Rose City Financial Services, LLC

06/10/2026

The 72-hour rule is one of the easiest money habits you can start today.

The idea is simple. Before buying something you really want but don't necessarily need, wait 72 hours. If you still want it AND have the cash, go for it guilt-free. If the urge has passed, you just saved yourself from an impulse buy. It sounds almost too simple, but it works because it creates a pause between the emotion and the action.

Most impulse purchases are driven by a feeling in the moment, and that feeling rarely lasts three days.

What's a budgeting tip or money habit that's made a real difference for you?

06/09/2026

Both SIMPLE IRAs and SEP IRAs are retirement plans designed for small businesses and self employed individuals, but they work a bit differently.

A SIMPLE IRA allows both employee and employer contributions. Employees can defer part of their paycheck, and employers are required to contribute as well. This option is often used by businesses with employees looking for a straightforward retirement benefit.

A SEP IRA, on the other hand, is funded only by the employer. Contributions are optional each year and are typically used by self employed individuals or business owners who want flexibility in how much they contribute year to year.

Choosing the right plan depends on your business structure, cash flow, and long term goals. Understanding the differences is an important step in building a retirement plan that fits.

06/08/2026

Your 30s can bring a lot of forward motion: career growth, job changes, homeownership, family planning, and bigger financial decisions. It’s an exciting decade, but it can also be a busy one financially.

Here are a few areas to keep in mind:

• Work with a lawyer to prepare a will and address other possible estate planning needs
• Consider buying additional life insurance if you’ve started a family
• Evaluate your investment portfolio to ensure it is properly diversified
• Create an education funding plan if you have children
• Increase contributions to your retirement account(s) following raises
• Purchase a disability income insurance policy if you haven’t done so already
• Aim for a 20% down payment when buying a home to help avoid the cost of private mortgage insurance

Your 30s are a good time to turn financial momentum into long-term progress.

06/05/2026

June 6 is National Higher Education Day, and it's a great reminder to check in on your education savings strategy!

One of the more exciting updates from SECURE 2.0: 529 plan funds can now be rolled over into a Roth IRA under qualifying circumstances. For families who've been diligently saving for college, this adds a meaningful layer of flexibility.

A few things to keep in mind:
✅ The 529 must have been open for at least 15 years
✅ There are annual and lifetime limits on how much can be rolled over
✅ The rollover counts toward the Roth IRA contribution limit for that year

It's a great example of how financial planning rules are evolving to give families more flexibility. Have questions about how this applies to your situation? Let's chat!

06/04/2026

Claiming Social Security as early as possible sounds like a no-brainer. But for many people, it's not the right move.

Factors like how long you expect to work, your overall health, and your spouse's plans can all play a role in figuring out what makes sense for your situation. There's no one-size-fits-all answer.

If you haven't thought through your Social Security strategy yet, it's worth a conversation.

06/03/2026

Retirement choices often surprise us. A report reveals 59% of retirees left work earlier than planned. Let's discuss!📊

A new survey underscores a common misconception about retirement: that we get to choose when and how we leave the workforce.

06/02/2026

When one partner earns significantly more than the other, money conversations can get complicated.

It’s not just about the numbers. It’s about communication, expectations, and feeling like you’re on the same team. A few things that can help include aligning on shared goals, being open about finances, and agreeing on how decisions are made, whether that’s jointly or with defined roles.

At the end of the day, a strong financial partnership is less about who earns more. It’s about how you plan together.

06/01/2026

What if you could “test-drive” retirement before it actually begins?

One simple idea: try living on your planned retirement income for a month while you’re still working. It can help you better understand your spending and make adjustments ahead of time.

You might also use vacation time to see what your days actually look like without work, or even spend a few weeks in a place you’re considering for retirement.

A little real-world testing now can go a long way in helping you feel more prepared for what’s ahead.

05/29/2026

Thinking about college costs? You're not alone.

Here are a few things worth thinking through when it comes to education funding:

• Most families know starting early helps, but few have a clear target. How much is "enough" depends on the type of school, potential financial aid, and your broader financial picture.
• College savings can offer real tax advantages, but the details around contribution limits and qualified expenses are worth understanding before you dive in.
• The right plan today may not be the right plan in five years. As your child's path becomes clearer, it's worth building in room to adjust.
• There are tradeoffs to consider. Saving aggressively for education could mean making sacrifices elsewhere, like retirement savings or an emergency fund. Balance is key.

If you're not sure where to start, reach out to get the conversation started.

05/28/2026

A target date fund is an investment option commonly used in workplace retirement plans like 401(k)s. It’s designed to adjust automatically over time based on a selected retirement year (the “target date”).

When retirement is far away, the fund generally focuses more on growth. As the target date approaches, it shifts toward a more conservative mix to help manage risk.

Target date funds can be a simple, hands off option for investors who want diversification and automatic adjustments, but they’re not one size fits all. Understanding how they work can help you decide if they align with your goals.