Financial Planning: Helping You See the Big Picture
The Basics of Social Security Retirement Benefits
Newsletters
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HOT TOPIC: The Shutdown is Over: What Now?
The longest government shutdown in U.S. history ended on November 12, 2025. This article looks at the bill that ended the shutdown, issues that are unresolved, and estimates of the economic impact.
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HOT TOPIC: Geopolitics and the U.S. Financial Markets
This article looks at market reactions to previous global conflicts and emphasizes that long-term market movements are generally driven by corporate earnings, interest rates, and the broader economy.
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Have You Set a Retirement Savings Goal?
Completing this simple worksheet can help establish a realistic retirement savings target.
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Closed-End Funds May Offer Higher Income
Closed-end funds are considered to carry higher risk but may provide a higher income stream than traditional mutual funds holding similar securities.
Calculators
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Taxable Equivalent Yield
Calculate the rate of return you would have to receive from a taxable investment to realize an equivalent tax-exempt yield.
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Estate Taxes
Use this calculator to estimate the federal estate taxes that could be due on your estate after you die.
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Retirement Plan Early Distribution
Estimate how much would remain after paying income taxes and penalties if you took an early distribution from a retirement plan.
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Life Expectancy
Knowing your likely life expectancy is an important factor in making long-term financial plans.