by Joe Lind | Dec 8, 2025 | Financial Preparedness
We spend November and December stressing over what gifts to buy, but here’s one that doesn’t come in a box: clarity. Financial clarity might not have a bow on it, but it’s one of the best gifts you can give yourself and your family. And right now — before the holidays...
by Joe Lind | Nov 30, 2025 | Financial Preparedness
Every December, I see it happen: the financial equivalent of the last-minute shopper sprinting through the mall on Christmas Eve. Year-end planning becomes a mad dash — required minimum distributions, tax-loss harvesting, charitable giving, and everything else you...
by Joe Lind | Nov 20, 2025 | Investing
Every year around this time, we find ourselves asking a simple question: What am I really grateful for? Sure, there’s family, health, and a good plate of dressing and gravy — but for many of us, gratitude also shows up in the form of peace of mind. Knowing we’ve taken...
by Joe Lind | Nov 14, 2025 | Financial Preparedness
Every year around this time, I start having the same conversation with a lot of folks: “Joe, do I really have to take my RMD this year?” And the answer, as much as I’d love to sugarcoat it, is yes — the IRS doesn’t make exceptions just because you’re busy with pumpkin...
by Joe Lind | Nov 7, 2025 | Financial Preparedness, Nearing Retirement
Every fall, like clockwork, my inbox fills up with questions about Medicare. And I get it — the enrollment window is short, the choices are endless, and the fine print can make your head spin. But here’s the truth: the best time to review your Medicare coverage isn’t...
by Joe Lind | Oct 31, 2025 | Financial Preparedness, Nearing Retirement
Every December, without fail, I get the same call: “Joe, can I still make that gift to the kids before year-end?” And my answer is usually something like, “Yes, but let’s make sure you’re not wrapping your checkbook in a bow five minutes before midnight on December...
by Joe Lind | Oct 24, 2025 | Financial Preparedness
I know what you’re thinking. “Tax planning? Joe, it’s not even Thanksgiving yet. It isn’t even November yet!!” But here’s the deal: by the time you’re carving the turkey and trying to remember which grandkid hates mashed potatoes, it’s too late to make the...
by Joe Lind | Oct 17, 2025 | Client Service
This topic is REALLY bothering us! We couldn’t help but shake our heads reading that Merrill Lynch is doubling its “small household” threshold to $500K. Overnight, what used to count as a valued client is now a “reduced compensation” account. That’s like showing up to...
by Joe Lind | Oct 11, 2025 | Client Service
From what I read, Merrill will pay advisors a reduced grid rate (20%) for households between $250K and $500K. Below $250K? In many cases, no compensation for that advisor. In other words, they’re shifting attention away from smaller accounts and rewarding only...
by Joe Lind | Oct 6, 2025 | Nearing Retirement
October isn’t just about pumpkins, football, and figuring out how much Halloween candy is “too much” (answer: there is no limit). It’s also harvest season — the time when farmers gather the crops they planted and nurtured all year. Funny thing is, investing and...
