Blog
Continuing Care Retirement Communities: What They Cost, How They Work, and When to Start Preparing
Why Is This Conversation So Important Right Now? The U.S. is in the middle of a sustained demographic shift. More than 61 million adults are aged 65 and older as of 2025, and that number is projected to reach approximately 82 million...
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A Values-Driven Examination of an Independent School Educator’s Goals Goes Beyond a Balance Sheet
Like many of the families they serve, private school educators naturally connect their money with their values. They understand that a deeply felt sense of purpose is essential not only for their work, but also for their financial...
Read MoreWhen Should I Start Taking Social Security: 5 Factors to Consider
Social Security decisions are often framed as a single question: “When should I start drawing benefits?” That question matters, but it can also be limiting. The better question is: how does Social Security fit into my overall...
Read MoreTeaching Teens and Young Adults Financial Literacy Through Real-Life Decision Making
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...
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The Conversations Even Independent School Educator Families Need to Have About Their Money
Talking openly about money between spouses, between generations, and across branches of a family is one of the most powerful ways to clarify your values and ensure your legacy reflects what matters most. These conversations don’t need...
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Helping Adult Children Buy a Home: How to Gift a Down Payment The Smart Way
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...
Read MoreThree Numbers Every Woman Should Know
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...
Read MoreTax Prep vs. Tax Strategy: The Difference Matters More Than You Think
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,...
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Should Educators Save for Retirement Pre-Tax or Roth? It Depends!
Many of us first learned about saving from our parents: open a bank account, set money aside, and someday you can buy that toy you really want. Later, as we entered the workforce, the advice expanded to, build a safety net, save for...
Read MoreUnderstanding the Emotions Behind Financial Decisions
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...
Read MoreAI and the New Face of Fraud: How to Protect Your Identity and Finances in 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...
Read MoreRabbi Trust 101 for Educational Institutions
Independent school boards and senior administrators are always looking for effective ways to reward and retain top leadership. Yet many hesitate to adopt “top hat” benefits because of concerns about cost, complexity, or optics. These...
Read More2025 in Review and What You Should Know
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...
Read MoreIs My Tax-Deferred Savings Too Full?
An Educator’s Perspective For many Gen X and Gen Y educators, the mantra early in your career was simple: defer taxes now, pay them later. Roth options may not have been available or as widely used when you started—Roth IRAs only...
Read MoreSmall Caps Have Done Better Than You Think
Small Caps Have Done Better Than You ThinkWes Crill, PhD Senior Client Solutions Director and Vice PresidentNov 24, 2025 One of the most common questions I hear is, “What’s wrong with small caps?” This concern usually stems from...
Read MoreGoal Setting That Sticks: Simple Ways to Turn January Motivation into Lasting Wins
Key Takeaways and Suggestions for Successful Goal Setting Use SMART Goals for Clarity and FocusSet goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This proven method helps break big ambitions into manageable...
Read MoreYear-End Giving Strategies: Tax-Smart and Impactful
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...
Read MoreThe Pros and Cons of Funding a 457(b) Plan: An Educator’s Perspective
Many independent schools have expanded their senior administrator benefit packages to include a non-governmental 457(b) plan—often to attract top candidates for leadership roles. Some schools offer this benefit exclusively to the Head...
Read MoreThe True Costs of Caring for Aging Parents
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...
Read MoreMoney Talks: How to Use Holiday Gatherings to Start Family Financial Conversations
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...
Read More🧭 DIY Finances for School Educators
Why You Still Need a Financial Plan—Even If You’re Investing Solo “I’ve got spreadsheets, a Traditional IRA, and a decent handle on my investments. Do I really need a financial plan?” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many...
Read MoreShould You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?
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...
Read MoreA 2025 Guide to Protecting Seniors from Fraud
If you’ve found yourself stepping into a more active role in your parents’ financial lives, you’re not alone. Some of us are helping aging parents navigate everything from healthcare decisions to bill payments—and increasingly, we’re...
Read MoreSmart Moves to Consider Before Year-End
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...
Read MoreEthical Will
🌿 Developing Your Legacy of Values. The Reasons to Create an Ethical Will. Each of us carries a lifetime of experiences, stories, lessons, and values—gifts we hope to pass on to those we care about most. These insights can serve as a...
Read MoreBreaking Down the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: What You Need to Know
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...
Read MoreThe Ups and Downs of Living in School Housing
Let’s be honest—living in school housing has its perks. But while the convenience is real, it’s easy to overlook the long-term financial tradeoffs—especially when it comes to homeownership and building equity.
Read MoreWhy More Families Are Choosing to Gift Wealth Earlier—and How to Do It
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....
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know About the 2025 Changes to Inherited IRA Rules
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...
Read MoreBeyond Salary: Understanding Your Total Compensation
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...
Read MoreNext-Generation Wealth Strategies for Private School Administrators & Teachers
Many educators hesitate to discuss or disclose personal wealth, fearing it might set them apart from colleagues. The reality is that private school educators who are beneficiaries of generational wealth often grapple with how to extend and
Read MoreHow Much Do You Really Know About Stock Market Indexes?
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...
Read MoreHow Do You Turn Retirement Savings into a Reliable Income Strategy?
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...
Read MoreAre You a Head/Senior Administrator or Teacher Facing Burnout?
For over two decades, I have helped Heads and administrators prepare for life after school with financial confidence. This article outlines what I believe every school leader and teacher should know about a slower, staged retirement...
Read More“The Four Most Dangerous Words In Investing Are: ‘This Time It’s Different.’” – Sir John Templeton
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...
Read MoreWhat’s the Job Market Look Like for 2025 Graduates?
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...
Read MoreThe Difference the Right Financial Advisor Makes
This updated video from Dimensional Fund Advisors reflects the latest market stressors while reinforcing a timeless message. It serves as a valuable reminder that maintaining a steady approach is the most prudent course of action.
Read MoreIs It Smarter to Buy or Rent a Second Home?
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,...
Read MoreNavigating Your New Headship/Administrator Position with Strategic Financial Planning
For over two decades, I have helped Heads and Administrators prepare for life after school with financial confidence. This is a more in-depth article that dives deeper into what I believe every school leader should know about savings...
Read MoreFrom College Acceptances to Affordability: Considerations for Families in the Final Stretch
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...
Read More10 Things You Can Do Now to Help Simplify Your Estate for Your Heirs
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...
Read MoreSpring Into Financial Wellness: Actionable Steps for Financial Literacy Month
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...
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