Blog

The Tax Season "Quick Fix" Trap

Rebecca Krashin, CFP®

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Why your financial future deserves more than last-minute tax movesWe live in a world built for right now.Tap a button, dinner shows up. Click once, your package arrives tomorrow. Skip the wait, stream the whole season in a weekend...

March Madness & College Costs: Win the Savings Game with 529 Plans

Douglas Dañosos

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

March Madness meets college costs: see real tuition totals and how 529 plans can help families save tax-free, reduce student debt, and stay on track.

Special Update: Iran and Long-Term Investing

Bryan D. Beatty, CFP®, AIF®

Monday, March 9, 2026

As you have seen in the news, the U.S. and Israel have launched military strikes against Iran, targeting its leadership, military assets, and nuclear infrastructure. Iran's Supreme Leader is confirmed to have been killed, and Iran has...

Special Update: How $100 Oil and the Middle East Conflict Affect Investors

Bryan D. Beatty, CFP®, AIF®

Monday, March 9, 2026

The ongoing conflict in Iran and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz have pushed oil prices sharply higher. Both Brent crude and WTI have jumped from around $70 per barrel to around $100 in just a few days, approaching levels...

Are your children eligible for a Trump Account? Enrollment is Now!

Matt Hixon, CFP®

Thursday, February 26, 2026

A new savings option for kids just went from a headline to real life. Enrollment for Trump Accounts is officially open which means families can now take the first step in creating a long-term investment opportunity for their children....

Credit Card Reduction Day: 10 Questions to Find Out If You're Headed for Credit Card Debt Trouble

Rebecca Krashin, CFP®

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Credit cards can be useful tools, but they become dangerous when a balance starts rolling month to month or when you apply for a credit card to pay towards another credit cards balance. The higher the balance or balances, the more your...

2025 Year-in-Review: Follow the White Rabbit

Howard Pressman, CFP®

Monday, January 26, 2026

During the holiday season, my wife, daughter, and I enjoyed a few family movie nights. We watched National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, White Christmas, and my daughter introduced us to Zoolander. My contribution to the family film...

Market Outlook 2026: Is It The Matrix or Terminator

Bryan D. Beatty, CFP®, AIF®

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

This 2026 market outlook explores economic growth, evolving tax policy, AI-driven productivity, inflation pressures, and the opportunities and risks shaping the year ahead.

Building Financial Habits That Stick: What the Super Bowl can teach us about money

Matt Hixon, CFP®

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Every year, millions of people tune in to the Super Bowl to watch elite athletes perform at the highest level. We admire the discipline, preparation, and ability to execute under pressure. But championships aren’t won on game day;...

Balancing Love and Logic

Douglas Dañosos

Monday, November 3, 2025

November is Alzheimer's Awareness month. Balancing love and logic can be a tremendous challenge to those who are caring for loved ones with dementia.

The Big Beautiful Bill and Your Roth Conversion

Logan Reed, CFP®

Monday, November 3, 2025

Anytime the tax code changes, it presents opportunities (or challenges) that might not have existed before, and this time around, with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), it is no different. Fortunately, it is a little easier to...

Should I Budget or Just Spend? Your Holiday Challenge

Rebecca Krashin, CFP®

Monday, November 3, 2025

Is your budget ready for the holidays? Do you endlessly plan and then blow your budget. A smart budget plan may help you and your wallet this spending season.

October marks National Financial Planning Month, making it an ideal time for a financial health check-up. Just as you schedule annual medical exams, this month offers a natural opportunity to assess your financial situation,...

3 Critical Words "Adjusted for Inflation"

Douglas Dañosos

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

“Adjusted for inflation” is a phrase you may think isn’t important. But when you see it in action, you might change your mind. Let’s examine how “adjusted for inflation” has affected a couple of tax rules and their impact on Social...

Explore the Potential of Charitable Trusts

Logan Reed, CFP®

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Are you interested in a lasting impact on causes you care about while also unlocking potential tax benefits? Charitable trusts might be the solution. These powerful financial vehicles offer a unique means to align your philanthropic...

Building wealth in today's economy may feel like an uphill battle. Housing, utilities, and daily expenses keep climbing, making it challenging to cover essential costs and still have money left over. But, with careful planning and...

As a parent or grandparent, you may have diligently saved money in a 529 account to help fund your child's or grandchild's college education. But what happens if they decide college isn't the right path for them? It's a valid question...

Did you know that for the 2024–2025 academic year, the average cost for one year of college—including tuition, fees, room, board, and other expenses—is $29,910? That price is for public four-year, in-state schools. To attend a private...

A recent survey reported that 47% of parents had made financial sacrifices to support their adult children. It's often a difficult decision that can stress relationships, impact retirement strategies, and harm overall financial...

Realizing you have less saved for retirement than you need or hoped for can trigger concern about the future. The good news is, there’s always time to take strategic steps forward. 4 Tips for Setting Retirement Savings Goals Evaluate...

Retirement should be a time to enjoy the fruits of years of hard work and preparation, but when it comes to Social Security, many people have more questions than answers. When trying to discern when to claim, how benefits are...

Realizing you have less saved for retirement than you need or hoped for can trigger concern about the future. You want your golden years to play out a certain way—whether that’s traveling, spending more time with family, pursuing...

The March consumer inflation report, which showed some prices at their lowest level in more than four years, was overlooked among all the tariff headlines. Core inflation, which excludes the volatile food and energy factors, rose at a...

EBW named among Best Places to Work for Financial Advisors

Cetera’s Chief Investment Officer, Gene Goldman, discusses the recent tariff-induced market selloff and shares why he remains optimistic about a potential rebound, with equity prices possibly ending the year higher than they are today...

Market Reaction to Trump

Howard Pressman, CFP®

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Market reaction to Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff plan has been swift and decidedly negative. On Thursday, the S&P 500 shed $2.4 trillion in value in its largest one-day loss since the early days of COVID. As of writing, the markets...

Concerns that a trade war will lead to a recession have spread around the globe. The possibility of retaliatory tariffs is on investors’ minds, with China responding with counter-tariffs, increasing the odds of a worst-case trade war...

• The new tariff announcement surpassed investor expectations.• This creates uncertainty for economic growth, inflation, and financial markets.• This is a fluid situation and uncertainty is high, making diversification even more...

As retirement approaches, it's time to think about shifting your focus from accumulation to spending. A well-planned, tax-efficient retirement withdrawal strategy can help you make the most of your assets and set the stage for a...

The SECURE Act 2.0 has introduced catch-up contribution choices for those aged 50+, designed to help boost your retirement savings. These enhanced catch-up provisions are available if you're participating in workplace retirement plans...

You know you need an estate plan, but where to begin? An effective estate plan can provide you with a measure of control over your future, as well as the future of your estate and your family’s financial well-being, even after you’re...

By any measure, the tax code is huge. It is over 2,000 pages long, and even longer with footnotes.1 And almost weekly, the Internal Revenue Service publishes a 10- to 50-page bulletin about various aspects of the tax code.2 Fortunately...

Retirement should be a time to enjoy the fruits of years of hard work and preparation, but when it comes to Social Security, many people have more questions than answers. When trying to discern when to claim, how benefits are...

• U.S. equities have been under pressure on concerns around tariffs, economic growth and AI uncertainty.• Weakness could be a buying opportunity.• With heightened market uncertainty, diversification is even more prudent. Despite the...

As you build and manage your wealth, you may find yourself seeking ways to optimize your investment returns while minimizing your tax burden. By understanding how to build a tax-efficient investment strategy, you can make an effort to...

Some of us share a common experience. You're driving along when a police cruiser pulls up behind you with its lights flashing. You pull over, the officer gets out, and your heart drops. “Are you aware the registration on your car has...

• The S&P 500 saw its biggest decline of 2025, fueled by news around tariffs.• While tariffs were in the spotlight, economic data also weakened.• With high uncertainty, diversification is even more prudent. Looming tariffs and...

When our parents retired, living to 75 amounted to a nice long life, and Social Security was often supplemented by a pension. The Social Security Administration (SSA) estimates that today's average 67-year-old woman will live to age 88...

One of the most common questions people ask about Social Security is when they should start taking benefits. Making the right decision for you can have a meaningful impact on your financial income in retirement. Before considering how...

During your golden years, you may find that managing your income isn’t as straightforward as it once was. One of the keys to enjoying this new phase of life is implementing effective tax strategies for retirement. By understanding and...

“What is your greatest retirement fear?” If you ask some pre-retirees this question, “outliving my money” may be one of the top answers. In fact, 45% of workers say they fear outliving their savings and investments.1 Retirees face...

Feel like your finances have more control over you than you have over them? Or like you're in a financial hole and just keep sinking? There are ways to take back control of your spending and regain control of your finances. Explore...

As you build and manage your wealth, you may find yourself seeking ways to optimize your investment returns while minimizing your tax burden. By understanding how to build a tax-efficient investment strategy, you can make an effort to...

As you near retirement, it’s time to start thinking about the next chapter of your financial journey. After years of saving and investing, shifting from accumulation to spending can feel uncomfortable. A well-planned, tax-efficient...

A Look Ahead in 2025

Bryan D. Beatty, CFP®, AIF®

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

A look ahead at 2025's Economy with EBW's own Bryan Beatty.

Over the weekend, President Trump imposed tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and Using 2018 tariffs as a guide, similar policies can be expected to impact global economies and financial With high uncertainty, diversification is...

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released new limits for certain retirement accounts for the coming year. Keep in mind that this update is for informational purposes only, so please consult with an accounting or tax professional...

Yes, you might be able to create a Roth individual retirement account (IRA) if you’re over the income limit. This strategy involves converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. The idea, often referred to as a “backdoor Roth conversion...

During your golden years, you may find that managing your income isn’t as straightforward as it once was. One of the keys to enjoying this new phase of life is implementing effective tax strategies for retirement. By understanding and...

When it comes to managing your finances, even small decisions can make a big difference. By understanding your cash flow and approaching it with a strategic, tax-intelligent mindset, you can make your money work harder for you and move...

As you enter retirement, you may find yourself with more time on your hands and a desire to make a meaningful impact. However, your changing financial situation might affect your ability to give monetarily at the same level you once...

Pursuing your retirement dreams is challenging enough without making some common, and very avoidable, mistakes. Here are eight big mistakes to steer clear of, if possible. No Strategy: Yes, the biggest mistake is having no strategy at...

Retirement can have many meanings. For some, it will be a time to travel and spend time with family members. For others, it will be a time to start a new business or begin a charitable endeavor. Regardless of what approach you intend...

Feel like your finances have more control over you than you have over them? Or like you're in a financial hole and just keep sinking? There are ways to take back control of your spending and regain control of your finances. Explore...

Well, here we are again. We’ve survived another contentious presidential election and are on the eve of a Donald Trump administration. You would certainly be forgiven for feeling those 2016 vibes. I fully recognize this is a very...

No Medicare surprises for 2025. As expected, the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $185, up $10.30 from 2024. The annual deductible—the amount paid before insurance begins to pay for health services—will...

Imagine creating a lasting legacy that supports the causes you care about while also unlocking potential benefits for you and your loved ones. Charitable trusts offer a unique opportunity to do both. What Is a Charitable Trust? A...

As you approach retirement, you may find yourself reflecting on the legacy you'll leave behind. In addition to accumulating wealth, you might have a desire to leave a positive mark on the world. Sustainable investing offers a path to...

If you missed our event October 16, don't worry we have the playback for you of both speakers. Elizabeth Dooley and Brian Levitt discuss the election and how it may impact the economy. Watch part 1 here and part 2 here.

The Internal Revenue Service released the updated income tax brackets, standard deduction, and retirement contribution limits for the 2025 tax year. While these changes won’t impact you for some time, it may benefit you to start...

After dedicating years of your life to your career, you might be wondering what to do in retirement. At the same time, your financial situation has likely changed now that you’re retired. Considering these changes, you might be...

You know you need an estate plan, but where to begin? An effective estate plan can provide you with a measure of control over your future, as well as the future of your estate and your family’s financial well-being, even after you’re...

Estate planning, or legacy planning, can play a critical role in your ability to save for and shape your family’s financial future. While most people think of estate planning as something to be addressed later in life, in truth, estate...

Most portfolios are constructed based on an individual's investment objective, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Using these inputs and sophisticated portfolio-optimization calculations, most investors can feel confident that they own...

College marks a great milestone in a child’s life. It may be the first time he or she will live away from home. Dropping off your child at college may be an experience loaded with emotions, so here are a few tips for a smoother...

In a 2023 survey, 37% of all workers reported they were either “not too” or “not at all” confident that they would have enough money to pay for their medical expenses in retirement. Regardless of your confidence, however, being aware...

Anyone who has gone through the process of mapping out their retirement knows there can be a lot to keep in mind. Saving, investing, anticipating medical costs, and making sure you have enough tucked away for years to come is just the...

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools have become a game changer in various industries, and they are also proving incredibly useful for retirees looking to start consulting or a small business venture. These tools can simplify tasks,...

Even if retirement isn’t in your immediate future, saving and investing now can help you live comfortably after you’re done working. One of your most impactful opportunities to save, and even earn, over time is by investing in your...

High valuations, high expectations, and high concentration have increased market The S&P 500 is down about 6% from recent highs and a correction is We expect more volatility, but do not expect a bear Stay diversified in times like...

In the last few years, we’ve become accustomed to many convenient services, many offered via subscriptions. Now, in the old days, if you had a few magazines or newspapers stacked up, you might not pay to continue your service. Today’s...

A retired couple age 65 can expect to need about $315,000 saved to cover healthcare expenses in retirement. With healthcare expenses in the spotlight, it’s incumbent upon us to make sure our retirement strategy anticipates these costs...

Trying to save over a lifetime can sometimes feel a bit like a tug-of-war between the present and the future. You have immediate needs now. But, you have long-term goals, too. The challenge is to find a healthy balance. The good news...

Protect Yourself Against Scammers: Prevent Fraud

Howard Pressman, CFP®

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Protect Yourself Against Scammers: Prevent Elderly Fraud As a sad sign of our times, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced last month that we Americans had passed an inauspicious milestone. We have lost a collective $10 billion...

Howard Pressman, CFP® Wins Lifetime Achievement Award  Howard Pressman was given the Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Capital Area chapter of the Financial Planning Association.

Now Available to make your life easier- the AdviceWorks App!

Logan Reed, CFP®

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

We’re excited to announce that your AdviceWorks client access is now available as a mobile app on your phone.  The app is titled ‘AdviceWorks®’, and the developer is Cetera Financial Group.  The app...