JJ Burns & Company

06/10/2026

How to keep finances afloat for SINK households.



(Source: Ellevest)

06/09/2026

Living life as a solo senior has a different impact—financially and emotionally—than being part of a couple *and* it can still be incredibly fulfilling.

The way you schedule your time, how you spend your money, and the activities you pursue are completely up to you.

Whether you’ve always been on your own, went through a divorce, or lost a spouse, retiring successfully as a solo senior is possible.

As you prepare for this next chapter, here are a few things to keep in mind:

🔸 Structure your finances to fit your wants and needs
🔸 Consider a single-friendly retirement community
🔸 Set up a health care and long-term care plan
🔸 Build relationships with new, like-minded friends
🔸 Find a travel companion
🔸 Look for volunteering opportunities in your community
🔸 Consider adopting a pet
🔸 Continue learning new things and enroll in classes

Navigating retirement alone may sound like a frightening proposition, especially if you haven't been on your own for very long. It's natural to feel anxious.

At JJ Burns & Co, we make it our mission to help ensure you’re not just retiring from work—but retiring to an active and meaningful new phase of your life, even if you're going at it solo.

Let's envision this new chapter, together: https://jjburns.com/life-transitions/retirement/

(Source: Kiplinger)

06/08/2026

One of the most important estate planning questions isn't about money—it's about who you trust.

If you're single, childfree, or both, have you thought about who would make financial or healthcare decisions on your behalf if you couldn’t?

Estate planning isn't just about passing down assets. It's about ensuring your wishes are known, your affairs are managed by people you trust, and your legacy reflects what matters most to you.

No matter your family structure, JJ Burns & Co is here to help you create an estate plan that brings confidence and peace of mind: https://bit.ly/jjfinancialplanningprocess

06/05/2026

Despite high interest rates and soaring home prices, homeownership still remains a dream for many.

Think you’ll never be able to afford a home? Believe a home is the ultimate indicator of success?

These misconceptions about home-buying may steer you down a rocky financial path.

(Source: Kiplinger)

06/04/2026

Whether it’s going away for the weekend, for a month, or for an entire season, having a second home can be a blessing for families that creates lasting memories.

It can also come with some significant financial considerations.

If you’ve purchased multiple properties for investment purposes, once you’re retired, you’ll want to make the most of those investments to help generate a steady stream of income.

In our blog, JJ Burns, CFP® highlights some key issues to think about when you own—or want to own—investment properties: https://bit.ly/investmentpropertiesblog

Whether it’s going away for the weekends, for a month, or for an entire season, having a second or third home can be a blessing for families that creates lasting memories. It can also come with some significant financial considerations. Moreover, if you’ve purchased multiple properties for inves...

06/03/2026

Looking to sell your home in the next year? Set yourself up for success with these 10 home improvements that may help increase value—most you can DIY.

Consider using some of the funds to invest in other properties or boost your retirement savings. 💰

(Source: Investopedia)

06/02/2026

Real estate investing sparking your interest?

You’re not alone. >10 million Americans are real estate investors—“mom and pop investors” who individually own 1-5 single family rentals, vacation homes, and small multi-family units. (Gallup)

If you’re looking to generate income, real estate investing may offer the potential for attractive returns, tax advantages, and portfolio diversification in the face of a challenging economy.

But, it doesn't come without risk. Like all investments, real estate has its pros and cons.

Advantages:
⬆️ Potential long-term appreciation while you live in a property
⬆️ Potential hedge against inflation
⬆️ Passive income from rents or REITs
⬆️ Interest deductions and depreciation write-off
⬆️ Fixed long-term financing

Disadvantages:
⬇️ Appreciation is not guaranteed
⬇️ Property prices may fall with higher interest rates
⬇️ May require substantial time and money to manage and maintain
⬇️ You owe a mortgage payment every month, even if a tenant doesn’t pay
⬇️ Lower liquidity for real property

Maybe you want to build equity with your own home, purchase a rental property and become a landlord, flip houses, or buy a real estate investment trust. Consult your financial advisor and real estate experts before putting any money down: https://bit.ly/jjinvestments

06/01/2026

Co-buying a home with friends or family members—brilliant or bust?

Housing trends show that some buyers are turning to shared ownership with friends, family, and non-spousal partners to afford homes.

Co-buying can mean shared responsibility, lower costs, and greater buying power, but it also comes with risks.

(Source: Investopedia)

05/29/2026

Did you know: Soldiers can receive special tax benefits that aren't available to civilians, from additional deductions to capped interest rates.

Nothing can make up for the hardship of serving in the armed forces. But the government does offer some tax breaks so that soldiers don’t have to add income taxes to their list of worries:

If you're serving in the military, you may be able to take advantage of military tax benefits to reduce your tax liability. Soldiers can receive special tax benefits that aren't available to civilians, from additional deductions to capped interest rates. If you're a military member, learn more about...

05/28/2026

Military members often face a slew of unique challenges. And while they can't mitigate all risks in their line of work, there are a few money moves to help protect the family finances.

Here are 10 of the best financial benefits available to service members:

🪖 Tax-Free Roth Deposits: For service members receiving tax-free combat-zone pay, your money goes into the Roth tax-free + contributions and earnings come out tax-free.

🪖 State Tax Breaks: If your legal residence is a state that has no income tax, you can be shielded from taxes if you move to another state while on active duty.

🪖 VA Loans: Let you get a house with no money down, comparatively low interest rates, limited closing costs, and no private mortgage insurance.

🪖 Tax-free housing allowance: Monthly subsidy covering all or part of your monthly rent or mortgage payment as long as you’re in the military. Amount varies by rank, location, and number of dependents.

🪖 Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance: Costs about $420/yr for the maximum $500,000 in benefits — regardless of age, health or likelihood of deployment.

🪖 Post-9/11 GI Bill: Covers the full cost of in-state tuition and fees at public colleges for up to 36 months, or up to a certain amount per year for private colleges and foreign schools.

🪖 Servicemembers Civil Relief Act: Provides an interest-rate cap of 6%/yr on any loans you took out before being called to active duty. Also gives you the right to terminate an apartment lease if you have a permanent change of station or are deployed for 90 days or more.

🪖 Savings Deposit Program: Invest up to $10,000 each time you're deployed. 10% annual interest, compounded monthly and paid quarterly. The program lasts for up to 3 months after you return.

🪖 Thrift Savings Plan: A very low-cost retirement savings vehicle. Contribute up to $24,500 (or up to $69,000 while serving in a combat zone). Those age 50+ get a catch-up contribution of $8,000, while ages 60-63 get a catch-up of $11,250 in 2026.

🪖 Each branch of the military has an emergency-relief fund that offers small, interest-free loans for emergencies.

(Source: Kiplinger)