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Featured
Navigating Your Role as a Successor Trustee
Navigating Your Role as a Successor Trustee

Being named a successor trustee comes with important responsibilities—and often, a lot of questions. This article explains what happens when a trust becomes irrevocable and outlines the first steps to take after the original trustee passes away. Read More >

The Investment Outlook in a New Era of Trade Policy
The Investment Outlook in a New Era of Trade Policy

A sweeping new U.S. tariff strategy is reshaping global trade—and market volatility has followed. In this piece, we explore the implications for investors, how the Federal Reserve may respond, and where opportunities could emerge amid today’s uncertainty. Read More >

Why Your Choice of Advisor Matters for Your Family & Your Wealth
Why Your Choice of Advisor Matters for Your Family & Your Wealth

Selecting a financial advisor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your future. Yet, many investors don’t realize that not all advisors follow the same ethical and professional standards. Read More >

The Importance of Long-Term Care Planning
The Importance of Long-Term Care Planning

With long-term care costs climbing in California, planning ahead is essential. This article covers key Medi-Cal eligibility rules and recovery policies, plus private strategies for those who exceed Medi-Cal limits or want to preserve assets. Read More >

7 Factors to Consider Before Relocating in Retirement
7 Factors to Consider Before Relocating in Retirement

In this article, we explore key factors to consider before making your next big move. Careful planning can help you avoid financial missteps and ensure that your new destination not only supports the lifestyle you envision, but your overall needs in retirement. Read More >

Leaving California for a Career Move? You Might Still Be on the Hook for State Taxes
Leaving California for a Career Move? You Might Still Be on the Hook for State Taxes

Relocating for a new job or embracing the digital nomad lifestyle? Leaving California doesn’t always mean leaving its taxes behind. Learn how residency audits, capital gains taxes, and deferred income rules could impact your move—and how to protect your wealth. Read more >

Protecting Your Retirement Savings in 2025 Amid Ongoing Inflation Trends
Protecting Your Retirement Savings in 2025 Amid Ongoing Inflation Trends

For retirees who rely on fixed incomes or investment portfolios, understanding the latest inflation trends and adjusting their financial plans is crucial. In this article we take a closer look at what’s driving inflation, how it factors into Federal Reserve policy, and, most importantly, how retirees can better prepare for the months and years ahead. Read More >

Why Market Volatility Could Rise in 2025—And How to Stay Grounded
Why Market Volatility Could Rise in 2025—And How to Stay Grounded

If there’s one constant on Wall Street, it’s that uncertainty never really goes away—and 2025 looks poised to deliver a heavier dose of it. In this article we dig into why we’re bracing for higher market volatility and, more importantly, how you can keep your financial plan and investment strategy on track amidst the ups and downs. Read More >

Financial Planning: Capturing the Journey, Not Just a Moment
Financial Planning: Capturing the Journey, Not Just a Moment

Like a photograph, a financial plan captures a snapshot of your life at a specific moment in time. It’s an important starting point that can help determine whether you’re on the right path toward achieving your goals. But as life moves forward, so do your goals, circumstances, and opportunities. That’s where financial planning comes in. Read More >

A Season of Reflection, Resolutions, and Giving
A Season of Reflection, Resolutions, and Giving

As you prepare for the year ahead, consider how you can integrate both personal and charitable goals into your planning. Together, they can help you make 2025 a year of growth, gratitude, and giving. Read More >

Workbook: Relocating In Retirement
Workbook: Relocating In Retirement

Planning to relocate in retirement, or close to making a decision? We’ve put together this workbook to help you with your planning to ensure this transition is as seamless as can be. Get the Workbook >

Major Changes Coming to Retirement Plans in 2025
Major Changes Coming to Retirement Plans in 2025

The SECURE 2.0 Act, signed into law in late 2022, introduces several key updates to retirement savings plans taking effect in 2025. Here's what you should know about the major changes to 401(k)s, IRAs, and other retirement accounts… Read More >

Eliminate Taxes on Social Security Benefits? Maybe not such a good idea in the long-term.
Eliminate Taxes on Social Security Benefits? Maybe not such a good idea in the long-term.

During his campaign, Donald Trump promised to end taxes on Social Security benefits. This would seem like a welcome relief those who have enough other income which would result in federal income tax on 85% of SS retirement benefits. But when you consider the impact on the Social Security trust fund, the proposal may not be so great. Read More >

The Hidden Tax Risks of Naming a Trust as Your Retirement Account Beneficiary
The Hidden Tax Risks of Naming a Trust as Your Retirement Account Beneficiary

When planning your estate, it’s crucial to determine the best way to pass on your retirement assets, such as IRAs or 401(k)s, to your beneficiaries. Understanding your options and the benefits, risks, and tax implications of each is essential for making an informed decision. Read More >

How Will Election 2024 Shape Your Retirement?
How Will Election 2024 Shape Your Retirement?

Significant changes to Social Security, Medicare and taxes are set to take effect in 2025 and as the presidential election approaches, it’s crucial for retirees to grasp these developments and how each candidate's proposals may impact these vital programs and their overall retirement strategies. Read More >

Unlocking the Potential of Home Equity and Investment Property in Retirement
Unlocking the Potential of Home Equity and Investment Property in Retirement

For many retirees, home equity represents one of their most valuable financial assets. Tapping into this wealth efficiently can provide liquidity, supplement income, and help fund lifestyle changes, including relocation. Read More >

Cultivating a Strong Retirement: 7 Year-End Strategies for Financial Success
Cultivating a Strong Retirement: 7 Year-End Strategies for Financial Success

As we move into fall, it’s the perfect time for a financial check-up. In this article, we cover essential year-end steps to evaluate your investments, manage taxes, and ensure your financial plan is on track for a secure and prosperous retirement. Read More >

Don’t Take the Bait: How to Outsmart Phishing Scams and Protect Yourself Online
Don’t Take the Bait: How to Outsmart Phishing Scams and Protect Yourself Online

Phishing scams have become increasingly prevalent and sophisticated, making them one of the most dangerous threats to your financial security. In this article we outline proactive steps you can take to protect yourself online.  Read More >

How Inflation Impacts Pre-Retirees
How Inflation Impacts Pre-Retirees

As everyday items become more expensive, discretionary income dwindles, leaving you with less money to allocate towards your savings and retirement accounts. In this article we outline several proactive steps you can take to mitigate the impact of inflation on your financial future. Read More >

Rent Smart: Leveraging QBI to Reduce Your Taxes
Rent Smart: Leveraging QBI to Reduce Your Taxes

In this article, we explore how eligible rental property owners can benefit from the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction, which allows them to deduct up to 20% of their rental income. Discover the specific criteria to determine if you can take advantage of this valuable tax-saving opportunity. Read More >

9 Steps to Regaining Confidence in Your Financial Future, Both During and After Divorce.
9 Steps to Regaining Confidence in Your Financial Future, Both During and After Divorce.

Divorce is one of the most difficult life transitions to navigate — and for those who did not handle the finances in their marriage, it can be difficult know where to begin. Read More >

Proactive Tax Planning: 8 Steps to Maximize Your Savings
Proactive Tax Planning: 8 Steps to Maximize Your Savings

By taking a proactive approach to tax planning, you can uncover opportunities to reduce your tax liability, optimize your retirement contributions, and improve your overall financial health. This 8-step guide delves into essential strategies and considerations to help you make the most of your mid-year tax planning efforts effectively. Read More >

Mid-Year Financial Check-Up: 6 Tips to Stay on Track
Mid-Year Financial Check-Up: 6 Tips to Stay on Track

In this article we outline six key areas to consider during your mid-year financial review. Conducting these regular reviews is crucial—not only to celebrate your progress, but also to adjust your course in response to life’s changes and economic shifts. Read More >

Navigating Career Transitions — Maximizing Your Retirement Savings and Utilizing Severance Packages
Navigating Career Transitions — Maximizing Your Retirement Savings and Utilizing Severance Packages

Career transitions, whether through voluntary job changes or unexpected layoffs, are pivotal moments that can significantly impact your financial future. In this article we provide financial planning tips to navigate these changes effectively to position yourself for financial security. Read More >

7 Financial Tips for Parents: Planning for Your Child's Higher Education
7 Financial Tips for Parents: Planning for Your Child's Higher Education

This article is dedicated to parents who are planning for their children’s higher education and aiming to minimize the burden of student loan debt, which has grown significantly in recent years. Read More >

Embracing Change: Financial Wisdom for 2024 Graduates
Embracing Change: Financial Wisdom for 2024 Graduates

For all the recent graduates out there - Congratulations! As you embark on this new phase of your life, we present you with essential trail markers to guide your financial journey ahead. Read More >

From NVIDIA to Crypto ETFs: The Lure of Market Trends vs. Time-Tested Investment Strategies
From NVIDIA to Crypto ETFs: The Lure of Market Trends vs. Time-Tested Investment Strategies

Year to date, not only have many broad markets delivered gains from acceptable to amazing, there have been the usual assortment of sizzling stocks to distract us with their dazzle. Strong market performance is welcome news. But at least in the wider investment world, we’re likely to see a different kind of response that isn’t as welcoming. Read More >

Your Destination Matters: Aligning Your Finances with Your Future Goals
Your Destination Matters: Aligning Your Finances with Your Future Goals

It can be tough to plan your financial future in a world filled with obstacles and opportunities. But the terrain only worsens in the absence of well-crafted goals. If you don’t know how much money you’ll need, when, and why, you end up chasing after the latest fads (buying high) or fleeing market risks (selling low). Read More >

Strategic Wealth Management - Part 3: Optimizing Your Organized Investments
Strategic Wealth Management - Part 3: Optimizing Your Organized Investments

In this article, we wrap up our three-part series with additional ways to ease your transition from chaotic to more orderly investing. Some steps are purely practical. Others help you remain calm and confident along the way. We can mix and match them as needed to contribute to your investment success. Read More >

Strategic Wealth Management - Part 2: Transitions and Taxes
Strategic Wealth Management - Part 2: Transitions and Taxes

When you sell an investment for more than you paid for it, there can be burdensome capital gain taxes realized in the year of the sale. How do you manage for this challenge? It helps to identify which trades can be placed promptly, and which may be better managed over time. Read More >

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Disclosures: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Aspire Planning Associates (CRD# 282179) is registered investment advisor with the Securities & Exchange Commission ("SEC").  Registration of an investment advisor does not imply any specific level of skill or training.


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