Blog

For many small business owners, one of the simplest questions can be difficult to answer: “How much should I be paying myself?” Some owners take too little, reinvesting everything back into the business. Others take whatever is left at...

When most business owners start their company, one of the first decisions they make is choosing a legal structure. They form an LLC, elect S corporation status, or begin operating as a sole proprietor, often based on simple advice or...

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...

Have you recently received a bonus from your employer? While bonuses can be a welcome boost to your income, they often come with questions—and surprises—at tax time. Understanding how bonuses are taxed and withheld can help you plan...

For many business owners, success looks strong from the outside. Revenue is healthy. The team is growing. The business has real value. Yet when asked a simple question:“How financially secure are you, separate from the business? The...

For many business owners, success looks like this: steady revenue, a growing team, and a full calendar. On paper, things are working. But beneath the surface, no one discusses the quiet reality: the business depends too much on you. If...

In today's corporate environment, cost cutting, restructuring, and downsizing are the norm, and many employers are offering their employees early retirement packages. But how do you know if the seemingly attractive offer you've...

As we step into 2026, it's essential to understand the economic forces shaping the investment landscape. While the future remains uncertain, current projections offer valuable insights for investors seeking to align their strategies...

Every new year brings the opportunity to set financial goals, but many resolutions fizzle out before February. Whether your priority is saving more, paying down debt, or investing for the future, creating a realistic plan and adopting...

What is it? You and your spouse have recently divorced or are planning to divorce. Either one of you may have life insurance policies in effect, and you probably have questions about your new and continuing needs for life insurance....

As a partner or co-owner (private shareholder) of a business, you've spent years building a valuable financial interest in your company. You may have considered setting up a buy-sell agreement to ensure your surviving family a smooth...

The end of the year is a natural time to take stock of your financial picture. This includes the insurance coverage that protects your income, family, and assets. Life changes, inflation, and shifting financial goals can all affect how...

As the year comes to a close, it’s a good time to check in on your investment portfolio. Market fluctuations, changing interest rates, and personal milestones can all impact whether your investments still align with your goals and...

Planning on working during retirement? If so, you're not alone. An increasing number of employees nearing retirement plan to work at least some period of time during their retirement years. Why work during retirement? Obviously, if you...

What are appropriate checklists for year-end tax planning? Tax planners often develop checklists to guide taxpayers toward year-end strategies that might help reduce taxes. Typically, suggestions are grouped into several different...

The holidays can be joyful and expensive. With higher prices on everything from travel to groceries and endless options for gifts, it’s easy for spending to spiral. A thoughtful plan can help you keep the season merry without straining...

Thanksgiving brings together two of life’s best things: food and family. Whether you’ve been heading to grandma’s house for the past 20 years or you’re hosting your first Friendsgiving in a tiny apartment, the same beloved traditions...

Life insurance can be an excellent tool for charitable giving. Not only does life insurance allow you to make a substantial gift to charity at relatively little cost to you, but you may also benefit from tax rules that apply to gifts...

Making decisions about your retirement account can seem overwhelming, especially if you feel unsure about your knowledge of investments. However, the following basic rules can help you make smarter choices regardless of whether you...

Children are a special blessing and their arrival brings boundless love and joy into our lives that you can't put a price on. But adding a child to the household impacts the family budget in very measurable ways. Whether this is your...

What are budget goals? Think of your budget goals as your financial wish list and your spending plan as a way to make those wishes a reality. Without clear budget goals, your financial life may remain in disarray. Like any other goals...

The traditional image of retirement often involves a clear-cut path: work for X years, retire at age Y, and live comfortably on a pension and Social Security. While appealing, this retirement picture is rapidly changing. Today, the...

When it comes to something as personal as our finances, it's natural that our individual perspectives, experiences, and even our gender can shape how we approach money and who we trust for advice. A study conducted by Barnum Financial...

The underwriting process is how an insurance company evaluates the risk of insuring an applicant to determine their eligibility for coverage and set the appropriate premium. It's a comprehensive review that assesses a wide range of...

In the world of financial planning, few tools are as universally valued as life insurance. While some people may put off having the conversation, our Study of Working Americans reveals a powerful truth: those who have it, value it...

What is maximizing the estate planning value of life insurance?Simply put, maximizing the estate planning value of life insurance means getting the most bang for your buck. That is, it involves keeping as much of the proceeds as...

You know how important it is to plan for your retirement, but where do you begin? One of your first steps should be to estimate how much income you'll need to fund your retirement. That's not as easy as it sounds, because retirement...

As the Connecticut summer winds down, an opportunity emerges for savvy shoppers and families gearing up for fall: the annual Sales Tax-Free Week. From Saturday, August 17th, through Friday, August 23rd, 2025, residents of Connecticut...

Entrepreneurs face distinct challenges when securing their retirement. Their fluctuating business income, coupled with the inherent uncertainties of a dynamic business plan, creates a unique landscape compared to traditional employment...

You vaguely remember signing a form every year at college registration time. Now that you've graduated, it's all become painfully clear — those forms were promissory notes detailing your student loan obligations. Your loans aren't...

As the summer winds down, many families find themselves in a natural moment of reflection – shifting focus from leisurely pursuits to the long-term stewardship of their legacy. August, often a quieter period, presents a strategic...

Life's an unpredictable journey, isn't it? One moment you're cruising, and the next you're navigating a sharp turn. It could be a new job, a growing family, or an unexpected expense. These shifts, big and small, directly impact your...

You've worked hard your whole life anticipating the day you could finally retire. Congratulations — that day has arrived! But with it comes the realization that you'll need to carefully manage your assets to give them lasting potential...

A Look at Its History, Importance, and Evolving Landscape The American workplace has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past century, and with it, the nature of employee benefits. In the midst of this evolution, one piece of...

Medicare, the federal health insurance program for Americans aged 65 or older and certain younger individuals with disabilities, is constantly evolving. The updates primarily driven by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA), aim to...

As the cost of a college education continues to climb, many grandparents are stepping in to help. This trend is expected to accelerate as baby boomers, many of whom went to college, become grandparents and start gifting what's...

Why Financial Literacy Matters for Your Future (and How to Improve It)

John Corraro, AIF®

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

We live in a world where financial decisions are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. From managing student loans to planning for retirement, the ability to navigate the complexities of personal finance is more crucial than ever....

Addressing the Emotional Barriers to Life Insurance Planning

John Corraro, AIF®

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Life insurance. It's a topic that often elicits a mix of emotions: concern, perhaps a touch of anxiety, and for some, a sense of overwhelming dread. We know, as financial professionals, that it's a crucial component of a sound...