529 Plans College planning Financial Planning for Couples Financial planning for new parents

Should You Start Saving for College Before You Have Kids?

Couples with strong cash flows may be eager to start planning for the future. With extra cash laying around, some investors may decide to start a 529 college savings plan for their kids before they're even born. While the cost of college is certainly significant, super-advanced funding of a 529…

Kristin McKennaJanuary 21, 2020

Employee benefits Financial Planning Financial Planning for Couples Pension Retirement Planning Secure Act Updated for 2020

Should You Take a Pension or a Lump Sum?

Deciding between a lump sum or receiving pension benefits monthly requires careful planning and consideration. Though your personal situation and circumstance will always be the most important factor in any major financial decision, there are several key considerations to keep in mind when deciding how to take your pension. (more…)

Kristin McKennaDecember 15, 2019

Estate Planning Financial Planning for Couples Forbes Insurance Wealth and Family

You Probably Don’t Need Life Insurance Forever

Life insurance is often an essential part of a family protection plan ‘in case of.’ Though there are many reasons to have life insurance, such as funding buy-sell agreements for business owners or liquidity to pay estate taxes, the primary reason most individuals purchase life insurance is to help ensure…

Kristin McKennaJune 29, 2019

Financial Planning for Couples

Do I Need a Prenuptial Agreement?

Despite the negative connotation, prenuptial agreements can provide certain couples with unique benefits and protections. Once thought of as only a tool for the super-rich, modern prenuptial agreements have the potential to help protect the interests of individuals in a number of different situations. This includes working professionals, second marriages,…

Kristin McKennaJanuary 25, 2018

Building Wealth Financial Planning for Couples Wealth and Family

Should Married Couples Combine Their Finances?

What's the best way for married couples to manage their financial life? This is a true "iceberg" question - seems innocuous enough but there's a lot going on under the surface. There can be a wide range of motivations behind one's preference to merge their financial life with their partner…

Kristin McKennaDecember 17, 2017

Financial Planning for Couples Financial planning for new parents

What Type of Life Insurance Do I Need? Term vs Permanent vs Group

Life insurance products can be very complicated. Insurance companies may create their own types of products with confusing terminology and a la carte options. The sea of options is often overwhelming to buyers who may end up locked into a policy they don't need. For many families with young kids,…

Kristin McKennaFebruary 1, 2017

Financial Planning Financial Planning for Couples Financial planning for new parents Financial tips for expecting parents Insurance Wealth and Family

When Should You Get Life Insurance?

Contrary to what an insurance salesperson may tell you, not everyone needs life insurance. So who needs life insurance and when should you buy it? In general terms: some single people may need life insurance, individuals or couples with young children almost always need life insurance for a period of…

Kristin McKennaSeptember 21, 2016