Second Half Strategies

Ever wonder who’s really managing America’s wealth? The answer might surprise you. ?? 49% of women now serve as their households’ financial decision-makers, up from 41% in 2021! To put that in perspective: Before 1974, women often couldn’t even open a bank account without a male co-signer. Today, they’re projected to control $34 trillion in U.S. investable assets by 2030. What makes women exceptional financial leaders? Research shows they: ??Tend to take a more patient approach to investment decisions ??Maintain strategies during market volatility ??Champion sustainable and socially responsible investments ??Know when to seek guidance Women’s History Month is a powerful reminder of women's progress in pursuing financial independence and leadership. As more women take control of their financial futures, opportunities to help build lasting wealth, create financial strategies, and shape meaningful legacies have never been greater. #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenInFinance #FinancialEmpowerment

? Final Reminder: Medicare General Enrollment Ends March 31! The general enrollment period (GEP) is the chance of enrolling in Medicare if you missed doing so when you first became eligible (the initial enrollment period [IEP]). ?? What’s the difference between the IEP and the GEP? ?? Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): ??Who: New Medicare-eligible individuals (turning 65 or newly disabled) ??When: A seven-month window—three months before, the month of, and three months after your 65th birthday ??What: Enroll in Part A (hospital coverage) and/or Part B (outpatient care and other medical services), with the option to add Part C (Medicare Advantage) or Part D (Prescription Drugs) ?? General Enrollment Period (GEP): ??Who: Anyone who missed their IEP and doesn’t qualify for a special enrollment period ??When: January 1–March 31 each year ??What: Enroll in Part A and/or Part B only. You must wait for the next enrollment window to add Part C/Part D. ? Take Action Before March 31st: 1. Review Your Coverage Needs: Decide if you need Part A, Part B, or both 2. Enroll Today: Visit ssa.gov or call your local Social Security office 3. Plan Ahead: Mark your calendar for the next chance to add Part C or Part D We have some resources at our offices if you have questions about navigating Medicare. #Medicare #HealthcareCoverage #Retirement

? ? Spring Forward This Sunday! ?? Daylight saving time starts Sunday, March 9—don’t forget to set your clocks forward one hour. Here’s to longer, brighter days ahead! #DaylightSavingTime #SpringForward #MoreSunshine

?? Happy Employee Appreciation Day! ?? Today, we celebrate the incredible team that drives our success. As financial professionals, we know that serving our clients and running a strong business is only possible because of our team's hard work, dedication, and talent. To our employees—and to the hardworking teams everywhere—your commitment, passion, and drive make all the difference. Thank you for everything you do! #EmployeeAppreciationDay #Gratitude #Teamwork #FinancialProfessionals

Stubborn inflation and mixed economic signals continue to shape markets. This month's Market Insights breaks down what drove performance and what investors are continuing to watch in 2025. #Markets #StockMarket #FederalReserve #TradePolicy https://lnkd.in/eyVw2D8b

Many groundbreaking women have this in common: someone saw her potential before she did and took the time to nurture their talents. This Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the ripple effect of mentorship. It’s the manager who advocated for your first leadership role: maybe it was the professor who pushed you to think bigger or the colleague who helped you find your voice in the boardroom. But it's also the quiet moments: coffee chats that turned into career guidance, candid conversations about impostor syndrome, and the "you've got this" texts before big presentations. Who was that person for you? Tag a woman who helped you grow, or share how you're paying it forward. #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenInLeadership #PayItForward

? Business Owners: The Federal Tax Deadline is March 17 Key Filing Requirements: S Corporations: ??File Form 1120-S to report income, deductions, and credits ??Distribute Schedule K-1s to shareholders Partnerships: ??File Form 1065 to report business income ??Distribute Schedule K-1s to partners Extension Option: ??File Form 7004 for a six-month extension ??If they extended, the new deadline would be September 15, 2025 ??Note: An extension only extends the filing deadline, not the payment due date With the March 17 deadline approaching, double-check all documentation for accuracy and completeness. If you anticipate any issues meeting the deadlines, consult with your tax, legal, or accounting professional and consider filing for an extension. #BusinessTaxes #TaxDeadline #PersonalFinance

Here's a stunning fact: Over 29 million forgotten retirement accounts hold nearly 1.65 trillion dollars in the U.S. With frequent job changes, it’s easy for retirement accounts to get lost. Left unattended, they can even be turned over to the state as unclaimed property. Here’s how to find them: 1?? Check with past employers. HR or plan administrators can provide account details. 2?? Search online tools like the National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits or MissingMoney.com. 3?? Use state or federal resources to track unclaimed funds. ?? Good news: The SECURE Act 2.0 has directed the Department of Labor to create a comprehensive, searchable database to make locating lost retirement accounts easier than ever. This tool is expected soon. If you or anyone you know has questions about potential missing retirement accounts, please don’t hesitate to contact us. #RetirementStrategy #401k #FinancialWellness #SecureAct

??For many, this is annual bonus payment season. What are your plans for this year’s bonus? Before you start considering your home improvement projects, vacations, or other splurges, any time you receive a lump sum of money, it’s worthwhile to think about the following: ?? Step 1: Pay Off High-Interest Debt Tackle credit card balances first—knocking out high-interest debt can help you manage those costly payments. ?? Step 2: Boost Your Emergency Fund If you haven’t already, set aside 3-6 months of expenses to help pay for unexpected events. ?? Step 3: Grow Your Wealth Evaluate your strategy with tax-advantaged retirement accounts. A financial professional can offer some guidance if you have questions. ?? Step 4: Balance Multiple Goals Not sure where to start? One idea to consider is splitting your windfall. For example: ?? 50% to debt repayment ?? 30% to savings ?? 20% to long-term investments ? Every dollar you manage intentionally today may improve the outlook for your financial future. Don’t waste these opportunities. #SmartMoney #WealthBuilding #DebtFree #FinancialGoals #MoneyManagement

Healthcare costs can be one of the most significant and often unexpected expenses in retirement. The decisions you make today about your health might have a lasting impact on your financial and physical well-being. February is National Wise Healthcare Consumer Month, so what can you do? Think of yourself as the CEO of your health: ?? Ask questions about recommended tests and procedures. ?? Research providers to see if they align with your needs. ?? Have an open dialogue about costs—knowledge is power when it comes to navigating care choices. Taking a proactive approach to healthcare isn't just about saving money—it's about looking to receive the best care possible. Small steps today can lead to better health and financial confidence tomorrow. #HealthCarePreparation #RetirementWellness #SmartChoices #FinancialHealth