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Wednesday, May 13, 2026

As companies grow and develop, holding onto top talent can become critical to your success. In today's competitive market, employees have choices—and they're evaluating not just salary, but the benefits package employers offer. The...

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

The arrival of spring often brings that strong urge to start fresh. This season of renewal is a great reminder to apply the same focus to your personal finances. After all, your overall strategy should help align your goals with your...

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Your retirement strategy is a journey that requires foresight, diligence, and a clear understanding of your financial needs. While there's no one-size-fits-all rule for determining how much you need to retire, there are some helpful...

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Life doesn’t stand still. Neither do your life insurance needs.If you have a quote or policy and haven’t reviewed it lately, you may be surprised to discover that what worked for you then may not not meet your needs now.Luckily, going...

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Most Americans want to age in place and spend their retirement years comfortably. According to Forbes, 77% of people 50 and over said aging in place was their preference. However, statistics show over half of people aged 65 will...

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Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Are you saving for the future?Some want to know how to invest or diversify the money they’ve saved, but others admit they’re just not sure how to save. If you’ve been meaning to save more for the future, but aren’t sure how to begin,...

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Scheduling K-1 forms can cause stress and concerns for those aiming to file by the April 15 deadline. Despite this recurring deadline, the timely receipt of these essential forms remains a focus for many.Schedule K-1 is a federal tax...

Thursday, February 5, 2026

We’re living longer. Are we investing wiser? As our generation faces its golden years, we’re learning more and more about trends in aging and trends in investing.With a significant portion of the population maturing and retiring, the...

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

How much do you know about Social Security? Given how layered the topic can be, it’s wise to educate yourself as much as you can about your options. We have a number of resources on our website that can help you take a bite out of the...

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

When must you start Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from your Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)? If you have IRAs, you must begin taking annual withdrawals after age 73. Withdrawals from traditional IRAs are taxed as ordinary...

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

When you see the word “forecast,” it should be closely followed by, “Forecasts are based on assumptions and are subject to revisions over time. Financial, economic, political, and regulatory issues may cause the actual results to...

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

The holidays are here and gone, and with them, it must be said, a considerable amount of money. Not all of it is money that folks intended to spend. One survey found that 62 percent of Americans admitted that if a holiday deal is good...

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

As companies grow and develop, holding onto top talent can become critical to your success. In today's competitive market, employees have choices—and they're evaluating not just salary, but the benefits package employers offer. The...

Thursday, December 25, 2025

Social Security plays an important role in your retirement strategy. But, don’t forget, the amount you’ll receive depends on the age at which you file. You can start claiming benefits as early as 62, but for each month you delay past...

Thursday, December 18, 2025

Your retirement strategy is a journey that requires foresight, diligence, and a clear understanding of your financial needs. While there's no one-size-fits-all rule for determining how much you need to retire, there are some helpful...

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

At times, 2025 felt like an extraordinary year for stock investors. From tariff uncertainty to international tensions to drama at the Fed, 2025 felt like no other year before. But in hindsight, 2025 was pretty ordinary. In fact, from...

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

I wanted to remind you that the Medicare Open Enrollment period is approaching its close soon. This is your final opportunity to review and make any necessary changes to your Medicare coverage for the upcoming year. Key Details: Open...

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

One of the most beloved holidays on the American calendar is almost here. Thanksgiving is a time for families to gather and enjoy the year's bounty; a time for warmth, celebration, and gratitude. Some families like to gather around...

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

As we approach the end of the year, it’s an opportune time to review and optimize your financial and tax strategies. Here are some key considerations: 1. Tax-Advantaged Accounts: Contribute fully to retirement accounts, including any...

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Have you heard of the concept known as “Revenge Savings”? Gen Z’ers (born 1997 to 2012) have popularized the “vibe-based budgeting” this year. It’s the idea of stockpiling money to prepare for economic uncertainty, including a cooling...

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

“What’s the purpose of a retirement strategy?” It’s a simple question, but most get the answer wrong. Artificial intelligence got it wrong. AI Gemini says, “The purpose of creating a retirement strategy is to act as a comprehensive,...

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

October is coming to an end, and that means Halloween will be here before you know it. Are you ready for the holiday? If you have kids, no doubt they are! All Hallows Eve is celebrated in many ways today; they are all enjoyable. So,...

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

The SECURE Act 2.0 has introduced catch-up contribution choices for those aged 50+, designed to help boost your retirement savings. These enhanced catch-up provisions are available if you're participating in workplace retirement plans...

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Social Security plays an important role in your retirement strategy. But, don’t forget, the amount you’ll receive depends on the age at which you file. You can start claiming benefits as early as 62, but for each month you delay past...

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

This October it’s time to celebrate Filipino American History Month. Filipino Americans have a long and rich history in America, with the first “Luzones Indios” setting foot in Morro Bay, California on October 18, 1587. In October...

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Interest rates. Inflation Fears. Political Events. International Developments. During the past year, every one of these events have influenced stock prices. So when you hear that the financial markets are reacting to the news once...

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

No matter what your age, you probably have big plans for the future. Luckily, worrying about health care doesn’t have to get in the way of those plans. U.S. citizens aged 65 or older are eligible for Medicare Part A and Part B. Is...

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Want to get connected? We wanted to let you know about a whole new way to connect with us on your own time, through our social media channels. Our Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages feature helpful financial information, including...

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Hardly a day goes by that someone doesn’t say to me, “I’m putting off a decision until the Fed changes interest rates.” But I’m quick to remind people that the “rate dominoes” don’t always fall as you may expect. Here’s what could...

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling through your phone, computer, or tablet, and a notification pops up. “Update Me!” While that isn’t the exact wording, the meaning is the same. Something wants to be updated to the most recent...

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

When markets cycle lower like they have been lately, perspective is critical. If you’re not connected to someone with experience, it can be easy to miss the big picture. If you zoom out a bit in history, most investors haven't lived...

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Life doesn’t stand still. Neither do your life insurance needs. If you have a quote or policy and haven’t reviewed it lately, you may be surprised to discover that what worked for you then may not not meet your needs now. Luckily,...

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Summer is almost over, and August is nationally recognized as Make a Will Month. Although discussing wills may feel uncomfortable or seem far-off, it presents an important opportunity to reflect on our lives, our values, and the...

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

It’s easy to get excited reading the news. With all of the storm and stress of the last few years, it’s only natural to react to each ping of our phone’s news apps with a deep sigh and a cynical “what now?” The truth is, there’s...

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

I recently read an article in which a financial columnist for a major publication was the victim of an elaborate and expensive scam. The con transpired over several hours, but it began with a phone call from a "trusted" retailer's...

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Military members and their families face one-of-a-kind challenges, such as deployment to conflict zones, overseas assignments, and the constancy of change, all of which make dedicating time to personal finance a challenge. Luckily,...

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Americans seem upbeat about retirement, with more people preparing to retire at 70, according to the latest Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) study. Sometimes, though, reality gets in the way: the same survey found that 40...

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

No more passing them by when you see one on the sidewalk. Forget about wasting a couple by putting them in your loafers. And don’t even consider throwing them into a wishing well. The Treasury Department has announced that it is...

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Rare collectibles can provide an entertaining form of alternative “investment,” and might seem particularly intriguing when markets are wobblier than Aunt Gertrude’s jello salad. Comic books can sell for millions of dollars, for...

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Summer’s here, and the time is right for vacations, outdoor activities, and fun. It’s also a good time to consider a few financial matters. Here are some questions to ask yourself mid-year. Goals still the same this year? Has market...

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

The March consumer inflation report, which showed some prices at their lowest level in more than four years, was overlooked among all the tariff headlines. Core inflation, which excludes the volatile food and energy factors, rose at a...

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Ever considered writing your own will? While you can draft a will on your own, there are plenty of reasons why you may not want to go that route. Most people do it to save money, but they may overlook or forget to take care of some...

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Tracking inflation is like herding cats these days. Should you believe the monthly updates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, what the Fed says about future prices, or your own experience at the grocery store? The answer is maybe a...

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Did you know that for the 2024–2025 academic year, the average cost for one year of college—including tuition, fees, room, board, and other expenses—is $29,910? That price is for public four-year, in-state schools. To attend a private...

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Every investor knows there are highs and lows during the year. The challenge is remaining focused during the lows. As the 2025 tariff talks have progressed, stock prices have seen more down days than up days as the details get rolled...

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Have you heard the expression, “Watch what people do, not what they say?” That’s important these days when it comes to the economic outlook. Some people are “saying” the word recession like it’s a foregone conclusion. But let’s take a...

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Have you ever heard the expression, “It’s a buyer’s market?” That phrase describes what’s happening with today’s residential real estate: homes are selling for under their asking price and are taking longer to sell. Good news for...

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

The SECURE Act 2.0 has introduced catch-up contribution choices for those aged 50+, designed to help boost your retirement savings. These enhanced catch-up provisions are available if you're participating in workplace retirement plans...

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

The price action in this year’s stock market has me humming the 1970s tune by The Carpenters called “Rainy Days and Mondays.” As the chart shows, Mondays and Fridays have been awful for investors, while the mid-week days have...

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Do me a favor: print the chart in this email and pin it to your wall. I want you to have a constant reminder that stock prices see pullbacks several times during the year. It’s a normal, healthy part of the investing cycle. Is it...

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Warren Buffett, known by some as the Oracle of Omaha, gets much attention whenever he speaks on the record. In a letter opening his company’s annual report, he’s again caught the ear of the business world.1 Some highlights from the...

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

You may have heard about the recently signed Social Security Fairness Act and wondered what it was and how it might affect you. The Social Security Fairness Act eliminates two longstanding provisions for Social Security: the Windfall...

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

“Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful” is one of my favorite quotes by Warren Buffett. His words of wisdom encourage investors to be contrarian. He challenges investors to “go against the grain” when...

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Here’s a little-known fact that may help you save money on life insurance: when it comes to underwriting, insurance carriers typically rate clients to their closest birthday. What does that mean? It means that if you are 39 years and...

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

March 2025 The new Trump Administration has come out of the gate swinging with a myriad of geopolitical, domestic, and foreign trade proposals and executive orders that have reverberated across markets, supplemented with mixed, albeit...

Thursday, March 6, 2025

Are you in your early sixties and hoping to make a splash in your retirement strategy? The SECURE Act 2.0 introduced a $11,250 catch-up contribution for those aged 60-63. This “super catch-up” is part of a new tiered catch-up...

Thursday, February 27, 2025

Like you, I’ve read a few unsettling headlines in recent weeks–which has led to some moving and shaking on Wall Street. First, we read that “Chinese Start-Up DeepSeek Threatens American Artificial Intelligence Dominance.” That led to...

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Stock prices were jolted lower in late January on concerns that a “black swan” event may lead to some restructuring in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry. A Chinese AI firm appears to have developed a competitive AI model that...

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

As of today, major wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles County. To all those affected, whether directly or through friends and family, we offer our support, thoughts, and prayers. Disasters of this magnitude are often hard to...

Friday, March 1, 2024

By almost any measure, 2023 was a terrific year for stock prices. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index finished up 24%, closing out the year with a nine-week winning streak.1 But throughout January, the naysayers were out in force...

Friday, February 23, 2024

I can't remember the last time there was such a wide divergence in the outlook for short-term interest rates. But, some confusion is to be expected when the Federal Reserve primes the markets for lower rates but provides few details....

Friday, February 16, 2024

Discover the key considerations in choosing Medicare coverage, including costs, coverage rules, doctor choices, and travel coverage, among others. Plus, learn how to protect yourself from the Medicare COVID Test Scam, which involves...

Friday, February 9, 2024

As Valentine's Day approaches and Spring draws ever nearer, I thought it might be fun to look at the financial side of February 14. Shockingly, the day many consider the most romantic is also a sweet boost to our nation's economy....

Friday, February 2, 2024

By almost any measure, 2023 was a terrific year for stock prices. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index finished up 24%, closing out the year with a nine-week winning streak.1 But throughout January, the naysayers were out in force...

Monday, January 22, 2024

Fed Chair Powell finally made his much-anticipated “pivot” at the close of the Fed’s two-day December meeting, saying he sees short-term rates heading lower next year. Perhaps much lower. Surprised but excited, the...

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

In economics, there are lead indicators and lag indicators. But often, the coincident indicators–stats that show the current state of the U.S. economy–tell the best stories. The Conference Board reports that a record-high...

Monday, January 8, 2024

Time's Person of the Year, Taylor Swift, is shaking off economic downturns and hitting high notes not just on stage but in the U.S. economy, too. The pop sensation's impressive impact extends beyond her record-breaking music, reaching...

Monday, January 1, 2024

The Senate and the House have returned to work but are unlikely to get much done before the Christmas break— which means January is going to be busy. To recap, Congress passed a short-term budget package before the Thanksgiving...

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Many consider the University of Michigan the gold standard for reporting on consumer sentiment and trends. Among its 50 monthly reports, the most well-known is the "UMich Consumer Sentiment" survey, which measures consumer confidence....

Monday, December 18, 2023

The year is winding down, and you’re likely dealing with all that entails, including making health decisions and pondering the new year ahead. Have you had your annual wellness check for 2023? If not, you may want to schedule it...

Monday, December 11, 2023

The Internal Revenue Service recently released updated income tax brackets, standard deduction, and retirement contribution limits for the 2024 tax year. While these taxes are not due for some time, it may benefit you to start...

Friday, November 17, 2023

I've seen the "Boomerang Generation" in more than a few headlines lately. These young adults return, or "boomerang," to their parents' homes as they attempt to navigate the property market. The key culprit is mortgage rates nearing...

Friday, November 10, 2023

The year is winding down, and you’re likely dealing with all that entails, including making health decisions and pondering the new year ahead. Have you had your annual wellness check for 2023? If not, you may want to schedule it...

Friday, November 3, 2023

The Social Security Administration has announced a 3.2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2024. This adjustment means the average Social Security retiree beneficiary will see their monthly check increase by about $57 to $1,849,...

Saturday, October 28, 2023

We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling through your phone, computer, or tablet, and a notification pops up. “Update Me!” While that isn’t the exact wording, the meaning is the same. Something wants to be...

Saturday, October 21, 2023

The Fed’s ongoing pledge of “higher interest rates for longer” has rattled financial markets and raised the cost of everything from mortgages to credit cards. Now adding to tensions are the recent events in the...

Thursday, October 19, 2023

I hope this email finds you in high "spirits" as we approach the spookiest time of the year. As the days creep closer to Halloween, confectioners weave a sweet web in preparation for this enchanting holiday. Did you know that the...

Thursday, October 19, 2023

How long has it been since you’ve reviewed your Medicare policy? With open enrollment beginning soon, there are a few questions you may want to ask before you renew, add, drop, or switch coverage. Have you changed or added...

Friday, August 25, 2023

The Federal Reserve has a dual mandate—manage inflation and maximize employment. But sometimes, those economic goals conflict with each other. As you can see in the accompanying chart, labor shortages in 2022 pressured...

Friday, August 18, 2023

Like some of my clients, you may have seen the latest regarding Aretha Franklin's estate. The Queen of Soul passed in 2018, and years later, her loved ones are still caught in legal trials thanks to the existence of multiple wills. As...

Friday, August 11, 2023

Are you already planning for the end of the year? Where did the time go? In this edition, we’ll be looking into navigating Medicare for the first time, particularly if you are under the age of 65. Don’t forget Medicare...

Monday, August 7, 2023

If you've heard CEOs mention "A.I." multiple times during second-quarter conference calls, you're not imagining it. There have been an astounding 1,072 mentions of A.I. (and counting) so far.1 Some believe that A.I. has the potential...

Friday, July 28, 2023

As the Fed continues its fight against inflation, one of the more challenging parts of the economy is gauging what's happening in the jobs market.One July report showed the private sector added nearly 500,000 jobs, double the...

Friday, July 21, 2023

The U.S. Department of Education has officially announced that student loan payments will resume in October, ending the three-year-long pause that was implemented due to the pandemic.Starting September 1, interest will begin accruing...

Friday, July 14, 2023

The fourth Sunday in July is Parents’ Day in the United States, created by an act of Congress in 1994.While it may receive less attention than the well-known Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, Parents’ Day reflects...

Friday, June 23, 2023

Don't hold a surprise birthday party for Jerome Powell. He would hate it. And if you plan on visiting the Fed Chair, call first. He doesn't like surprises.Powell delivered on his March promise at the most recent Fed meeting by...

Friday, June 16, 2023

Summer’s here, and the time is right for fun in the sun (or shade). Like many of us, you’re probably looking forward to an extended getaway or family trip. But summer also means planning for hot weather, which can come with...

Friday, June 9, 2023

Would it surprise you to hear that investors have moved past worrying about inflation? They have, at least for now.Wall Street has shifted its attention to Washington’s budget negotiations and how the debt ceiling will be...

Friday, May 19, 2023

Are you saving for the future?People often come to me asking for financial guidance. Some want to know how to invest or diversify the money they’ve saved, but others admit to me they’re just not sure how to save. If...

Friday, May 12, 2023

A special day for moms everywhere arrives in May. Celebrate the moms you know in any way you can. Let them know that you appreciate the wonderful and invaluable roles that they play. This is just a little note to encourage you to take...

Friday, May 5, 2023

Over the next several weeks, we will hear from corporate leaders as they update investors on their first-quarter financials and provide a glimpse into the rest of the year.But this quarter, the actual financial results may be of only...

Monday, May 1, 2023

May is a month to celebrate the older Americans in our country and honor their lives and the accomplishments they still have ahead of them.Older Americans Month was established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy to bring awareness to...

Friday, April 14, 2023

Jerome Powell would be terrible to have in your book club. He would always reveal how the book would end.When the Fed Chair spoke following the Fed meeting in February, he said, “we’re in the early stages of...

Friday, April 7, 2023

Last year, we all witnessed some anxiety-producing headlines.I hope our firm's communications deliver a balanced view of breaking news, regulatory and tax law changes, economic topics, and timely market updates. Our goal is to keep you...

Friday, March 31, 2023

Even the most thought-out financial strategy may need to be adjusted for unexpected events, such as changes to your family life or career, or shifts in your family priorities. These are important opportunities for us to connect and...

Friday, March 24, 2023

The time following Valentine's Day has always served as a reminder that Spring is on the way. The days are getting longer, the birds and the bees are doing their thing, and people everywhere are thinking about future travel and...

Friday, March 3, 2023

March is Women's History Month, a time to recognize the remarkable contributions of women throughout history. This year's theme is "Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories," We're honored to share a few examples of women who continue to...

Friday, February 24, 2023

The stock market can provide some head-scratching moments, which is why I like Warren Buffet’s quote, “...don’t watch the market closely.”Stocks have been strong this year, and they rallied sharply before...

Friday, February 17, 2023

The December inflation report had some encouraging news. It showed that consumer prices trended lower for the month, but more importantly, it confirmed that overall prices have been trending lower for the past six months.Now the ball...

Saturday, February 11, 2023

As the biggest sporting event of the year approaches, football fans all over the nation (including us) are gearing up for the Big Game on Sunday, February 12, at 6:30 PM ET.For many, Sunday means a day of tasty tailgating and...

Friday, February 3, 2023

In celebration of the achievements of Black Americans and their integral role in our nation’s history, here are eight Black wealth builders we believe should be remembered. These individuals deserve recognition for their...

Friday, January 20, 2023

Are you saving for the future?People often come to me asking for financial guidance. Some want to know how to invest or diversify the money they’ve saved, but others admit to me they’re just not sure how to save. If...

Friday, January 13, 2023

While you probably already found your notice in the mail, you may be curious about the COLA increase happening for Social Security recipients in the New Year. Starting in January, beneficiaries will see an 8.7% increase to help offset...

Friday, January 6, 2023

Congress spent the final days of 2022 on new reforms designed to help Americans save more for retirement.You may hear the changes called SECURE Act 2.0, which is a follow-up to the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement...

Friday, December 30, 2022

What does the bond market know that the Fed isn’t telling us?Fed officials recently have said that short-term rates will need to climb to over 5 percent to bring inflation under control. But in the table below, you can see that...

Friday, December 23, 2022

It’s easy to get excited reading the news. With all of the storm and stress of the last few years, it’s only natural to react to each ping of our phone’s news apps with a deep sigh and a cynical “what...

Monday, December 19, 2022

Based upon a new California tax case decision, scheduled federal tax law sunset provisions, and a new City of Los Angeles transfer tax enacted in the just concluded November 2022 election, new changes are coming to the taxation of real e...

Friday, December 16, 2022

Knowing when it’s the right time to retire can be difficult, especially if you love your job. Even professional athletes have a hard time knowing when to walk away!These athletes thought they were ready for retirement but...

Friday, December 9, 2022

The Internal Revenue Service has released new limits for the coming year. After months of high inflation and financial uncertainty, some of these cost-of-living-based adjustments have reached near-record levels.Individual Retirement...

Monday, October 31, 2022

Wall Street is always searching for a hero to embrace or a villain to blame. And right now, Fed Chair Jerome Powell is the villain.After the September Fed meeting, Powell said interest rates may be heading higher for longer than...

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

From independent contractors to gig workers to freelancers — a growing number of organizations rely on part-time employees to get the job done. In fact, as of March 2022 there were around 25.9 million people employed on a...

Thursday, May 26, 2022

Organizations that offer their employees 401(k) and 403(b) plans may want to keep track of key legislative changes looming on the horizon. Recently, the House of Representatives introduced a bipartisan bill designed to help more...

Thursday, May 5, 2022

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Monday, November 8, 2021

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Most people are aware that long-term care costs are rising dramatically Coupled with people generally living longer, many are struggling with how to finance long-term care in the highly likely event that we will need it later in life....

Friday, July 30, 2021

Ask any HR Director, and they’ll tell you there’s a talent war going on. Non-profit organizations are not exempt. In the quest to attract, recruit, and retain top-tier leadership in today’s competitive hiring...

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Evaluating Your Executive Compensation Ideally, your mission is the main reason top-tier talent are drawn to your non-profit organization. But when it comes to recruiting and retaining high-performing executives, non-profits find...

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Social responsibility is integral to your organization’s mission. But what about financial responsibility? As organizations strive to balance the desire to do good with the need to perform well, they’re starting to take a...

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Americans are living longer, and that’s great news. Extended lifespans, however, can also come with added anxiety, as people begin to ask themselves: “Who will take care of me when I’m older? And how will I pay for...