With Medicare Open Enrollment happening from October 15 to December 7, here’s what you need to know about the Medicare program!

In order to start to understand how Medicare works, it’s helpful to have a bit of background. Both the Medicare and Medicaid programs were signed into law in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson to provide basic health services for Americans who didn’t have health insurance. Medicare was designed for retirees, while Medicaid was designed for low-income individuals and families, minor children, and people with disabilities. Fast forward to today.

What was once a simple night of costumes and handmade treats has become a multi-billion-dollar industry. In fact, Americans spent nearly $12 billion on Halloween in 2024, and $3 billion of that went to candy alone. Since individually wrapped treats became the standard in the 1950s, Halloween candy has only grown in scale and spectacle. Today, large retailers like Walmart and Target stock massive assortments and bulk buying is the norm. But it isn’t just about cost and convenience, candy trends have shifted with each generation. Here is a look at how Halloween candy has evolved through the decades.

September is “Life Insurance Awareness Month,” and we wanted to answer this common question: “What life insurance can you borrow from?” Since life insurance policies come in so many forms, let’s start with the type you can’t borrow from. The most common form of life insurance is called “term life” which contains only a “death benefit” paid to a beneficiary upon the insured person’s death. You cannot borrow from a term life policy because it’s strictly used to provide financial protection in the form of a death benefit, or cash for a loved one in the event of an insured’s passing.

The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA), often called the “Big Beautiful Bill,” is a sweeping piece of legislation that touches nearly every aspect of American life. Spanning over 800 pages, it introduces changes across the tax code, retirement savings, estate planning, border security, ICE, and government operations. The IRS is expected to issue further clarifications on many provisions, but what’s clear is that this bill brings a wide range of reforms that can impact nearly every household.

Financial freedom in retirement means more than just having enough money, it means having choices. Putting a comprehensive retirement plan in place can not only help you take control of your finances, but also address how you will spend your time by defining your desired lifestyle and delineating strategies for your future as you get older.

Summer is officially here! If you’re wanting to take a summer vacation, now is the time to start planning! Vacations are a time to relax, but it’s all too easy for the costs to get out of hand. Here are five tips to help you plan a summer vacation without breaking the bank.

In the past, annuities have been a topic avoided by many, but lately interest levels have risen—a lot. In fact, online searches for terms like “annuities” and “pensions” are up by 160% while “are annuities good or bad” are up by 200%, according to ThinkAdvisor.

Every year, we search for the perfect Mother's Day gift, but most moms just want to feel appreciated in lasting ways. This year, instead of more "stuff," give a gift that nurtures her well-being, strengthens her future, and shows she’s valued far beyond just a single day!

It’s that time of year again, the perfect opportunity to sort through your closet, clear out clutter, and downsize.  While many may think “spring cleaning” just applies to their home, the concept can be used in all areas of your life! If you think your finances may benefit from a refresh, now is a great time to give it one.

April is often known for spring cleaning, Easter, and Passover, but it’s also Financial Literacy Month. At its core, financial literacy refers to understanding and effectively being able to use various financial tools and strategies. So, in honor of the month, we’re offering a basic financial primer, with some quick definitions and simple breakdowns of common retirement accounts.