Donald Graham & Associates

10/14/2026

Why is saving so hard, even when we know it’s important? Our brains are wired to favor now over later, but you can outsmart that instinct. Discover three proven strategies to stick with financial goals when motivation fades: https://bit.ly/4kN5kU2

How to stick to your savings goals for the long term.

10/13/2026

Naming a 401(k) beneficiary might seem like a small step, but it can save your loved ones time, money, and legal headaches. The right plan also ensures your assets are passed on exactly as you intend:

Designate early: Name a beneficiary now to avoid probate delays.
Choose carefully: Consider long-term outcomes for spouses, children, or trusts.
Keep them informed: Share account options and tax rules.
Learn how to make your 401(k) work for your legacy, not against it: https://bit.ly/4mHrvw5

Leaving 401(k) cash behind can cause your heirs major headaches.

10/06/2026

Nearly half of adults under 30 now live with a parent, and it’s not necessarily a free ride: most young adults living at home still contribute to household bills. Here’s what’s driving the shift and why it matters:

Housing costs have outrun incomes: Median home prices now sit at about five times median income, compared with roughly three times in the 1990s.

It’s not always a savings launchpad: 72% of young adults living at home contribute to household bills, and for some, moving home is less about getting ahead than simply making today’s costs manageable.

The effects can extend beyond the household: Delayed moves may also affect milestones like homeownership and family formation, along with spending and retirement saving.

See how today’s housing costs are changing the path to financial independence: https://bit.ly/3VjeWPg

10/02/2026

Most Americans retire around 61, but full Social Security benefits may not kick in until 67, leaving a gap of several years that can have lasting financial consequences. Confusing these two ages can mean locking in a permanently smaller monthly benefit. Here’s what to know before you decide:

Know the difference: The average retirement age reflects when people actually stop working; full retirement age (FRA) is the legal threshold for 100% of your benefit.

Understand the early-claim penalty: Claiming at 62 with an FRA of 67 means a permanent 30% reduction, and future COLAs apply to that smaller amount.

See what waiting buys you: Delaying past FRA adds 8% per year up to age 70, turning a $2,000 benefit into roughly $2,480.

See how different claiming ages could affect your Social Security benefit: https://aol.it/4dKFgYK

Key takeaways The average retirement age and the full retirement age are two entirely different concepts. The average retirement age is a statistical measure of when Americans actually stop working, currently 61, according to Gallup’s […]

09/30/2026

Impulse buying doesn't have to derail your budget. A few small tweaks can turn spontaneous spending into planned spending:

Budget for spontaneity: Set aside a specific monthly amount for impulse buys so they're built into your plan, not a surprise expense.

Unfollow the triggers: Mute social accounts that push you toward unplanned purchases to cut temptation before it starts.

Add friction to checkout: Delete saved payment info and use cash for in-person shopping to make impulse buys a little harder to act on.

Learn more ways to keep spending in check: https://bit.ly/3V9DIRI

Waiting before making an unplanned purchase could be enough to stop an impulse buy in its tracks.

09/22/2026

Happy first day of Fall, everyone!

09/18/2026

09/15/2026

Want to support your grandkids without draining your own nest egg? Here are 3 smart ways to give:

Save for education: A 529 plan can offer tax advantages when funds are used for qualified expenses.
Plan your legacy: Trusts, wills, and beneficiary updates can help clarify who receives what, and when.
Gift strategically: Annual gifts, direct tuition payments, or medical support may offer tax-efficient ways to help.
Read all 8 strategies for building a legacy without sacrificing retirement security: https://bit.ly/4c8D8r4

To give your grandkids money without clearing out your 401(k), considering saving for their education, or making them your life insurance beneficiary.

09/11/2026

On this day of remembrance, we pause to reflect and honor all those affected by September 11. We will never forget.

09/09/2026

When it comes to retirement planning, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Learn about new research that shows how generations differ in their attitudes about retirement, and how those differences should shape financial planning: https://bit.ly/3UhuYXf

Differing generational expectations about when to retire are placing an increased focus on personalized investment strategies.