Stars and Stripes Financial Services

09/26/2026

Many business owners plan to fund retirement by selling their company someday. But a profitable business and a sellable business aren’t always the same thing.

Profit doesn’t guarantee a buyer: Buyers want a company that can run without the founder. If sales, relationships, or daily decisions depend on you personally, the value may be lower than expected.
The transition window is getting crowded: Millions of small businesses are expected to change hands by 2035, which could mean more sellers competing for qualified buyers.
Start earlier than feels necessary: Strong exits usually take years of preparation, from documenting systems to building a team that can operate independently.
If your exit strategy is “sell the business someday,” here’s more about what that requires: https://bit.ly/4eiTJMa

Many business owners expect selling their company to fund retirement. Learn why business readiness is the missing piece of retirement planning.

09/25/2026

College savings can feel tricky when you’re planning for a future your child may not follow exactly. Here are a few ways families can build in more flexibility:

Keep 529s in context: They can work well for college and some qualified education paths, but may be less flexible if your child takes a gap year, starts a business, or chooses another route.
• Consider a backup account: Roth IRAs may let you withdraw contributions if needed, while keeping the money available for retirement if plans change.
• Don’t overlook free money: Merit scholarships, AP classes, and dual enrollment can help reduce future costs before the first tuition bill arrives.
See why a flexible college savings strategy may matter as much as the amount you save: https://bit.ly/4uyZScQ

As tuition costs soar, money pros suggest some key backup plans if a child decides to skip higher education

09/24/2026

Building wealth that lasts beyond your lifetime takes more than luck. The right structures, investments, and family habits can help support a longer-term legacy.

🏛️ Create a clear plan: Trusts and other estate-planning tools can guide how assets are managed, transferred, and used.
🏠 Build varied income sources: Rental property, dividend-paying stocks, and bonds may provide income while spreading risk.
📚 Teach the next generation: Share your financial approach with heirs so they are better prepared to manage what they receive.

Explore more ways retirees can use passive income and planning to build generational wealth: https://bit.ly/4x6bjcY

09/23/2026

Want to support your grandkids without draining your own nest egg? Here are 3 smart ways to give:

Save for education: A 529 plan can offer tax advantages when funds are used for qualified expenses.
Plan your legacy: Trusts, wills, and beneficiary updates can help clarify who receives what, and when.
Gift strategically: Annual gifts, direct tuition payments, or medical support may offer tax-efficient ways to help.
Read all 8 strategies for building a legacy without sacrificing retirement security: https://bit.ly/4c8D8r4

To give your grandkids money without clearing out your 401(k), considering saving for their education, or making them your life insurance beneficiary.

09/22/2026

Having any kind of debt is burdensome, but credit card debt can be especially difficult to manage. Do you know all your options for paying off your balance? Learn about various strategies to figure out which one will work best for your situation: https://bit.ly/43bdlux

Credit card debt can be a significant financial burden, and if you have a sizable balance, trying to pay it down can be stressful. Here are the best ways to pay off credit card debt.

09/21/2026

Women are set to control $30 trillion in personal wealth by 2030, yet only one-third of financial advisors are female. Bridging this gap isn’t just about equality but meeting the needs of female clients. Learn how empowering women in finance is beneficial: https://bit.ly/3DqDVqQ

09/21/2026

Budgeting for couples isn’t just about crunching numbers—it’s about building a future together. From setting clear goals to celebrating milestones, here are tips that can help you align your finances with your shared dreams: https://bit.ly/3BpumHQ

Discover essential budgeting tips for couples to manage finances together, set shared goals, and build a strong financial foundation as a team.

09/20/2026

Roth accounts can build tax-free wealth for retirement, but how do you choose? A Roth 401(k) offers a higher contribution limit and employer match, while a Roth IRA provides more flexibility and choices. Learn which best suits your goals: https://bit.ly/cnbcrthTu

09/18/2026

$124 trillion is expected to change hands between generations by 2048, but many families aren’t waiting to pass it on. Some parents are giving now, and pairing that help with lessons on saving and investing. See how families are approaching inheritance: https://bit.ly/4xQSScU

Kiplinger is exploring the Trillion Dollar Talk. Join us to see what we've found and how we can help you.

09/17/2026

Workers are speaking far fewer words a day than they did 15 years ago, and that shift may be affecting workplace connection. Small talk, check-ins, and live discussions can help build trust that an online chat may miss. See why real conversation matters: https://bit.ly/4xUzWKs