Cryptocurrency has garnered significant attention in recent years, becoming a hot topic of discussion in both financial circles and politics. But what exactly is it? And how does it work? Learn more about this digital currency and why it matters in today's financial landscape.

Generally-speaking, any asset with a directly named beneficiary is excluded from the probate process, such as 401(k)s, IRAs, life insurance policies, investment accounts with a transfer-on-death (TOD) registration, and bank accounts with a payable-on-death (POD) registration. In the event one of these account-types fails to name a beneficiary, that account would be transferred through the probate process. There are also key advantages to using a trust to avoid probate. Learn more.

More and more women are becoming proactive when it comes to their financial futures, whether they find themselves suddenly without “a ring on it” or simply choose to maintain their independent lifestyle. Whatever the case, financial planning for a single woman differs from couples in a variety of ways due to income dynamics, financial responsibilities, and life goals. It’s important for single women to be aware and to understand these factors that affect their financial plan and future retirement. Learn more.

Being an empty nester can be an emotional rollercoaster. Early on, I found myself still wanting to support my kids both emotionally and financially. That’s our calling, right? But now, a few years removed from my youngest child going off on his own after grad school, I’m proud to say I’ve struck the right balance between supporting my kids in any way they need and sitting back to let them figure it out.

We all know parenting presents so many challenges and joys along the way. I have always appreciated that journey — watching them develop into the individuals they have become. I always thought becoming an empty nester would mean I would have a lesser role in their lives, but that’s not really the case. It’s just a different role. Learn more

Fall is by far my favorite season. One reason why is because it's the time of year we, at McKinley Carter, begin our budgeting and outlook planning for the upcoming year. It is a time for us to assess progress, address things that need attention, and make adjustments as needed. We use what we have learned to help make decisions that put us in the best position to succeed, so that we can continue to do the work we love with clients and our community. We have similar conversations with our clients ― talking through year-end strategies to help them finish strong and be best-prepared for the year ahead. Knowing they have a sound financial plan to act on allows our clients to spend more time focusing on the things that provide them with meaning and purpose, a real return on life. Find out what five actions we like to discuss with clients to help them finish out the year in a strong, impactful way.

Is it ever TOO early to start saving for one’s retirement? The answer to that retirement planning question is a resounding “NO” and here's why.

If you're a retiree, orienting your volunteer work around the things you do best could help you find new meaning and satisfaction in your hobbies, while also creating new social connections that will deepen your retirement experience. Learn more about the types of synergies that retirees can create between what they LOVE to do and what their community needs.

Want to feel like a true Superwoman? Try checking off your household to-do list all by yourself! Take it from me, there are many valuable "life skills" that all women (married, single, divorced, widowed, or care-giver) should know, or at least become familiar with (aka, know the right questions to ask). Find out more from my lessons learned.

Since 1990, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has been a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. They are tasked with promoting national security and safeguarding our financial system by combatting financial crimes like money laundering and terrorist financing.

As of January 1, 2024, FinCEN has been given a new responsibility. Under the Corporate Transparency Act of 2021, FinCEN is now collecting required reports from U.S. companies that identify their beneficial owners and detail information. Is your business or entity one that is now required to report beneficial owners? Learn more.