Kevin Caffery, Jr. Equitable Advisors

09/02/2026

Saving for retirement gets a lot of attention. Spending those savings can be just as important.

A recent survey found that only 31% of Americans know what “decumulation” means — the process of drawing down retirement assets over time.

That uncertainty may help explain why some retirees spend far less than they could. One report found that about one-third of retirees still had 100% or more of their initial retirement assets by their mid-80s.

For many people, the concern is not just having enough saved. It is knowing how to use those savings while accounting for healthcare costs, inflation, taxes, market changes, and longevity.

Common withdrawal guidelines, such as the 4% rule, may provide a starting point, but they do not account for every personal circumstance.

The transition from saving to spending can be both emotional and financial. After decades of building retirement assets, using them thoughtfully can take a different kind of confidence.


Source:

Many Americans spend decades saving for retirement, but lack a plan for using that money once they stop working, a new survey finds. Here's what to know.

09/01/2026

Back-to-school season is bringing higher costs for many families.

A new analysis found that a typical basket of school items, including notebooks, lunch boxes, and index cards, is up nearly 8% compared with last year.

School lunches are also more expensive, with the cost of a typical packed lunch up 11%.

The analysis estimates families may spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, including about $175 on school items and $3,800 on packed lunches.

Some items have seen especially sharp increases. Lunch boxes are up 27%, one-subject notebooks are up 23%, and index cards are up 22%.

Higher tariffs, imported school supplies, food prices, and energy costs are all contributing to the increase.

For families, back-to-school shopping is a reminder that seasonal expenses can add up quickly, especially when everyday costs are already stretching household budgets.


Source:

U.S. households will spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, a new analysis found.

08/27/2026

Balancing today's financial obligations with tomorrow's dreams can be challenging. Join our seminar, "Planning for Tomorrow When Today Is Tight," and learn how to create a financial plan that evolves with you. Take the first step towards financial freedom and peace of mind.

Contact me for more information.

08/25/2026

If you feel stuck because your paycheck doesn't seem to stretch far enough, you're not alone. Planning for the future can feel tricky when you're trying to meet your needs right now. Watch this video to learn some key tips to help you start the process of securing your future and reduce stress. For personalized guidance, reach out today to schedule a meeting. https://youtu.be/rQixpxhdOgo

08/20/2026

Planning your financial future? A financial professional can make all the difference. With personalized strategies and ongoing support, we'll help you navigate life’s changes and stay focused on your goals. Let’s build your path to financial confidence—together. Follow me for helpful guidance.

08/18/2026

Join our seminar “We’re all in this together: Building Intergenerational Wealth” and learn how to help create lasting financial stability and empower future generations. Long-term stability starts today!

Contact me for more information.

08/14/2026

Retirement may seem decades away, but the smartest financial moves start today. 💡

The earlier you begin saving and investing, the more time your money has to grow. Whether you're just starting your career or climbing the corporate ladder, creating a retirement plan now can help you build long-term financial freedom and peace of mind.

Your future self will thank you for every step you take today. 🌱➡️🏖️



https://www.business-standard.com/finance/personal-finance/retirement-planning-for-young-professionals-when-to-start-126061000341_1.html

08/11/2026

There are so many reasons to create a will this month, but here are three big ones to consider:

Direct Your Property: Creating a will tells the courts how you want your property distributed. Without a will, state laws will determine how your estate is divided, which may not align with your intentions.

Provide instructions to the probate court: A will can help manage the probate process, providing instructions to the court.

Designate Guardianship for Minor Children: If you have minor children, a will allows you to appoint a guardian to care for them. This crucial step directs that your children are raised by someone you trust, rather than leaving the decision to the courts.

08/07/2026

Feeling behind on retirement savings at 50+? SECURE 2.0 might help more than you think.

A few key changes worth knowing:

📈 Bigger catch-up contributions — up to $8,000 extra in 2026, or $11,250 if you're 60–63 (total possible: $35,750).

🔄 If you earned $150K+ in 2025, your workplace plan catch-up contributions now go into Roth — paying tax now on the "seeds" instead of later on the "harvest" can actually work in your favor.

⏳ RMD age is now 75 for anyone born in 1960 or later — more time to grow your money and plan strategically.

🧩 Here's the thing: Social Security, IRAs, and 401(k)s don't work in isolation. How you contribute now — and how you withdraw later — needs to be one coordinated plan, not three separate decisions.

A late start doesn't have to mean a bad outcome — the rules have shifted in ways that can genuinely help.

If you're 50+ and want to talk through what this means for you, let's connect. 📩

08/04/2026