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Most articles on inheritance focus on those leaving the assets behind, covering trusts, estates, and leaving a legacy. But what about the person on the receiving end? Inheriting money can feel overwhelming, especially during an already...

Your brain doesn’t retire when you do. In fact, it’s wired to keep learning, and few hobbies satisfy that need like picking up a new language. Whether you’re planning a trip to another country, reconnecting with family heritage, or...

Every investor has felt it. That nagging voice saying “maybe I should wait” when markets are high, or “maybe I should get out” when headlines turn dark. It feels like common sense to buy low and sell high. But here’s the problem: by...

Having the financial means to purchase nearly anything you want sounds like the ultimate goal. But arriving at this point often reveals an unexpected challenge: when most options are available, how do you decide what’s worth having?The...

Retirement changes almost everything about your daily life, including your relationship landscape. Whether you’re single and considering dating in retirement, or you’ve been with a partner for decades, this life stage offers unique...

For many families, a vacation home is a place layered with memories, where generations gather each summer to laugh and share traditions. Yet when it comes time to plan the future of the home, emotion and money can pull in opposite...

Picture this: a small device on your wrist that quietly looks after your health, helps you stay in touch, and even adds a layer of safety to your day. For many retirees, a smartwatch is becoming a simple way to support a healthy...

Most people glance at their accounts, see that the balance is up or down, and move on. But that surface check can hide deeper issues like unnecessary overlap or risks that don’t match your current life situation. A simple portfolio...

Imagine your grandchildren discovering a story, a recipe, or a photograph you saved. These are pieces of history they might never have known without you. Retirement is the perfect time to take on the role of family archivist. You...

You don’t have to go far to discover something new. In fact, some of the most interesting experiences are often right in your own backyard. Exploring your community can strengthen connections, spark curiosity, and create memories...

Your investment strategy might have less to do with market data and more to do with the dinner table you grew up around. The way you think about money, the risks you take, the risks you avoid, often trace back to lessons you didn’t...

You’ve advanced in your career. You’re earning more and managing the responsibilities that come with success. Yet maybe you’ve maintained some financial habits that you should have left behind. These habits are often rooted in past...

Retirement often opens up something many of us didn’t have before…time. And more retirees are treating their screen time with the same care they give to travel plans or reading lists. Whether you’re after thoughtful storytelling,...

When you picture retirement, you probably think of freedom. With more time and fewer obligations, you finally have the chance to relax. What many don’t expect, though, is how retirement changes your social life. The people you saw...

For the wealthy, credit scores can feel like a formality. After all, when you have ample liquidity, who’s really checking your credit? Turns out, plenty of people are. Lenders, underwriters, insurers, and even business partners may...

Doing your own investing has never been easier. The tools are accessible. The fees are low. The online resources are endless. But there’s one cost that often gets ignored: peace of mind. 1. Confidence Feels Easy in Good Times When...

Retirement gives us something incredibly rare: time. Time to reconnect with what matters, explore new passions, and create moments that stay with us. But when it comes to how we use that time – and money – it’s easy to default to...

Money can be a sensitive topic for couples—even those who typically communicate well. Over the years, we’ve observed a variety of financial disagreements and we’ve noticed a few common themes. Understanding these frequent arguments can...

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) can offer a great mix of diversification, flexibility, and cost efficiency. Used by both institutional and individual investors, they have become a staple in portfolios, blending the best aspects of stocks...

We’ve all been there—you make a purchase, and then, almost immediately, doubt starts creeping in. Maybe you spent more than you intended, or perhaps the item doesn’t live up to your expectations. That sinking feeling? It’s called...

Most parents can relate to the challenges of teaching their children about money—whether it’s explaining the difference between wants and needs, encouraging them to save, or helping them understand the value of a dollar. Learning about...

Understanding your money values helps to ensure that your financial decisions align with what matters most to you and your family. These values serve as a foundation for making consistent, purpose-driven choices, while reducing...

Retirement marks a new chapter, offering the perfect opportunity to explore passions that may have been set aside during earlier life stages. Engaging in the arts is more than just a way to fill your schedule–it provides a wide variety...

Planning for retirement is often seen as a straightforward task, but misconceptions can undermine even the best intentions. These myths, if left unchecked, can result in financial shortfalls or a less enjoyable retirement. Let’s...

The rising trend of adult children moving back in with their parents—often called “boomerang children”—is reshaping family life and financial dynamics. Driven by high housing costs, inflation, and mounting student debt, this...

Creating a comprehensive estate plan is a key step in ensuring your wishes are honored and your loved ones are cared for after you’re gone. Picture two families trying to find their way forward after losing a loved one. For the first...

With wealth comes an expansive list of financial opportunities: paying down debt, upgrading homes, maximizing retirement savings, or supporting future generations. The real question isn’t what’s possible, but what’s most important....

Many of us are naturally inclined to resist change, especially when it comes to our finances. This tendency is known as status quo bias, where we prefer things to stay the same, even if changing our approach might lead to better...

When we think about retirement, we often focus on financial readiness. But an equally important aspect is how you’ll spend your time. Without the structure of a job, it’s essential to have a plan for how you’ll spend your time. One way...

When it comes to personal finance, one of the most common—and frustrating—answers you’ll hear is, “It depends.” Whether you’re asking about the best way to invest, how much you should save for retirement, or how to minimize your tax...

When we think of financial advisors, we often think of people in suits with charts and financial plans. But our first “financial advisor” is usually someone closer to home—a parent or friend who influenced our money mindsets. While...

Being unsure whether to pay off your mortgage or not is a good problem to have. It means you have significant savings and have afforded yourself some choices. While the idea of being debt-free is appealing to many, there are also...

The U.S. Presidential election is dominating news cycles, and as an investor, it’s easy to let political fervor influence your investment decisions. However, maintaining a clear boundary between politics and your portfolio is crucial...

Market volatility can be unsettling, especially when you see your investments fluctuating day by day. However, staying calm and sticking to a well-thought-out strategy can help you navigate these turbulent times effectively. Here are...

Discussing finances with aging parents is never easy. As a result, many families simply delay these conversations or avoid them altogether. This can lead to unexpected financial surprises, misunderstandings, and even conflicts down the...

There are a variety of viewpoints on how social media influences our society – both good and bad. After all, some people are spending hours a day on these platforms and we need to be aware of their impact. From our vantage point, we’re...

When it comes to saving for your child’s education, 529 plans are a popular choice due to their tax advantages and flexibility. However, there are several lesser-known aspects of 529 plans that can enhance your saving strategy. Here...

Herd mentality is the tendency to follow the actions of a larger group, even when those actions might not be in one’s best interest. When it comes to finances, herd mentality can have significant implications for your investments and...

It may be surprising to hear, but even those who’ve accumulated substantial wealth may still worry about money. While financial success often brings comfort, it doesn’t alleviate every fear, insecurity, or concern. These fears run deep...

Compound interest might sound complex, but it’s actually based on a very simple principle: earning interest on your interest. Here’s a clear and simplified way of understanding this important concept. Imagine you save some money, let’s...

When it comes to financial advice, the benefits of working with a team rather than an individual advisor become increasingly clear as your financial needs grow more complex. A team can offer a range of insights and perspectives,...

Receiving an unexpected sum of money can be a welcome surprise, but deciding what to do with it can be a challenge. Should you save the money or pay down debt? Invest the funds or donate to charity? While rushing to book a vacation...

There’s growing evidence of the value that financial advisors bring to the table, beyond investment management. This concept, often referred to as “Advisor Alpha,” has been championed by *Vanguard and does a great job illustrating the...

A Family Financial Summit might be a new concept for many of you, so let’s start by defining it before delving into whether or not you need it. Essentially, it’s a family meeting that allows for the sharing of financial values and...

Tax planning is a vital part of any wealth management strategy, but reducing your tax burden isn’t always a straightforward process, especially for individuals with more complicated returns. Careful planning can help potentially...

What would it be like to be ultra-wealthy? Would it mean homes in Hawaii and Paris? Do you envision sailing a luxury yacht across the Mediterranean? What about chartering a trip to space? While it’s fun to imagine, this...

Technology has helped to streamline the way we manage our money, allowing us to perform transactions and monitor our accounts online, instead of needing to do everything in-person. These tools are simple to use, getting better every...

One of the most significant developments in recent technology is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). When you ask ChatGPT (a leading AI program) what that means, it says “these computer systems are designed to mimic human...

When planning for retirement, we often focus on the accumulation phase: saving diligently and investing wisely. We spend 40 or more years of our lives focused on building the proverbial “nest egg,” but after retirement,...

You have a first meeting with a new financial advisor, congrats! You’re taking an essential step in forging a path to financial confidence and clarity. But this is more than just a casual chat; it’s a critical conversation...

Wealthy families often find themselves grappling with how to effectively pass along assets to their children while ensuring those children are ready for the responsibility. As we tread towards the largest generational wealth transfer...

In our current environment, where political news comes from every direction, it’s important to remember the importance of impartiality in your portfolio. There is a certain allure of aligning your portfolio with your political...

Blind spots, in the realm of investing, can be likened to the unnoticed smudges on a pair of glasses. They obscure a clear view of reality, but can easily go unnoticed. In the world of finance, this can have costly implications. ...

As you navigate the digital landscape, it is important to be aware of the evolving fraud risks posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Scammers embrace AI because it enables them to analyze large amounts of data quickly, identify...

When can you access your savings without a penalty? When should you enroll in Medicare? At what age is it best to collect Social Security?  In the years leading up to retirement, there are a number of key milestones and deadlines...

Retirement is an exciting phase of life, offering seniors the opportunity to explore new interests, travel, and spend more time with loved ones. However, it can also present challenges in terms of socializing and making new friends...

The good news? Retirees are living longer. The bad news? Many aren’t planning for it financially. Life expectancy is a key piece of retirement planning. After all, you’ll need to estimate your lifespan to determine how much...

As many are aware, mortgage rates have been rising steeply since 2021. Now, lenders are having to get creative to drive new business. They’re offering more incentives to find new buyers and to undercut the competition....

Did you know that 40% of workers today plan to move to a different city or region after they retire?1 This underscores a trend of retirees eager to explore new horizons, trade familiar environments for fresh ones, and even...

Making financial decisions can often be more challenging than it appears. A variety of subtle influences can cloud our judgment. Among these, behavioral biases like anchoring, loss aversion, and herd behavior have been found to shape...

We recently passed the 40th anniversary of frequent flyer programs as we know them. These programs started really simply, but forever changed the way we travel. Essentially, the more you flew, the more points you earned, the more free...

Whether your retirement date is fast approaching or you still have a few years to go, it’s important to take steps to boost your nest egg so you’re better prepared to meet your goals. Consider the following five strategies...

A target date fund is an investment instrument designed to become more conservative as it approaches a predetermined future date. For investors looking to simplify their retirement strategies, target date funds can be appealing for...

When we hear the term “gratitude,” most of us think of living a happier and more fulfilling life. We think of slowing down, being mindful, and cherishing the small moments, like savoring a cup of coffee or reconnecting with...

Kids ask tough questions about money. It’s how they learn. As a parent, these are teachable moments that offer a chance to impart some financial wisdom to them.  Start by asking them questions for clarification. After...

Over the next two decades, more than 84 trillion dollars will change hands in what has become known as the “great wealth transfer.” More than $72 trillion of that will pass from older generations to their heirs, while...

There’s good news for your retirement plan! Starting this year, the age at which you must start taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your tax-deferred retirement accounts has increased from 72 to 73 years old. In...

Saving for retirement doesn’t happen overnight. It’s an ongoing process that requires monitoring and tweaking your plan over many years to help ensure you have enough to meet your retirement goals.Sometimes relatively small...

Planning for retirement is rife with big questions — not just how you want to spend your golden years, but where? For some, retirement offers the opportunity to spend more time with family; for others, it’s...

Investors and advisors alike have long debated the merits of active versus passive investing. As the markets have taken a downward turn over the last year in response to rising interest rates, this age-old question has emerged again...

Stock investing is an important engine of growth in your portfolio, but deciding on an investing strategy and particular stocks can be challenging. When designing a diversified portfolio that minimizes risk, it can help to think of...

When constructing a portfolio, it’s critical to understand three important factors: your goals, your time horizon, and your risk tolerance. Of those three, risk tolerance can be the trickiest to get a handle on, especially since...

Family trusts are an important tool for managing wealth across multiple generations. They can help you avoid the time-consuming and costly process of probate, keep your assets private, minimize taxes, and ensure that your wealth is...

It’s common knowledge that investing in mutual funds, index funds, or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can help build a diversified portfolio. These funds hold diverse baskets of securities, including stocks, bonds and other assets...

Lately, financial pundits seem to be constantly warning that a bear market is coming, arguing over whether one has begun or predicting when one will end. It’s less common for them to actually define one. From their ominous tone,...

As tax planning season and end-of-year charitable giving begin, it’s a good time to consider the benefits of donor-advised funds. Charitable giving has many facets, most notably as an opportunity for you to support the causes and...

If you’re a parent, the start of a new school year may have you considering how much you’re able to set aside for your child’s college fund. Average annual tuition in the U.S. is $38,185 for private college and...

The charitable remainder trust (CRT) is a popular retirement- and estate-planning tool. It can be a convenient way to create a stream of lifetime income for yourself and others or donate to a charity while minimizing and deferring...

Markets go up and down in ways that are not entirely predictable. For long-term investors, what the market is doing in the present isn’t that troubling; they’ve got a long time to ride out potential downturns. But for...

Sometimes stock prices drop across the entire market at once triggered by a range of things, such as a natural disaster, political turmoil, concerns over rising interest rates, a global health crisis, or problems within a single sector...

Talking with loved ones about estate planning and inheritance can be challenging, especially as it centers around two taboo topics – money and death. But talking with your adult children about their inheritance can provide...

A concentrated position in a single stock can happen to investors for many reasons. They may receive company stock as part of their employee compensation package or they may have bought shares of a single company, hoping to choose a...

Building a portfolio is a big effort. It requires considering your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. Once that’s settled, you’ll have to choose investments that match these criteria. And this is only the beginning....

Financial planning is not a set-it-and-forget-it activity. Rather, financial plans are ever-evolving based on your changing life circumstances. Your goals and priorities may shift as your career evolves and big changes like marriage,...

Your 401(k) is a tax-advantaged retirement account built to help you save more for retirement. Contributions can lower your taxable income, and money inside your 401(k) grows tax-deferred. Withdrawals are subject to income tax. To...

The holiday season is a popular time to reflect on the past year and donate to causes you care about. Donations not only aid people and organizations in need; they also confer a potential tax benefit to the giver. Recent changes to the...

Risk is an inherent part of investing. After all, no one can control the losses or gains of a particular asset, sector, or the market as a whole. But you can take steps to manage your risk by diversifying your portfolio. Here’s a...

As part of your compensation package, your company might offer you stock options to supplement your salary. While they can be a valuable form of compensation, they also leave you with plenty of decisions to make about how and when to...

Every year, the Child Tax Credit reduces the tax liability of American parents. If it lowers their tax burden below zero, it can even put money in their pockets. The credit's size increased following the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017....

A health savings account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged savings account that allows individuals with high-deductible health plans to set money aside for medical expenses. These accounts offer unique tax benefits and can even be savings...

You’ve spent years planning and saving for your retirement. And then, out of the blue, your employer hands you an early retirement offer that could change everything. An early retirement, or “voluntary severance,”...

Climbing commodity prices, ambitious government spending packages due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic crash have resurrected a long-dormant fear: runaway inflation. But what is inflation, and is it something to...

Alternatives are investment options beyond the typical stocks, bonds and cash found in most portfolios. They can be tangible assets like precious metals, or they could be financial assets like private equity or hedge funds....

The COVID-19 pandemic helped put an end to the longest bull market in history. The stock market plunged, and many investors were tempted to pull their money out of the market to avoid additional losses. But periods of uncertainty offer...

Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are a type of tax-advantaged account that can help you boost your retirement savings. The most common IRAs you’ll choose from are traditional and Roth IRAs. Both are designed for long-term...

Communication about money is often fraught for couples, and bringing the topic up with your partner can be challenging. But discussing financial concerns, goals and habits is key to a strong relationship. And open communication about...

Many investors want more out of their investments than just a good return. They want to know that the companies they invest in are ethical and responsible — that they build environmentally sustainable business models, advance a...

Learning how to properly manage money is a crucial life skill that can take years to develop. For teens who may be earning an income for the first time, there can be a steep learning curve when it comes to financial literacy, but...

Baby boomers in the U.S. are set to bequeath $68 trillion in wealth by 2043, as part of the Great Wealth Transfer. Much of that will be left to Generation X and millennial heirs. If you expect to receive an inheritance, planning ahead...

When it comes to financial planning, women are likely to face different challenges than men. For one, they earn less than men on average, and they’re more likely to work part-time jobs or take time away from their careers to...

How Does Dollar-Cost Averaging Work? When you’re in a traffic jam on the highway, you may find yourself trying to merge into whichever lane is moving fastest at the moment, only to find yourself falling behind drivers that stayed...

The basic premise behind life insurance is simple: You pay premiums to an insurance company, which then pays your beneficiaries a certain amount after you die. But not all life insurance policies are alike. In fact, the right policy...

Reducing your tax burden can help you manage your wealth and free up money to meet your financial goals and build your legacy. But tax rules are complicated, and you may need help understanding all the methods you can use to minimize...

Charitable giving is a great way to support the causes you care about while also getting a tax break. In 2020, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which incentivized charitable giving by...

With the new year in full swing, it’s a great time to take stock of your personal finances. From building a budget and saving for retirement to getting a jump on this year’s taxes, here are some of the smart money moves to...

When you retire, you get to bid farewell to the working world. That’s the good news. The bad news? You’ll no longer have a paycheck coming in from your employer. To address that, you’ll need to piece together a steady...

A good succession plan creates a blueprint for ownership transfer as you exit your business. It helps you prepare for your retirement, ensuring you have the income you need. And setting a well-conceived plan into motion protects the...

A wealth transfer plan guides the movement of your assets from your estate to your beneficiaries. Baby boomers are already in the throes of the most significant wealth transfer in history. Over the next 25 years, they are expected to...

Long-term care insurance helps cover the cost of assistance with daily living tasks, including bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility. This type of care is not covered by Medicare, supplemental Medigap policies, or other traditional...

Elections can move the market, but that doesn’t mean you should change your approach Like any big news event, U.S. presidential elections can cause ripples and even waves in the stock market. In November 2016, for example, Donald...

On January 31, 1940, the first monthly Social Security check was issued to Ida May Fuller of Ludlow, Vermont. She received $22.54, according to the [[https://www.ssa.gov/history/idapayroll.html Social Security Administration]]. She was...

When you retire, you’ll likely draw your income from several sources—such as retirement accounts, taxable investment accounts, and Social Security Benefits. Each of these sources is taxed according to its own rules. So, in...

Online banking and electronic payment options offer consumers unprecedented access to their financial accounts. Yet, this convenience comes at a price—a greater risk of identity theft. Identity thieves can use your personal...

On December 20th, 2019, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act became law. As the name implies, this law intends to make it easier for Americans to save for retirement. Though this may sound simple...

Although there is a significant financial component to leaving a lasting legacy, it encompasses so much more than just money. It’s easy to get stuck in a pattern of living life day by day, but your legacy isn’t something...

Fear, uncertainty, volatility, panic—these emotions are nothing new to the world of investing. In fact, they seem to reappear on a fairly consistent basis. The outbreak of Covid-19 has brought them back with a vengeance, but wise...

When stock markets experience sudden downturns, investors can feel anxious and make decisions detrimental to their long-term goals. After all, when you’ve worked hard for the money, it’s painful to see your account balances...

If you avoid these 4 potentially devastating financial moves, you should have a better chance of becoming prosperous and pursuing your goals. If you have made one of these already, it may be time to get back on track. 1) Buying More...

As I was leaving the grocery store a few months ago, a headline from USA Today jumped off the page: College Student Loans: Debt Hits a New High. Last year, college seniors graduated with a diploma, a well-paying job (hopefully), and an...

Making a New Year’s resolution is the first step to creating better habits. But making a New Year’s resolution and keeping a New Year’s resolution are not always the same thing. If you’re like most people, New...

Disorganized finances can make it difficult to plan and set your goals. Following a pattern of established management guidelines can help you stay on-top of your financial situation throughout the year. Whether you need to overhaul...

Are your finances ready for the end of the year? December brings many deadlines and lists; there are gifts to buy, holidays to plan, and vacations to organize. While financial planning should occur year-round, it often becomes top of...

Research shows that most of the ingredients required for a happy retirement can be lumped into six broad categories: Health, Connection, Purpose, Growth, Play and Money. Health We all know that eating right and exercising is good for...

Are you in the ‘Sandwich Generation’? If you have the responsibility of simultaneously raising kids and looking after your aging parents, then this article is for you. We know you have an extremely challenging lifestyle...

The opportunity to discover a new passion in life is just one gift of a successful retirement. For some lucky individuals, that new purpose may have been known long before that big day. But for many others like Kathy and Don Lemly, it...

No financial plan is complete without an estate plan. Estate planning covers all aspects of your life, from creating your will to planning medical decisions. Due to the complex and emotional nature of estate planning, many people avoid...

You’ve saved money all your life. Or, maybe you sold your business after investing years of hard work. You’ve chosen the smart path and have a comfortable nest egg as you set sail into retirement. But always be on guard!...

The equity and fixed-income markets have experienced considerable volatility over the past few weeks. Some of this has been related to a recent escalation of trade tensions with China and falling interest rates. On August 14th, the...

We’ve all heard it said: “Records are made to be broken.” We celebrate record-breaking winning streaks from our favorite teams. Conversely, we hope to avoid a long string of losses. The bull market that began in 2009...

As a generation of Americans grows older, a considerable amount of their personal wealth is transferring to younger family members. In fact, over 60 trillion dollars is expected to change hands in the next 25 years. You may acquire...

PLAN LIKE A WOMAN

Katerina Hencova, CFP®

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Part of our ongoing practice here at Continuum Consulting Group is educating the community about proper methods, strategies and financial tools, so anyone can make informed financial decisions and achieve their financial independence,...

Many investors are familiar with the emotional impact that often comes with market volatility. When stock markets swing in extreme directions or change suddenly, investors can feel anxious and make decisions based on emotion that can...

Did you know that 67 million people received Social Security benefits in 2017? Despite so many retirees relying on Social Security income, many don’t fully understand these benefits. Moreover, there are many misconceptions about...

We all want what is best for our children. At an early age, we teach them to eat the right foods, we place them in the best preschools, we encourage them in grade school and high school, and we cheer them on when they excel in...

Retirement is one of the most important life events you will experience, and getting it right takes wise planning. With a sound intellectual framework, and some assistance from a qualified professional, you can ensure that you are ready...