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Tax season can be a period of new possibilities – especially when it comes down to what to do with your refund or, on the flip side, how to settle your bill.
When you think about your childhood, do fond memories of family vacations flood your mind? There’s been a resurgence of family vacations – multigenerational trips where parents, adult children and even grandchildren plan an adventure together.
As wealth grows, so does the desire to increase charitable contributions – and leave a legacy of generosity. Involving your family in such a noble effort can bring even greater joy. It’s a heartwarming feeling when you pass down your value of helping others, to live on long after you’re gone.
Join all of us at Aspire Wealth Group in congratulating Jason for being named to the 2025 Raymond James Chairman’s Council!
How in the world is it almost Thanksgiving?! When my wife and I were expecting our first child, everyone told us how quickly time would fly, but I never imagined THIS fast. Our son, Louie, was born in April this year and quickly made me feel just as naive as he is.
When it comes to giving back to the community or supporting a cause, it's essential to do your due diligence before donating to any organization.
The benefits of a purpose-driven life don’t dissipate when you retire. Rather, without the imposed daily and weekly structures of the working world, it may be even more important to find purpose during this distinct stage of life.
Family coach and author Roy Williams surveyed more than 3,000 families and found that over 90% of family wealth transfers fail by the end of the third generation. But in this context, what does “fail” really mean?
The uses for artificial intelligence (AI) are seemingly endless. AI can anticipate the next song we’d like to hear, break down advanced concepts into easy-to-understand terms and help companies operate more efficiently with automated processes. But it can also be used to support unethical behavior or illegal practices, like cheating in school or committing outright fraud – especially generative AI, which can create new content like text and images through deep learning to gain access to money or sensitive data.
The Social Security Administration has announced a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to recipients’ monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits. Nearly 68 million Americans will see the 2.5% increase in their payments beginning in January 2025.
Inside this digital issue, you’ll find the latest news and updates from our team, explore exciting places for fall adventures, and read insightful articles. Discover how we're making a positive difference in the communities we serve. And be sure to try the delicious recipe for pumpkin muffins with maple cream filling!
Managing debt can feel overwhelming, but it’s a crucial step towards financial stability. Whether it’s credit card debt, student loans, or a mortgage, understanding how to handle your obligations can make a significant difference in your financial health.
Choosing to work with a financial advisor can make a positive difference in your current and future life – and even for the next generations of your family. Your goals of building and preserving wealth, enjoying a comfortable retirement, and leaving a legacy are dependent on how well your financial matters are managed.
An emergency fund is a financial safety net designed to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies. It typically consists of liquid assets that can be easily accessed when needed. Having an emergency fund is crucial for financial stability as it helps individuals manage unforeseen expenses without derailing their long-term financial goals.
I grew up in Duxbury, Massachusetts, a small beach town on the South Shore, located 45 minutes south of Boston and 30 minutes north of Cape Cod. My parents raised me, my two brothers, and my sister. My mom was fortunate enough to be a stay-at-home mom, dedicating her life to raising four children, while my dad worked as a successful businessman to provide for us.
With the cost of higher education rising, it’s important to determine how you and your family will fund it. There are several options to consider, each with their own pros and cons.
A suite of early works from a celebrated artist. A complete set of first editions without a single cracked spine. A Brasilia buffet full of Pyrex. A spare room dedicated to artfully curated Star Wars memorabilia. All passionately collected – and potentially at risk, without a thoughtful plan to either keep them in the family or share them with the world.
No matter your child’s age, it’s never too early to start saving for their education. Time flies, and their college years will be here before you know it. So start planning today.
Nobody wants to financially erode the portfolio they’ve built by making risky choices at the wrong time. You spend nearly half of a lifetime working hard to prepare for a secure retirement, so no wonder it isn’t easy to convince yourself to embrace risk. As vital as wealth preservation is, especially when nearing retirement, returns are still an important consideration.
Even in a seller's market, selling a home can be a difficult task. As a result, you'll want to do your homework ahead of time to ensure that you will be able to sell your home quickly and at the best possible price.
It’s an election year, which means you can expect to hear presidential candidates being asked about their plan for preventing Social Security from going bankrupt.
Scam artists often prey on those who are most vulnerable. Unfortunately, this includes individuals who have recently lost a loved one and are easily taken advantage of during their time of grief.
On the road to retirement, be on the lookout for hazards that can hamper your progress. Here are five potential risks that can slow you down.
Traditionally, tipping has been a way to reward workers for providing good service. But the norms around tipping are changing, and if you've recently felt more pressure to tip, you're not alone.
Growing up as the youngest of four siblings in central New York, I was immersed in the simplicity and beauty of small-town life. Weekends were all about getting outdoors, playing sports, and spending time with family and friends. Whether we were hiking in the woods, riding bikes, sitting around a campfire, or casting lines in the nearby lake, there was always something fun to do. These experiences are valued parts of my upbringing and have shaped who I am today.
Most of us are drowning in stuff. Nearly 25% of people with two-car garages don’t have room to park cars inside, according to a 2012 Department of Energy survey, and 9.5% of all U.S. households rent a self-storage unit, according to 2019 data from the Self Storage Association.
Financial tradeoffs, interest rates and the importance of having an emergency fund: Our current economic circumstances are full of teachable moments we can and should share with our children. After all, they’re probably not learning these topics in school. Only 1 in 6 students will be required to take a personal finance course before earning a high school diploma, according to nonprofit Next Gen Personal Finance.
More than 338,000 Americans relocated for retirement last year – a 44% increase from 2022 – and about a quarter of those retirees moved to a different state. According to the online moving-services marketplace Hire A Helper’s latest annual report, Florida is the number one destination for retirees, claiming 11% of movers across state lines. South Carolina comes in at a close second and New Jersey third, with Texas and Washington rounding out the top five. Let’s explore what’s drawing retirees to these destinations.
Timing discussions around money while clearly communicating your financial values with heirs can be tricky.
You may already be asking yourself: How will I help them understand this is more about passing on a legacy than money? What financial knowledge and decision-making skills do my heirs currently have? Will my family understand the importance of charitable giving as much as I do?
You’ve worked long and hard to build your estate. Don’t let blunders keep your wishes from being carried out and leave your family – and wealth – in the lurch. Here are a few lessons to keep in mind.
To handle payments for a disabled senior, it's not enough to put powers of attorney, medical directives or guardianship arrangements in place.
Inside this digital issue, you'll find the latest news and updates from our team, details about our 2024 events, and insightful articles. Explore how we're making a positive impact in the communities we serve, and be sure not to miss the recipe for Nutella cruffins!
Join all of us at Aspire Wealth Group in congratulating Jason for once again being named to the 2024 Raymond James Chairman’s Council . The Chairman's Council represents the top 100 Financial Advisors within Raymond James Financial Services!
Whether you're seeking to manage your own assets, control how your assets are distributed after your death, or plan for incapacity, trusts can help you accomplish your estate planning goals. Their power is in their versatility — many types of trusts exist, each designed for a specific purpose. Although trust law is complex and establishing a trust requires the services of an experienced attorney, mastering the basics isn't hard.
For people looking to build a balanced retirement savings portfolio, a Roth IRA can serve as a great companion to an employer plan such as a 401(k). But if you earn too much money, you may not qualify to invest fully – or at all – in a Roth IRA. And no matter how much you earn, you may find that contribution limits prevent you from building as fat a fund as you’d like. Fortunately, there are “backdoor” strategies that may help you get around these limitations. Here’s what you need to know.
Age may just be a number, but when it comes to retirement, it matters. A recent survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute found that only 11% of workers plan to retire before the age of 60. But with the right preparation, you can create a retirement plan that will provide you with financial resources and the freedom to pursue your passions, whether you flip the switch at 65, 60 or sooner.
