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Social Security Survivors Benefit
When the unthinkable happens and one spouse dies, Social Security provides a benefit, commonly referred to as the widow’s benefit, to the survivor. Why is the survivor benefit referred to as ‘widow’s’ benefit? Simply put, approximately 80% of the individuals receiving survivor benefits are women. Decisions about how long to work and when to claim Social Security Survivor benefits can have a significant impact on the life of the survivor. If you find yourself in this situa
Steve Coker, CFP
Feb 133 min read
What is a Trump Account
I am frequently asked about easy, tax advantaged ways to help children and grandchildren get a start. College savings plans, like 529 plans, are an excellent tool, but are primarily intended as a college savings tool. What if you want to help your child who is not college bound, or what if you want to help your children buy a home? Up until now there have been few tools without complicated rules or annoying tax reporting. To fill this gap congress created a new type of tax-a
Steve Coker, CFP
Feb 83 min read
Writing a Legacy Letter
What is your legacy? Leaving a legacy goes well beyond simply leaving money to your children. Money fades quickly, but what really matters is the values, memories, skills, and habits that we pass down - the way that we have shaped the people who come after us. What will your family remember about you? Were your values lived and communicated? Did your family feel love and approval? Last week many of you participated in the Legacy Letter Workshop with our guest speaker, Bla
Steve Coker, CFP
Jan 301 min read
2026 Outlook
We begin 2026 with both greater optimism than we have seen in years, and yet greater risks than we have seen in years. We remain optimistic that 2026 will be another positive one in the stock market as the recession risks fade and the Federal reserve begins its easing cycle. Yet the risks of both upside and downside risks are increasing. In light of this outlook, let’s walk through our framework of what could go right and what could go wrong in 2026. Let’s begin with what c
Steve Coker, CFP
Jan 114 min read
2025 Year-In-Review
2025 was an exceptional year in the markets. At the beginning of 2025, we noted three key areas that were likely to drive the market higher. First, we noted that the Federal Reserve was likely to lower interest rates and stimulate the economy. Secondly, we highlighted a surge in productivity growth, which is the secret sauce of capitalism, would allow both worker incomes and corporate profits to grow. Finally, we noted that Trump’s 2 nd term in office, with promised lower t
Steve Coker, CFP
Jan 42 min read
