Features
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Health Care Costs: What You Can Expect to Pay and How to Save
health insurance From premiums to co-pays, health care is one savings goal you can't afford to ignore. Understanding how high-deductible health plans and HSAs work may help.
By David Jaeger, CFP®
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Tired of Unwanted Calls? Thwart the Robocaller Invasion
Scams Consumers have options in the fight to help keep these infuriating interruptions at bay. Plus, what you can do if you answer a call by mistake.
By Martin Baker, CFP®, CEPA®
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February Jobs Report Shows a Surprise Drop in Payrolls
The Federal Reserve is unlikely to cut interest rates anytime soon, even with a shockingly weak February jobs report. Here's why.
By Karee Venema
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Tax Season 2026: 8 Big Changes to Know Before You File
Tax Season Due to several major tax rule changes, your 2025 return might feel unfamiliar even if your income looks the same.
By Kelley R. Taylor
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Ask the Editor: Questions on the Senior Deduction and Tax Filing
Ask the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, Joy Taylor answers questions on the new $6,000 senior deduction and how to claim it on your tax return.
By Joy Taylor
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Walmart Isn't the Cheapest Grocery Store – Here's the Chain That Beat It
If you're looking for the lowest prices on groceries, Walmart might not be your best bet anymore.
By Rachael Green
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The 30-Minute Subscription Audit That Could Save You Hundreds This Year
From forgotten free trials to duplicate streaming services, here's how to find and eliminate recurring charges fast.
By Choncé Maddox
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Is Your Company Missing Out on This 35% Airline Points Rebate?
We'll show you a unique way to save on flights, and which businesses will benefit the most.
By Sean Jackson
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Estate Planning for Women: Preparing for When Life Happens
A proactive approach like this one can help ensure your wishes are respected, you and your loved ones are protected and your values are carried forward.
By Leslie Gillin Bohner
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Will Inheriting the Family Money Make You or Break You?
Receiving an inheritance opens up amazing opportunities but can also lead to emotional and financial turmoil. Here's the key to successfully managing a windfall.
By Erin Wood, CFP®, CRPC®, FBS®
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Social Security Family Maximum Benefits: Are You Eligible?
Thanks to the family maximum benefit, when a retiree starts collecting Social Security, certain family members may also receive support. Here's a complete guide.
By Martha Shedden, CRPC®, RSSA®
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4 Tools to Help Advisers With Next-Level Estate Planning
Estate planning software can help advisers forge deeper client relationships and leverage the power of AI to provide insights. Here are four options to consider.
By Marguerita M. Cheng, CFP® & RICP®
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Alternatives and Taxes: Control Your Advisory Firm's K-1 Chaos
Growing client exposure to alternative investments means K-1 forms can overwhelm an advisory firm's operations during tax season. Here's how to keep up.
By John LaMancuso
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Medicare Premiums 2026: IRMAA Brackets and Surcharges for Parts B and D
Do you have to pay the monthly Medicare premium surcharge this year? It depends.
By Donna LeValley
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12 Things You Must Know About Claiming and Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits
Social Security Claiming Social Security benefits at the right time means more money for you. Here’s a guide to everything from knowing your retirement age to spousal benefits.
By Donna LeValley
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Eight Things You Must Know About Retiring to the Carolinas
retirement From the picturesque beach towns to cozy mountain communities, North Carolina and South Carolina offer retirees plenty of incentives.
By Bob Niedt
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5 Dolly Parton Quotes Retirees Should Live By
Dolly knows that life isn’t just about the "9 to 5." Discover the legendary singer’s inspiring tips for finding joy and purpose in retirement.
By Donna Fuscaldo
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The Rule of Retirement Inversion
The rule of retirement inversion says that to have a great retirement, you must ask yourself what would ruin a great retirement — and then plan to avoid it.
By Jacob Schroeder
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How to Spring Clean Your Portfolio
Regular decluttering of our closets allows us to remove what's not working. The same can be done for our investments. Here's how to spring clean your portfolio.
By Coryanne Hicks
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How Much Do You Need to Join the 1% Club in Your State?
Being a top earner is relative: Why trading a high-tax zip code for a low-cost state is the ultimate retirement power move.
By Adam Shell
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5 of the Best Preferred Stock ETFs for High and Stable Dividends
ETFs The best preferred stock ETFs allow you to reduce your risk by investing in baskets of preferred stocks.
By Kyle Woodley
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Estate Planning Checklist: 5 Tasks to Prioritize
Doing these things now, while you're still physically and mentally healthy, can smooth an already-difficult and emotional process when the time comes.
By Martin Baker, CFP®, CEPA®
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3 Ways to Lower Your Child Care Costs in 2026
Working parents can take advantage of tax breaks and local assistance programs.
By Ella Vincent
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California Retirement Tax 2026: Is the 'Social Security Shield' Enough?
State Taxes The Golden State won't touch your Social Security, but high rates on pensions and IRAs tell a different story. Can you afford retirement in California?
By Kate Schubel
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How Bonuses Are Taxed: What to Know About the Bonus Tax Rate
Income Tax Tax withholding rules mean a portion of your bonus won’t make it into your bank account.
By Kelley R. Taylor
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Women Are Strong Savers. So, Why Do Their Balances Often Lag Behind?
Many women are consistent savers, but long-term balances don't always reflect those habits. Here's what's behind the gap — and what can help change it.
By Choncé Maddox
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The Average Retirement Withdrawal Rate by Age
Clinging to 'safe' income and hoarding your principal isn't protecting your wealth; it's shortchanging the retirement you earned.
By Donna LeValley
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A Costly To-Do: Is It Time to Delegate Investment Decisions?
While some DIY investors are happy to be hands-on with their portfolio, others can only dip in and out. When is it time to start delegating those decisions?
By Sevasti Balafas, CFA, CPWA®
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The 5 W's of Successful Estate Plan-Focused Family Meetings
Good family meetings bring clarity to estate plans and strengthen bonds. Poor ones turn into ugly battles. This simple tool will help you avoid the drama.
By Michael Schneider
