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An organized financial life is worth the effort. It can help provide clarity and give peace of mind. But where to start?

It’s a new year, and that means new resolutions. Like many people, you may have made financial well-being one of your resolutions for 2019, but how do you go about achieving it? In this article, we’ve included six easy-to-implement steps to help increase your financial health and meet 2020 with confidence.

Social Security can be pretty complex, and even basic questions can feel overwhelming. We wrote this article to help answer some of the most common questions about the program. Please feel free to share it with any family or friends who may be wondering about the what and the when of their benefits.

If you’re worried that you haven’t saved enough for retirement, then you’re not alone. Nearly half of American families have no retirement savings to speak of. It really is easy to get sidetracked. The immediate needs of raising a family may seem to take precedence over funding a future retirement. However, that retirement will come sooner than you think.

If you’re behind on your savings, here are six steps to help catch up.

Medicare’s open enrollment begins this month, and if you are already receiving Medicare, now is an ideal time to review your coverage. Even if you plan to keep the coverage you have, you should make sure you take a look at your plans’ changes for 2019, such as price increases for prescription drugs. By taking a little time now to review your options, you may be able to get a better deal, can help prevent expensive surprises later, and can feel confident that you have the right coverage—at least, until next year’s open enrollment.

The digital revolution has enriched our lives in many ways. We can stay in more frequent contact with family across the country, meet new friends around the world, enjoy the convenience of online banking, and buy practically anything we need without leaving the home.

Many people are aware that married couples can receive Social Security based on their spouse’s work record. But what a lot of people don’t know is that divorced individuals can do so too. This option could help increase your Social Security benefits in retirement, although you should be aware of the caveats as well.

Cash balance plans are an increasingly popular retirement planning tool. Given their generous contribution limits, you could quickly build a sizable nest egg while reducing your income taxes. But are these plans right for you? To help you decide, we take a look at what they are, who they work best for, and their potential pros and cons.

Every day talented CRNAs perform pre-anesthesia evaluations on their patients. In essence, CRNAs perform indispensable patient risk assessments before administering anesthesia. If the evaluation does not look satisfactory then a surgery postponement or cancellation may be necessary. Patient safety always comes first! Otherwise, the results can be catastrophic.

For most people, their greatest asset when they hit retirement is not their 401(k) account. Rather, it is the home in which they live. Until fairly recently there was never an economical way to access that value without selling the home. Let’s be honest; you still need to live somewhere, so selling your home may not be much of an option.

Manufacturing Tax Deferral and Reducing Social Security Taxes

Using Tax Coordinated Portfolios to Increase Your Wealth; Not Your Risk

Recently there were substantial alterations made to the U.S. tax code. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was ultimately passed and signed in December 2017. It is imperative that you optimize the beneficial changes and minimize the negative changes for your family. This article summarizes how the Act changes some of the most prominent taxation issues affecting you going forward.

Do you remember way back in driver’s education class when the instructor said to keep your foot off the brake pedal when you’re driving unless you need to slow down or stop? Most people heed that warning. Especially when sitting next to a driving instructor!

In recognition of Minority Mental Health Month, it’s important to note this imbalance in minority preparedness for retirement. In order to alleviate the financial stress of your employees, certain steps can be taken in order to increase their financial health.

The number of wealthy women in the United States is rising twice as fast as the number of wealthy men according to CNBC. Many experts estimate that by 2030, women will control as much as two-thirds of the nation’s wealth. As these indicators all pointing to financial risings for females, it is important that women plan their retirement savings accordingly.

One of the biggest issues in retirement remains the cost of health. With the enjoyment of a longer retirement comes the cost of extended healthcare coverage. Furthermore, healthcare costs are increasing more than two-and-a-half times the rate of inflation. Additionally, as life expectancy rates continue to climb, so does the amount of money needed to sustain an individual’s costs over his or her lifespan.

A Federal Reserve report on the economic well-being of U.S. households in 2015 found, among other things, that 31 percent of non-retirees reportedly “have no retirement savings or pension whatsoever.” Where households are supported by two incomes, some may only have one spouse contributing to the retirement fund. As they approach retirement age, many couples are left wondering how they can contribute to the nest egg.

It has been long assumed that once children grow up and leave home, reductions in spending will follow as parents handle a more disposable income. However, recent findings have shown that many households aren’t showing an increase in savings as one may expect. For many empty-nesters, a later in life savings jump is crucial for families that have been supporting their children for the past 20-some-odd years. According to certain estimates, empty-nester’s savings are supposed to increase by as much as 12 percentage points. But a recent study performed by the Boston College Center for Retirement Research found that 401(k) savings plans are only showing a mere increase in saving of 0.3% to 0.7%.

Many 50-somethings are at some sort of crossroads in life. Several major events like getting married, having kids or buying a house have already happened to them. Their children are growing up, becoming financially independent and could be headed off to college in the fall or are even beginning to start a family of their own. When expenses start to taper off, it is the ideal time for 50-somethings to take a closer look at their retirement savings and start ramping up contributions, especially if they aren’t on track to reach their goals.

Nowadays, the cost of a wedding amounts to a small fortune. Whether you waited until later in life to tie the knot, are starting over with another marriage or plan to contribute to your child’s wedding, don’t let it derail your life’s savings. There’s a healthy balance of having a dream wedding and not breaking the bank. In order to do this, you must create a budget that includes all the details, find creative ways to save money and remember that at the end of the day it’s not about the wedding itself, but a celebration of a lifelong commitment.

There are many reasons why you haven’t starting thinking about your retirement. You might think that because it’s so far away you have plenty of time to put it off for another few years. According to psychologist Daniel Goldstein, it can be difficult for many people to imagine themselves growing old. In our heads, we all realize we will grow old, but the concept doesn’t seem real to us. We often don’t even want to think about it -- let alone plan for it.

Whether you’ve already arranged a Memorial Day weekend getaway or are waiting until the last minute to make travel plans, whatever you do, you certainly won’t want to miss out on the first opportunity to take a summer vacation. In fact, you’ll be amazed at how much you can see and experience during the long weekend. Learn about three easy ways to save the most money on your getaway, no matter your destination.

It’s no secret that life for twenty-somethings is vastly different than it was in the 1970’s, 80’s or even 90’s. The internet and mobile technology have completely changed how we carry out our professional and personal lives. Personal finance is yet another area in which millennials are doing things a little differently than their parents and grandparents.  

It’s never easy to watch family members struggle with their finances. Even though it can be tempting to loan them money, it is only a temporary fix that won’t last if they’ve instilled bad money habits in their financial routine. When it comes to addressing your concerns with a family member who’s struggling with money management, it can be scary. On one hand, you want your loved one to get his or her financial situation under control, but you don't want to destroy your relationship in the process. Read on to learn more about how to better help family members who are bad at money.

Millennials now account for the majority of new and expecting parents. By growing up during the greatest economic downturn since the Great Depression and holding more student loan debt than any previous generation, millennials are faced with a very unique set of challenges when it comes to starting a family. With the cost of raising a child now equalling a small fortune, millennial parents need to be better prepared financially.

When your budget is tight, saving for your future can be especially difficult. We live in a world where the vast majority of mobile apps are designed to help you spend money, not save it, with simple “one click” checkout experiences. Fortunately, there are a few apps on the market that have actually made it a little bit easier to make saving a priority in your everyday life.

Money scams have existed for years, but criminals continue to discover and implement new, sly tactics. Their current efforts focus on sending out phony emails, pretending to be a trustworthy person, to seek out personal information from victims like credit card numbers, bank accounts and personal identification information, such as a passport or Social Security number.

Dividing up an investment portfolio into its various pieces can reveal both hidden drivers of risk and overlooked opportunities. A recent analysis by Goldman Sachs Asset Management of professionally managed investment portfolios shows that many investors are missing important potential sources of return as a result of putting too many of their “risk” eggs in one basket – US stocks!

According to CNN, 46 percent of households with male/female married couples are dual income, with both parents working full-time. That said, there are many reasons why a couple would decide to live off of only one income. Whether you and your partner have made the decision that one of you will be staying home with a new baby, or going back to school, living off a single income requires planning, communication and willingness to make sacrifices. Before making any decisions to transition to one income, you’ll want to to practice living on one income (if possible), discuss healthcare and other benefits and prepare a budget.

While the decision to buy or lease a car can be a tricky one, a quick evaluation of your financial situation can help you decide which option is best. People who lease a car typically do so because it allows them to drive a newer car for less money than it would cost to buy one. According to the car experts at Edmunds, young adults are far more likely to lease. In fact, more than one-third of millennials in 2016 were opting for auto leases.

Many women take the lead with managing household finances and many have also increased the amount of money they earn in their careers. In honor of March being Women’s History Month, let’s take a closer look at the history of women, money and the power they've gained over the last few centuries.

It’s tax season, which means you may be coming into some money in the near future. According to U.S. News and Money, in 2016, 111 million Americans received a tax refund, with the average amount being $2,860. On the flipside, you may not be due anything. The IRS anticipates that 30 percent of taxpayers will not receive a refund this year. If you do receive a refund, deciding what to do with it can be a challenge. Should you invest it? Save it? Treat yourself? While the options are endless, here are just a few ways to wisely spend that money.

There are many financial “bad habits” that can leave you in debt. Sometimes they lure you in with the promise of being a "smart financial move" while others are more glaringly obvious to avoid. Unfortunately, you can’t hop into a time machine to go back and undo your past financial mistakes. However, you can take steps to avoid common pitfalls and hang on to more of your hard-earned cash. The most important bad money habits are not adhering to a budget, making emotional purchases and only having one source of income.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and couples are looking for the perfect gift that says, “I love you.” According to WalletHub, Valentine’s Day is the third-largest consumer holiday in the U.S. In fact, shoppers spend more than $18 billion per year in the name of love with the average person spending close to $140. Be sure to make smart financial decisions by remembering the true meaning of the holiday, exploring alternative options for gifts and insuring pricey jewelry.

Super Bowl Sunday is upon us once again as the Atlanta Falcons will face-off against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI in Houston, Texas. For veteran NFL players, being part of the Super Bowl and playing for a chance to win the Vince Lombardi Trophy is enough, especially since many of them already have lucrative contracts with their teams and corporate sponsorships. But for the rookies and lesser-known players, being part of Super Bowl LI means a hefty paycheck regardless of their participation in the big game. According to NJ Sports, players on the winning Super Bowl team will take home $107,000, and players on the losing team will still walk away with $53,000.

Saving for your child’s future has never been more important as the cost of higher education continuing to soar. The first question many parents have is: “When should I start saving?” A good rule of thumb is to begin saving as soon as your child has a social security number. If you don’t have children yet but are expecting or planning on having children in the near future, it’s never too early to start putting money aside in a savings account.

You just inherited a large sum of money. Now what? Whether it’s a few thousand, or a few hundred thousand, it’s important to make the most of your sudden windfall and leverage it to your financial benefit. Far too often, people who have a large sum of cash fall into their lap don’t take advantage of it. According to MarketWatch, one study found that one third of people who received an inheritance had negative savings within two years. So before you splurge on a new sports car or a tropical vacation, take time to evaluate your current financial situation so that you can maximize your inheritance for long-term financial security.

Credit cards are often thought of as a way to accumulate debt, but when used properly, they can actually be a financial tool to increase your wealth and get better rates on loans. While there are various types of credit cards, they all have advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to always read the “fine print” before applying for any line of credit. When scoping out your options, take into consideration what aspects of your lifestyle could impact the type of credit card that’s best for you.

The new year is an excellent time to evaluate your finances to see where you currently stand and to discover opportunities for improvement. Now’s the time to put every component of your financial situation under the microscope and see how you can grow your wealth over the next year and commit to be in better financial shape when 2018 rolls around.

Many people resolve to improve their finances in the new year. In fact, according to Student Loan Hero, two-thirds of people made a financial resolution for 2017. If you’re among the one-third who hasn’t made a financial-related resolution, you may want to reconsider. The survey also found that the most common financial regret of 2016 was not saving or investing enough money. Here are three easy ways to save more money and take control of your finances in the new year.

The holiday season is in full swing, but before you head to the mall and start swiping those credit cards, it’s important to establish a reasonable budget and make a plan for keeping your spending in check. We have some tips for you to keep financial planning a priority during the holidays.

What does starting 2017 off with clean financial slate mean to you? For some, it could mean no outstanding credit card debt. For others, it could mean having finalized retirement contributions in place for 2016. Here are several steps you can take now to prepare for financial success in 2017.  Avoid Accumulating Debt The best way to avoid excess credit card debt is to outline a budget for holidayspending. Planning ahead and putting money aside ahead of time is a great way to prepare for the extra spending of the holiday season. If you choose to make purchases using a credit card, be sure to pay off the balance before the interest starts adding up.  According to U.S. News, checking your credit score before applying for credit at retailers is imperative to financial health during the holiday season. Shoppers who are looking to to improve or maintain their score are less likely to open new lines of credit or charge purchases for holiday spending. Remember Income Tax Planning When you have family in town and are taking off time from work, it can be easy for financial planning to slip to the back of your mind during the holidays. According to Forbes, it’s important to take action on maximizing retirement plan contributions as well as seeking out opportunities for capital gains and loss harvesting. Furthermore, the end of the year is a great time to consider charitable gifting and maximizing annual exclusion gifts. Don’t Wait to Max Out Retirement Accounts According to US News and Money, it is better to fund your retirement account throughout the entire year so that the money has a longer period of time to grow. Otherwise, you’re missing out on a whole year’s worth of growth. As a New Year’s Resolution, you could opt to set up automatic contributions to your accounts that work within your budget. Starting in January, make monthly contributions to your IRAs and retirement plans and watch them grow significantly faster than waiting until the last minute. Keep Total Spending in Perspective It’s important to keep in mind that presents aren’t the only aspect of spending during the holiday season. You might be splurging on expensive dinners at nice restaurants because friends and family are in town, holiday parties, New Years festivities and other fun holiday experiences. It’s fine to take part in some of these festivities and splurge on a few things here and there, but remember to keep it under control. Don’t rationalize over-spending your holiday budget just to “eat, drink and be merry.”

Though many polls reflected a tight race, the resulting Trump victory was a surprise for markets and the initial reaction has been turbulent as investors adjust positioning. Among the sharpest moves were a drop in the S&P futures index, and weakening in the Mexican peso versus the US dollar and rallies in currencies that have traditionally performed well in periods of volatility, such as the yen and Swiss franc.

We expect volatility to remain elevated over the near- to medium term, and we are well placed to leverage opportunities as they arise.

A number of upcoming events, including the wackiest election in decades, could generate market volatility. Although our process still sees U.S. stocks and global government bonds as expensive, a market setback could provide us with a terrific opportunity to buy.

As we look back on the last three months, what stands out is how quiet financial markets were during the summer, and yet, as September rolled around and market fluctuations picked up, how much it paid to be diversified.

Central bank actions and inaction, as well as fears surrounding either, drove financial market swings during the most recent quarter. Against a backdrop of soft economic growth and weak corporate earnings, extremely low interest rates have driven investors to bid up the prices of financial assets, distorting markets in the process. Investors are now dependent on low rates continuing to bolster rising asset prices. Any sign this “easy money” interlude is nearing an end has triggered gyrations in the capital markets.

The global capital markets were caught flat-footed by British voters’ decision to leave the European Union last Thursday. As we all know, markets don’t like surprises, and this one was a doozy.

“If you don’t like the weather… just wait a few minutes.” -- Mark Twain

Hello All:

Living in the midwest, as in some other parts of the country, we are prone to dramatic swings in the weather. This time of year, it’s very possible you may have to wear a coat as you leave for work in the morning, and by later afternoon, you need to turn on the air conditioner. It’s almost as if the weather in this part of the country is somewhat bipolar.

Stop losing money to hidden fees and learn how to rescue your retirement portfolio from unnecessary costs.

Quit worrying about the recent volatility in the global capital markets. Your retirement portfolio may have a bigger problem. Yes, I know, we have been in a global bear market for stocks. The headlines are full of warnings, and retirement investors are nervous. I get that. I see it everyday in eyes of the retirement investors.

ONE Retirement's Estimating Your Retirement Needs whitepaper outlines the steps every person should take in order to plan financially for their retirement according to their lifestyle needs. These steps include the following:

It’s true. All of it” -- Han Solo, Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Q4 2015 Client Letter

Financial security should be a fact, not a feeling. 

Do you question your financial future?

Do you know what steps to take to make it secure?

Do you know whether you are building your wealth, preserving your wealth or spending your wealth?

Read through ONE Retirement's Investor: Know Your Important Numbers to get all the answers you need about securing your financial future.