Next Level Investor

12/10/2025

Most Americans get retirement preparation wrong.

💊 Healthcare costs can make up around 15 percent of a retiree's annual spending by age 75, which is roughly two times what it typically is during the working years.

📉 Lower-than-expected returns early in retirement can change projections (sequence-of-returns risk).

⏳ The number of Americans living to age 100 and beyond is expected to quadruple over the next 30 years, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. For couples, there’s a 20 percent chance that one partner will live to at least 100!

Ask yourself:
❓ How does my strategy manage market volatility?
❓ Am I factoring in healthcare inflation?
❓ Will my income last as long as I do?

The takeaway: Retirement isn’t about a number in your retirement account. It’s about a strategy that addresses all the risks that could impact your goals.

Let us know if you’d like to review to see if you’re on track.

12/09/2025

Markets ended November on a five-day winning streak, softening earlier losses driven by concerns over tech valuations, consumer sentiment, and rate uncertainty. While the Nasdaq slipped 1.51 percent, the S&P 500 held steady and the Dow inched up 0.32 percent. All eyes now turn to the Fed's final meeting of the year on December 9–10.

Monthly Market Insights | December 2025 U.S. Markets Stocks were mixed in November as a late-month rally almost clawed back losses from earlier in the month. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.13 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite declined 1.51 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged ...

12/08/2025

❓Would you pay double for the same degree? 🎓

Many families are facing that decision right now as college acceptances arrive in high school seniors’ inboxes through April.

The next question is whether to choose a public or private university.

A 2025 analysis from Chase shows just how big the gap can be. Private school tuition averages more than double public in-state rates, but generous aid packages can help narrow that difference.

And when you factor in outcomes, some public schools deliver similar value at a fraction of the price.

💭 The real decision isn’t just about cost — it’s about value.

Consider:
• The net price after scholarships and grants
• Debt load vs. future earning potential
• Fit, support systems, and opportunities that will shape the next four years

🧠 The best choice is the one that balances financial reality with personal goals.

If you or someone you know is weighing college offers this winter, now is the perfect time to sit down, compare numbers, and make an intentional decision about this major investment in the future.

12/04/2025

🚗 Do you lease or buy cars?

The holidays are one of the busiest car-buying seasons of the year, and many people are asking, “Should I buy or lease a car?” right now.

The trade-offs, according to 2025 Consumer Reports, are as you likely know:
• Leasing = often lower monthly payments and perhaps a new car every few years
• Buying = can be higher upfront cost but potentially lower long-term expense and eventual ownership
• Leasing comes with mileage caps and potential fees, while buying can lead to equity in the vehicle

💭 The real decision isn’t just about payments, it’s about priorities:
• Do you value driving a new car every few years, or owning one outright?
• How many miles do you drive annually?
• What does your budget look like over the next 3–5 years?

🧠 This is a great time to run the numbers and choose the option that aligns with your financial goals for the year ahead. We can help clients evaluate the pros and cons of this decision. Let us help you if you’re thinking about which works best for you.

12/03/2025

✨ Are YOU making the most of your year-end charitable giving?

As 2025 winds down, charitable giving is top of mind for many families, not just as a tradition, but as a strategic financial move.

A few things to keep in mind:
▪️ A large amount of annual online donations happen in December, with 20 percent made on December 31.
▪️ Starting in 2026, new rules might adjust deductions for high earners and corporations.

Some financially smart ways you can give:
✔️ Consider giving your required minimum distributions to charity vs. getting taxed on the income
✔️ Setting up tools that make charitable giving part of your legacy
✔️ Donate appreciated securities instead of cash
✔️ Graduate to more sophisticated estate management approaches
✔️ “Bundle” several years of gifts for tax purposes

💡 Charitable giving is both emotional and strategic. With the right approach, you can make a meaningful impact while considering financial benefits. Let us know if you want to talk strategies.

👉 Have you used any of these approaches in your giving?
👉 Work with your financial and tax professionals before making any changes.

12/02/2025

💡 Are your charitable dollars working as hard as they could?

Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to consider not just how much to give, but also how to give.

With a little preparation, generosity can go further—both for the causes that matter most and your overall financial strategy.

One strategy to consider is donating appreciated assets. Another involves depreciated assets, which may seem counterintuitive but can work in some instances.

There are several approaches we can review that pursue tax efficiency, support long-term goals, and even shape a family’s legacy.

This is where working with a financial professional can add real value, helping generosity become a coordinated part of an overall strategy. We’re here to help.

12/01/2025

💻 Cyber Monday is an exciting day for shoppers AND for scammers!

With billions expected to be spent online today, protecting personal and financial information is just as important as finding the best deal.

🔐 5 quick ways to shop safely:
• Use credit cards
• Check for secure sites (look for “https” in the URL)
• Think twice before entering payment info on public Wi-Fi
• Consider turning on two-factor authentication for retailer accounts
• Check credit card and bank statements over the next few days

Online security is an integral part of financial wellness, and adopting a few simple habits can help keep your identity safe.

11/29/2025

🧐 Did you know…

Small businesses (firms with 249 or fewer employees) made up 53 percent of the total net job creation in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Small Business Saturday celebrates exactly this—the vital role entrepreneurs play in our economy and communities.

We have the privilege and honor of working with business owners and helping them translate their hard work into personal financial strategies for the years ahead.

This Small Business Saturday, every local purchase supports the local economy, job creation, and the personal dreams behind each storefront.

A healthier small business community supports us all. 🚀

11/27/2025

🦃 This Thanksgiving, our hearts are full of gratitude.

We are thankful for:
💛 The trust our clients place in us to guide their financial journeys
👏 The dedication of our team, whose commitment makes everything possible
🏡 The communities we serve, which inspire us every day with their resilience and strength

We want to express our deepest appreciation in a season that reminds us of the importance of connection. The relationships we share with clients, colleagues, and friends are what make our work meaningful.

From our team to yours, may your Thanksgiving be filled with gratitude, great company, and plenty of pie. 🥧🥧

11/25/2025

⏰ It’s Open Enrollment season, which means it’s time to review your health and benefits coverage for the year ahead.

According to Fidelity, here are the general timelines to keep in mind:
📌 ACA/HealthCare.gov: Nov 1, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026 (enroll by Dec 15 for Jan 1 coverage)
📌 Medicare: Oct 15 – Dec 7 (separate rules apply for Initial and General Enrollment)
📌 Medicaid/CHIP: Enrollment available year-round if eligible
📌 State marketplaces: Some states have slightly different windows—check your state’s site
📌 Employer plans: Typically run 2–4 weeks in Oct/Nov (HR/benefits will confirm exact dates)

💡 The reminder: Open Enrollment only comes once a year. It’s your chance to compare options, weigh costs, and align your coverage with your needs.

If you’d like to talk through how your benefits fit into your broader financial strategy, we’re here to help.

11/21/2025

🎁 PricewaterhouseCoopers projects U.S. holiday spending will see its steepest drop since 2020:
▪️ Overall spending down 5 percent
▪️ Gift budgets down 11 percent
▪️ Gen Z cutting back a striking 23 percent

💭 When people spend less, the real question becomes: What drives the purchases we do make?

A 2023 Simple Money article, “The Psychology of Holiday Spending,” points out that overspending often happens when:
▪️ We try to “re-create” the holidays of our childhood with bigger or more gifts
▪️ We feel pressure to match the generosity of friends or family
▪️ Retailers remind us that “time is running out,” and we click buy now before thinking twice

🧠 The real opportunity this season isn’t about spending less—it’s about spending with intention.

As we know, the best gifts are rarely the ones wrapped in paper.

When financial choices align with values, the holidays can feel lighter, less stressful, and more meaningful. Wishing a wonderful holiday to you and all those you love.

11/19/2025

💡 Did you know? If you’re over 50, a big retirement savings rule change is coming in 2026.

It has to do with retirement plan catch-up contributions (the extra dollars allowed once you turn 50).

First, catch-up contributions aren’t going away. You’ll still be able to make them in 2026 and beyond.

BUT—here’s the important difference:
📌 High earners will face a new rule. If you earned more than $145,000 from your employer in the prior year (indexed for inflation), all of your catch-up contributions will be handled differently. For some, that may mean you’ll have a taxable event now but down the road certain retirement plan withdrawals could be tax-free.
📌 Keep in mind that many companies are updating their retirement plans to make it easier for higher-earners to follow the new rule.
📌 If you earn less than $145,000, you can still choose where to place your money depending on your plan's choices.

If you’re turning 50 soon or already making catch-up contributions, now is the time to review your strategy and see if your plan is keeping up with the new rule.