First Financial Insights
Is $5 Million Enough to Retire? Key Factors to Consider
For many pre-retirees, $5 million is often seen as a benchmark for a secure retirement. But is it enough to support the lifestyle you envision
7 Ways to Legally Avoid Paying Taxes
Finding ways to minimize tax payments is a goal for many individuals and businesses. Luckily, the U.S. tax code offers several legal strategies to help
A Step-by-Step Guide to the Financial Planning Process
Americans today have more ways to start investing and saving than ever before. From registering with online brokerages to investing in new financial products, there
19 Questions to Ask Your Financial Advisor About Retirement
Choosing the right financial advisor for retirement planning is one of the most critical decisions an investor can make. The right advisor can help navigate
How Much Do You Need To Retire In California? | Retiring in California Made Easy
Where you retire matters. Consider this: Successful retirement requires a comfortable standard of living, which hinges on your expenses. The cost of living and retiring
The Eight Biggest Mistakes Investors Make
Investing can be a powerful tool for building wealth, but it comes with its pitfalls—especially for new or casual investors. We’ve seen many investors fall
Is $2 Million Enough to Retire at 60?
How much is enough to retire? In the past, $1 million appeared to be sufficient for many Americans, but over the years, $2 million has
Strategic vs Tactical Asset Allocation | Guide to Investing Success
Your investing strategy likely includes more than purchasing only stocks or index funds. You may also be looking at bonds or cash investments. This approach
Economic Commentary – Confusing Times
If you’re feeling a bit dazed and confused in the present times, you’re not alone, nor are these feelings unwarranted. We are being whipsawed by
The Importance of Insurance Planning in Wealth Management
Insurance planning is one of the most important parts of wealth management, but sadly, it is often the most neglected component. Wealth management is the
What to Invest in During Inflation
Inflation is a fact of life in the national and global economies. We can’t say that we “always” live in inflationary times, but we certainly
What Is A Good Monthly Retirement Income For A Couple?
What is a good monthly retirement income for a couple? The anticipation of newfound freedom and leisure comes at a price, and planning ahead to
Why Is Diversification Important For Risk Management
Diversification is a common buzzword in the world of investing, but how does it help you? Why is diversification important for risk management? The simple
How Much Should You Save For Retirement?
Everyone agrees that saving and investing for retirement is essential, but the more difficult question is: How much should you save for retirement? It’s a difficult
Dangers of Annuities in Retirement
Embarking on the journey of retirement requires a thoughtful approach, and understanding the role of annuities in retirement is paramount. As the financial landscape evolves,
Economic Commentary – Is The Economy Booming?
Economic reports coming in are good, and most media outlets have concluded that this is great news. Those conclusions may be premature; the more logical
Value Investing vs Growth Investing: What Makes Them Distinct?
There’s no “right” or “correct” way to invest. Your objectives, needs, and personally defined level of acceptable risk all inform individual investment strategies. Value investing
What is a Fiduciary Financial Advisor? The Ultimate Guide
The world of financial planning can be confusing, and it’s crucial to seek a professional who can help guide you toward financial success. But who
Picking an Executor for Your Estate: Why It Matters
An executor of an estate is responsible for managing and distributing a deceased person’s assets according to their will. This involves tasks like starting the
Roth IRA vs Traditional IRA: Which is Better?
Choosing between a Roth IRA vs a Traditional IRA in 2025 depends on when you want tax benefits – now or in retirement. Here’s a
Estate Planning Checklist: 5 Documents You Need
With over $36 trillion in wealth expected to transfer from American retirees to their beneficiaries, it’s surprising that only 32% of Americans have an estate
Economic Commentary – Looking for Clarity (Part 2)
We rarely release sequels; we don’t want to get anywhere close to Rocky 27 (or wherever we are in that long series), but we do
The Essentials of High Net Worth Retirement Planning
Once an investor becomes a high net worth individual (HNWI), they face a number of new retirement challenges. Additional taxes, legacy planning, succession planning, and
Mega Backdoor Roth IRA | Everything You Need to Know
A Mega Backdoor Roth IRA is one of the best ways for high-income earners to maximize their retirement investments. Investors can use their traditional IRA