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Our blog provides financial news, articles, and other interesting content to help you make well-informed financial decisions. 

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Friday, July 24, 2026

Here's a quiet observation from years of first meetings with successful families: almost nobody's portfolio was designed. It was accumulated. And that's not a criticism, it's just how life works. There's the 401(k) from your current...

 

Monday, June 22, 2026

A Roth account is one of the best deals in the tax code: money that grows tax-free, comes out tax-free, and, unlike a traditional IRA, never forces you to take it out on the government’s schedule. The hard part isn’t wanting one. It’s...

 

Thursday, May 28, 2026

RETIREMENT PLANNING | MAY 2026 The Hidden Tax on Your Portfolio Why inflation doesn't retire when you do, and what that means for your long-term financial security. Willowbranch Financial Group | 6 min read Most people think about...

 

Monday, April 6, 2026

Why Most Inheritances FailA Deep Dive into the “Shirtsleeves to Shirtsleeves” Proverb—And the Specific Governance Habits That Break the CycleBy Dan Six | Willowbranch Financial Group | Camp Hill, PAEvery culture on earth has its own...

 

Monday, March 23, 2026

When Does a Trust Make Sense?A Practical Guide for 2026Willowbranch Financial GroupMarch 2026Few topics in financial planning generate more confusion than trusts. They carry an aura of complexity and exclusivity that keeps many...

 

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Thursday, February 26, 2026

As Tax Day approaches, we understand the pressure many of you might be feeling to get everything in order. Whether you've been caught up in life's demands or simply need a bit of guidance to help you make the most of your tax situation...

 

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

When you see the word “forecast,” it should be closely followed by, “Forecasts are based on assumptions and are subject to revisions over time. Financial, economic, political, and regulatory issues may cause the actual results to...

 

Saturday, December 27, 2025

As tax season approaches, a little early organization may help things feel more manageable. This time of year often brings a steady flow of paperwork, deadlines, and decisions, so this message is simply a supportive reminder to help...

 

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

In today's fast-paced economy, daily news can impact stock prices. But when it comes to pursuing long-term financial success, creating a strategy may help. In our experience, many people find clarity by anchoring their decisions to a...

 

Thursday, October 30, 2025

Have you heard of the concept known as “Revenge Savings”? Gen Z’ers (born 1997 to 2012) have popularized the “vibe-based budgeting” this year. It’s the idea of stockpiling money to prepare for economic uncertainty, including a cooling...

 

Monday, September 29, 2025

You've likely heard about the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," which was signed into law on July 4, making many of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions permanent. Given the bill's length (887 pages) and complexity, we wanted to help...

 

Friday, September 5, 2025

There are some days when you probably cannot wait to retire. The reality is, however, is that retirement is not for everyone. About 1 in 6 retirees in America are considering unretiring* for a variety of reasons: • Needing more money•...

 

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Americans seem upbeat about retirement, with more people preparing to retire at 70, according to the latest Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) study. Sometimes, though, reality gets in the way: the same survey found that 40...

 

Monday, April 28, 2025

Every investor knows there are highs and lows during the year. The challenge is remaining focused during the lows. As the 2025 tariff talks have progressed, stock prices have seen more down days than up days as the details get rolled...

 

Friday, March 21, 2025

When was the last time you thought about or adjusted your withholding? Most people set it and forget it, but reviewing your withholding limits can be beneficial. Adjusting your withholding is a good regular practice. The benefits...

 

Friday, February 28, 2025

Like you, I’ve read a few unsettling headlines in recent weeks–which has led to some moving and shaking on Wall Street. First, we read that “Chinese Start-Up DeepSeek Threatens American Artificial Intelligence Dominance.” That led to...

 

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Are you in your early sixties and hoping to make a splash in your retirement strategy? The SECURE Act 2.0 introduced a $11,250 catch-up contribution for those aged 60-63. This “super catch-up” is part of a new tiered catch-up...

 

Saturday, December 28, 2024

With 2024 coming to a close, I want to share our thoughts on America's current fiscal policy, geopolitical elements, and other factors that may help shape 2025's financial landscape. This transition period offers both challenges and...

 

Friday, November 22, 2024

Donald Trump was elected the 47th president of the United States, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris thanks to strong performance in key swing states that gave him 277 electoral votes to 224 for Harris (according to The Associated...

 

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Social Security beneficiaries will see a 2.5% increase in their benefit payments in 2025, according to the Social Security Administration. The annual cost of living (COLA) adjustment will affect more than 72.5 million Social Security...

 

Monday, September 30, 2024

Election years, particularly presidential elections, traditionally come into focus after Labor Day. This is when many American voters become fully engaged with the process. With that in mind, I often get the question: “Politics aside,...

 

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

September marks the start of College Savings Month! This is the perfect time to focus on preparing for future education expenses. With many of our days filled with work, family, and more, college costs may not always be at the top of...

 

Friday, July 19, 2024

Most Americans want to age in place and spend their retirement years comfortably. According to Forbes, 77% of people 50 and over said aging in place was their preference. However, statistics show over half of people aged 65 will...

 

Friday, June 28, 2024

We get regular updates on the Social Security trust fund. In early May, the Social Security Board of Trustees announced that the trust funds had revenue to pay full benefits until 2035. Generally speaking, the headline's tone is very...

 

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

The 2024 Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) Retirement Confidence Survey was recently released, and it provides an illuminating look at the current state of retirement preparations and mindsets across the country. While the...

 

Friday, April 19, 2024

This week, I've seen more than a few outlets covering gold's increase in value. Although it's true that the commodity recently reached a record high, it's essential to understand what factors are driving the most recent rally that...

 

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Fed Chair Powell finally made his much-anticipated “pivot” at the close of the Fed’s two-day December meeting, saying he sees short-term rates heading lower next year. Perhaps much lower. Surprised but excited, the...

 

Monday, November 27, 2023

The Internal Revenue Service recently released updated income tax brackets, standard deduction, and retirement contribution limits for the 2024 tax year. While these taxes are not due for some time, it may benefit you to start....

 

Monday, October 9, 2023

I hope this email finds you in high "spirits" as we approach the spookiest time of the year. As the days creep closer to Halloween, confectioners weave a sweet web in preparation for this enchanting holiday. Did you know that the...

 

Monday, July 24, 2023

Now that we’re beyond the midpoint of the investing year, it’s a great time to look at where we’ve been—to help position your portfolio for the latter half of the year. Our Midyear Outlook: The Path Toward...

 

Monday, May 29, 2023

Would it surprise you to hear that investors have moved past worrying about inflation? They have, at least for now.Wall Street has shifted its attention to Washington’s budget negotiations and how the debt ceiling will be...

 

Monday, January 30, 2023

In the final days of 2022, Congress passed a new set of retirement rules designed to make it easier to contribute to retirement plans and access those funds earmarked for retirement.The law is called SECURE 2.0, and it's a follow-up to...

 

Monday, October 31, 2022

Lately, "inflation" seems to be the media's favorite word. Everywhere you turn, there's another story about the impact of inflation. For example, many news outlets have reported that confectionary prices have surged over 30% from last...

 

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Have you heard? The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law on Tuesday, August 16. While the $430 billion package includes many provisions, I thought I’d highlight three key areas where you may benefit the most.Tax credits...

 

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Recently, you may have seen reports that a record-low number of homes are available for sale—roughly 1.03 million nationwide. If you compare that to the average number of homes for sale during the past 10 years, it's no surprise...

 

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Less than one month ahead of the traditional date, the I.R.S. has delayed the deadline for filing and paying taxes. The new deadline is May 17, 2021.1,2,3The delay follows continued disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic and a late...

 

Friday, March 5, 2021

I’m sure you’ve heard that the House recently passed the Senate another round of stimulus to try and counteract the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new stimulus package could narrow income eligibility to...

 

Monday, February 1, 2021

You may have heard the news about stocks for certain companies suddenly ballooning, quickly going from lunch money prices to several hundred dollars a share. In one case, the shares rose over 1700% since December 2020.1 So, what...

 

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Few life events are more stressful than a job loss.If you or someone you know is in this situation due to COVID-19, you’ll likely have several questions about job hunting, unemployment insurance, and health care. You may also be...

 

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

On October 26, the Treasury Department released the 2021 adjusted figures for retirement account savings. Although these adjustments won’t bring any major changes, there are some minor elements to note.401(k)sThe salary deferral...

 

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

On October 26, the Treasury Department released the 2021 adjusted figures for retirement account savings. Although these adjustments won’t bring any major changes, there are some minor elements to note.401(k)sThe salary deferral...

 

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

This month, many universities and colleges are welcoming students back to campus, even if most campuses are largely online this year.But that's not all that's different. The current administration has issued an executive memorandum...

 

Monday, August 24, 2020

Lately, it can feel like each day brings a new headline about fluctuating market behavior. But amid the ups and downs of 2020, there may be some potential good news on the horizon. On July 16, 2020, the interest rate for a 30-year...