Blog

Here are three creative ways to unlock potential retirement plan cost savings without compromising your employees’ experience or benefits package.

Teaching Teens and Young Adults Financial Literacy Through Real-Life Decision Making

Vinson Brod

Thursday, April 2, 2026

If you are a parent of a teen or young adult, how do you teach them to make confident money decisions before the stakes are high? Teaching teens and young adults about money is less about formal instruction and more about repeated...

Helping Adult Children Buy a Home: How to Gift a Down Payment The Smart Way

Vinson Brod

Monday, March 23, 2026

Key TakeawaysHere are some questions this blog aims to answer:How can parents or grandparents help with a down payment for adult children?What are ways to gift a down payment, and how do the annual gift tax exclusion and lifetime...

Roth catch-up contributions and long-term part-time eligibility are top of mind for 2026. See what plan sponsors are watching this quarter and how to stay on track with upcoming deadlines.

Learn how the 2026 Roth catch-up rule affects higher-earning employees and what plan sponsors need to know to prepare payroll, systems, and plan processes.

Three Numbers Every Woman Should Know

Vinson Brod

Monday, March 2, 2026

Key TakeawaysHow much wealth are women on track to control in the next decade, and why does that matter?What does the life expectancy gap between women and men mean for how long money needs to last?How common is it for women to be...

Discover how generational shifts, from Boomers to Gen Z, impact 401(k) strategy. Learn plan design ideas to support every stage of the workforce.

Tax Prep vs. Tax Strategy: The Difference Matters More Than You Think

Vinson Brod

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Key TakeawaysTreat tax strategy as a continuous process, not a once-a-year filing exercise.Coordinate with financial and tax professionals throughout the year to identify opportunities for efficiency.Review contribution limits,...

Understanding the Emotions Behind Financial Decisions

Vinson Brod

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Key TakeawaysEmotions and biases might influence financial choices more often than most people realize.Behavioral patterns, such as loss aversion, familiarity bias, and herd mentality, can impact long-term results.Recognizing emotional...

Stay current on 2026 retirement plan litigation trends. Learn key ERISA rulings, fiduciary process expectations, ESG cases, and what committees should watch.

AI and the New Face of Fraud: How to Protect Your Identity and Finances in 2026

Jonathan Brown

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Artificial intelligence (AI) may be the most revolutionary technology of our time, with industries scrambling to embrace its possibilities. AI’s early influence seems similar to the positive disruptions brought about by past...

Stay organized and build strong financial habits with this Ultimate Financial Goals Planner. Set goals, track progress, and create a yearlong plan for success.

Stay ahead of 2026 retirement plan updates. Learn key SECURE 2.0 changes, new Roth rules, eligibility shifts, and fiduciary trends plan sponsors need to know.

2025 in Review and What You Should Know

Steven Dimitriou AIF^®, C(k)P^®, CPFA^®

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

As we begin a new year and consider the opportunities ahead, reflecting on the past year helps put today’s financial landscape into perspective and informs the strategies that can move us closer to our goals. 2025 was a year marked by...

Stay ahead of deadlines with help from our annual Compliance Calendar. If you have any questions about deadlines or information requested, please contact us to review today!

This quarter’s newsletter highlights practical strategies for retirement plan success: advanced tax options, employee education, and cybersecurity planning.

Year-End Giving Strategies: Tax-Smart and Impactful

Allison Montgomery Crate CFP^®, CIMA^®, CRPC^®, CPFA^®

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Key Takeaways A third of annual donations: About one-third of all charitable contributions are made in December. Donating before December 31 may offer tax advantages. New rules starting in 2026 (via the OBBB Act) may affect deductions...

Learn why cybersecurity is a fiduciary responsibility for retirement plan sponsors. Discover practical steps to help protect participant data and support compliance.

Help employees confidently navigate retirement with this education guide focused on emotional readiness, purpose, connection, structure, and planning.

The True Costs of Caring for Aging Parents

Vinson Brod

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Key Takeaways Caring for aging parents is a growing reality for many Americans. The number of family caregivers in the U.S. has jumped to 63 million, a 45 percent increase over the past decade, making 1 in every 4 Americans a...

Online advice is everywhere, but it is not always right. Learn how in-person employee education supports financial wellness, trust, and stronger workplace outcomes.

Money Talks: How to Use Holiday Gatherings to Start Family Financial Conversations

Vinson Brod

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Key Takeaways Year-end holidays may be a good time to initiate a discussion about financial matters that may impact your family. If you have adult children, you may want to discuss your financial situation, estate strategy, and legal...

The 2026 Retirement Plan Contribution Limits are here! Check out the most recent changes.

A participant communication checklist helps plan sponsors stay organized, meet requirements, and support employees through plan changes with clarity.

Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?

David Manukjan CFP^®

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Receiving a bonus, inheritance, or an increase in income often prompts a key financial question: Should I use this money to pay off my mortgage, or invest it? At first glance, the answer might seem simple. But in reality, it requires...

Explore 5 advanced tax strategies that help employers reduce taxable income, boost retirement savings, and retain top talent through optimized plan design.

Applications for Plan Sponsors - White Paper

Jonida Papajani CFA^®, CAIA^®

Monday, October 13, 2025

Applications for Plan Sponsors Optimizing DC Plan Investment Lineups: A Comparative Analysis of Full vs. Core Menus Executive Summary Defined Contribution (DC) plans serve as the primary retirement savings vehicle in the U.S. Despite...

Smart Moves to Consider Before Year-End

Jason McLoy

Thursday, September 18, 2025

9/18 The final months of the year can sneak up quickly, and with them come deadlines, decisions, and distractions. Before the holiday season takes over your calendar, fall can be a valuable window to revisit your financial strategy and...

Breaking Down the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: What You Need to Know

David Manukjan CFP®

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) included lower federal income tax brackets, bigger standard deductions, and higher gift and estate tax exemptions, among other provisions. The law stipulated that some of those tax breaks would...

Why More Families Are Choosing to Gift Wealth Earlier—and How to Do It

Vinson Brod

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Estate management isn’t just about what happens after you’re gone— it’s also about what you can do now to help manage future estate taxes, transfer wealth strategically, and attempt to create a meaningful impact during your lifetime....

5 Common Retirement Plan Errors and Tips to Fix

Lou Chong CFP^®, AIF^®, CRPC^®

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Mistakes happen–Here’s how to correct common 401(k) plan errors. Navigating the intricate rules and regulations that govern employer-sponsored retirement plans may seem overwhelming at times. Even the most diligent plan sponsors...

What You Need to Know About the 2025 Changes to Inherited IRA Rules

John Longo AAMS®

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

The rules regarding inherited IRAs have changed in the last five years, and failing to comply with the new requirements may result in IRS penalties. These changes affect people inheriting IRAs and those looking to leave retirement...

Beyond Salary: Understanding Your Total Compensation

Jonathan Brown

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Compensation is more than just a number on a paycheck. Whether you're exploring new opportunities, preparing for a promotion, or evaluating your current benefits, it’s important to understand the full value of your total...

How Much Do You Really Know About Stock Market Indexes?

Jonida Papajani CFA®, CAIA®

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

While you may follow the various stock indexes on the nightly business news, how much do you know about their histories, how they work, and why they're important? We pulled together some information and interesting facts about some of...

How Do You Turn Retirement Savings into a Reliable Income Strategy?

Ryan Foley APMA®, CRPC®

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

You’ve likely spent years building your retirement nest egg—saving diligently, investing wisely, and contributing to retirement accounts along the way. But transitioning from earning a paycheck to relying on your savings can feel...

“The Four Most Dangerous Words In Investing Are: ‘This Time It’s Different.’” – Sir John Templeton

Peter Martin

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Despite those who say the conventional wisdom that has guided investor actions over the years is no longer valid in 2025, remember the famous quote from legendary investor Sir John Templeton: "The four most dangerous words in investing...

What’s the Job Market Look Like for 2025 Graduates?

Lawrence Glazer AAMS®

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

It’s graduation season—a time of celebration and new beginnings. For families with college seniors, this time can bring both excitement and uncertainty. While some graduates have jobs lined up, many others still are navigating job...

Is It Smarter to Buy or Rent a Second Home?

Jeff Cashin CFP®

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

As summer approaches, your thoughts may drift toward escaping your daily routine. Whether your idea of a perfect vacation is sitting on a pristine beach, fishing in a mountain lake, or playing the back nine between pickleball matches,...

From College Acceptances to Affordability: Considerations for Families in the Final Stretch

David Manukjan CFP®

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

April is a pivotal time in the college admissions process. After years of preparation, saving, and investing—not to mention the countless hours spent on exam prep, campus visits, and perfecting applications and essays—the finish line...

Spring Into Financial Wellness: Actionable Steps for Financial Literacy Month

John Wilcox CFP®, AAMS®, AIF®

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

April isn’t just about filing taxes—it’s also Financial Literacy Month, a perfect opportunity to reflect on your financial habits, expand your knowledge, and take meaningful steps toward improving your financial well-being. Whether...

10 Things You Can Do Now to Help Simplify Your Estate for Your Heirs

Vinson Brod

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

One of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones is a thoughtful estate strategy that outlines your wishes after you are gone. Discussing estate details with your team of professionals is another way to help manage your legacy...

The Evolving Role of Women in Family Finances

Danielle Breen CFP® , CRPC®

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

March is Women’s History Month, and according to a recent survey, 49% of women consider themselves to be the chief financial officer of their households, up from 41% in 2021.1 Those numbers are even more impressive when you consider...

Don’t Leave Money Behind: Finding Your Missing 401(k)s

Ryan Foley APMA®, CRPC®

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

You've worked hard throughout your life to build assets to support your retirement. As financial professionals, one of the most critical functions we provide is helping clients determine their retirement income needs and structuring a...

Tax Season Brings a New Wave of Identity Theft Risks

Vinson Brod

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Tax season brings a new wave of identity theft risks, with criminals ready to exploit your personal data to file fraudulent tax returns in your name. Imagine the shock of discovering that a criminal beat you to filing your...

Is It Time to Benchmark Your Company’s Retirement Plan?

Lou Chong CFP®, AIF®, CRPC®

Sunday, March 17, 2024

While your 401(k) plan may not have a chirping reminder, regular reviews, fee benchmarking, and a prudent process are key. Just as we routinely replace the batteries in our smoke detectors, it’s equally crucial to give your company’s...

March 17, 2024 It is more important than ever to prioritize the security of your company’s 401(k) plan. The Department of Labor (DOL) has recognized this urgency and has issued recommendations to help employers safeguard their plans....

Unlocking Tax Relief and Employee Appreciation: The Power of Profit Sharing

Lou Chong CFP®, AIF®, CRPC®

Monday, March 11, 2024

Profit sharing is not just a tool to reduce your company’s tax liability; it is also a powerful means of expressing gratitude towards your employees. As we close the books on last year, employers often find themselves looking for ways...