Helen Dao, SVP of Investments

06/11/2026

Many retirees have discovered the benefits of a retirement spent in the great outdoors. Are you ready to do the same?

Get ready to enjoy America’s national park system with this helpful article.

06/10/2026

Auto debt continues to climb as higher vehicle prices and interest rates put pressure on household budgets.

A recent report found that total auto debt reached $1.68 trillion at the end of 2025, up 37% from late 2018. Nearly 86 million Americans, or about 1 in 4, now carry auto loan or lease debt.

Monthly payments have also increased. The typical auto loan payment rose from about $506 in 2018 to more than $680 by the end of 2025.

Several factors are contributing to the shift, including higher vehicle prices, fewer lower-cost new car options, and longer loan terms. More buyers are also taking on larger monthly payments, with $1,000 auto loan payments becoming more common for financed new-vehicle purchases.

For many households, higher transportation costs can affect other parts of the budget, including groceries, rent, savings, and emergency funds.

These trends highlight how vehicle affordability can play a larger role in everyday financial decisions.


Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/06/car-payments-squeeze-americans.html

06/10/2026

Estimate the total amount you may need saved to support your desired retirement lifestyle.

How much is enough to retire? It depends on your lifestyle, timeline, and more. Use this calculator to get a personalized est

06/10/2026

Money is one of the top sources of tension in relationships — but experts say even strong couples can stumble if they avoid key conversations.

After studying more than 60 couples, money expert Heather Boneparth found that the happiest partners share five habits:

1. They adapt when circumstances change, rather than sticking to outdated money routines.

2. They don’t dwell on financial regrets or let shame define their decisions.

3. They avoid holding past mistakes over each other’s heads.

4. They focus on shared priorities instead of constant comparison.

5. They stay honest about spending and goals, building trust through transparency.

The takeaway? Communication matters as much as cash flow. Open conversations can help partners align values and expectations — and reduce unnecessary stress around money.


Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/15/money-expert-successful-couples-never-let-these-financial-mistakes-ruin-their-relationship.html

06/09/2026

Embrace the new digital era and ensure careful ownership, management, and estate strategy for your intellectual property.

Intellectual property ownership and its implications for ordinary people and estates.

06/09/2026

Can you put a dollar figure on being healthy?

One study that compared active and inactive adults found that healthcare costs are 9% to nearly 27% lower for those who stay "on the move," according to a landmark study by BMJ Journals.

When socking away money for retirement, savvy savers are not only accumulating money but also thinking about what they won't have to spend.

06/08/2026

Concerned about identity theft? Some things to leave at home.

Concerns over identity theft continue to grow, especially with data breaches at major companies and financial institutions.

06/08/2026

Let's examine some important considerations for the + community when creating their financial and strategy.

This is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for real-life advice. Consult your tax, legal, and accounting professionals before modifying your estate or tax strategy. A legal professional may be able to provide more insight if you have questions about what estate documents are appropriate for your situation.

Sources
ml.com, June 23, 2025
lgbtqbar.org, June 23, 2025

06/07/2026

Take the time to think about these three things when shopping for your next vehicle.

Here are 3 quick tips to keep in mind when buying or leasing your next vehicle.

06/06/2026

Have a kid heading off to college? Here are a few tips.

Dropping off your child is loaded with emotions; here are a few tips for a smoother experience.