The Basics of Social Security Retirement Benefits
Financial Planning: Helping You See the Big Picture
Newsletters
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HOT TOPIC: Geopolitics and the U.S. Financial Markets
This article looks at market reactions to previous global conflicts and emphasizes that long-term market movements are generally driven by corporate earnings, interest rates, and the broader economy.
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Be Storm Smart: How to Prepare for Extreme Weather
More than a quarter of U.S. homes are exposed to severe or extreme weather risk. While homeowners can’t control the forecast, they can take proactive steps to prepare.
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Home Appliance Economics
The prices of new home appliances have declined over the last decade, but repair costs have gone through the roof. Here’s what to consider when facing appliance-buying decisions.
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Foreign Stocks Outperformed in 2025
Although U.S. stocks have provided a higher return over the past 20 years, foreign stocks outperformed in seven of those years, including 2025.
Calculators
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Retirement Plan Early Distribution
Estimate how much would remain after paying income taxes and penalties if you took an early distribution from a retirement plan.
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Estate Taxes
Use this calculator to estimate the federal estate taxes that could be due on your estate after you die.
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Taxable Equivalent Yield
Calculate the rate of return you would have to receive from a taxable investment to realize an equivalent tax-exempt yield.
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Life Expectancy
Knowing your likely life expectancy is an important factor in making long-term financial plans.