As autumn fades and winter settles in, the days grow noticeably shorter and the nights longer. This seasonal shift can affect our mood, energy levels, and overall wellbeing. But with intentional routines and self-care practices, you can not only survive the darker months but truly thrive during them.
The annual gift tax exclusion changes over the years. Here’s how to give generously, perhaps more than you think you are able to under the current tax law.
This time of year has a unique way of stirring up complex emotions. While autumn leaves fall and we move toward shorter days, there's something in the air that calls us to reflection and gratitude. Yet many of us find ourselves caught between genuine appreciation and the pressure to perform thankfulness. This season, perhaps more than ever, it's worth exploring what it truly means to be grateful—not just during designated moments, but as a practice that can transform how we experience life itself.
Decision fatigue is real, and it's expensive. Every choice we make depletes our mental energy, and by December, most of us are running on fumes. That's when we're most vulnerable to overspending and over-committing. Read on for a simple filter to help you navigate all of the activities of the holiday rush with intentionality and choice.
As we approach the 2025 holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement—and expenses—of gift-giving, entertaining, and travel. Between family traditions, year-end generosity, and festive celebrations, holiday spending can creep up quickly. For individuals and families focused on long-term financial goals, it’s important to strike a balance between joy and financial discipline.
With upcoming changes to tax policy in 2026 that may limit your charitable deductions combined with the SALT cap increase to $40,000, this year presents a unique opportunity to maximize your charitable impact while optimizing tax benefits. Here’s a look at two common vehicles that are used to make larger gifts.
Travel marketing sells us beautiful beaches and iconic landmarks, but the most profound journeys offer something far more valuable than Instagram photos—they fundamentally shift how we see ourselves and the world around us. Transformative travel doesn't require exotic destinations or unlimited budgets; it requires openness to experiences that challenge your assumptions and expand your understanding of what it means to be human.
Retirement might seem distant when you're in your fifties, but the decade leading up to your golden years is actually the most critical time for retirement preparation. Whether you're 55 and just starting to think seriously about retirement or already deep into your planning, this comprehensive 10-year countdown checklist will help ensure you're ready for this major life transition.
There's a lot of confusion around Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare, and for good reason. Making contributions to your HSA after you're no longer eligible can lead to tax penalties and can be a headache to correct. Read on for what you need to know if you’re contributing to your HSA and preparing to enroll in Medicare.
When we hear the term estate planning, we often think of wills or maybe a financial to-do list for the later stages of life. But estate planning is about more than just deciding who gets what—it's about protecting your legacy, ensuring your loved ones are cared for and keeping your financial life in order no matter what the future holds.
