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.

Want to learn more about Financial Planning? Fill out our Event Interest Form and join us for one of our Educational Workshops.

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

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 […]

A silver-haired woman looking over financial documents at her desk, pondering her retirement plans.

Annuity vs CD: Which Provides Better Returns?

Annuities and CDs both help grow savings but differ in structure, risk, flexibility, and returns. CDs offer FDIC-backed, lower-risk, fixed returns, while annuities provide more flexibility, higher potential returns, but with more complexity and risk. Choosing the right one depends on your goals, investment horizon, and risk tolerance. Issuer: Annuities are offered by insurance companies; […]

A senior couple talking to a financial advisor.

Front Load vs. Back Load Annuities: Which Option is Right for You?

When planning your retirement, annuities can be an excellent way to create a steady income stream. However, not all annuities are built the same. One important choice you’ll face is front load vs back load annuity structures. Understanding the differences can help you make the best decision for your financial future. In this guide, we’ll […]

Wealth Management 101: Key Principles for Smart Financial Planning

TL;DR: Wealth management is a personalized, long-term approach to aligning your financial strategy with your goals, lifestyle, and values. It’s not just for the ultra-wealthy—anyone with complex finances or growing assets can benefit. Here’s what to know: What It Is: A holistic financial service combining investment advice, long-term planning, and lifestyle alignment. Who It’s For: […]

Senior couple meeting with a financial advisor

Annuity vs 401k: Understanding the Key Differences and Benefits

TL;DR: Both annuities and 401(k)s help fund retirement, but they serve different purposes: 401(k): What it is: Employer-sponsored retirement savings plan Pros: Pre-tax contributions, employer match, high contribution limits, tax-deferred growth Cons: Market risk, penalties for early withdrawal, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) at age 73 Annuity: What it is: Insurance product that converts savings into […]