Finance Forward, LLC; Elaine Shanley

10/31/2026

Is your estate strategy full of cobwebs? Does your investing approach have too many tricks and not enough treats? Does your retirement timeline read like a ghost story?
These things have a way of going bump in the night.

Knowing where you stand is the first step.

09/23/2026

Living longer doesn’t automatically mean living better.

Healthy Aging Month is a reminder that how we age is shaped by more than just time. Staying active, mentally sharp, and socially connected all play a role—and so does the ability to support those lifestyles over time.

Small, consistent habits—both physical and financial—can influence what those years look like.

Sources
World Health Organization, Aging and Health, October 2025
American Medical Association, What Doctors Wish Patients Knew About Healthy Aging, September 2025
Stanford Medicine, Five Healthy Habits for Successfully Aging, January 2026
EBRI/Greenwald, 2025 Retirement Confidence Survey, April 2025

09/18/2026

Life insurance is often framed as something you only think about “just in case.”

But for many people, it can be part of a broader financial foundation—supporting both current flexibility and future considerations.

From how coverage works to what employer benefits actually provide, understanding the basics can make it easier to decide what fits your situation.

Several factors affect the cost and availability of life insurance. And any guarantees associated with a policy depend on the issuing insurance company's ability to continue making claim payments.

Check out our Blog for more! Link in bio!

09/05/2026

When stocks stumble during midterm election years, what comes next?

Historically, midterm years have often brought increased market volatility. Over the past 10 midterm election cycles, the S&P 500 experienced an average maximum drawdown of 16.77%. However, one year after those lows, stocks gained an average of 27.80%.

While history does not predict future results, this is a helpful reminder to stay focused on your long-term goals and avoid making emotional decisions during periods of market uncertainty.

We found this article from Hartford Funds insightful and wanted to share it as a timely reminder. Have questions about your investment strategy? Reach out to our team or share your thoughts below.

Past performance does not guarantee future results. This content is for educational purposes only and is not investment advice. Please review the chart’s full disclosure and sources.

07/22/2026

Trump Accounts opened on July 4. Here are a few questions worth considering:

➡️ Our baby is 18 months old. Do we qualify for the $1,000?

Yes. Every U.S. citizen baby born since January 1, 2025, qualifies for a one-time $1,000 federal contribution.

➡️ Is there an income maximum?

No. Eligibility is based on the child's citizenship and birth date, not family income.

➡️ Our child is 7. Did we miss it?

Not entirely. Any U.S. citizen under 18 can have an account opened. The federal $1,000 payment applies only to children born in 2025 through 2028, but everything else still applies.

➡️ Can grandparents contribute?

Yes. Up to $5,000 per year combined across parents, grandparents, family, and the child themselves.

➡️ What is the catch?

State tax conformity varies; California, for example, does not currently conform.

Whether to contribute, how much, and how to coordinate it with what you already have are all worth talking through. Check out link in bio for more info on trump accounts.

06/18/2026

Success is built one step, one season, and one commitment at a time.

Whether in sports, life, or pursuing long-term goals, success comes from showing up, working together, and staying committed through every challenge.

Congratulations to Thomas O'Connor and the Montgomery County Special Olympics softball team on an incredible season and a silver medal finish at the State Games! 🥈

We're proud to celebrate Thomas's commitment to the community and the positive impact he continues to make💙🥎

05/21/2026

watching the blue angels in Annapolis is just one of those things you never get tired of ✈️☀️🇺🇸

04/20/2026

Life is unpredictable. Planning ahead brings clarity.

If something happened to you, would everything be in order?
And just as importantly… are your parents all set?

Join us for “In Case You Get Hit by a Bus” where we will walk through simple, practical steps to help you and your family stay organized and prepared.

➡️April 30th at 4:00 PM

Link in bio to register.

🎉 Giveaway: Follow, like this post, and comment BUS for a chance to win a free book.

04/15/2026

We see it all the time.

Someone files their taxes and asks,
“Is there anything I can do?”

By then, most of the opportunities are gone.

Tax strategy is about making decisions before year end, not after.

Planning ahead can make all the difference in what you keep.

Drop an emoji below that describes how you feel about taxes! Mine is 😅

Thank you again CPAs who survived this season!!

04/11/2026

Here’s a look at what goes into creating a \$20 bill and what determines when a bill’s lifespan ends.

How long does a $20 bill last?