Latest articles by Stephen B. Dunbar III, JD, CLU
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This Is What You Really Need to Know About Medicare, From a Financial Expert
Health care costs are a significant retirement expense, and Medicare offers essential but complex coverage that requires careful planning. Here's how to navigate Medicare's various parts, enrollment periods and income-based costs.
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A Financial Expert's Three Steps to Becoming Debt-Free (Even in This Economy)
If debt has you spiraling, now is the time to take a few common-sense steps to help knock it down and get it under control.
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Social Security Pop Quiz: Are You Among the 89% of Americans Who'd Fail?
Shockingly few people have any clue what their Social Security benefits could be. This financial adviser notes it's essential to understand that info and when it might be best to access your benefits.
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Charitable Contributions: Five Frequently Asked Questions
Make the most of your good intentions by understanding the ins and outs of charitable giving. A good starting point is knowing what's deductible and what isn't.
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Trusts for Child Influencers: What Families Need to Know
As video blogging, or vlogging, gains popularity (and profitability), new laws are shaping financial obligations for caregivers of young creators.
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The Six Estate Planning Steps Every Blended Family Must Take
Whether your blended family is newly formed or fully fledged, use these six steps to review your estate plans now and lower the risk of conflict in the future.
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How to Capitalize on Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts
The wider array of investment choices in SDBAs could help a savvy investor grow their nest egg faster than they could with a traditional 401(k) retirement plan.
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Early 401(k) Withdrawals: Benefits, Risks and Alternatives
If you need money now and are thinking about tapping your 401(k) savings, you might want to consider other available options.
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Why Your Business Shouldn’t Be Your Only Retirement Plan
You can’t depend on selling your company for big bucks to fund your dream retirement. Instead, consider these three smart saving, investing and succession tips.
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What to Do When You Have More Retirement Income Than You Need
These three options can help you allocate extra income in ways that don’t push you into a higher tax bracket or trigger extra taxes.
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Five Financial To-Dos to Help You Stay on Track in 2024
These financial planning steps can help ensure your financial wellness for the rest of the year, so take some time to look at your goals, debt, taxes and more.
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Where to Start Financially After a Life-Changing Diagnosis
Dealing with an illness, yours or your child’s or that of another loved one, is hard enough without adding financial duress. Here are some considerations and suggestions for covering expenses.
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Financial Fasting Can Trim the Fat From Your Spending
Taking a day or a week off from spending not only frees up cash to pay down debt or add to savings, but can also help you reinvest in your relationships. Here’s how to do it.
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Raising Grandkids? Five Financial Considerations
Keeping your personal finances and your retirement on track will be more difficult, but having a financial plan and tapping available resources, among other things, can help.
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Four Ways to Navigate the Bumps of Today’s Volatile Market
Adjusting investment strategies is a smart move, and so is making those financial decisions based on long-term optics rather than short-term fears.
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Laid Off Near Retirement? How to Prepare for What’s Next
While this is a very stressful time, it’s also an opportunity to reassess values, visions and dreams and get plans in place for the future.
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No Long-Term Care Plan? Here’s What to Do About It
Small-business owner Jennifer found herself in a tough caregiving situation and doesn’t want to subject her family to that. What are her, and your, options?
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How to Get Your Long-Term Care Planning on the Right Track
Many of us are not as prepared as we should be, but it’s not too late. Taking these steps today can get you started on planning for your long-term care.
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10 Key Things to Think About in Your New Year Financial Planning
2023 is set to be a tough year economically. Here’s how to get your financial and life plans in the best possible shape.
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10 Questions to Help You Decide if You’re Really Ready to Retire Early
More and more of us are thinking about retiring early. The key is making sure we’re properly prepared. Here are 10 key questions to ask yourself.
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5 Steps to Turn Your Side Hustle into a Business
A smooth and successful transition to a viable small business starts with some basics.
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How to Inspire Your Grandkids to Invest in Charitable Giving
Charity When trying to motivate future generations to invest in good causes, it’s easy to get caught up in the "what." Yet it’s the "why" that really makes the difference. For me, it was escaping a coup in Liberia as a child.
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How to Steer Your Retirement Portfolio Through the Storm
retirement planning Right now, it feels like there’s an economic challenge around every corner. But the good news is you can still protect your nest egg.
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How to Control Your Business Exit
small business Many business owners reach retirement age only to find they don’t have a viable exit plan. Avoid falling into that trap by getting your company ready for sale now.
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