If you’re a parent or grandparent thinking about your child’s long-term financial future, the new Trump accounts could be one of the most interesting tools to hit the market in years. They’re not a replacement for 529 plans or Roth IRAs, but they offer something unique: the ability to start serious, tax-advantaged investing the day a child is born—without needing earned income. Here’s the straight talk on how they actually work, where they shine, where they fall short, and—mo

For over half a century, Equity Financial Group has remained proudly independent and family-owned. In a world dominated by corporate firms and call centers, here’s why that difference matters more than ever — especially when it comes to your financial future.

An RMD is a minimum amount you must withdraw each year from most tax-deferred (non-Roth) retirement accounts after you reach your “RMD age.” Think of it as the government saying: “You’ve had decades of tax deferral—now it’s time to start recognizing that income.”

If you’re an investor looking to maximize your returns, understanding qualified dividends could be a game-changer. These special dividends, paid by certain corporations, come with a tax advantage that can save you money, whether you file taxes as a single individual or a married couple. Let’s dive into what qualified dividends are, how they work, and the benefits they offer based on the latest 2026 tax rules.

Most people spend more time planning a vacation than planning their retirement. Yet retirement is the longest "vacation" of your life — and unlike a week on the beach, it can last 20, 30, or even 40 years. Here’s the surprising truth: according to recent research, only about half of Americans have ever tried to calculate how much money they’ll actually need in retirement. That means millions of hardworking people are stepping into retirement without a clear plan — and withou

Traditional or Roth Contributions? Think It Through for Future You When deciding between traditional (pre-tax) and Roth contributions, the general rule is to think about whether you are likely to benefit more from a tax break today than you would from a tax break in retirement. Specifically, if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement, Roth contributions may be more beneficial in the long run. If your employer-sponsored retirement saving plan allows tradition

A tariff is a tax on a particular class of imported goods or services that is typically designed to help protect domestic industries from foreign competition. However, the Trump administration is also using tariffs as leverage for other goals. The tariffs on Mexico and Canada — our two largest trading partners — were put on hold until early March after both countries promised major initiatives to secure their U.S. borders against the flow of fentanyl and illegal immigrants.2

For two decades, growth stocks, particularly those of large technology companies, have reigned supreme, fueled by innovation and, more recently, the explosive enthusiasm surrounding artificial intelligence. However, the summer of 2024 witnessed a significant market tremor: a period of heightened volatility among tech giants, leading to a temporary but notable outperformance of value stocks.

Indexed Annuities: Potential for Growth with Some Downside Protection Following a record year in 2023, U.S. annuity sales increased by 23% during the first three quarters of 2024 and were expected to set another annual sales record, due to investor concern with potential market volatility and still-high interest rates that allowed insurance companies to offer more appealing withdrawal rates. Indexed annuities, which can offer growth in a rising stock market while helping to

As we step into 2025, several key policy and regulatory changes are set to take effect, impacting retirement savings, healthcare costs, workplace benefits, travel security, and mortgage lending. Here’s a closer look at five significant updates that could influence your financial and personal planning in the year ahead.

Among all of the economic indicators released each month, three reports in particular can move the market: the Employment Situation, gross domestic product, and Personal Income and Outlays.

Let's face it: talking about what happens after we're gone isn't exactly a party. It's the "elephant in the room" we'd often rather avoid. But ignoring this crucial conversation can have significant, unintended consequences for the loved ones we leave behind. While no one wants to dwell on mortality, proactive estate planning is one of the most loving and responsible actions you can take. It's about more than just money; it's about ensuring your wishes are honored and your

Most people don’t plan for an unforeseen early retirement—and yet, it happens more often than you might expect. Nearly half of retirees left the workforce earlier than planned, and among those, over 60% retired due to circumstances beyond their control, such as company changes or personal hardships like a disability.

As the end of the year approaches, it’s the perfect time to evaluate your tax situation and implement strategies to minimize your tax liability. Thoughtful planning now can make a significant difference when you file your return next year. Below are key strategies and actionable tips to help you get ahead before December 31.

Investors simply can't have it all (risk free). To get a reward, investors must be willing to accept some risk. That is the fundamental trade-off of investing; risk is involved with almost any investment. Investors must establish their establish their investor personality to structure their investment strategy.

Foreign investment in the United States has surged over the past few years, driven by various economic and political factors. According to the International Monetary Fund, the U.S. received nearly one-third of all global foreign investment from 2021 to 2023, compared to an average of 18% before the pandemic. This boost is especially notable given concerns about the stability of the U.S. dollar as a global currency. In contrast, China saw

Traditional economic models are based on the premise that people make rational decisions to maximize economic and financial benefits. In reality, most humans don’t make decisions like robots. While logic does guide us, feelings and emotions — such as fear, excitement, and a desire to be part of the “in” crowd — are also at work.

In fact, there are hundreds of indexes that track various categories of investments. While you cannot invest directly in an index, you can buy funds that track specific indexes, and you can look at indexes as a benchmark for certain portions of your portfolio. For example, the Dow or the S&P 500 might be a reasonable benchmark for your domestic stocks and stock funds, but you should not expect your entire portfolio to match the performance of those indexes.

On April 10, 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for March, and the increase in CPI — the most commonly cited measure of inflation — was higher than expected. The rate for all items (headline inflation) was 3.5% over the previous year, while the “core CPI” rate, which strips out volatile food and energy prices, was even higher at 3.8%. The month-over-month change was also higher than anticipated

Being named as the executor of a friend’s or family member’s estate is generally an honor, but settling an estate can be a difficult and time-consuming job. Each state has specific laws detailing an executor’s responsibilities.