Financial Planning

What is Financial Planning?

We all need to plan for the future. Explore our content on Financial Planning to learn more about the foundational steps you can take to achieve your most fulfilling version of retirement.

Your One-Stop Library for Comprehensive Financial Planning

Keeping up with today’s financial planning industry can feel overwhelming, but this page makes it simple. Browse our regularly updated hub of financial planning news, deep-dive financial planning blogs, and bite-sized financial planning videos curated by our team of registered investment advisors and every certified financial planner on staff. Each resource is designed to help you evaluate your current financial situation, sharpen your risk tolerance, and clarify your long-term financial goals.

What You’ll Learn

How to create a financial plan that balances cash flow, risk management, and wealth management for the years ahead.
Step-by-step strategies for saving for retirement, boosting net worth, and crafting an adaptive investment plan without sacrificing today’s bottom line.
Actionable guides on tax planning, building an estate plan, and protecting loved ones through smart insurance choices.

Whether you’re a DIY investor or work closely with a trusted financial advisor, our library delivers practical insight you can implement immediately. Because our content is clients-based, every article and video offers real-world examples that translate complex ideas into everyday decisions.

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Of course, we’re always available to answer your questions. Get in touch and we can have a confidential retirement opportunity conversation!

Illustrated risk scale showing fixed, indexed, structured, and variable annuities from low to high risk.

4 Types of Annuities and How They Work for Retirement Income

TL;DR: Annuities can play a valuable role in retirement planning by helping turn savings into predictable income. This guide breaks down the main types of annuities and explains how each one works in real-world retirement scenarios. Annuities are designed to provide steady income, often for life Different annuity types balance growth potential, safety, and income […]

Annuity vs. pension comparison represented by life insurance and annuities written on sticky notes held in hands

Annuity vs. Life Insurance: Understanding the Differences

TL;DR: Annuities and life insurance solve different financial problems. Annuities focus on lifetime income and longevity risk, while life insurance focuses on protection and legacy planning. Annuities address income and longevity risk Life insurance addresses protection and legacy risk The difference between life insurance and annuity products comes down to timing and purpose Annuities are […]

Qualified vs. non-qualified annuity concept with stacked wooden blocks labeled qualified, longevity, annuity, and contract

Qualified vs. Non-Qualified Annuities: What You Need to Know

TL;DR: The difference between a qualified vs. non-qualified annuity comes down to where the money came from (pre-tax retirement account vs. after-tax savings), which drives how contributions and withdrawals get taxed. A qualified annuity is funded with pre-tax retirement dollars (like a traditional IRA or 401(k)), so distributions are generally taxed as ordinary income. A […]

A person attempts to navigate their personal financial planning on their own.

Personal Financial Planning Tips for Long-Term Security

TL;DR: Personal financial planning helps you organize your money, reduce risk, and build long-term security. A clear plan connects daily decisions to future goals so you can adapt as life changes. Personal financial planning is a structured process, not a one-time event. Simple frameworks like the 70/20/10 rule and the 5 C’s make decisions easier. […]

A young man overtaken with the excitement of winning the lottery, not yet aware of the difference between lottery lump sum vs. annuity decision he will soon be faced with.

Lottery Lump Sum vs Annuity: What Every Winner Needs to Know

TLDR: A lump sum offers immediate access to cash but demands careful planning. Annuities provide structured, long-term income with lower tax-year exposure. The best choice depends on age, goals, discipline, and financial advice. Both payout types come with unique tax and legacy implications. Struck gold with a lottery win? It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance that comes […]

How to Navigate Roth IRA Conversion Rules in Maryland

TLDR: Convert traditional IRAs to Roths for tax-free future gains. Maryland taxes conversion income; county surtaxes raise bills. Time conversions in low-income years, watch five-year clocks, pay estimates. Avoid penalties by meeting age 59½ and five-year rules; plan partial moves. Consider senior tax-credit thresholds and new capital-gain surtax exposure carefully. Roth conversions can turbo-charge retirement […]

Pension Plan vs 401(k): Which Is the Best Choice for Your Future?

Choosing between a pension plan vs 401k is one of the biggest financial decisions many employees face. While both can help you save for retirement, their mechanics, risks, and long-term payoffs are fundamentally different. This guide breaks down the pension and 401k difference, explains the trade-offs in control and guarantees, and offers a framework for […]

A senior couple looking at paperwork with a financial advisor.

Fixed Annuity vs Variable Annuity: What Every Investor Should Know

TLDR: Fixed annuities: guaranteed rate, low fees, shield principal; inflation risk, surrender charges. Variable annuities: market-driven growth, customizable riders, tax-deferred; high fees, volatility. Choose based on time horizon, risk tolerance, goal: stable income vs growth; ladder contracts, compare carriers, read fine print, evaluate fees, taxes, surrender schedules before investing with care. Choosing between a fixed […]

A financial advisor showing documents to a middle-aged couple.

Annuity vs IRA: Pros and Cons for Your Financial Future

TLDR: Annuities buy income certainty—insurance contracts, unlimited contributions, costly fees and surrender charges. IRAs offer broad investments, low cost, but tight contribution limits and market risk. Both grow tax-deferred; Roth IRAs provide tax-free withdrawals; annuity earnings taxable. Blend vehicles: maximize 401(k)/IRA first, then fixed or variable annuity for lifetime income. Retirement saving is full of […]

Concept photo of asset management: A series of digital-looking icons (one containing the words “ASSET MANAGEMENT,” others containing images of graphs and gears) are in the foreground as a person in the background examines them.

Asset Management vs Wealth Management: Which Is Right for You?

Asset management focuses on optimizing individual investments like stocks or real estate, while wealth management takes a holistic approach to your entire financial life. Choosing between the two depends on your net worth, asset complexity, and long-term goals. Some firms offer both to create a comprehensive financial strategy. Asset Management targets the growth of specific […]