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Get help keeping more of what you’ve earned.

Michael Ludwig, CPA and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, shares clear and practical perspectives on financial planning, retirement strategy, and more.

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Studying abroad is one of the most formative investments a family can make. The financial side, however, often gets less attention than it deserves. In the most recent academic year, 298,180 U.S. students studied abroad for academic...

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

The federal estate tax exemption remains at an all-time high. For some families, that is genuinely good news. But it may also be creating a false sense of security, especially if you live in one of the states that sets its own rules...

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

A new federally created savings account for American children launched on July 4, 2026, when Trump Accounts began accepting contributions. The accounts were formally established under Section 530A of the Internal Revenue Code as part...

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

As financial professionals, we spend much of our time helping our clients prepare for retirement. By the time most of our clients are within a few years of retirement, their savings are there, their investment accounts are in order,...

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

After years of walking clients through inheritances, business sales, bonuses, and liquidity events, we have seen how these moments unfold in remarkably consistent ways. There is almost always a boat, or something like one. A vacation...

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Friday, May 8, 2026

Evaluate your assets, tax exposure, future cash flow, and other major financial decisions before finalizing your divorce.

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Looking for a year-end IRA checklist? These 9 IRA New Year’s resolutions help make sure your IRA planning is on track for 2026.

Friday, December 19, 2025

Have company stock in a retirement plan? Learn how net unrealized appreciation (NUA) works, when it applies, and how it may reduce taxes on employer stock distributions.

Friday, December 12, 2025

Why work with a financial advisor when you could do retirement planning yourself? Learn four reasons why our clients decided to work with a financial advisor.

Thursday, April 14, 2022

Tax planning shouldn’t stop after filing your return. Learn how year-round tax planning and smart asset allocation can help reduce taxes, avoid surprises, and improve after-tax income over time.

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Curious about common money myths? Learn the truth about investing risk, estate planning, Social Security timing, and wealth-building—and how misconceptions can quietly derail your financial strategy.

Thursday, March 17, 2022

Not sure which documents to keep or shred? This checklist explains how long to keep receipts, tax records, medical bills, property documents, and personal records, so you can reduce clutter and stay organized.

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Entering your 70s? Learn smart financial tips for this stage of retirement, including estate planning, budgeting, cash flow, and staying engaged with your financial plan for the years ahead.

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Approaching retirement? Your 60s are a critical time to fine-tune your plan. Learn key financial planning steps for this decade, including estate planning, insurance reviews, and tax-efficient withdrawal strategies.

Thursday, February 24, 2022

In your 50s? This is a pivotal decade for retirement planning. Learn key financial goals to focus on, including retirement projections, budgeting for retirement, and planning for future healthcare costs.

Thursday, January 27, 2022

Failing to update beneficiary designations can derail even the best estate plan. Learn why beneficiaries matter, when to review them, and how to ensure your assets go to the people you intend.

Tuesday, January 25, 2022

Learn smart budgeting tips that help you splurge where it matters, cut everyday money drains, and enjoy life without overspending.