Retirement can have many meanings. For some, it will be a time to travel and spend time with family members. For others, it will be a time to start a new business or begin a charitable endeavor. Regardless of what approach you intend to take, here are nine things about retirement that might surprise you.

Some people approach buying a car like they approach marriage, "'til death do us part." Others prefer to keep their options open, trading in every few years for the latest make and model, the most cutting-edge technology, or the highest horsepower. Whichever describes you best, we all face a similar decision when it comes to acquiring a car: finance, lease, or pay cash.

Most people understand the basics of good financial behavior. They know that saving matters, that markets fluctuate, and that long-term plans typically work better than emotional reactions. Yet many still find themselves second-guessing decisions, avoiding money conversations, or reacting strongly during uncertain times.

Many of us hope to leave something behind for our loved ones when we pass away. But the probate process is complex. To understand how to better manage potential probate fees, let’s explore what probate is and how the process works.

Most understand that waiting to claim Social Security benefits can result in higher monthly payments. However, many don't know that there are other ways to maximize their benefits, some of which depend on their marital status.

As a consumer, when you purchase an expensive item, like a car or refrigerator, you expect to receive a warranty that the manufacturer will repair or replace that product if it breaks down. A warranty makes sense for big-ticket purchases, but what about for a home?

When it comes to retirement, women may face unique obstacles that can make saving for retirement more challenging. Given that women typically live longer than men, retirement money for women may need to stretch even further.¹

If you have yet to develop a retirement plan for your business, or if you're not sure the plan you've chosen is the right one, here are some things to consider.

For many parents, inheritance is an important topic they fully intend to address—just not today. Concerns about discomfort, family dynamics, or saying the wrong thing often lead parents to postpone the conversation.

Divorce isn’t only an emotional event—it’s also a financial turning point. Even when both partners intend to part on good terms, dividing property, accounts, and investments can be complicated. Understanding how assets are classified, what your state’s laws require, and which preemptive steps to take can help you protect what’s yours and prepare for a confident financial future.

More investors are not only asking how their money grows, but also what it supports. That’s where environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing comes in—also called sustainable investing.

While many people are familiar with the benefits of traditional 401(k) plans, others are not as acquainted with Roth 401(k)s.

Taxpayers and businesses spend an estimated 7.1 billion hours a year complying with tax-filing requirements, which is worth $388 billion in economic value just to comply with tax regulations.1

By spreading your retirement savings across three specific "tax buckets," you gain the ability to control your reported income and minimize the impact of future tax law changes.

As a small-business owner, figuring out retirement choices can be a little intimidating. How do you pick the most appropriate retirement plan for your business as well as your employees?

When life is busy, it’s easy to promise yourself you’ll “start saving later.” The catch is that retirement accounts don’t just grow with what you put in—they grow with time. And time is the one ingredient you can’t make up.

If your family relies on your income, it's critical to consider having enough life insurance to provide for them after you pass away. But too often, life insurance is an overlooked aspect of personal finances.

One of the common threads of a mobile workforce is that many individuals who leave their jobs are faced with a decision about what to do with their 401(k) account. Individuals have four choices with the 401(k) account they accrued at a previous employer.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released new limits for certain retirement accounts for the coming year. Keep in mind that this update is for informational purposes only, so please consult with an accounting or tax professional before making any changes to your 2026 tax strategy.

Managing money can sometimes feel overwhelming. There are so many moving parts: saving for retirement, paying taxes, planning for your family’s future, and making thoughtful investment decisions. The good news is you don't have to figure it all out alone.