Latest Posts

Top 5 Financial Terms You Should Understand

by Ray Sagner on Jan 5, 2023

Finance, Investments

In recent weeks, you may have heard the word recession a lot. You may even have a vague understanding of what a recession is, but would like a better understanding of what a recession really is. What the Dow Jones Industrial Average? You probably hear that every night on the news and you know that it has something to do with the stock market, but aren't sure of the details.

Here are some common terms you hear frequently and a simple explanation of what they really are:

Charitable Giving: How Your Gift Gives Back in Tax Deductions

by Ray Sagner on Dec 29, 2022

Finance, Tax Planning

 

There’s no doubt that it feels great to help someone in need through charitable giving. There are more than 1.5 million nonprofit organizations in the United States that range from food banks and disaster relief centers to churches and cultural centers. And in 2018, Americans contributed over 4 billion dollars to charitable organizations. 

Paws and Effect - The annual cost of pet ownership and how to reduce costs

by Ray Sagner on Dec 15, 2022

Finance, Lifestyle

There’s a good reason there’s an estimated 74 to 96 million owned cats and 70 to 80 million dogs in the U.S. With wagging tails, slobbery kisses, and little whiskers that make for adorable Instagrams, pets give us that warm, cuddly feeling inside. They are part of our families and some of our best friends. But, they can also be a substantial part of a personal budget, especially since it (hopefully) is a long-term commitment that can last for a couple decades. It was estimated that over $62 billion was spent collectively on U.S. pets in 2016.

Preparing for an Early or Unexpected Retirement

by Ray Sagner on Dec 8, 2022

Retirement

More Americans are retiring earlier than you might think

Planning for retirement is without a doubt a long-term project that takes years of saving and adjusting to prepare for successfully. It certainly isn’t a fix it and forget it endeavor. But no matter how well you prepare or how diligently you save, the reality is that health issues, company downsizing, a worldwide pandemic, or simply personal preference may put you face to face with an early or unexpected retirement. 

What are the Benefits of Saving Early?

by Ray Sagner on Nov 24, 2022

Savings, Finance
For many Americans, the art of saving is something that they have yet to master. This is especially true for those who have just entered the workforce or have gotten their first good-paying job. The mantra of these young professional men and women is often to want to spend instead of saving, and it might be time that changed. Thus, we have brought together some of our favorite benefits of saving early, and how it can set you up for success.