Interest rates (and interest income) are significantly higher than we've seen in many years. And many taxpayers may be surprised when they see their next tax bill due from interest income earned in their taxable accounts—whether from their investment portfolio, or their bank or credit union. Be prepared.

As a kid, I always enjoyed Halloween. I would dress up in some particularly fun costume, usually something scary. As I went from house to house gathering candy with my friends, I would often see someone’s carved pumpkin lying in the road, clearly a victim of some hooligan’s prank. It was a reminder that, even in good times, negative influences exist around us.

Today, as we approach the Halloween holiday, we wonder whether the rest of the year will find our meticulously carved pumpkin (stock and bond) portfolios smashed on Wall Street. Just as we see on Halloween, there are now many frightening and disturbing “tricks” in the economy today, and we’re hoping to safely make it home (the end of the year) to enjoy what “treats” we hope to have in our investment bags.

Fall always feels like a season of giving. What better time to be intentional about conversations with family to come up with ways to give back, pay forward, however you want to label it?

Be creative. Involve the littles, the tweens, the teens, your college students, and your adult children. Make it a fun and meaningful conversation about how blessed you are, and learn how each would give back if there were no limits. Remember, the most valuable contributions are often not monetary. Think outside the box to build your family philanthropy plan.

Women face unique financial challenges throughout their lives: the gender pay gap, taking time off work for caregiving, and having a longer life expectancy, to name a few. Each stage of life presents a different set of financial considerations and decisions — and getting them correct is important to living your "good life". Learn more.

If you're a young professional, did you know a Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA) can help you build wealth and achieve your long-term financial goals? Find out more about investing in your future with a Roth IRA!

Transitions — life is FULL of them. They can be planned or unexpected, but they are always "side-steps" in your journey of life. Which means, the way you handle them dictates if a transition becomes a mere speed bump to navigate or, conversely, an abyss that will swallow you if you allow it. What's the best asset to have to ensure your success with transition? Find out!

The relationship we forge with our future selves can greatly impact financial decision making in the present. Recent research revealed that subjects with a stronger connection to their future selves were more likely to delay gratification and make more prudent financial choices. But how can retirement plan sponsors help employees make the connection? Check out the "Future Self Tool" created by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

A retirement plan may have one or more fiduciaries who have distinct responsibilities, though many individuals and committees may serve in multiple fiduciary roles. Here is a brief overview of the categories of fiduciaries.

With SECURE Act 2.0, there are a few mandatory changes taking effect in 2024 that retirement plan sponsors will need to comply with. These provisions require sponsors to work with their advisors, recordkeepers, and providers to develop a strategy for incorporating them into their plan design, as well as dealing with the cost implications that come with it. Also, learn about some Technical Corrections to SECURE 2.0 issued to the Treasury Department.