Blog

If you could give advice to your 10-year-old self, what would it be? If you're like us, it would be, "Start saving now!" April 27 is Teach Children To Save Day and a great chance to start the kids in your life on the savings journey...

Fiesta Fun Fact: A Night In Old San Antonio (NIOSA) is the top fundraiser for historic preservation in the United States -- living up to its motto as a “Celebration for Preservation." Get yourself out there! Click here to...

It's never too late to take control of your financial future and to understand the factors that affect your wealth. Financial Literacy Month is a great time take yourself "to school" in money matters!Click here to read article

After two years of increases, home prices have been falling in 2023. Is now the time to buy?Click here to read article

It's April, and you know what that means -- FIESTA is upon us! Check out the official event calendar and see how many festivities you can pack in!https://fiestasanantonio.org/official-fiesta-event-calendar/

It's the last day of Women's History Month! We celebrate YOU as a MAKER!

Cognitive decline is a risk we don’t often associate with the money side of retirement, but it's something everyone ought to consider, especially when dealing with elderly parents. Click here to read article

Remember how hard it was to find your way around before GPS? It's gotten a lot easier, and you can thank Gladys West!Click here to read

Losing a Parent is a Difficult and Emotional Experience

Gina Hughes

Friday, March 24, 2023

Losing a parent is a difficult and emotional experience -- and we're all going to go through it.If you're inheriting money or property from your parent, it can be overwhelming to navigate this transition when you're already dealing...

Two weeks ago most of us had never heard of Silicon Valley Bank, and now they're practically a household name. Here's what you need to know about this month's banking news...Click here to read article

The four-week countdown to tax filing deadline has begun! If you're expecting a refund, check out this guide to how long it should take based on how you file and how you will receive your funds.Click here to read article

There are a lot of things to look forward to in retirement. But have you thought about the things it'll be hard to leave behind?Click here to read article

Getting (and staying!) organized for tax season isn't easy, but it's an effort that pays big dividends. Here are some tips that will help increase your efficiency -- and reduce stress.Click here to read article

We want to let you know that with the recent rise in interest rates, our money market and CD rates have also increased significantly. If you have accumulated cash in your bank account, we encourage you to contact us to learn more about...

With the recent news of the FDIC taking over a bank in California and another in New York, we want to keep you informed of the facts that can get buried in the news by sharing this overview from our very own Kara Murphy, Chief...

What's stronger than a woman? A TEXAS woman! Click here to read article

It's unthinkable but happening more and more -- your benefits can be stolen in some very sneaky ways. Here are some ways to protect yourself. Click here to read article

"Hurray, it's tax season!" (said no one, ever). But April 18 is just six weeks away and we know you want to be prepared. Stay tuned in the next few weeks for other helpful resources... Click here to read article

Millions of gift cards go unused each year and have a collective value estimated to be in the billions of dollars. Could there be a nest egg in your purse or top drawer?  Click here to read article

January's inflation numbers came in "hotter" than expected -- gas, food, airfares, but there was also some good news -- appliances, computers, used cars. What has stood out to you? Click here to read article

There's been a lot of talk about the hopes for a "soft landing" for the economy. Whatever the landing, there's good news for Texas: "The state's robust energy and labor markets and growing population can serve as shock absorbers if the...

Did the pandemic or other lifestyle issues change the way you manage your personal physical fitness? See how gyms are responding to a changing, increasingly digital market. Click here to read article

We are happy to announce that your Makers’ accounts can be linked to TurboTax software in order to upload 2022 tax documents. Attached is a PDF with instructions for creating this link. Turbo Tax...

"It may take more than roses for romance to flourish this Valentine's Day – many couples want to talk about their finances, too, a recent survey said."  Click here to read article

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day! It's the perfect time to celebrate your relationship, but it's also a great reminder to make sure that the names on your accounts and investments are listed correctly and that the ones you assume are joint...

There's a lot to remember at this time of year as we head toward the April 18 tax filing deadline. Here's a list of memory-joggers that will help you get your investment information ready. Click here to read article

Few life elements have as much impact on your financial life as your primary relationship with a spouse or partner. In this month celebrating love, it's a great time to have honest discussions and a financial review! Click here to...

We know you've noticed that in all the recent inflation, your omelet has become "eggs-orbitant"! (But hey, at least there's one reason to be glad you're not living in Hawaii!) Click here to read article

Do you have any idea what the worst – and most dangerous – financial trait could be? Click here to read article

If you’ve ever experienced the nightmare of identity theft, you might not think you need any more “awareness.” But thieves are always developing new ways to steal your good name and your credit! So during this...

We’re past the holiday season, and like it or not, we’re now officially in tax filing season. As it does almost every year, the IRS has announced changes for the 2022 tax year. Don’t let these catch you by...

If a once-in-a-generation real estate market bubble caused you to think twice about a new home or property investment, 2023 could be your year. Click here to read article

Inflation isn’t the only thing hitting pocketbooks this year. A new program will mean additional costs for Bexar County vehicle owners and local vehicle inspection shops. Click here to read artcile

Good afternoon, just a quick note...The IRS has announced changes in several areas for the tax year 2023 and beyond, many of which may affect you and will be important to be aware of as you make decisions about retirement investments....

Today is International Day of Education – a great day to read about the difference that quality education makes around the world. But it’s also a good time to brush up on your “529 Plan” knowledge! Contact us if...

You’ve probably heard about the scary shortages of children’s over-the-counter meds this winter. Here’s an update on the situation in south Texas and advice from pediatricians. Click here to read article

How’s it going with those New Year’s resolutions? It’s not too late to start fresh, and here are some ideas for a fresh financial 2023. Click here to read article

We’ve just made it through a year of unusual market volatility, and we may be looking at a few more months of the same. The good news is that there are ways to be prepared. Click here to read the article

Travel by car for your business? There’s good news if you use the standard mileage rate for deducting your travel costs rather than actual operating expenses (gas, oil, repairs, etc.). The IRS has announced that the rate will...

“Perhaps you thought the medical treatment you recently received was covered by your health insurance and didn’t give it a second thought. A few weeks later, however, you receive a letter from your insurance company stating...

If you have a “side gig” and were concerned about new rules governing payments customers make to you through Paypal or Venmo, you can breathe a bit easier: The IRS has announced a one-year delay in the proposed changes...

We hope that you and your family are experiencing a meaningful and joyful holiday season and looking forward to the turning of the calendar page to a fresh new year.How grateful we are to partner with you! We enter 2023 with a deep...

You’ve made thoughtful decisions about your year-end giving … do you know what you’ll need in order to receive your deduction from the IRS? Click here to read article

Is travel on your list of goals for the new year? Whether it’s a visit to extended family, a business conference, or that “bucket list” vacation, don’t let bad actors ruin it all!  Click here...

The end of the year is often a busy season when our minds are focused on the holidays – but it’s also important to carve out time to take an assessment of your financial health. Click here to read article

You might be finished with this year’s decorating, but here are a few last-minute Christmas-y ideas based on what’s been trending in 2022. Click here to read article

Just eleven days left to finalize your charitable giving for 2022. Who, what, where, when, how, and – most importantly – why?  Click here to read article

LEI, CPI, PPI, WPI, GDP – confused by all the acronyms that affect your pocketbook and the future of the economy? Here’s a primer. Click here to read article

Ten days before Christmas! Budgeting has been more of a challenge this year, and not just because the prices of gifts are often higher. Here’s a look at some other ways inflation is affecting us through the...

Who doesn’t love a family Christmas tradition? Is there a tradition you wish you’d started long ago and didn’t? Click here to read the article

Are there discussions you need to be having with your parents (or your children) regarding the “golden years”? Contact us if this is an area of your financial planning that needs to be explored. Click here to read article

Remote work surged in the pandemic era — but this trend, borne of necessity for public health, has now become a fixture of the U.S. job market. Click here to read article

Did you know that while the U.S. “Personal Saving Rate” had risen during the pandemic, it has now plunged to 2.3% of disposable income? This is the lowest rate since before the last recession. What plans are you making to...

Just a few more weeks in the year, and a great time to be thinking about your year-end charitable donations. Here are some things to consider as you make these important decisions…Click here to read article

Just one month left to make some of those critical decisions that will affect your 2022 tax bill. Don’t let the busy-ness of the holidays keep you from making sure you’re ready. (And if you have questions, call...

We see you there with that last piece of pie in your hand…hopefully you have leftovers to make turkey or ham sandwiches this weekend. Inflation took more than just a “bite” out of the fixings this year, so...

Much of the current inflationary pain is right in front of our eyes: costs for food, gas, travel, and housing. But some of inflation’s effects are not as visible – and could be even more dangerous if they catch you...

Feel as though this year has gone a lot faster than the last two did? We do too! And it’s now less than six weeks until Christmas, so time to get your shopping on! Click here to read article

November is National Family Caregiver Month. This year’s theme is “Caregiving Around the Clock.” If you are a family caregiver or know someone who is, you know how important a support network can be. Reach out this...

How much do you know about the Consumer Price Index? “The CPI remains the most-quoted measure of living costs today…It is also used as a proxy for inflation in adjusting union wages, Social Security payments, income tax...

Just two weeks until Thanksgiving, and if you’re already shopping for the big meal, you know that prices are the highest in recent memory. Some retailers are trying to help.Click here to read article

Great advice from top financial advisors: It all comes down to discipline. Click here to read article

Election time is here. You may have gone to the polls early, or perhaps you’re waiting until Election Day on Tuesday. Either way, we hope you’re participating and paying close attention to races and issues where you live...

It’s no secret that interest rates on everything from credit cards to car loans and home mortgages are climbing fast. But it’s not all bad news – there are ways to come out ahead. Click here to read article

Boo! You know what’s really scary? Treating your financial future like fantasy football! Click here to read article

Whether you’re planning business, pleasure, or holiday travel, you’re sure to notice the high cost and, in some markets, the limited options in air travel. Click here to read article

Inflation is taking a big bite out of everything we buy. But there might be a bit of relief come tax filing time.Click here to read the article

Important news today for your 401K, your IRA...and your future.Click here to read article

We all want to leave a legacy for our kids and grandkids. But how do we include them in that legacy now?Click here to read article

Is all or part of your income in the category of contract or 1099 work? If so, you could be affected by proposed changes in labor law. Click here to read the article

It’s a misconception many of us have, and it can hurt your credit.Click here to read article

September’s Consumer Price Index numbers have just been released, and we’re all affected.Click here to read article

The Social Security Administration has just made its announcement of the annual cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, for 2023. The agency bases this adjustment on the inflation rate during the third quarter, July through September. The...

2023 could see the highest COLA on record, as inflation batters recent Social Security measures. Click here to read the article

Changes in Social Security matter… whether you’re already drawing, or whether you’re years away.Click here to read the article.

This is news we hope you never need … but when you know, you know.Click here to read article

We know that women are likely to outlive their husbands. But did you know that in many cases surviving your spouse can actually mean needing to retire earlier than you planned?Click her to read article

It's been an uncomfortable year in the financial markets, to say the least. Long story short, increasing panic about inflation and rising interest rates has caused serious volatility in the markets.  It's human nature to let...

One of the most devastating experiences in life is the loss of a spouse. And the last thing you want amidst the grief and confusion is not knowing where you stand financially or how to take those first steps toward doing everything on...

These are volatile times, and everywhere you turn there are all sorts of predictions about what’s to come. One thing you can do to be prepared is to stay informed about some of the terms being discussed.The buzz this week is...

Click here to read Gina and Lisa’s article published in The Dominion Magazine.

There’s no doubt about it: we are experiencing a challenging market. Nothing about the drops today and last week are comfortable…you may have been through swings like this time and come out on the other side in one piece,...