A will is an important part of any estate plan—but it is only one piece of the puzzle. On its own, a will cannot avoid probate, control many of your most valuable assets, or provide guidance to your family if you become incapacitated during your lifetime.
Read MoreIf you've recently enrolled in Medicare — or you're approaching age 65 — you may have noticed a surprising line item on your premium statement: an extra charge tacked onto your Part B or Part D premium. This isn't a billing error. It's called IRMAA, and if you're a higher-income retiree, it's worth understanding well before you turn 65.
Read MoreIf you've reviewed a retirement projection with us, you've probably seen a number like "87% probability of success." That number comes from a Monte Carlo simulation — one of the most useful tools in retirement planning, and also one that can be misunderstood. Here's what it actually does, what that percentage really means, and — just as important — what it can't tell you.
Read MoreThinking about a Roth conversion? In this quick video, Erin breaks down what a Roth conversion is, when it might be a smart move, and what to keep in mind before taking the leap. Whether you're just getting started or ready to dig into the details, we've got you covered.
Read MoreAnnuities show up in a lot of retirement conversations, but they remain one of the most misunderstood products in personal finance. Part of the confusion is that an “annuity” isn’t one product, but a family of related products that can look very different from contract to contract.
Read MoreSaving for a child's education is one of the most generous gifts a parent or grandparent can give. But with college costs climbing every year, choosing the right savings vehicle matters just as much as the saving itself.
Read MoreThe SECURE Act eliminated the stretch IRA for most beneficiaries. We break down the new 10-year rule and what it means for your estate plan. If you expect to inherit an IRA — or you're the one naming beneficiaries on your own account — this is worth understanding now, while there's still time to plan around it.
Read MoreWhen a person passes away, one of the most significant tax advantages that transfers to their heirs is called the “step-up in cost basis”. For those inheriting appreciated assets, this provision can mean the difference between owing hundreds of thousands of dollars in capital gains taxes and owing nothing at all.
Read MoreRemarrying after a divorce, or the death of a spouse is one of life’s most meaningful gifts. However, if it is later in life and you have adult children, established assets, and a financial life built over decades, remarriage carries a unique set of practical considerations. Addressing them early and openly as a team can protect both partners and preserve family relationships.
Read MoreWe at Beacon Financial Strategies believe that rebalancing is an integral component of the investment management process. In this presentation, Chip Hymiller, AIF®,CFP® explains the concept of rebalancing and discusses the advantages of implementing a portfolio rebalancing strategy.
Read MoreA new job can be exciting — often accompanied by better pay, a fresh challenge, and/or a shorter commute. But in the rush of accepting an offer and giving notice, it’s easy to overlook financial details that can quietly cost you money. Before you clean out your desk, run through this checklist
Read MoreYou worked hard, saved well, and now you are stepping into retirement. This transition from accumulation to the distribution phase of life can be stressful. It is important we maximize the amount of money available for us to spend and one of the most important ways we do that is through making efficient decisions on which investment account type we take withdrawals from and when.
Read MoreOne of the more talked-about features of the recently passed tax legislation is the introduction of "Trump Accounts" — a new type of savings/investment account intended to give children a financial head start. If you have young kids or grandkids you may be wondering whether this is something worth paying attention to.
Read MorePaying for a child’s education often involves balancing multiple savings tools, each with its own tax advantages and planning opportunities. Two of the most common options are the Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA) and the 529 plan.
Read MoreA Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) is one of the most important—but often overlooked—documents in a sound estate plan. While many individuals focus on wills and trusts, a properly structured DPOA is what ensures that financial decisions can continue seamlessly during your lifetime if you become unable to manage your affairs.
Read MoreLet’s face it, sometimes life can be messy. On occasion, we have the discussion with clients about what would happen if they were to pass away, leaving their adult child with a sizable inheritance and then their child goes through a divorce. Would the son, or daughter-in-law be able to take these inherited assets in the event of a divorce?
Read MoreIn this episode of Finance in a Flash: Plain Talk, we wrap up our three-part series on unemployment data by zooming out to the bigger picture—what the jobs report really tells us about the economy. Using the latest data from early 2026, we break down the relationship between employment and GDP, explain why job growth can lag behind economic growth, and explore how trends like artificial intelligence and productivity gains may be reshaping the labor market.
Read MoreOver the course of the last several weeks, I have spent more time than normal listening to the business news channels. I know that many of our clients tune in to these shows and I want to hear the issues being discussed. One thing that is often ignored is the concept of adaptability. That is, as governments, businesses and people realize that a problem or inefficiency exists, they make changes that alter the trajectory of possible outcomes...they adapt.
Read MoreIn this episode of Finance in a Flash: Plain Talk, we continue our mini-series on unemployment data by diving into the latest report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Using February 2026 data, we break down what the unemployment rate actually measures, why headline job numbers can be misleading, and how key factors like labor force participation and population growth shape the broader economic picture.
Read MoreOn this episode of Finance in a Flash – Plain Talk, John and Dave kick off a three-part series breaking down one of the most talked-about economic topics: Unemployment. They start the series off discussing ADP Employment Report, explaining what it is, how it differs from government data, and why it often tells a slightly different story than the headlines you see on Friday mornings.
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