As the year winds down, it is easy to get swept up in the holiday rush of gift-giving, travel, and celebrations. However, the end of the year is arguably the most critical time to pause and take the pulse of your financial life.

Think of this as your annual physical, but for your wallet. A systematic review now can uncover gaps in your coverage, identify opportunities for savings, and set the stage for a prosperous New Year.

We often treat estate planning as a one-and-done task. You sign the papers, file them in a safe deposit box, and breathe a sigh of relief knowing your affairs are in order.

However, an estate plan is meant to be a living strategy, not a static archive. As your life evolves, your documents should evolve with it. An outdated plan can sometimes be just as complicated for your loved ones as having no plan at all so it's time to pull those documents out of the drawer and give them a thorough review.

More than one in three people with disabilities rely on Medicaid, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Jointly funded by states and the federal government, Medicaid is a public assistance program that provides health insurance to people with limited income and resources, including those with disabilities.

A slight raise in benefits payments is coming in 2026 for Americans who rely on Social Security disability benefits programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Every October, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announces the next year’s cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).

Starting January 1, 2026, more individuals with disabilities will be eligible to open tax-advantaged ABLE accounts, thanks to an update to federal law. The ABLE Age Adjustment Act will extend the maximum age at which one can develop a disability and be eligible for an ABLE account. This will allow millions more Americans to take advantage of the program’s financial and independence-building benefits.

Open Enrollment—that brief, annual window when you can adjust your workplace benefits—is more than just an HR formality; it's a critical financial planning opportunity. This is your chance to strategically select coverage and accounts that can save you significant money and protect your financial health over the next year.

Too many employees simply auto-renew their elections, missing out on new or better options. Don't make that mistake! Approach your open enrollment period like a financial audit.

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and creating cherished memories with loved ones. However, it can also be a period of significant financial strain if not approached with a thoughtful plan. Between gifts, decorations, travel, and festive meals, expenses can quickly add up, leaving us with a lingering financial hangover in the new year.

But fear not! With a few practical strategies and a dash of discipline, you can enjoy all the magic of the holidays without derailing your financial goals.

Online shopping has become an indispensable part of our lives, offering unparalleled convenience and access to a world of products. However, with the ease of a click also comes the need for vigilance. As we increasingly rely on e-commerce, especially during peak shopping seasons, understanding how to protect your personal and financial information is more critical than ever.