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Tips so employers can help employees plan a confident and stable retirement Amidst a backdrop of a volatile market and potential inflationary pressures, these shifts can shape the future of employee retirement planning significantly....

Safeguard your personal, financial and medical records at home and work With several past and present events involving the White House, data breaches, or classified documents being leaked, the importance of safeguarding confidential...

There is a common misconception that estate planning is something only the affluent need to do before they die. However, estate planning is important for everyone, regardless of income level or net worth. Planning for the disposition...

Being a woman in business today comes with many obstacles, but it may also bring some unique advantages and opportunities. By navigating challenges and taking advantage of opportunities that come their way, women can go further in...

529 plans can be a great way to save for college, but they're not the only way. When you're investing for a major goal like education, it makes sense to be familiar with all of your options. Mutual funds Mutual funds are an option to...

When most people think about buying a home, they think about neighborhoods, paint colors, and wish lists, not paycheck stubs and closing costs. However, in reality you’ll probably find that mortgage application and approval is...

Peaks and valleys of the market probably give you fits about your investments in retirement savings accounts. Nobody can tell when Wall Street’s ups will peak and its lows bottom out, but you can protect yourself with patience...

Please meet Julia Wong, Policy Advisor & Special Projects Manager, NJ Department of Environmental Protection. Julia works in the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, advancing some of the Department’s key initiatives, including urban parks, e

Ensure Your Legacy Is your growing business still a one-person operation? As your company continues to grow and the workload increases, it is easy to find yourself wearing too many hats and not having enough hours in the day to...

Our last two stops are in Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea before we head back to San Francisco to catch our flight home. In Monterey we wandered the shops of Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row, as well as a “must-see” stop at the Monterey Aq

When investing, particularly for long-term goals, there are two concepts you will likely hear about over and over again — diversification and asset allocation. Diversification helps limit exposure to loss in any one investment or...

After leaving San Francisco, we made sure to stop in Muir Woods on our way to a 2-night stay in Yosemite. It’s so hard to describe the majestic beauty and solitude of this place. Pictures help to capture the experience. I caught my daugh

Breathtaking. I’m no Ansel Adams, but I did my best to capture some of the spectacular scenery of Yosemite with these pictures. We loved the views; a very nice reward for the many miles of hiking. From here, I’m off to the LPL Focus Advi

Our family trip begins in San Francisco.  For us, the highlights are the amazing food (Dim Sum in Chinatown, sourdough bread, etc.), the hills (about 30,000 steps per day), and the views (Coit Tower, Lombard Street, Pier 39). Did I mention

Financial education is constantly evolving. As investments, financial priorities, and the economy change, so do financial strategies and plans. To stay on top of your retirement and ensure that you are on your way toward your financial...

Many people care for a loved one out of necessity as their family members can no longer care for themselves. More than one in ten people in the United States also care for an adult, spending about three hours each day on caregiving...

The need for regular saving and investing spans many life stages. Through the years, your goals will change and your strategies will shift, but don’t be alarmed. You’re just progressing through the normal stages of life,...

The Western Cape is filled with lovely surprises. 

Each day of an African safari starts with a glorious sunrise, is filled with amazing surprises and ends with a stunning sunset.  Words can’t describe the feeling of it but pictures come close.

The city of Cape Town is vibrant with many cultures contributing to its architecture and food.  We especially loved the Bo-Kaap (Malay) district, with its unique art and delicious curry. 

Cape Town is the first stop on our South African adventure. This is a beautiful city with a complicated history and a fascinating culture.  Before exploring the city’s highlights, we went on a philanthropic educational...

ESG investing enables investors to participate as stewards of the planet and its inhabitants by leveraging environmental, social, and governance factors when they invest. The primary goal of the ESG investment is profit, but the impact...

What is a fixed annuity?Fixed annuities are long-term savings vehicles used mostly for retirement or as a safe holding place for accumulated money. Interest rates are credited by the issuing life insurance company for a specified...

What You Need To Know To Get StartedGetting ready to apply for college is an exciting and anxious time for high school students and their parents. The competition to get into college is stiff, and with the rising cost of education,...

Major strides in LGBTQ+ equality have happened over the last decade. Most notably was the Supreme Court's 2015 decision to recognize same-sex marriage in Obergefell v. Hodge. Even so, members of the LGBTQ+ community tend to experience...

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing is on the rise throughout the world. A 2018 study from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government found that ESG investing now accounts for nearly $30 trillion, which...

Businesses can shift to a value-based care model which can reduce costs.Keeping a lid on rising health care costs will likely remain at the forefront for organizations this year, for good reason. A confluence of factors –...

Whether you are an employee in corporate America or a small business owner, retirement is a part of life. For many, the thought of retiring and whether or not you are ready to take those first steps might be overwhelming or...

If you find yourself using most of your income on necessities with little money left over at the end of the month, you aren’t alone. The general rule of thumb is to spend no more than 50 percent of your earnings on essential...

529 savings plans are a way to gift education expenses for those who wish to invest in a child's future. Funding a 529 plan is considered a gift to the beneficiary for estate tax purposes, and all contributions and earnings grow...

Most people know that once they approach retirement age, their reward for years of work comes from Social Security payments they put money towards during their employment. Deciding when to file for your Social Security payments is...

ESG investing enables investors to participate as stewards of the planet and its inhabitants by leveraging environmental, social, and governance factors when they invest. The primary goal of the ESG investment is profit, but the impact...

Retirement is not easy for most couples and even harder for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ) people. A modest amount of planning can go a long way to providing the financial support you need.Many LGBTQ seniors and those...

Personal finance is an important area of knowledge—but it's not always taught in schools. It may be tough to master when you haven't had much guidance prior to adulthood. You may be able to improve your financial literacy and...

When people think of “myths,” they often think of such stories as Pandora’s Box (the woman who took the lid off of a jar releasing all of the world’s ills upon the world, were taxes one of them?), or the Tale of...

When spring rolls around, your thoughts might turn to organizing your closets or giving your floors a good deep clean. But how much thought have you given to cleaning up your finances? If the answer is “not much,” you might...

At Alcove Private Wealth our mission is to support you as you move through different life stages. Each stage has its own challenges and solutions. Early investors need help getting started, they are just Building a Foundation. First...

The Challenge of Financial Wellness and Why We Need Women’s History MonthMarch is Women’s History Month, a month-long celebration of female empowerment1. This effort includes advocating for better representation in the...

Under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACTA), every consumer is entitled to a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three credit bureaus...

Entrepreneurs tend to be natural risk-takers but this doesn't mean committing to uncompensated risk. A wise entrepreneur considers their potential exposure before leaping into a new business venture, moving forward only on those...

For many, spending more quality time with loved ones and friends is a New Year’s resolution or work-life balance goal. But for investors who are accustomed to keeping a close eye on their assets' performance, balancing one's "to...

Financial wellness is a state of being when one is in control of their finances, can cover expenses, and save for future goals. Consider financial wellness as your relationship with money; it can be either healthy or unhealthy....

It's common for people who are retiring to set their retirement date in either the springtime or the early summer. If you happen to be one of those lucky folks who are going to retire this year, then "Congratulations!"But before you...

As the calendar gets ready to turn to 2023, there are a lot of economic metrics worth paying attention to, especially as each will have an impact one way or another on our investments. But whether or not markets will reverse course and...

The holiday season is a wonderful time for relaxing and having fun with family and friends, but it can also add a lot of extra stress to an already tight budget. Perhaps you spent more than you originally planned, or maybe you...

For many people, a new year provides a new start—and nothing says "new start" like a fresh new set of financial goals. But setting these goals is easier said than done. What steps should you take to get the most bang for your...

Investing with an eye toward promoting social, political, or environmental concerns (or at least not supporting activities you feel are harmful) doesn't mean you have to forgo pursuing a return on your money. Socially responsible...

As we journey further into the millennium, there are many forms of personal relationships. Today, unmarried partnerships are a fact of life. If you are in an unmarried partnership, one important consideration is how you share financial...

December 10th is Human Rights Day and a time to reflect on the progression of human rights in the past, its status today, and its future. The day of observance first occurred in 1948 to mark the day the Universal Declaration of Human...

You have probably heard about financial planning and its potential benefits, but you are unsure how to apply the principles to your life. A financial plan is a collection of steps that help you to evaluate your financial condition and...

On average, each American throws out more than four pounds of waste per day. Recycling saves materials from the landfill, which makes products more affordable for shoppers and manufacturers, reduces energy use, and cuts greenhouse gas...

When was the last time you had a good nap? If it’s been a while, you may want to make some time to lay back and grab a few moments of shuteye. Whether on a bed, couch, or hammock, a quick nap can be the highlight of your day....

As Americans age, many of us are coming face-to-face with friends and family members who need long-term care (LTC). And, as we watch others grapple with the emotional and financial consequences of a long-term care event, we can’t...

The financial literacy gap—or the gaps in financial knowledge among various sectors of the public—may have racial, gender, and socioeconomic components. Those whose parents or mentors are experienced investors who may...

No matter how much money you make, completely mastering money early on in life can help you pursue what everyone wants: a financially comfortable today and a financially secure tomorrow. Mastering money in our society can be a...

It's generally a good idea to review your employer-sponsored retirement savings plan at least once each year and when major life changes occur. If you haven't given your plan a thorough review within the last 12 months, now may be a...

Each year, the U.S. Department of Education distributes more than $150 billion in grants, loans, and work-study awards to millions of college students. With these financial aid programs, tuition, room and board, books, and other...

Being a woman in business today comes with many obstacles, but it may also bring some unique advantages and opportunities. By navigating challenges and taking advantage of opportunities that come their way, women can go further in...

From 2008 to 2022, the cost of in-state tuition at public universities rose nearly 80%.1 The high price tag now associated with a college education makes it critical for families to carefully plan how to pay for higher education...

Take control of your retirement planning with a defined contribution plan.The 401(k) pension plan, named after that section of the Internal Revenue Service Code that created it, has become one of the most popular retirement plans in...

Your life insurance needs change as your life changes. When you are young, you may not have a need for life insurance. However, as you take on more responsibility and your family grows, your life insurance needs increase. Your needs...

Regardless of what you do or how much you earn, you deal with money on a daily basis. The more you understand about finances, the more effectively you will be able to manage yours.Yet, many people lack financial literacy skills. One...

Investing with an eye toward promoting social, political, or environmental concerns (or at least not supporting activities you feel are harmful) doesn't mean you have to forgo pursuing a return on your money. Socially responsible...

Most types of financial accounts allow you to designate a beneficiary, from checking and savings accounts to life insurance policies, 401(k)s, IRAs, pensions, and trusts. But when was the last time you looked at your beneficiary...

Financial stress can have a direct negative impact on a person's health and happiness. Unfortunately, this may lead to a downward spiral. The more stress you're feeling, the larger your financial hurdles may seem, and the more you...

Most types of financial accounts allow you to designate a beneficiary, from checking and savings accounts to life insurance policies, 401(k)s, IRAs, pensions, and trusts. But when was the last time you looked at your beneficiary designation

Investing with an eye toward promoting social, political, or environmental concerns (or at least not supporting activities you feel are harmful) doesn't mean you have to forgo pursuing a return on your money. Socially responsible investing

Regardless of what you do or how much you earn, you deal with money on a daily basis. The more you understand about finances, the more effectively you will be able to manage yours.

Financial stress can have a direct negative impact on a person's health and happiness. Unfortunately, this may lead to a downward spiral.

For more than 200 years, long before the advent of modern stock markets and electronic trading, some investors have been committed to socially-responsible (SRI) investing.1 This involves choosing companies and products that specifically esc

Financial independence means different things to different people. For some, it might mean early retirement. For others, the ability to travel the world. It is the freedom to leave a job that is no longer personally or professionally fulfil

The need for regular saving and investing spans many life stages. Through the years, your goals will change and your strategies will shift, but don’t be alarmed. You’re just progressing through the normal stages of life, getting closer to a

Cutting down on straws and water bottles are just a few stepping stones that are working towards reducing waste and creating a more sustainable lifestyle you can feel good about. Though vital to working toward what zero waste stands for, st

Many parents may feel it is unnecessary to inform their adult children about their personal, financial affairs. However, as your children grow older, it can work to your advantage—and that of your entire family— to share...

Almost half of all adults are part of the "sandwich generation." These are adults in their 40s and 50s who are helping support or care for a parent while also supporting or caring for a child.1

It's hard to imagine becoming disabled, and harder still to imagine a disability lasting longer than a few weeks. But serious disabilities can last years or even a lifetime. That's why you should pay attention to whether a disability...

In United States v. Windsor (2013), the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Section 3 of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) which required that federal statutes, regulations, and rulings be interpreted as defining marriage as a "legal un

Whether your child was just born or is heading toward high school graduation, a 529 savings plan may help you put aside funds to pay for college expenses without paying taxes (federal and some states) on any dividends and gains.1

You may be retired and considering investing some of your retirement nest egg. Depending on your situation, it is crucial that investing in the stock market, bond market, or other investments does not jeopardize your retirement savings.

Your life insurance needs will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your family, the nature of your financial obligations, your career stage, and your goals. For example, when you're young, you may not have a great need for

The start of the year has come and gone. You may find that the goals and resolutions you set at the start are no longer getting the attention they deserve. Whether you are feeling your motivation waning or feel like the goal is too far off,

As we approach tax day 2022, you may be expecting to receive a tax refund. While you may have a temptation to spend your tax return, other options may be more beneficial to your financial situation.