Kevin Harris - Commonwealth Financial Network

10/15/2026

A smooth retirement starts before your last day of work. Here’s what’s worth checking off before you hand in that resignation letter.

Clear debt and build a real budget: Lowering debt before retirement can reduce pressure on a fixed income, while a realistic budget helps you see whether your expected spending lines up with what you’ve saved.

Tie up loose ends at work: Check with HR about outstanding stock, health benefits or seniority perks you could lose by leaving too soon.

Time Social Security and withdrawals carefully: Claiming Social Security early means a smaller monthly benefit, while tapping retirement accounts too soon may trigger taxes or penalties.

Use this checklist to spot any loose ends before retirement day arrives: https://bit.ly/4yMyrhM

You don't want to start your retirement on the wrong foot by making early mistakes. Make sure you have a plan in place before you offer your resignation letter.

10/09/2026

Your bank’s name pops up on your phone. Looks legitimate, but is it? Instead of clicking a link or calling the number in the message, use the number on the back of your card or go directly to the bank’s website.

09/04/2026

Stocks rallied in August, and strong earnings and easing inflation helped offset disappointing jobs data. What could higher energy costs and rising long-term interest rates mean for markets ahead?
Watch the latest Market Thoughts video from Commonwealth: https://bit.ly/4i8hzNb

08/28/2026

Building wealth is one thing. Keeping it is a whole different skill set.

📊 Know what you have: Take stock of your cash, retirement accounts, real estate, investments, and business interests so you have a clear picture of your finances.

🎯 Plan your spending, not just your saving: Think ahead to travel, healthcare, charitable giving, and other goals so your money continues to support your priorities over time.

📉 Manage debt and taxes: Paying down high-interest debt can reduce what you lose to interest, while thoughtful withdrawal and tax planning may help you keep more of what you’ve built.

See the full checklist for managing and protecting wealth over the long term: https://bit.ly/46nfHZC

A step-by-step framework to protect, grow and pass on your wealth across generations.

08/10/2026

Oil prices kept markets on edge in July, while consumer spending and business investment pointed to economic growth. Could Middle East tensions or the midterm elections bring more volatility? Watch the latest Market Thoughts video from Commonwealth: https://bit.ly/3U14MSx

July was a mixed month for markets, but will August be more of the same? Find out in our latest Market Thoughts video from Commonwealth's Chris Fasciano.

08/05/2026

Would five more years of work strengthen your retirement, or take time away from what matters most? Consider both the financial benefits and the personal tradeoffs before deciding.

💰 Review the numbers: Working longer may increase savings, Social Security benefits, and access to employer health coverage.
❤️ Consider your quality of life: Health, job stress, caregiving needs, and time with loved ones can matter just as much as finances.
🚦 Find your zone: Determine whether retiring now would require major changes, a few adjustments, or none at all.

See which factors can help you decide whether to retire now or keep working: https://bit.ly/4pO0GJt

Retiring now is tempting, but five extra years of work offer major perks. Here is how to weigh the health and financial trade-offs.

07/27/2026

When retirement arrives, many people don’t realize they can keep their 401(k) where it is—and plans are adding new features to make that choice more appealing.

Understand the flexibility: More plans now allow installment payments, ad hoc withdrawals, and even annuity options designed to help retirees turn savings into income.
Compare the control: Leaving money in a 401(k) can mean lower costs, but IRAs offer more freedom over which investments you sell and when—an important factor for long-term planning.
Know your options: Most retirees can leave their balance in the plan, but small accounts may be forced out, and choosing between staying or rolling over should factor in fees, features, and income needs.
Source:

Companies increasingly are allowing more flexibility with withdrawals, and some are offering annuity options.

07/16/2026

Don’t Let Fear Write Your Financial Story. Some of the market’s best days follow the worst ones—and trying to guess when they’ll happen almost always backfires. With the right plan, you can stay invested with confidence and focus on the bigger picture: your long-term growth.

07/13/2026

World Cup season is a reminder that great teams are built with intention. The same is true of your financial plan. Emergency savings, insurance, debt strategy, investing, taxes, and long-term goals each play a role. Do you have every position covered?

07/10/2026

Your Financial Future Shouldn’t Hinge on Headlines. When the market dips, fear can push people to make short-term decisions that hurt their long-term success. Staying invested and following a well-crafted plan can help you avoid impulsive decisions. Reacting to the market is not a strategy—planning is. That’s why we help you build a plan designed to weather every market cycle.