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What is a Trusted Contact and why should I have one?
This year, as you meet with family and friends, we encourage you to consider naming a “Trusted Contact Person”. A “trusted contact person” is a person that you authorize your brokerage firm (Schwab in the case of our clients) to contact in limited circumstances, such as if your broker has trouble reaching you or has a reasonable belief that your account may be exposed to possible financial exploitation. For example, if Schwab cannot get ahold of you, they may contact the tru
Steve Coker, CFP
Dec 192 min read
The Family Estate Planning Conversation
As we move into the holiday season families across the country will come together – and refuse to talk about money. Admittedly, talking about finances and estate planning can be a sensitive topic and getting mom and dad to admit they need a little help may be even more difficult. Here are a few tips for having a family estate planning conversation. First, take stock of your parent’s condition. Can your aging parents still make decisions for themselves? This is a critical
Steve Coker, CFP
Dec 143 min read
What Is Stablecoin?
In July of this year, Congress passed the GENIUS Act, which created the first comprehensive regulatory framework for Stablecoins, a type of Cryptocurrency backed by U.S. Dollars. Historically, cryptocurrencies have been incredibly volatile, which can be attractive if you are a speculative investor looking to make a quick buck, but terrible if you are a typical investor wanting to use cryptocurrency to pay bills or keep your money safe. In contrast, Stablecoins are a type of
Steve Coker, CFP
Nov 213 min read
Key 401k Changes Coming in 2026: What You Need to Know
As we look ahead to 2026, several important changes are coming to your company’s 401k plan. These changes, ranging from higher contribution limits to new Roth contribution requirements for high earners, may affect how much you are able to contribute. Here are the key changes you should know. Higher Contribution Limits Each year the IRS makes an inflation adjustment to the 401k maximum contribution limits. In 2026 the new employee deferral limit increases to $24,500 for those
Steve Coker, CFP
Nov 162 min read
Getting Your Docs In Order for Aging Parents
Aging can be difficult, and at some point, many of us will need some help taking care of our own affairs. When that time comes, it is critical to have the appropriate documents in place giving a trusted family member or friend the authority to help. Unfortunately, many of us also neglect to create those documents, for ourselves and our aging parents. My wife and I walked beside her parents in their final years. It was difficult. Yet, we are so thankful that her parents th
Steve Coker, CFP
Nov 83 min read
