Financial steps to prepare for Alzheimer’s and dementia
More than 7 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, according to a 2025 report from the Alzheimer's Association. The emotional toll of watching a loved one struggle with the memory loss, depression, anxiety and cognitive decline is already overwhelming — but the financial burden can be significant too. Hopefully this disease will never touch your family, but it's important to be financially prepared just in case. By planning to cover long-term care costs and creating a financial strategy for
Making the Most of Medicare Open Enrollment
When you turn 65, Medicare becomes a vital part of your health care coverage. But signing up is just the beginning. Many people don't realize that Medicare isn't a "set it and forget it" program. In fact, you have the opportunity — and often the need — to review and adjust your coverage every single year. The annual Medicare Open Enrollment period, which runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 each year, is your chance to take a fresh look at your health care needs and make sure your Medicare plan still fits
A retiree's guide for National Financial Security Month
If you're retired, it's easy to let your finances go on autopilot. Since October is National Retirement Security Month, it's a good time to revisit some areas that can impact your long-term financial security and help your money last a lifetime. Consider these suggestions: • Manage your withdrawal rate. You'll likely need to tap into your retirement accounts — your IRA and 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored plan. But think carefully about how much income you withdraw every year. If you take out too
Weathering Economic Shifts: A Resilience Guide for Local Business Owners
You're running a small business, and the economy just shifted again. Maybe inflation ticked up, interest rates changed, or a key customer dried up. In a landscape like this, one thing separates businesses that survive from those that thrive: financial resilience. From diversifying funding sources to improving cash flow management, there are proactive steps local businesses can take to build financial strength. This guide breaks down tactical ways to prepare your business for uncertainty and come out
Look at your financial situation holistically
When you plan a trip, you consider not only the destination but also the climate, activities that interest you, transportation needs, anticipated costs, best time to go and coverage for your work, home or pets. It's a holistic approach — looking at your trip from a variety of angles. It's wise to apply that same holistic thinking when you plan for your financial future — that is, bringing into the picture all elements of yourself. Here are some things that may affect your financial strategy: Your views
Planning your business exit: Start with the end in mind
If you own a business, you've probably spent countless hours thinking about how to grow it, manage daily operations and serve your customers. But have you thought about how you'll eventually step away from it? While it might seem premature, planning your successful exit from your business is one of the smartest moves you can make as an owner. The reality is that most business owners have 80% to 90% of their net worth tied up in their companies, according to the Exit Planning Institute. That's a
Life insurance: Protecting what matters most
September is Life Insurance Awareness Month and the perfect time to consider whether you have adequate coverage to protect your loved ones. While no one likes to think about what would happen if they weren't around, doing so is an act of love. Life insurance is fundamentally about protecting your loved ones should something happen to you. If you pass away, your family will not only face the challenges of grief and loss but they could also find themselves financially strapped. Life insurance can help
Let a financial advisor help plan for life's curveballs
No matter what stage of your life you’re in — caring for children, working toward retirement or planning your legacy — unforeseen events like a job loss, a major illness or even a stock market drop could derail what you’re working so hard to achieve financially. With your future at stake, you may want to get guidance from a financial professional who can develop a personalized financial strategy to help you navigate life's curveballs. Here are specific ways a financial advisor can help.Create a
529 education savings plans: More flexible than you think
Planning for your child’s education can feel overwhelming, but a 529 education savings plan offers a powerful way to build a financial foundation for their educational future. One in 4 parents currently invests in a 529 plan, according to 2025 research by Edward Jones and Morning Consult. Perhaps it’s because of the tax benefits — earnings are generally tax free if the money is used for qualified educational expenses. Or perhaps it’s because of their flexibility. Types of education. While most people
Mic Drop
A single Shure SM58 microphone has been known to survive drops, water damage, and even being run over by a car. It’s so tough that a live engineer once used one to hammer in a stage pin—and still ran vocals through it afterward. Since its release in 1966, it has remained a staple in live sound. The “Mic Drop” hasn't always been cool. Dropping a microphone used to be a major no-no—they’re expensive and sensitive pieces of gear. But once hip-hop artists started using it as a way to signal a performance well
Through the Glass: Storefront Displays That Stop People in Their Tracks
It’s easy to underestimate the power of a storefront. In a world where foot traffic still matters—where wandering eyes lead to spontaneous purchases—what’s behind that glass pane can mean the difference between someone strolling by and someone walking in. For small business owners, this strip of real estate isn't just a frame for goods; it’s the first and often only shot at grabbing attention, igniting curiosity, and sparking connection. A storefront can speak volumes before a word is ever said. Start
What Pictures Can Say That Memos Never Will
Corporate communication isn’t always a thrilling read. Emails, decks, Slack messages—most of them blend into a digital fog that employees learn to skim, not absorb. Yet in this era where attention is currency, companies are finding new ways to make their internal messages hit home. Among the most effective of these is visual storytelling—not just a trendy buzzword, but a legitimate strategy that turns abstract ideas into tangible narratives. It doesn’t matter whether the message is about quarterly goals
Winning the Conversation: Customer Engagement That Actually Works for Small Businesses
Small businesses don’t get second chances when it comes to building customer loyalty. Every interaction—every email, every conversation, every moment of contact—has to work a little harder. Unlike national chains with deep advertising pockets and brand inertia, small shops live or die by connection. Which is why understanding how to engage people without overwhelming them is less of a luxury and more of a business imperative. Make the First Move, But Make It Count There’s a thin line between being
From Dream to Reality: How Immigrants Can Start a Business in the U.S.
Starting a business in the U.S. as an immigrant is both an exhilarating and daunting task. You arrive with ideas, ambition, and maybe even a little bit of savings, but the system can feel like a labyrinth of paperwork, legal hurdles, and cultural differences. Still, history is proof that some of the most successful businesses in America were built by immigrants who saw opportunities where others saw roadblocks. If you’re ready to take the plunge, you’ll need more than just a great idea—you’ll need to
Building a High-Performing Team Through Strategic Training
In today’s fast-paced business landscape, the ability to adapt and grow is crucial for any organization aiming to stay ahead. Strategic training investments are not just about enhancing skills; they are about fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. By equipping your team with the right tools and knowledge, you empower them to meet challenges head-on and drive your business forward. This approach not only enhances individual capabilities but also aligns with broader organizational
The CTA, BOI and FinCEN: What Does this Mean for Pinellas Park, FL Businesses?
The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN, aiming to curb financial crimes. While a Texas federal district court’s preliminary injunction puts this requirement on hold, many experts expect that to be overturned. In that event, failure to file could lead to fines of $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000, and possible criminal penalties. Read more for details on how this may impact your business in the future. 1.
