In Touch Financial Services: Advisory & Investments

08/27/2026

Travel can boost financial wellness by enhancing mental resilience, a key to effective financial planning. Embrace vacations for cognitive health benefits and mindfulness, connecting wellness and evergreen financial strategies for overall balance.

Forget the staycation. Research reveals that travel can build stress resilience, sharpen cognitive health and ward off depression far better than staying home.

08/06/2026

Many workers in their 20s and 30s are falling short of retirement savings goals, with average contribution rates starting below 5% and peaking at only around 8%—well below the 15% experts recommend. Even with employer matches, most younger workers fail to reach the combined target. Inertia compounds the problem, as half of workers in their 20s never raise their contribution rate year to year. Debt and job changes also take a toll: nearly one in five borrow from retirement accounts, while 15% of young workers cash out entirely when leaving an employer.

Starting early makes a dramatic difference. A 1% contribution increase during the first 20 years of a career can generate an estimated $60,000 more in savings, compared to just $22,000 if the same increase is made later. Fidelity recommends having one year's salary saved by 30 and three times by 40. For a $60,000 earner, that means saving about $7,200 annually after a 3% employer match. Importantly, traditional 401(k) contributions reduce take-home pay by less than the amount saved due to tax advantages, making retirement saving more affordable than it appears.

How much should you really have saved by your 30s and 40s? Most workers save less than the recommended 15% for retirement, and the gap often starts early. Raising contributions in your 20s or 30s gives your money more years to grow. Debt, retirement plan loans, and cash-outs after job changes can ma...

07/27/2026

An estate plan should address several key areas: beneficiary designations on non-probate assets, which often override wills and are frequently outdated; a comprehensive inventory of assets, debts, and access details; essential documents like durable powers of attorney and healthcare directives; the choice between probate and revocable living trusts; the careful selection of executors and trustees; the potential for family conflicts; digital asset planning; and personal, non-financial legacies. Regular reviews after major life events help keep these elements aligned with current intentions.

The uncertainty and turmoil regarding estate planning is over. There is no reason now to delay action. Create or update your estate plan using this checklist.

07/13/2026

With inflation at 4.2%, keeping $10,000 or more in a standard low-yield savings account is steadily eroding your purchasing power. Every percentage point your savings earns below the inflation rate represents real buying power lost, making it essential to shop around for better returns. Fortunately, strong low-risk options exist. The top high-yield savings account currently pays 4.26% APY, with over 20 others offering at least 4.00%. Even better, a new 4-month CD leads at 5.00% APY.

A $10,000 deposit in that CD would earn roughly $250 in six months, while the same amount in a 4.26% savings account would generate about $213. The key trade-off is flexibility versus certainty: savings accounts have variable rates that can drop, while CDs and Treasurys lock in a fixed yield. In today's inflationary environment, parking cash in a traditional account is a missed opportunity. Moving funds to one of the many higher-yielding options can meaningfully slow the loss of your money's value.

The gap between average savings rates and today’s top low-risk returns remains surprisingly wide.

06/18/2026

As energy and inflation pressures persist, driven by factors like the Iran conflict, prioritizing financial wellness through sound financial planning is crucial amidst rising costs for gas, groceries, and flights.

A tentative deal to end the Iran war makes it reasonable to ask how soon prices will drop for gasoline, groceries, airline tickets and other items that got more expensive during the conflict.

06/11/2026

It is remarkably easy for hardworking professionals to get caught up in doing it all—excelling at work, showing up for family, checking every box on the to‑do list. Many feel proud of what they have built, and rightfully so. But underneath that pride, there is often a quiet exhaustion. Joy gets squeezed out, not because people do not want it, but because life leaves little room for it. A recent Harvard study found that even busy professionals with full lives spend only about one hour a day on truly joyful activities. That is not a personal failing. It is a pattern so many fall into, and one worth gentle attention.

The good news is that small shifts really do help. You do not need more hours in the day—just a little more intention with the ones you already have. That might mean calling a friend instead of scrolling your phone, taking ten minutes to water your plants, or finally trying that small hobby you keep putting off. Joy does not ask for much. It just asks not to be forgotten. As someone who cares about your whole well‑being—not just your net worth—I gently encourage you to protect a few moments each week for nothing but what lights you up. You deserve that. And interestingly, when you let yourself feel more joy, everything else actually gets easier. Your work, your relationships, your peace of mind. Let us make room for that together.

Research suggests that to have a satisfying life, you need to regularly feel three things: achievement, meaningfulness, and joy in the moment. How well are you doing on each of those fronts?

06/08/2026

Out for a morning Hike-training for my trek up Mount Kilimanjaro-wish me luck. I can barely get through my 500 ft elevation hikes, but this "Ole girl" is determined.

05/28/2026

True financial wellness requires planning well before a portfolio is built. Relying solely on a spouse or partner for financial guidance, especially through life changes like marriage or divorce, can lead to complacency. Being proactive ensures stability.

For many people, wealth planning begins with an assumption: someone is handling it. Maybe that person is a spouse, a long-time partner, or the one who has always been “good with money.” As long as things are calm, that arrangement can feel comfortable, even efficient.

05/21/2026

Financial wellness hinges on effective planning. Retirement healthcare costs can surprise; Medicare may not cover as much as expected. Strategize to build a realistic budget and secure your financial future.

Medicare doesn't go as far as expected in covering retirement healthcare costs. Some strategy can help you build a more realistic budget.

05/07/2026

Financial wellness begins with a solid understanding of one’s personal banking situation, including awareness of current savings. According to recent Federal Reserve data, the median bank balances of Americans vary significantly by age, family configuration, and education. For those under 35, the median balance is approximately $5,400, whereas individuals aged 65 to 74 have a median balance of $13,400. These figures reflect the financial conduct and savings habits that evolve over a lifetime, often influenced by significant life events such as marriage, home buying, and retirement planning. Among these demographics, couples typically report higher median savings than their single counterparts. Furthermore, households led by college graduates have been shown to possess the highest bank balances. Understanding these trends is crucial for formulating effective financial planning strategies.

Improving financial wellness is achievable through informed financial planning, with emphasis on maximizing savings and making prudent banking choices. To expedite savings growth, evaluating options such as high-yield savings accounts, money market accounts, or certificates of deposit (CDs) is advisable. These instruments offer varying interest rates and terms, potentially enhancing the growth rate of one’s savings beyond traditional saving methods. Moreover, developing a disciplined savings routine can significantly impact long-term financial goals, ensuring readiness for unexpected expenses and future aspirations. By combining sound financial planning with strategic personal banking decisions, individuals can enhance their financial wellness and secure a more stable financial future.

Median bank account balances in the U.S. range from $5,400 for those under 35 to $13,400 for ages 65–74, according to Federal Reserve data. Couples report higher median savings than single households, while college-educated households have the highest bank balances. To boost your savings faster, c...