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By River Birch Wealth Management Families often carry on traditions that quietly shape the way they approach financial planning. These routines can have a meaningful impact on your financial wellbeing and the habits passed down through generations. The close of the year creates a natural moment to revisit these traditions and consider new ones. These practices don’t need to be elaborate. Even simple moments can create lasting influence. Reflection  is a helpful place to begin

By River Birch Wealth Management The holiday season is a time of year many families look forward to. There are gatherings, familiar traditions, and chances to slow down and enjoy time with the people who matter most. However, this season can also bring a sense of pressure. Travel, gifts, meals, and unexpected plans often add costs that make the weeks ahead feel heavier than expected. You are not alone if this time of year brings mixed emotions. Many families feel pulled betwe

By River Birch Wealth Management A 529 plan helps families save for education in an organized and tax-advantaged way. These plans allow your contributions to grow over time and can be used for a wide range of qualified education expenses. While a 529 plan is flexible and easy to understand, the timing of your contributions matters. Knowing the deadlines helps you make thoughtful decisions before the year ends.  December is an important time to review your contributions before

By River Birch Wealth Management When we think about money, we usually think of numbers in the form of savings, returns, or retirement goals. But how we feel  about money matters just as much as how we manage it. Gratitude, a simple act of noticing what we already have, can change the way we make financial choices for the better. Gratitude Builds Perspective Finances can be stressful. There’s always another bill, another goal, or something you wish you could afford. Gratitude

By River Birch Wealth Management The holidays bring families together around tables, traditions, and TV. They’re also one of the few times all generations are in the same room, which makes it a natural opportunity to talk about the topic many families avoid: money . These conversations don’t have to be uncomfortable. In fact, they can be some of the most meaningful talks you’ll ever have. When handled with care, family money conversations can bring clarity and confidence. Why

By River Birch Wealth Management As the year winds down, most of us start thinking about family gatherings, holidays, and a little time to rest. But it’s also one of the best times to pause and make sure your finances are ready for the new year. A few simple steps now can bring confidence and help you start January feeling organized, confident, and in control. Here’s an easy-to-follow year-end financial checklist. 1. Review Your Spending and Savings Start by looking at your y

Written by River Birch Wealth Management During the holiday season, we frequently reflect on the things that are truly important in life.  Family, faith, and community take center stage. For many people, that means giving back. Whether you donate time, money, or resources, charitable giving is one of the most meaningful ways to make an impact before the year ends. Giving well also means giving wisely. Here are a few simple strategies to help make your generosity count. Know W

Written by John Register, October 2025   Retirement – There's So Many Phases!   Many pre-retirees concentrate on answering the question “Do I have enough money to retire?”, yet we may not realize that successful retirement planning ensures we have the finances (quantitative) but are also ready for the emotional (qualitative) aspect of retirement.   Retirement can be broken down into six phases:   1.     Honeymoon 2.     Rest and Relaxation 3.     Disenchantment 4.     Reorien

Written by Chad Conner, July 2025 When it comes to saving for retirement, one of the best tools available is a 401(k) plan. But within...

Written by John Register, July 2025 Medicare Part B and Part D premiums are determined by your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). ...

Written by Ashley Mills, June 2025 Social Security is a complicated topic with many common misconceptions.  If you’ve ever wondered who...

Written by Erin Mills, July 2025 Long-term care insurance is designed to help cover the costs of care when a person can no longer manage...

Many policyholders with traditional long-term care (LTC) insurance are facing significant premium increases, often exceeding 50% or even...

Written by Erin Mills, June 2025 Planning for long-term care is a critical part of a well-rounded financial strategy but with so many...

Written by Carrie Kerns, May 2025 Financial goals are the foundation of a successful and secure financial future. Whether you're saving...

Do I Claim My SS Benefit or My Spousal Benefit?   Written by John Register, May 2025   An often-overlooked Social Security (SS)...

Written by Chad Conner, May 2025 As an independent contractor, you have several retirement plan options that can help you save for the...

Written by Carrie Kerns, April 2025 When it comes to life insurance, two primary types dominate the market: term life insurance  and...

Written by Ashley Mills, April 2025 Retirement is one of the biggest financial transitions you’ll ever make. Before you hand in your...

Written by Chad Conner, April 2025 To maximize the benefits of this option, here are a few strategies to consider: Plan Contributions...