Retirement Planning

Permanent Life Insurance: Overused, Oversold, Often Misleading, Yet Sometimes Appropriate

Permanent life insurance—whether it’s whole life or indexed universal life (IUL)—has become a lightning rod in financial conversations. Some call it the “rich man’s Roth.” Others treat it like a magic wealth-building machine. And yet, for most people, it’s neither. The truth? Permanent life insurance is one of the most over-marketed, misunderstood, and misused financial […]

Permanent Life Insurance: Overused, Oversold, Often Misleading, Yet Sometimes Appropriate Read More »

The “Big Beautiful Bill” and the Return of the ‘T’ Word We Actually Like to Talk About: Taxes

After months of headlines dominated by the other “T” word—tariffs—it’s refreshing to talk about something actually related to real financial planning conversations: Taxes. You may have seen that the House passed a new proposal to extend and expand parts of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA)—what some are calling a “Big Beautiful Bill”—and it’s

The “Big Beautiful Bill” and the Return of the ‘T’ Word We Actually Like to Talk About: Taxes Read More »

Double Vision: Navigating Two Economic Realities

As earnings season unfolds, a curious pattern has emerged: most companies are reporting strong current performance, often beating expectations, yet issuing cautious or even conflicting forward guidance. It’s not a lack of conviction—it’s a reflection of the moment. We’re in a time of double vision, where two starkly different economic futures are competing for dominance.

Double Vision: Navigating Two Economic Realities Read More »

Tariff Tantrum’s Return 2025 vs 2018: Understanding Market Reactions and Economic Impact

The markets are throwing another tariff tantrum, and if you remember 2018, this probably feels like déjà vu. But while the market reaction looks similar, the economic backdrop is different. Back in 2018, inflation was low, but the Federal Reserve was aggressively raising interest rates, tightening financial conditions. Now, in 2025, inflation is higher, but

Tariff Tantrum’s Return 2025 vs 2018: Understanding Market Reactions and Economic Impact Read More »

Unraveling Wall Street Forecasts: The Troubling Tale of Stock Price Predictions

 “An economist is an expert who will know tomorrow why the things he predicted yesterday didn’t happen today.” –Evan Esar We’re now a couple weeks into 2024, and the S&P 500 just finally eclipsed its prior all-time record high reached back on January 3rd, 2022. After a brutal 2022 for markets, last year was another

Unraveling Wall Street Forecasts: The Troubling Tale of Stock Price Predictions Read More »

The Price of Prosperity: Balancing Economic Success With Quality Of Life

US Economic dominance The United States has enjoyed a prolonged period of market dominance versus international markets. An examination of the driving forces behind this success reveals a lifestyle deeply rooted in the pursuit of work and wealth creation. While this focus has undoubtedly propelled the nation to unprecedented economic heights, there’s an inherent trade-off

The Price of Prosperity: Balancing Economic Success With Quality Of Life Read More »

Monte Carlo Simulation: A Powerful, but Imperfect Tool

Working with financial planning clients over the years I have heard a wide range of individual goals, from providing college education and weddings for children, to purchasing vacation homes and sports cars. Every person has their own unique wants and needs shaped by their values, beliefs and attitudes. However, one goal every single person has

Monte Carlo Simulation: A Powerful, but Imperfect Tool Read More »