Down 50%, Down 50%, Down 50%, Up 2 Million

Using History as Our Guide to Compose Your Investment Policy

Understanding IRMAA and How We Can Help Manage it

Planning for retirement often involves balancing income, expenses, and taxes but one often-overlooked factor is the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA).

Every Dollar with a Purpose

One of the keys to financial success is assigning a clear purpose to each of your dollars.

Big Changes to Social Security Benefits and Public Pensions

This new law eliminates those restrictions, providing a much-needed boost to retirement income for millions of Americans.

The “Backdoor” Roth IRA: A Smart Strategy for High Earners

For high earners, retirement planning often feels like a game of navigating tax rules and finding ways to keep more of what you’ve earned. One of the most powerful yet misunderstood tools at your disposal is the Backdoor Roth IRA

Do You Know the Cost of Our Postage Stamp?

The US Postage Stamp has been our proxy for inflation for my entire career.

Not All Heroes Wear Capes

When you hire us, you’re gaining access to a network of professionals who can help address all aspects of your financial life. That’s why we have built (and continue to build) our Superhero Team.

Why Do We Lose Sleep Over Recessions?

Why do we lose sleep over recessions? From where I stand, they are: Inevitable, Unpredictable and Manageable.

This Too Shall Pass

The following is timeless advice. As long as you are clients of ours, this should be printed and/or saved in a safe place to be read after all 20% declines in the S&P 500.

What to Do During a Market Selloff

When markets take a dip, it’s easy to feel a sense of panic or helplessness. But selloffs – while emotionally uncomfortable – may be prime opportunities to take control of your financial future.

1,000 to 1,000 from 1972 - 1982: The Stock Market’s “Lost Decade” - Or Was It?

On November 14, 1972, a few notable events occurred: actor Josh Duhamel was born, Johnny Nash topped the charts with “I Can See Clearly Now”, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) closed above 1,000 for the first time.

You Bought Life Insurance for a Reason – Is it Still the Right One?

Life insurance is one of those financial tools we often “set and forget.” You might have purchased it years ago – when you got married, had your first child, or took out a mortgage. At the time, it made perfect sense. You wanted to protect your loved ones in case something happened to you. But how often do you revisit that decision?

A Vacation Home: Dollars or Deeper Bonds?

The last few years over the summer, my family rents a house on a quiet Michigan lake—a week filled with laughter, shared meals, and memories that tie us closer.

Make Your Cash Work Harder: Take Advantage of Our Money Market Account

If you’re holding a significant amount of cash in a checking or savings account, chances are it’s not earning much—if anything at all. Our money market solution offers a smarter way to hold your cash while keeping it accessible.

I Have A Dream, Too.

In August 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, a powerful call for equality and freedom. Inspired by his vision, I share my own dream in this August newsletter: financial independence for all who pursue it.

The Gift That Grows: A Powerful Way to Support Your Child or Grandchild’s Future

One of the most meaningful gifts you can give a young person is a head start on their financial future—and few strategies are more impactful than encouraging them to contribute to a Roth IRA through a match savings program

Our Family Greece Vacation: Teaching Our Kids Values for a Lasting Legacy

This summer, my family checked a bucket-list item off our list with a trip to Greece’s islands—a dream my wife shared on our third date 17 years ago (outside a bar near the Music Box Theatre, where she graciously covered my parking ticket!).

The Money Habits That Set Us Up for Financial Success

When I sit down with clients to help them build an investment plan, I’m not just drawing from my training and experience – I’m also sharing lessons from my own life. My wife and I have spent the past several years building financial habits that have given us confidence, clarity, and a strong foundation for the future.

The Future is Inconceivable

My 11-year-old son, Archer, is in the sixth grade. Tiffany and I recently gifted him his first iPhone. As a society, we often take for granted the incredible technology we hold at our fingertips.

Where Should You Retire?

One of the most exciting questions people face as they approach retirement is: Where do I want to live? For some, the answer is simple—close to family, in the same community they’ve always known, or in a warmer climate they’ve dreamed about for years. But for others, the decision can be far more complex.

Loss is NOT our Greatest Fear; It is Uncertainty

After decades of wealth planning for individuals, I have come to realize that losses cause exponentially more pain than gains provide pleasure. However, it has become increasingly evident in recent years that uncertainty is the ultimate fear.

Why Your Withdrawal Strategy in Retirement Matters

Most people spend decades asking questions centered around how they save for retirement, and very little time considering how to take money out once that time comes. Believe it or not, the order in which you withdraw from your accounts (Your Liquidation Strategy) can have a significant impact on your retirement. 

Individual Stocks are Hard

Well, hard but simple.  All you need to do are three things:

1. Get the purchase right.
2. Get the sale right.
3. Pay taxes.

10 Things I’ve Learned in 10 Years as a Financial Advisor

After a decade as a Financial Advisor, I’ve come to realize that the most valuable lessons aren’t found in textbooks or market reports — they’re learned through conversations, challenges, and the quiet moments when a client finally says, “I feel better now.”

How Much Will the Stock Market’s Price Drop in 2026?

Using history as our guide, the average intra-year decline is about 15%. This is measured from the highest point in a calendar year to the lowest point before recovery.

Financial New Year’s Resolutions for a Stronger Future

As the calendar turns to a new year, many of us set goals to improve our health, relationships, or careers. But one area that often gets overlooked is our financial well‑being.

The Tragedy of the Million-Dollar Inheritance

I have changed the names to protect the identity of the folks involved in the story. I do believe broken things stay broken in the dark. So in that spirit, if we bring this story to light, maybe we can help someone that you care about. 

Trump Accounts for Children: Everything Families Need to Know

The federal government is preparing to launch its new savings program. Trump Accounts (TA), a new tax-advantaged investment vehicle, is designed to give children a financial headstart.

Inspired by My Ride Share Car Crash

A conference in Fort Lauderdale in February sounded extremely attractive when I booked it.  The freezing weather in the last few weeks made it even more attractive.  The conference and beach both exceeded my expectations. 

Why Estate Planning is a Vital Component of Your Financial Health

In recent months, a good portion of our client reviews has gravitated toward a single, recurring theme: the necessity of a robust estate plan. While many view estate planning as a somber task (or perhaps a chore to be deferred to a later date) we view it through a different lens.

Rain, Snow, and Total Return

Our office is located in the western suburbs of Chicago, where the weather can change quickly. Today started with rain in the morning, turned into a snowstorm at lunch, and finished with a beautiful sunset in the evening. (In case you’re wondering, we don’t live here for the weather—but I digress.)

The Most Expensive Mistake You Can Make on Your Last Day of Work

This month’s newsletter is focused on a conversation we have been having with clients quite a bit lately. That is, making a decision on your pension options as you transition into retirement.