Blog
As a financial advisor and owner of Kennedy Financial Network, it's my goal to not only manage your investments and guide your financial path, it's my goal to help you maximize your financial potential so that you can live your best life. We do that by illuminating and engendering good financial habits as a whole. Each month we'll explore a theme that will highlight important topics that will hopefully broaden your knowledge and sense of mastery so that day-to-day decisions contribute in big and small ways to your success. If there's a topic you'd like to see covered, don't hesitate to make a request. If you'd find it interesting and valuable, surely someone else will too!
Women's Retirement Shortfall Could Impact Healthcare Security
A recent retirement study reported significant differences in savings rates by gender. Among its findings: The average 401(k) account balance for men is 50% greater than that of women, and nearly half of female workers may not be...
Read MoreNational Adoption Month: Raising Awareness
National Adoption Month, observed throughout November, holds a special place in my heart, as I am an adoptive parent to two of my children...
Read MoreIRS Catch-Up Provisions & The Benefits of Reading
This blog post features two topics. First, the IRS has delayed the start of a new rule that addresses high earners who still participate in payroll deduction through 401(k) plans... In other news, research shows that reading is...
Read MoreCelebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Breaking Barriers & Fostering Inclusion
October marks a significant time for recognizing and appreciating the contributions of individuals with disabilities in the workforce. National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a dedicated period to celebrate the skills...
Read MoreRetire Wise | September 2023
Navigating the Medicare maze can be daunting. With so many plans and options to choose among, it can be hard to determine if you have the right coverage at the right price until you actually begin to use those benefits...
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Navigating the Transition to Retirement: Your Financial Advisor's Guide
Retirement is a goal that just about everyone strives toward. Yet, as we approach this destination, it can be fraught with many questions and a healthy dose of apprehension. It's understandable. Leaving a regular paycheck behind can be...
Read MoreRetire Wise | August 2023
Downsizing can be a great way for empty nesters to reduce overall housing costs and free up cash in retirement. Less square footage can mean lower utility bills, maintenance costs, and in many cases, property taxes. However, whether down...
Read MoreEducation Has Value. Who is Paying for It?
Schools across the nation are getting back to business in the coming days and weeks. For parents, grandparents, and guardians, “back to school” often includes an outlay of cash. There are computers to upgrade, after-school activities to...
Read MoreMake Your Retirement Savings a Priority
The importance of saving for retirement isn’t often taught in school. People tend to focus on more tangible goals to save for, like a first car or a house, and put off saving for retirement for as long as possible. What some...
Read MoreRetire Wise | July 2023
Managing spending is critical for maintaining the lifestyle you desire in retirement. Over time, your expenses may change as your lifestyle needs evolve. So, if you spend more than you initially planned in the early years...
Read MoreRetire Wise | June 2023
While retirees have vastly different ideas about how they will spend their golden years, nearly all share a single goal: to maintain their desired standard of living throughout retirement. Yet, circumstances and events, such as...
Read MoreLGBTQ+ Retirement and Estate Considerations
Pride Month is here! All month long, people across the country are planning parades, events, and other community gatherings to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. For members of the LGBTQ+ community, there may be specific financial consider...
Read MoreRetire Wise | May 2023
According to a Joint Economic Committee report, over the past two decades, the number of workers age 55 and over has nearly doubled, increasing from 13% in 2000 to 23% in 2021. Whether you’re considering going back to work...
Read MoreCelebrating Impactful Asian Americans Throughout History
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. America owes much to Asian American and Pacific Islander citizens. Here are seven of the leaders, artists, scientists, and athletes of AAPI heritage I would like to recognize...
Read MoreHappy Earth Day
April 22nd is Earth Day. It's a day about awareness and appreciation of Earth and its resources; a day to celebrate our beautiful planet, enjoy nature, and make a conscious effort to help protect our environment...
Read MoreRetire Wise | April 2023
A reported $84.4 trillion in U.S. household wealth is expected to transfer over the next 20 years. Baby boomers alone are anticipated to shift an estimated $53 trillion—representing 63% of all wealth transfers...
Read MoreCelebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories
As Women's History Month comes to an end, I wanted to take time to recognize the remarkable contributions of women throughout history. This year's theme is "Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories". I am honored to share a few examples...
Read MoreFinancial Fears
In the midst of tumultuous markets, there's one word that comes to the forefront with many investors: FEAR. While no one can predict the future (financial or otherwise), it’s important to create...
Read MoreNew Retirement Law: SECURE Act 2.0
In December 2022, Congress passed a new set of retirement rules designed to make it easier to contribute to retirement plans and to access the funds when you need them. Here is a summary of the changes...
Read MoreNavigating Divorce: Tips for Women Over 40
If you’re a woman over 40 and thinking about divorce, you’re not alone. The divorce rate for adults between the ages of 40 and 49 has risen 14% since the 1990s. Middle age can be a tumultuous time for marriages. This is a period when...
Read MoreStressed? Try These Ideas!
No one plans on being stressed out, but with our busy lives, it happens. Whether you have high demands at work, at school, or at home, we can all benefit from a healthy way to deal with the stress...
Read MoreThree Ways the Inflation Act Could Impact You
The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law on Tuesday, August 16. While the $430 billion package includes many provisions, here are three key areas where you may benefit...
Read MoreKeep the Long View
Market dips aren't fun for anyone. In fact, they stink. However, as a long-term investor (time horizon greater than 5 years), it is very important to consider market movements in historical context. Here is information that might...
Read MoreNM Tax Cuts for Seniors, Families and Businesses
NM House Bill 163 will keep more money in the pockets of New Mexicans, including exempting social security income from taxation and cutting the state’s gross receipts tax...
Read MoreChanged jobs? Options for your 401(k)
Many individuals who leave their jobs are faced with decisions about what to do with their 401(k) accounts. What are your options? Are there advantages/disadvantages? How about tax consequences? These are all important questions.
Read MoreThree Reasons to Meet with a Financial Advisor ASAP
If the idea of meeting with an advisor makes you nervous, you’re not alone. Many people worry that they might be judged for their financial habits or lack of planning. Some are embarrassed by their debt. My advice? Find an advisor who...
Read MoreNavigating Volatility in a Market Correction
While recent market movements aren’t a surprise, it’s still uncomfortable. With the state of the world as it is, we expect an impact on the financial markets. The fluctuations in 2021 resulted in some lows, but also some...
Read MoreYear-End Tax-Wise Planning Tips
Tax planning is more than completing and filing your state and federal taxes. Year-end tax planning means going over potential tax deductions that you may have missed during the year while there's still time.
Read MoreSocial Security Announces 5.9 Percent Benefit Increase for 2022
Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for approximately 70 million Americans will increase 5.9 percent in 2022, the Social Security Administration announced today. The 5.9 percent cost-of-living adjustment...
Read MoreLife Insurance: Do You Need It?
It’s time for your life insurance checkup. If you don’t have any life insurance, you’re not alone. Life insurance is one of those “someday” things for many people, but the cheapest time to buy it is...
Read MoreIdentity Theft: Protect Yourself
Hacking occurs when your personal information is compromised and used to commit fraud online. It’s becoming more prevalent and the “bad actors” are getting craftier about getting around ordinary security systems....
Read MoreMax Out Your Retirement Contributions
Making the maximum contributions to your retirement accounts allows you to save as much as you can before you get to retirement age. The sooner you begin saving, the sooner you can retire. The years fly by before you know it.
Read MoreSocial Security: How Are My Benefits Calculated?
Social security rules can seem as confusing and overwhelming as the tax code, but you don't have to navigate it alone. There are some basic concepts that can get us started. Your Social Security benefit amount is based on your work...
Read MoreWomen: Are you setting aside enough?
I've rarely met a woman who hasn't worried that her money will run out in retirement. It's a valid concern and one, as a financial advisor, that I help my clients address. Women have an even greater need than men to begin saving as...
Read MoreTax Strategies
We're in the thick of tax season! While you might prefer beach season or snuggle up with a good book season, taxes are likely on your to-do list. There are a few things to keep in mind. More people than ever are working from home...
Read MoreHow Long to Keep Important Documents?
It can be hard to know which documents to keep and which ones to toss out. Should you hang onto every bank statement or grocery store receipt? The paper piles, I mean files, can get overwhelming... Here’s a suggested timeline...
Read MoreIn Case of Emergency: Storing Documents
No one wants to think about what happens when they're gone. It's natural to push it aside. Yet, 2020 has given us a vivid, stark window into the "life can change on a dime" perspective. If you were to pass away or become incapacitated...
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