Topic: Financial Planning

Articles that give you the latest insights into financial planning, including news, tips and other information intended to help you plan your finances.

A retiree standing on a stack of coins representing the cost of living increase.
Social Security COLA Announced for 2024

School of Social Security & Medicare

The Social Security Administration recently announced benefit increases from the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment [COLA].

Estate taxes illustrated by a house sitting on coins in front of a digital graph.
The Basics of Estate Tax

School of Saving and Investing

If you have a large estate, federal estate taxes – and in some cases state estate taxes – can reduce the inheritance you planned to leave.

Choosing between saving for retirement and saving for college represented by parents walking with their high school graduate child around campus.
Should You Prioritize Saving for Retirement or Your Child’s Education?

School of Saving and Investing

You often must choose between saving for your own retirement or your child’s education. These factors can help you decide.

Long Term Care Costs in 2022
Long-Term Care Costs in 2023

School of Financial Wellness

Long-term care costs are rising rapidly. Learn how much these services cost and how they fit into your financial plan.

Stacks of coins overlayed with various investment charts.
Tighter Monetary Policy Can Be a Boon for Retirees but a Curse for Young Workers

School of Financial Wellness

When interest rates rise, many retirees reap the benefits. On the other hand, young workers tend to suffer when rates increase.

Key Financial Data for 2023 by Meld Financial - This image is a screen clip of the 1st page of the pdf file
Key Financial Data 2023

School of Financial Wellness

Download our 2023 financial data guide which includes information on taxes, retirement plans, Social Security, Medicare, and more.

Secure Act 2.0 impact to retirees represented by stacks of coins increasing in size overlayed by a graph pointing upwards.
The SECURE Act 2.0 Passed – What does it Mean for Your Retirement Plan?

School of Saving and Investing

The SECURE Act 2.0 passed in late December. This legislation includes many changes that could impact your retirement plan.

Nursing home bills for a parent are being reviewed by their daughter.
Could You Owe Nursing Home Bills for Your Parent?

School of Financial Wellness

You probably know that long-term care costs could derail your financial plan. But did you know that there are circumstances where you could also be responsible for your parent’s nursing home bills?

Medicare Premiums written on a strip of paper that is lying on a stack of money.
2023 Medicare Premiums and Coinsurance Amounts

School of Social Security & Medicare

On September 27, the CMS announced that Medicare Part B premiums will decrease in 2023 and other Medicare costs will rise.