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There are at least a couple of things we can say with confidence about disability insurance: 1) many people don’t have it (even if they don’t believe it will happen to them), and 2) those who don’t have it probably don’t realize how...

For many business owners, success looks like this: steady revenue, a growing team, and a full calendar. On paper, things are working. But beneath the surface, no one discusses the quiet reality: the business depends too much on you.If...

For decades, financial professionals and policymakers have wrestled with the same fundamental challenge: how to help families start saving earlier, stay invested longer, and build durable financial security across generations. The...

If you fail to estimate your federal income tax withholding properly, it may cost you in a variety of ways. If you receive an income tax refund, it essentially means that you provided the IRS with an interest-free loan during the year....

One advantage of term life insurance is that it is generally the most cost-effective way to achieve the maximum life insurance protection you can afford. Many people first purchase term life insurance to protect their family's...

Every new year brings the opportunity to set financial goals, but many resolutions fizzle out before February. Whether your priority is saving more, paying down debt, or investing for the future, creating a realistic plan and adopting...

In today's corporate environment, cost cutting, restructuring, and downsizing are the norm, and many employers are offering their employees early retirement packages. But how do you know if the seemingly attractive offer you've...

Planning on working during retirement? If so, you're not alone. An increasing number of employees nearing retirement plan to work at least some period of time during their retirement years.Why work during retirement?Obviously, if you...

The end of the year is a natural time to take stock of your financial picture. This includes the insurance coverage that protects your income, family, and assets. Life changes, inflation, and shifting financial goals can all affect how...

The traditional image of retirement often involves a clear-cut path: work for X years, retire at age Y, and live comfortably on a pension and Social Security. While appealing, this retirement picture is rapidly changing. Today, the...

Guard Against Student Aid Scams

Jeremy Hus, MSFS, CFP®, ChFC®, CASL®, CLU®

Thursday, January 15, 2026

One reason for the establishment of the U.S. Education Department (ED) in 1979 was to assist students in paying for a post-secondary education. Like corporations that market to consumers, the ED conducts much of its business with its...

When you think about a financial advisor, do you picture someone just managing investments, or do you see a crucial guide for life's biggest challenges? Barnum’s Study of Americans in the Workplace reveals that for many, an advisor...

What is it? As you prepare for life with your new child, it's time to prepare a new financial plan for your family or make any necessary changes to your existing plan. You'll want to consider how your baby will affect your budget, make...

The holidays can be joyful and expensive. With higher prices on everything from travel to groceries and endless options for gifts, it’s easy for spending to spiral. A thoughtful plan can help you keep the season merry without straining...

You vaguely remember signing a form every year at college registration time. Now that you've graduated, it's all become painfully clear — those forms were promissory notes detailing your student loan obligations. Your loans aren't...

For those with charitable intentions as part of their wealth management plan, the method and timing of donations deserve careful thought. One particularly advantageous approach for eligible individuals is the Qualified Charitable...

As your teenager gains independence, financial decision-making becomes an increasingly important part of their daily life. Between mobile payment platforms, e-commerce, and spending pressures from social media, young people today face...

You’ve worked hard for decades, and now you finally have the freedom to choose how you spend your days. Retirement marks the start of a new chapter. One that can be just as fulfilling and purposeful as the career you’ve left behind....

The holiday season is one of the most joyful and stressful times of the year. For those who love entertaining, it’s easy to get caught up in visions of extravagant dinners, picture-perfect décor, and endless to-do lists. But often,...

When developing a succession plan for your business, you must make many decisions. Should you sell your business or give it away? Should you structure your plan to go into effect during your lifetime or at your death? Should you...

We often hear the phrase "financial freedom" thrown around. It sounds appealing, but what does it actually mean to the average working American? Is it about having a yacht, never looking at a price tag, or something more foundational?...

Even before your children can count, they already know something about money: it’s what you have to give the ice cream man to get a cone or put in the slot to ride the rocket ship at the grocery store. So, as soon as your children...

Do you picture yourself owning a new home, starting a business, or retiring comfortably? These are a few of the financial goals that may be important to you, and each comes with a price tag attached. It's also financial planning....

As the cost of living increases for many people, adopting financial disciplines is crucial to survive in this fiscally tight environment. One way to stay afloat is through budgeting. You can opt for zero-based budgeting and allocate...

As autumn approaches, the impending expenses of holiday preparations and cooler weather can be a burden. But did you know you can embrace the season without breaking the bank? While you dream about that spicy pumpkin latte, here is a...

The word "retirement" can conjure up different images for different people — peaceful golden years, adventurous travel, or maybe just the relief of not having to set an alarm. Whatever your vision, one thing is universally true:...

The future of our finances is a constant consideration, a blend of hopes, dreams, and sometimes, anxieties. While we all strive for financial security, the level of confidence we feel about achieving it can vary dramatically. At Barnum...

Medicare, the federal health insurance program for Americans aged 65 or older and certain younger individuals with disabilities, is constantly evolving. The updates primarily driven by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA), aim to...

Do you picture yourself owning a new home, starting a business, or retiring comfortably? These are a few of the financial goals that may be important to you, and each comes with a price tag attached. That's where financial planning...

Reviewing Mid-Year Progress and Adjusting Strategies With the year going past the halfway mark, it’s an ideal time to evaluate the trajectory of your financial objectives. Are you on track with your goals? Do you need to recalibrate...

As summer draws to a close, it’s time to switch gears from leisurely vacations to focusing on education. Whether you’re a student, parent, or teacher, this exciting period requires thoughtful organization and preparation. Avoid the...

When it comes to planning for your retirement income, it's easy to overlook some of the common factors that can affect how much you'll have available to spend. If you don't consider how your retirement income can be impacted by...

We all have causes that stir our hearts, issues that ignite a desire for change. Often, our generosity manifests as a check, a contribution made with good intentions. But what if our giving could transcend a single transaction, and...

Summer is often a time for sun-drenched escapes, leisurely pursuits, and a general slowing of pace. This season also presents a unique opportunity to weave in some enjoyable yet strategic financial planning. Forget the dusty...

Introduction Typically, when an individual purchases life insurance, he or she pays premiums directly to the insurer with cash. But high-net-worth individuals often need large amounts of life insurance, requiring significant premium...

What is it? If you don't have disability income insurance because you can't afford the premiums, you should know that there are several strategies you can use to make disability coverage more affordable. These strategies include...

It's hard to talk about college without mentioning financial aid. Yet this pairing isn't a marriage of love, but one of necessity. In many cases, financial aid may be the deciding factor in whether your child attends the college of his...

By investing for retirement through your employer-sponsored plan, you are helping to manage a critically important financial risk: the chance that you will outlive your money. But choosing to participate is just one step in your...

What if you're saving as much as you can, but still feel that your retirement savings goal is out of reach? As with many of life's toughest challenges, it may help to focus less on the big picture and more on the details. 1. Regularly...

What is it?IntroductionIf you're the beneficiary of a large inheritance, you may find yourself suddenly wealthy. Even if you expected the inheritance, you may be surprised by the size of the bequest or the diverse assets you've...

What is it?You will typically face a higher risk of becoming disabled than dying. If you are a business owner, formulating a strategy to protect yourself against this risk is important, because if you suffer a disability and can no...

Evaluating and comparing life insurance policies is complicated. After determining how much life insurance you need, you must decide what type of life insurance to buy. Should you buy term insurance? A whole life policy? A flexible...

Deciding when to retire may not be one decision but a series of decisions and calculations. For example, you'll need to estimate not only your anticipated expenses but also what sources of retirement income you'll have and how long...

For young adults, financial literacy goes beyond managing your finances. It’s about taking control of your future. As you juggle burdensome student loans, expensive health care, rent, and food prices in light of inflation, financial...

Setting financial and investment goals Setting goals is an important part of life in general and financial planning in particular. Investing without knowing what you're trying to achieve is like trying to drive across country without a...

Summary: A private family foundation is a legal entity created, funded, and operated by a single family for the primary purpose of making grants to charities. Because of its charitable mission, a private family foundation is given...

You will need to think about the disposition of your assets at your death and any tax implications. Statistically speaking, women live longer than men. So if you are married, you'll also probably have the last word about the final...

Throughout your career, retirement planning will likely be one of the most important components of your overall financial plan. Whether you have just graduated and taken your first job, or are starting a family, enjoying your peak...

In 2024, we witnessed the beginning of a financial phenomenon informally known as The Great Wealth Transfer. This intergenerational shift of wealth sees the Baby Boomer generation passing down close to $84 trillion to their heirs,...

The modern workplace is a dynamic and demanding environment. While ambition and productivity are valued, it's crucial to acknowledge the increasing importance of mental health and well-being. Burnout, stress, and anxiety are prevalent,...

Owning a home outright is a dream that many Americans share. Having a mortgage can be a huge burden and paying it off may be the first item on your financial to-do list. But competing with the desire to own your home free and clear is...

Growth in investment doesn’t occur overnight — even in the most thriving financial markets. Time is a necessity in the power of compounding. Therefore, like all valuable things, increasing your returns from equities, bonds, mutual...

Whether you're a current business owner or a budding entrepreneur burning with the next great idea, one of the most important steps you can take on your road to success is creating a business plan. Why? A well-thought-out and...

If you're a senior, the future may present more of a concern than it once did--you may wonder what you'll do if your health deteriorates. If you must enter a nursing home, for example, how will you pay for it? Fortunately, you may have...

Estate planning is an integral component of any good financial plan. Without this planning, you can leave your loved ones without the resources they need to take care of themselves or their family in case something unexpected happens...

You want to retire comfortably when the time comes. You also want to help your child go to college. So how do you juggle the two? The truth is, saving for your retirement and your child's education at the same time can be a challenge....

If you’re approaching your 65th birthday, odds are you’ve been inundated with documentation and advice about your social security options. It’s crucial to make sure you’re on solid ground with your finances as you get closer to...

Managing your money and personal finances is a skill many don't give enough time or attention to master. The more the subject of financial planning comes up in conversation toward others, the more we realize there's a large portion of...

If you've lost your job, or are changing jobs, you may be wondering what to do with your 401(k)-plan account. It's important to understand your options. What will I be entitled to? If you leave your job (voluntarily or involuntarily),...

With the holiday season upon us and the end of the year approaching, we pause to give thanks for our blessings and the people in our lives. It is also a time when charitable giving often comes to mind. The tax benefits associated with...

It’s the holiday season and there’s nothing more festive than fraudsters and scam artists coming out of their holes to steal money from you. But we’ve got you covered. The more you know about these potential holiday scams, the better...

The path to retirement for high net-worth individuals (HNWIs) is complex, from navigating taxes, inflation erosion, succession planning, investment expertise, and maintaining their lavish lifestyle. Without strategic planning,...

Navigating the holiday season while keeping your finances intact is quite the challenge. Exploring these effective tips may go a long way to helping save you money during this festive period. From thoughtful gift-giving to strategic...

Thanksgiving is a holiday that surrounds two of the most beloved ideas. Food and family. Whether you’ve been visiting grandma’s house for the last 15 years or you’re hosting for the first time, the same Thanksgiving traditions you know...

The end of the year is a time for reflection and goal setting. It's also a great time to do financial housekeeping and ensure you're on track for a successful year ahead. After all, planning can save you a lot of money and stress down...

Estate Planning on the Horizon: Potential Changes to Tax Exemptions and Strategies for the Savvy Investor The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 provided temporary relief for estate planning. A key component of the TCJA was an...

The SECURE Act of 2019 and the SECURE 2.0 Act, passed in December 2022, dramatically changed the rules governing the inheritance of IRA and retirement plan assets. Retirement savings account owners and their loved ones should...

Pablo Picasso once said, “Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success.” When it comes to financial planning,...

An important part of managing your personal finances is keeping your financial records organized. Whether it's a utility bill to show proof of residency or a Social Security card for wage reporting purposes, there may be times when you...

Warren Buffett is often considered a man of great wisdom and unparalleled success in the world of investing. Buffett's journey is a testament to the power of knowledge, patience, and staying true to one's principles. With a net worth...

Save your money. Stick to a budget. Invest in a 401K. Plan for your children’s education. Prepare for retirement. As we all work in our various career fields, these are the phrases we hear consistently. Building a financial plan is...

Warren Buffett is one of the wealthiest people in the world. That doesn’t mean he dismisses the value of a dollar. Or a dollar menu. Does he follow these 8 millionaire habits? As was reported in several profile pieces a few years ago,...

Almost everyone has financial advice to give. From parents, teachers, leaders, and even your kids! But what are some myths and misconceptions that we hold about money from all these spheres? Let’s attempt to debunk some of the lies or...

Life insurance has come a long way since the days when it was known as burial insurance and used mainly to pay for funeral expenses. Today, life insurance is a crucial part of many estate plans. You can use it to leave much-needed...

Obtaining life insurance is a benchmark for many adults when building their portfolio. Earning income is one thing but protecting it for your loved ones upon your death is quite another. The primary objective of life insurance is...

In this digital age, numerous assets intertwine with our lives, from email accounts, social media profiles, cloud storage, photos, and videos to blogs, websites, cryptocurrency, and more. Thus, memories, investments, and personal value...

We’re all striving for financial independence in an effort to pave the way for financial security, greater flexibility, and overall peace of mind. Maybe you’re planning to establish an emergency fund to avoid dipping into savings,...

Your teen is becoming more independent, but still needs plenty of advice from you. With more money to spend and more opportunities to spend it, your teen can easily get into financial trouble. So before money burns a hole in your...