Brooks Stahlnecker Brooks Stahlnecker

Behavioral Trap: Why We Avoid Talking About Illness & Aging

We all know the conversation is coming—but we tend to delay it as long as we can.

Talking about aging, illness, and the possibility of needing care someday often stirs something deep in us. It’s not just about logistics or finances—it’s about vulnerability, loss of control, and the fear of becoming a burden.

This is what behavioral psychologists call “avoidance coping.” We put off thinking about hard things because they make us uncomfortable. But the irony is that avoiding these conversations often leads to even more stress down the line—especially for the people we love.

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Brooks Stahlnecker Brooks Stahlnecker

Long-Term Care: When Self-Insurance is Too Risky

The Hidden Cost of Aging

As we plan for retirement, we often focus on building savings, managing investments, and securing our homes and families. But one critical area frequently overlooked is the potential need for long-term care. Whether due to aging, illness, or injury, needing assistance with daily activities is a reality for many—and the costs can be staggering.

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Brooks Stahlnecker Brooks Stahlnecker

Life Insurance: It’s Not About You—It’s About Who You Love

Life insurance isn’t a topic most people enjoy discussing. It’s easy to push it aside, thinking it’s only for older people or those with dependents. But the truth is, life insurance is less about you and more about the people you love and the responsibilities you carry. It’s a way to ensure that, no matter what happens, your family is protected and your legacy endures.

Life insurance isn’t just about money—it’s about peace of mind. If something happens to you, your policy can help your family cover everyday expenses, pay off debts, and maintain their standard of living. For parents, it can mean the difference between your children’s future being secure or uncertain.

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Brooks Stahlnecker Brooks Stahlnecker

Navigating the Markets: What the Fed's Latest Move Means for You

Navigating the Markets: What the Fed's Latest Move Means for You

Making Sense of the Federal Reserve's Recent Decision

The Federal Reserve just decided to keep interest rates where they are. This choice tells us a lot about where the economy stands and what might come next. Let's look at what this means for your money in plain English.

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Brooks Stahlnecker Brooks Stahlnecker

Nobel Prize-Winning Investment Strategies: The Science of Investing

When Nobel Prize-winning economist Eugene Fama revolutionized finance with his Efficient Market Hypothesis, he fundamentally changed how we understand investing. His groundbreaking research proves that markets are remarkably efficient at processing information, making it virtually impossible to consistently beat the market through stock picking or market timing. This scientific approach to investing offers profound lessons for building wealth over the long term.

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Brooks Stahlnecker Brooks Stahlnecker

Is Long-Term Care Insurance Right for You?

How to make a smart decision for your future care needs

Making Sense of Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care (LTC) insurance helps cover the cost of services like home care, assisted living, or nursing home care—expenses that aren’t typically covered by Medicare. But choosing the right policy isn’t always simple. It’s important to ask the right questions and weigh your options based on your health, finances, and goals for the future.

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Brooks Stahlnecker Brooks Stahlnecker

How to Make Your Money Last in Retirement: The 3-Bucket Strategy

Planning for retirement can feel overwhelming. You’ve worked hard, saved diligently, and now the question is: How do I turn my savings into income that lasts?

One easy-to-understand approach is called the 3-Bucket Strategy. It breaks your retirement savings into three “buckets,” based on when you’ll need the money. This method helps you stay on track, avoid panic during market drops, and sleep a little better at night.

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Brooks Stahlnecker Brooks Stahlnecker

5 Key Considerations for Long-Term Care Planning

5 Key Long-Term Care Planning Tips Every Pre-Retiree Should Know

Over half of Americans turning 65 today will need some form of long-term care—yet many haven’t planned for it. In this article, we walk through five essential considerations to help you prepare, including how to time your planning, evaluate your insurance options, and protect your retirement assets against rising care costs. Whether you're exploring hybrid policies, inflation protection, or simply want to understand your future care needs, this guide will help you build a personalized strategy with confidence. Don’t wait—secure your future with smart long-term care planning today.

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Brooks Stahlnecker Brooks Stahlnecker

Revisiting College Savings Plans: Are You Financially Prepared?

As college costs continue to rise, now is the time to revisit your education savings plan. This article covers smart strategies for using 529 plans, maximizing financial aid and scholarships, and managing student loans—while balancing college savings with your broader financial goals.

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Brooks Stahlnecker Brooks Stahlnecker

The Importance of Identifying Your Financial Gaps

Learn why identifying financial gaps is the first step toward true financial security. Discover how the Financial Fire Drill™ helps you organize key documents, clarify decision-makers, and prepare for the unexpected—before a crisis hits.

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Brooks Stahlnecker Brooks Stahlnecker

Debunking Common Investment Myths

Investing is an essential component of building wealth and planning for the future, yet many misconceptions can cloud judgment and lead to poor decision-making. Misinformation often spreads through word of mouth, outdated advice, or misunderstood financial concepts.

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Brooks Stahlnecker Brooks Stahlnecker

Staying Steady When the Market Isn’t

The market’s been a little rocky lately, and if you’re feeling unsure—you’re not alone. But market ups and downs are nothing new, and they don’t have to derail your plans. In this post, we share a simple way to stay steady during uncertain times, with practical strategies like the “bucket” approach, rebalancing, and the power of staying invested. No jargon, no panic—just a calm, clear path forward.

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