Ehlen Heldman

10/14/2026

Trump Account or 529?

It's tempting to ask which account is better.

But that's not where we'd start.

A 529 may make sense when the primary goal is education.

A Trump Account may make sense when the goal is broader—a long-term financial head start that isn't specifically tied to education.

And for some families, using both may make sense.

The important question isn't: Which account should we use?

It's: What are we trying to accomplish?

The goal should drive the account—not the other way around.

That's the idea behind our latest Planning Perspective article:
Trump Accounts vs. 529 Plans: Which One Is Right for Your Goal?

Read the full article:
https://www.ehlenheldman.com/blog.htm?ID=18994&utm_source=planning_perspective&utm_medium=socialmedia&utm_campaign=trump_accounts_2026&utm_content=featured_blog03

If you were saving for a child's future, what would you want the money to accomplish?

Part 3 of the Planning Perspective: Trump Accounts Series

09/23/2026

Just because you can contribute more doesn't mean you should.

When a new financial account becomes available, it's easy to focus on the maximum contribution.

But families have other priorities, too.

Maybe you're building an emergency fund.

Maybe you're paying down high-interest debt.

Maybe you're trying to save more for your own retirement.

A child's financial future matters. So does the financial foundation you're building for the family today.

The right contribution isn't necessarily the largest one.

It's the amount that makes sense within the bigger plan.

That's the idea behind our latest Planning Perspective article:
Trump Accounts: Why Starting Early Can Matter More Than Saving More

Read the full article:
https://www.ehlenheldman.com/blog.htm?ID=18993&utm_source=planning_perspective&utm_medium=socialmedia&utm_campaign=trump_accounts_2026&utm_content=featured_blog02

What financial priority would you consider before deciding how much to contribute?

Part 2 of the Planning Perspective: Trump Accounts Series

09/16/2026

You can't go back and give your money more time.

When it comes to saving for a child's future, it's natural to focus on how much you can contribute.

But another factor can be just as important: When do you start?

A smaller contribution made early may have more time to potentially grow than a larger contribution made years later.

That doesn't mean families should contribute as much as possible or prioritize one account over every other financial goal.

It means time belongs in the planning conversation, too.

That's the idea behind our latest Planning Perspective article:
Trump Accounts: Why Starting Early Can Matter More Than Saving More

Read the full article:
https://www.ehlenheldman.com/blog.htm?ID=18993&utm_source=planning_perspective&utm_medium=socialmedia&utm_campaign=trump_accounts_2026&utm_content=featured_blog02

If you could give your money one thing—more money or more time—which would you choose?

Part 2 of the Planning Perspective: Trump Accounts Series

08/26/2026

New financial opportunities can be exciting. But that doesn't mean every opportunity belongs in your plan.

When a new account becomes available, it's easy to focus on the features:
What does it offer?
Who qualifies?
What are the benefits?

Those questions matter. But there's another question worth asking: Does this account make sense for our specific situation?

A good financial decision isn't necessarily the newest, biggest, or most talked-about option. It's the one that supports what you're actually trying to accomplish.

That's why financial planning looks beyond the account itself.

Before opening a new account, start with the goal—not the product.

Read our Planning Perspective article:
https://www.ehlenheldman.com/blog.htm?ID=18992&utm_source=planning_perspective&utm_medium=socialmedia&utm_campaign=trump_accounts_2026&utm_content=featured_blog01

Part 1 of the Planning Perspective: Trump Accounts Series

08/19/2026

A new account changes the planning conversation.

When a new financial opportunity comes along, it's natural to ask: Should we open one?

But we think there's a better question: What problem is this account designed to solve?

The answer may shape every decision that follows.

Financial tools are most valuable when they support your family's goals—not simply because they're new.

That's the idea behind our latest Planning Perspective article:
Trump Accounts: Before You Open One, Ask This Question

Read the full article:
https://www.ehlenheldman.com/blog.htm?ID=18992&utm_source=planning_perspective&utm_medium=socialmedia&utm_campaign=trump_accounts_2026&utm_content=featured_blog01

What would be the first question you would ask before opening a new financial account?

Part 1 of the Planning Perspective: Trump Accounts Series

08/14/2026

Many people think protecting their family means creating an inheritance plan.

While passing on assets is important, some of the greatest protection happens long before that moment arrives.

A strong financial plan helps your family understand your wishes, find important information, and make decisions with confidence if something unexpected happens. 💡

Consider whether your family knows:

Where important financial documents are stored.
Who to contact if help is needed.
What your wishes are.
Who is responsible for important decisions.
How your plan reflects your priorities.
The goal isn't to share every financial detail. It's to provide enough clarity that your loved ones aren't left searching for answers during a difficult time.

The planning you do today can become one of the most meaningful gifts you give your family.

If you'd like help reviewing whether your financial plan is prepared for the future, I can help.

07/23/2026

When most people think about protecting their family's finances, insurance is usually the first thing that comes to mind.

Insurance is an important piece of the puzzle—but it isn't the whole picture. A strong financial protection plan also includes the habits and strategies that help you navigate life's unexpected moments with confidence. 🛡️

Consider whether your plan includes:

An emergency fund for unexpected expenses
Insurance that reflects your current needs
Up-to-date beneficiary and estate planning documents
Manageable debt and financial flexibility
Regular reviews as your life and goals change
The strongest financial plans aren't built around one product. They're built by making thoughtful decisions that work together to protect what matters most.

If you'd like to review whether your financial protection plan is as strong as it could be, I can help.

07/04/2026

07/02/2026

Most people don't think of financial organization as part of their financial strategy.

But it can have a significant impact on long-term stability.

When accounts, documents, and financial decisions are organized, it becomes easier to:

Make informed financial decisions
Identify planning opportunities
Coordinate investments
Prepare for retirement
Navigate major life transitions
Without organization, it's easy for old accounts, outdated documents, and missed opportunities to quietly accumulate over time.

Financial organization isn't about perfection.

It's about creating clarity so you can make better decisions and feel more confident about your financial future.

If you're unsure whether your financial life is organized in a way that supports your long-term goals, I'd be happy to help.

06/25/2026

Most people think investment management is about picking investments.

In reality, the biggest value often comes from everything happening around the investments.

Professional oversight can help with:

Keeping your portfolio aligned with your goals
Managing risk as life changes
Rebalancing when allocations drift
Identifying tax-planning opportunities
Coordinating retirement income strategies
Helping avoid emotional investment decisions
The investments themselves are only one part of the picture.

The real question is whether your entire strategy is working together efficiently.

As portfolios grow and financial situations become more complex, ongoing oversight often becomes less about chasing returns and more about making thoughtful decisions that support long-term success.

If you'd like a second opinion on whether your portfolio is still aligned with your goals, I'd be happy to help.