Todd W. Cottingham SFG

06/17/2026

Gen Z may be delaying traditional milestones, but they’re becoming the generation most on track for a secure retirement. This success is largely attributed to auto-enrollment, early savings habits, and decades of compounding. See why their head start matters: https://bit.ly/awyuM

A higher share of Gen Z is on track to be ready for retirement at age 65 than any other adult generation, and time isn't the only factor on their side.

06/16/2026

You worked hard to save for retirement, now it's time to enjoy it. Learn how small investments in travel, hobbies, technology, and social connections can deliver lasting rewards. Read about 5 lifestyle upgrades. https://bit.ly/4vz3VpC

Reframing splurges as "intentional reallocation" of money can help you overcome spending anxiety and enhance your quality of life. Here are some suggestions.

06/04/2026

A fulfilling retirement usually takes more than a financial plan. Here’s how to make the transition more meaningful:

-Plan before you leave: Talk to people who are already retired, consider easing in with part-time work, and think about what you want daily life to look like.
-Bring your values with you: If work gave you connection, creativity, or purpose, look for ways to rebuild those through volunteering, hobbies, travel, or community involvement.
-Create structure: Too much open time can be difficult, while a routine can help support mental and emotional well-being.

See what experts say can help you thrive after leaving the workforce: https://bit.ly/4avLjPd

06/03/2026

College savings can feel tricky when you’re planning for a future your child may not follow exactly. Here are a few ways families can build in more flexibility:

-Keep 529s in context: They can work well for college and some qualified education paths, but may be less flexible if your child takes a gap year, starts a business, or chooses another route.
-Consider a backup account: Roth IRAs may let you withdraw contributions if needed, while keeping the money available for retirement if plans change.
-Don’t overlook free money: Merit scholarships, AP classes, and dual enrollment can help reduce future costs before the first tuition bill arrives.

See why a flexible college savings strategy may matter as much as the amount you save: https://bit.ly/4uyZScQ

As tuition costs soar, money pros suggest some key backup plans if a child decides to skip higher education

06/02/2026

Some Gen Zers are opening the door to homeownership earlier than expected, even in a tough market. Here are a few things they’re doing differently:

-Save with purpose: Some younger buyers are cutting costs, living at home longer, or saving aggressively to build a stronger down payment.

-Think beyond major cities: More affordable markets can make buying realistic when larger metro areas feel out of reach.

-Use every available tool: Down payment assistance, careful student loan decisions, and early financial planning may help improve readiness.

See what future buyers can learn from today’s young homeowners: https://bit.ly/4vtMzL3

Gen Z homeowners now outpace millennials at the same age. They're more likely to be single and less likely to use help from parents.

06/01/2026

June is a smart time to check in on the money habits you’ve built so far this year. Poor financial habits can quietly derail savings, increase debt, and limit future options, but small changes can help you get back on track before year-end.

-Build a budget: Track income and expenses for at least 30 days to see where your money actually goes.
-Automate savings: Set up payday transfers so you are saving before the money can be spent.
-Face debt directly: Review balances, terms, and interest rates so you can prioritize repayment strategically.

Small habit changes today can reshape your financial future. Here’s where to start: https://bit.ly/4fdHvFD

The first step in addressing poor financial habits is recognizing that meaningful change begins with individual actions.

05/29/2026

More than a third of Gen Z homebuyers are single women, but many women don’t have an estate plan in place. Buying a home is a big step; protecting it matters too.

-Write a will: Without one, state law may decide who inherits your home, rather than your wishes guiding the process.
-Assign power of attorney: If illness or injury leaves you unable to manage finances, someone you trust may need legal authority to help pay bills, including a mortgage.
-Review your options: A trust, beneficiary designation, or other planning tool may help your home transfer more smoothly, depending on your situation.

Single women are buying homes in growing numbers. See how estate planning can help protect what you’ve built: https://bit.ly/4uV2WAt

Despite purchasing what might now be their biggest asset, women are less likely than men to have any estate planning documents in place.

05/28/2026

Retirement planning gets harder when common myths make it seem one-size-fits-all. Here’s how to keep misconceptions from derailing your financial future:

-Look beyond one “magic number”: Your needs depend on lifestyle, location, housing costs, and income sources like savings, pensions, or part-time work.
-Know what benefits cover: Social Security may not replace a full paycheck, and Medicare may not cover premiums, prescriptions, dental, vision, or long-term care.
-Stay flexible: Changes to inflation, healthcare needs, market shifts, and lifespan can all affect your plan over time.

See which retirement myths could be shaping your expectations and what to do instead: https://bit.ly/4uD4Cyj

Retirement is the ultimate financial goal many people plan for, yet it is surrounded by confusion and misinformation. Advice passed down from previous generations does not always match today’s reality. Many Americans are uncertain of how much they truly need to save before they quit their day job....

05/27/2026

Graduating into a tough job market? The class of ’91 has been there too. Their kids are job hunting now, and they’re sharing what they learned along the way:

-Stay adaptable: One ’91 grad’s first job as a secretary eventually led to a career in communications and pharma.

-Keep perspective: Taking a temporary role while job searching can be a practical step, not a setback.

-Stay the course: A missed career path for another ’91 grad led to work around the world, from Siberia to Ukraine.

Find out more about career lessons from those who’ve been there: https://bit.ly/4uxtAim

The New York Times profiled young job seekers in 1991. Today, their own children are entering a work force in flux.

05/21/2026

Retirement doesn’t have to mean stopping work all at once. Here are 3 ways to shape a next chapter that fits you:

-Ease in gradually: Cut hours, shift to a mentor role, or take a sabbatical. Staying connected to work on your terms feels more natural than a hard stop for many people.
-Turn passions into paychecks: Hobby jobs, travel gigs, and part-time roles in fields you love add income, structure, and purpose without the grind.
-Reinvent entirely: New certifications, entrepreneurship, or a second career can bring the fulfillment your first one never did.

Read more ideas for building a retirement that feels right for you: https://bit.ly/3RAfSN4

Ease into retirement at your own pace and in a way that aligns with your interests.