found that 41 of 100 major U.S. cities are now unaffordable for solo renters — up from 38 last year. To comfortably rent a studio in New York City, you’d need to earn $151,600 annually, more than $90,000 above the median income.

Miami, Jersey City, and Charleston also rank among the least affordable markets. Researchers say the shift reflects post-pandemic demand for city living, persistent rent growth, and wage stagnation in many metro areas.


Source:

The Economist ranked 100 of the major U.S. cities by affordability for people who want to live alone.

11/06/2023

In a week with little economic data, there are still three specific data points CIO feels show a positive market. Join him on the latest episode of as he explains why he believes key events including this week’s Fed meeting and October economic reports may help improve market sentiment. https://bcove.video/3ZLBnJB

11/05/2023

Tax freedom day: the day you begin earning money for yourself.

Assess how many days you'll work to pay your federal tax liability.