Laura Parker

09/15/2026

Understanding how Social Security is taxed can help you make more informed decisions about your retirement income. Strategies involving Roth accounts, charitable distributions, tax-loss harvesting and HSAs may help manage taxable income depending on your situation.

The key is looking at Social Security as part of your broader retirement and tax strategy, rather than as a standalone benefit.

Understand how your Social Security income is taxed and explore strategies that may help lower your tax burden.

09/14/2026

Growth can be difficult to recognize while it is happening. It often appears in the way we respond differently, make more intentional choices or approach familiar challenges with a new perspective.

Take a moment today to acknowledge how far you have come—even if you are still working toward where you hope to be.

09/12/2026

If you’re 50 or older and a high earner, changes to catch-up contribution rules may affect how you save for retirement.

For 2026, individuals who earned more than $150,000 in 2025 from the employer sponsoring their plan are generally required to make age-based catch-up contributions to certain workplace retirement plans on an after-tax Roth basis. That can affect taxable income, take-home pay and the mix of pretax and Roth assets in your retirement strategy.

Understanding how these rules apply to your situation can help you make more informed decisions about your contributions and overall retirement plan.

Read more about the Roth catch-up contribution rules and key considerations for high earners:

Understand the tax and savings implications of the new rules for high earners.

09/11/2026

Today, we remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, honor the courage shown by so many and reflect on the strength found in community.

May we continue to carry forward the compassion, service and unity that emerged during an unimaginably difficult time.
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09/09/2026

When should you start collecting Social Security?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. While you can begin claiming benefits as early as age 62, the timing of your decision can have a meaningful impact on your retirement income. Factors like your health, work plans, taxes, spousal benefits and other retirement resources can all influence what makes sense for you.

Understanding how Social Security fits into your broader retirement strategy can help you make a more informed decision.

Read more about estimating your benefits and what to consider before deciding when to claim:

For many people approaching retirement, one of the biggest questions is: “When should I start taking Social Security?”

09/07/2026

Kindness does not have to be grand to be meaningful. A thoughtful word, a few minutes of attention or a small act of encouragement can shape someone’s entire day.

As we begin a new week, may we look for simple opportunities to make life a little lighter for the people around us.

09/01/2026

September often feels like a natural reset—a chance to pause, reflect on what has changed and consider what deserves our attention in the months ahead.

As you look toward the rest of the year, consider asking yourself:

• What matters most to me right now?
• Have my priorities changed?
• Do my financial decisions still reflect the life I want to build?

Growth does not always require a dramatic change. Sometimes, it begins with an honest moment of reflection.
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08/31/2026

August offered plenty of reminders to pause, stay motivated and make time for what matters.

Before moving into September, consider asking yourself:

What went well this month?
What deserves more attention?
What is one intentional step I can take next?
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08/27/2026

Financial decisions often extend beyond one person or one generation.

Intergenerational planning may include conversations about:

• Supporting aging parents
• Helping children or grandchildren
• Passing along family values
• Reviewing estate documents
• Preparing heirs for future responsibilities
• Coordinating with legal and tax professionals

Starting these conversations early may help family members better understand one another’s priorities.
https://bit.ly/3UmlSKX

08/26/2026

A Roth conversion may offer certain tax advantages as part of a long-term retirement strategy, but it's not the right choice for everyone. Understanding how conversions work—and the potential tax implications—can help you make more informed financial decisions based on your individual circumstances.

Learn more about Roth conversions and key considerations in this article:

Learn how Roth conversions could fit into your long-term retirement strategy.