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When the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act was passed on July 4, the legislation left several unanswered questions that the IRS is now addressing. The IRS undergoes this process every year, but this time around, the OBBB has added to...

The Social Security Administration recently announced that 71 million Americans, including Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries, will receive a 2.8 percent increase in their benefits for 2026.1However, it is...

As tax season approaches, a little early organization may help things feel more manageable. This time of year often brings a steady flow of paperwork, deadlines, and decisions, so this message is simply a supportive reminder to help...

As an investor, should you be more concerned about the value of your groceries or artificial intelligence? It may seem like a silly question, but there’s a serious answer. One way to measure a stock’s valuation is by looking at what’s...

The Internal Revenue Service recently released new limits for 2026. Although these adjustments won’t bring any major changes, there are some minor elements to note. Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) IRA contribution limits are up...

While many of us have been conditioned to expect a regular bonus from work or some other gift of money, either from living relatives or through an estate, there is still a big thrill when circumstances drop a big pile of money into...

Everyone loves a winner. If an investment is successful, most people naturally want to stick with it. But is that the best approach? It may sound counterintuitive, but it may be possible to have too much of a good thing. Over time, the...

On July 4, the One Big Beautiful Bill (or Senate Bill HR1) was signed into law at a White House ceremony. This domestic policy bill extends the 2017 tax cuts set to expire this year, making some of those rules permanent. The bill also...

Your peak earning years bring with them a powerful opportunity: the chance to build real financial momentum. But that momentum doesn’t come from income alone. It also comes from planning, strategic guidance, and informed decision...

Managing wealth for high-net-worth households involves more than just focusing on investments and returns. As your estate grows, the complexity of managing it increases, requiring a broader set of strategies. Insurance and risk...

It’s time for your life insurance checkup. September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to review your coverage, or learn more about what coverage can do for you.1 If you don’t have any life insurance,...

Information vs. instinct. When it comes to investing, many people believe they have a “knack” for choosing good investments. But what exactly is that “knack” based on? The fact is, the choices we make with our assets can be strongly...

Looking at their recent track records doesn’t do much to settle the debate. Over the past decade, as a whole, value stocks have not performed as well as growth stocks. But looking at a larger body of cumulative data, reaching as far...

Even the most well-planned retirement can be disrupted by unforeseen expenses. Many retirees underestimate how unpredictable certain costs can be—and how easily they can derail an otherwise sound financial strategy. There are five...

While traditional wealth management tends to focus on investments and returns, planning for high-net-worth households must address a broader set of variables. From liability exposure to tax considerations and generational wealth...

Building wealth in today's economy may feel like an uphill battle. Housing, utilities, and daily expenses keep climbing, making it challenging to cover essential costs and still have money left over. But, with careful planning and...

Summer is often the best and only time for us to escape and get away for family vacations. Unfortunately, while school break is in full swing, the high ticket demand allows the airlines to sometimes double or triple their ticket prices...

I am/We are writing to let you know that the broker-dealer I am/we are affiliated with, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC—an independent firm that provides industry-leading financial products and services to professionals like me/us across...

Expectations vs. Reality Predicting exactly what your retirement will be like is about as possible as a meteorologist predicting the weather correctly every single time. In fact, few retirees find their financial futures playing out...

Did you recently add a second comma to your bank balance? Has a recent financial event raised your net worth to the next level? It's an exciting time, whether it's the result of your long-term goals (e.g., from the sale of a business),...

Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Ed Deutschlander, and I am the CEO of North Star Resource Group, of which Confidere Financial is an affiliate. I am writing to you today to notify you of an outstanding accomplishment...

Orchestrating Your Retirement Accounts An orchestra is merely a collection of instruments, each creating a unique sound. It is only when a conductor leads them that they produce the beautiful music imagined by the composer. The same...

Many of us hope to leave something behind for our loved ones when we pass away. But the probate process is complex. To understand how to better manage potential probate fees, let’s explore what probate is and how the process works....

Tariff uncertainty is here. What does this mean for you and your financial plan? Confidere Financial is here with advice to help you maintain your perspective even as the volatility embroils the markets.

A stronger financial future starts with a clear view of your finances and seamless collaboration. With AdviceWorks®, you can easily access all your financial data, securely store important documents, and share them with me anytime....

You may have heard about the recently signed Social Security Fairness Act and wondered what it was and how it might affect you. The Social Security Fairness Act eliminates two longstanding provisions for Social Security: the Windfall...

Warren Buffett, known by some as the Oracle of Omaha, gets much attention whenever he speaks on the record. In a letter opening his company’s annual report, he’s again caught the ear of the business world.1 Some highlights from the...

Most people would probably agree that by the time we complete our desired level of education we need to attend to the responsibilities of our careers, finances, insurance, and the like. However, many overlook the advantages of adopting...

When our parents retired, living to 75 amounted to a nice long life, and Social Security was often supplemented by a pension. Now, the Social Security Administration (SSA) estimates that today's average 67-year-old woman will live to...

Throughout previous stages of life, you might have become used to keeping your financial matters close to the chest. Now, however, would be a good time to start involving your family as you develop your estate plans. This article will...

You may have found yourself asking why inflation feels so high a lot lately, and you aren’t alone. Understanding how inflation is reported and how it can affect investments is incredibly important when it comes to managing your finances...

Being well-researched and prepared is a key to success in investing. But how can investors prepare for their own emotions? One of the most well-known investors of the 20th Century, Benjamin Graham, once said that "the investor's chief...

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released new limits for certain retirement accounts for the coming year. Keep in mind that this update is for informational purposes only, so please consult with an accounting or tax professional...

The IRS just announced major tax relief for those affected by Hurricane Helene. If you're in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, or parts of Florida, Tennessee, or Virginia, you now have until May 1, 2025, to: 🔹 File...

During your golden years, you may find that managing your income isn’t as straightforward as it once was. But with the right strategies in place, you can reduce your tax burden and make your hard-earned retirement savings last longer....

The new year is the perfect time to reflect on your goals and fine-tune your financial strategy. Here are some resolutions to help you stay on course toward long-term stability and freedom: 🔹Invest in Your Future: Evaluate your...

Experts predict that over the coming decades, we will witness a historic shift of wealth from older generations to younger ones. This “Great Wealth Transfer” is expected to move trillions of dollars in assets, particularly in the...

As you approach retirement, you’re entering one of life’s most exciting chapters—one that promises new opportunities, more freedom, and a chance to enjoy the fruits of your hard work. But along with the excitement, there’s often a...

When it comes to politics and the markets, it’s easy to assume that political events or changes in leadership will directly influence market performance. However, history shows that markets are influenced by a wide range of...

Estate or legacy planning is a vital way to help you plan for your family’s future. It involves two steps: Making legally effective arrangements to preserve your wealth Employing effective strategies for transferring your wealth...

The 2024 Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) Retirement Confidence Survey was recently released, and it provides an illuminating look at the current state of retirement preparations and mindsets across the country. While the...

You might take vacations, but the “bad actors” who want to compromise your security online don’t. Here’s how to keep them from compromising your online your online safety while you travel

Rollover unused 529 funds to a Roth IRA

Emily Malecha, CRPC®, ChFC®

Monday, April 1, 2024

The SECURE Act 2.0 created a provision to allow people to rollover unused funds from a 529 college savings account to a Roth IRA. Starting in 2024, beneficiaries of 529 college savings accounts are permitted to do a tax-free rollover.

April is Financial Literacy Month

Ann Wengronowitz, CFP®, RICP®

Monday, April 1, 2024

April marks the start of Financial Literacy Month, a nationally recognized movement to promote and support financial understanding in children and teens. For many, it's a fantastic opportunity to teach and connect with their children...

4 mindset shifts that transform your finances

Emily Malecha, CRPC®, ChFC®

Thursday, March 28, 2024

“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford, industrialist founder of the Ford Motor Company We know what you may be thinking: “These people have financial expertise, but now they’re saying I can think...

How to have multi-generational money conversations

Emily Malecha, CRPC®, ChFC®

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

People hate talking about money. It ranks with marital discord, mental health, religion, and politics on the list of topics you don’t bring up at the dinner table. These conversations can get even more awkward when discussing finances.

Three metrics we use to measure retirement strategies

Emily Malecha, CRPC®, ChFC®

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Discover how comprehensive financial planning can transform your retirement dreams into reality. Learn how our planning-first approach helps clients define, strategize, and achieve their retirement goals.

The importance of financial planning

Ann Wengronowitz, CFP®, RICP®

Friday, October 16, 2020

Our 6-step planning process helps you organize, prioritize, analyze, present, monitor, and adjust your financial goals. Start your journey to financial security today.

Why financial literacy is important

Ann Wengronowitz, CFP®, RICP®

Thursday, June 18, 2020

Discover the importance of financial literacy in today's economy. Learn how budgeting, saving for retirement, understanding investments, and responsible credit card use can improve your financial health and prepare you for a secure future.

A change in family finacnes: Creating a budget for college life

Emily Malecha, CRPC®, ChFC®

Sunday, February 23, 2020

Learn how to craft a college budget with your child. Discover strategies for managing tuition, living expenses, and financial responsibility to ensure a smooth transition to university life.

Going snowbird: Can I afford a second home? A guide to making the right decision

Ann Wengronowitz, CFP®, RICP®

Sunday, February 23, 2020

Explore the pros and cons of owning a second home in retirement. Learn about budgeting, managing expenses, and the benefits of renting before buying to make an informed decision.

Are your folks in their golden years? It may be time to talk finances.

Ann Wengronowitz, CFP®, RICP®

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

If you have aging parents, finances are likely one of the first things on your mind. In addition to understanding their personal finances, you want to ensure that their basic living needs are being met. After all, retirement is a time...

How early is too early? When parents should start a 529 Plan for their children

Emily Malecha, CRPC®, ChFC®

Monday, December 9, 2019

Discover the benefits of starting a 529 plan for your child's education. Learn how tax-sheltered savings, flexible investment options, and tax-free withdrawals can help ease the financial burden of college tuition and expenses.

Paying off debt vs. retirement savings: What should you tackle first?

Emily Malecha, CRPC®, ChFC®

Monday, November 18, 2019

Struggling with whether to pay off high-interest credit cards or save money first? Discover expert advice on balancing debt repayment and savings to achieve a debt-free and comfortable retirement.

Stress-free legacy planning: Set your family up for success

Ann Wengronowitz, CFP®, RICP®

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Discover how to ensure a smooth legacy planning process. Learn the importance of gathering financial information, answering critical questions, and consulting with a financial professional to create a lasting legacy for your beneficiaries.

A guide to life insurance: common misconceptions and little-known facts

Emily Malecha, CRPC®, ChFC®

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Discover the truth behind common myths and explore the unexpected benefits of life insurance. Learn how the right policy can cover care expenses, offer terminal illness benefits, assist with college costs, and more.

Retirement planning tips for women

Ann Wengronowitz, CFP®, RICP®

Monday, July 29, 2019

Discover effective strategies for retirement planning tailored to women. Learn how to navigate challenges like career breaks, income disparity, and longer life expectancy to achieve financial security and a fulfilling retirement.

The new parent’s guide to financial planning for the family

Emily Malecha, CRPC®, ChFC®

Monday, July 29, 2019

Learn how to manage and update your financial plan as new parents. Discover essential tips on budgeting for baby expenses, saving for education, estate planning, and maximizing tax benefits to ensure a bright future for your family.