Preparing for college goes beyond dorm shopping—it’s about finalizing paperwork, having key conversations, and setting a strong financial foundation. From budgeting and insurance to emotional readiness, families can ease the transition. With the One Big Beautiful Bill Act reshaping college financing, thoughtful planning is crucial. Whitaker-Myers offers tools, guidance, and consultations to help students start college with confidence.

A tax refund isn’t a bonus—it’s proof you overpaid the IRS. By understanding your paycheck—earnings, pre-tax deductions, taxes, and net pay—you can adjust your federal withholding and keep more money in your pocket each month. For example, one couple discovered they’d loaned the government $7,000 interest-free. With the right strategy, that money could boost savings, investments, or debt payoff. Take control of your paycheck with smart planning and professional guidance.

ETFs offer investors diversification, liquidity, low costs, transparency, tax efficiency, and easy entry with small investments. Beyond traditional stocks and bonds, new ETF structures now provide access to asset classes like Private Credit and Cryptocurrency, once limited to wealthy investors. These features make ETFs a powerful tool for building wealth, managing risk, and customizing portfolios to meet financial goals.

Real estate can be a powerful tool for portfolio diversification, offering passive income, appreciation potential, and tax benefits. Unlike stocks and bonds, it provides stability during market volatility and allows greater control through active management. While risks like illiquidity and tenant challenges exist, strategic planning can help mitigate them. For many investors, real estate is a smart way to build wealth and strengthen financial security.

Peter Lynch once said, “If you spend more than 13 minutes analyzing forecasts, you’ve wasted 10.” His advice: ignore the noise and focus on your strategy. Mid-2025 returns show the S&P 500 up 8.1%, Nasdaq up 9.1%, Dow up 5%, Russell up 2.3%, and MSCI EAFE up 20%. Tech leaders like Nvidia and Microsoft boosted gains, while Apple and Tesla lagged. Diversification remains key. Stay the course—volatility is the cost of strong long-term returns.

Starting in 2025, Ohio will lower its top income tax rate from 3.5% to 3.125% and shift to a flat 2.75% rate in 2026 for income over $26,050—making it the 2nd lowest state income tax in the U.S. among taxed states. Local taxes still apply and vary by city or district. These updates may impact your financial strategy. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers can help you plan ahead and maximize your take-home income.

An income floor is the minimum reliable monthly income needed in retirement to cover essential expenses like housing, food, and healthcare. It typically includes Social Security, pensions, and dividends. Building this foundation offers stability, reduces the risk of selling investments during downturns, and supports long-term security. Pairing it with a solid budget helps retirees confidently manage cash flow and maintain their lifestyle.

Consistently investing through dollar-cost averaging (DCA) helps reduce emotional stress and risk, even when markets hit all-time highs. Historical data shows buying at market peaks often leads to strong long-term returns, with nearly 30% of past highs becoming lasting floors. Rather than waiting for the perfect moment, disciplined, regular investing—Always Be Buying (ABB)—has proven to be a reliable strategy for long-term wealth building.

A new provision in the tax bill creates “Trump Accounts” for babies born between 2025–2028, starting with a $1,000 government deposit and allowing up to $5,000/year in contributions. Invested in a stock index fund, these accounts could grow into millions by age 50 through consistent saving and compounding. With just $50/month, families can give children a powerful financial head start. Learn how to make the most of this opportunity.

In investing, risk isn’t binary—it’s a spectrum. Advisors help manage unsystematic risks like business or regulatory issues through diversification and planning. While systematic risks like inflation or geopolitical events can’t be controlled, advisors prepare clients to navigate them with confidence. It’s not about predicting the future—it’s about being ready for it. Ready to build resilience into your plan? Let’s talk.

The idea that the U.S. dollar is on the verge of collapse is largely hype. Despite rising debt and global tensions, no other currency offers the trust, liquidity, and stability of the dollar. The U.S. economy’s size, innovation, and rule of law keep it at the center of global finance. While headlines fuel fear, the dollar’s dominance remains strong. Long-term investors are wise to stay steady and not be swayed by doomsday predictions.

Rising tensions between Israel and Iran have led to market volatility and energy price swings. While geopolitical events can cause short-term disruption, history shows markets typically recover. Investors should avoid overreacting and stay focused on long-term goals. U.S. energy independence helps buffer economic risks, and diversified portfolios remain the best defense in uncertain times.

Large IRA or 401(k) balances can trigger Medicare surcharges through IRMAA once Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) begin at age 73. Even modest withdrawals can push income over IRMAA thresholds, raising Medicare Part B and D premiums. Strategies like Roth conversions, Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), and delaying Social Security can help reduce future IRMAA exposure. Speak with a Whitaker-Myers advisor to protect your retirement income.

Buying a home is a major financial decision influenced by interest rates, housing prices, and your personal readiness. While market timing matters, the best time to buy is when you're financially prepared—debt-free, with a full emergency fund, and savings for a down payment. Follow Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps and consider your long-term goals. For personalized guidance, speak with a Whitaker-Myers financial advisor today.

Investor psychology plays a powerful role in decision-making, especially during market volatility. Common behavioral biases like loss aversion, herd mentality, overconfidence, recency bias, and anchoring can lead to emotional and costly investment choices. By understanding these biases and focusing on long-term goals, diversification, and a solid financial plan—ideally with professional guidance—investors can stay disciplined and make smarter decisions.

While headlines scream about rising U.S. debt, the real story might be more hopeful. From untapped national assets to a coming wave of AI-driven productivity, America’s balance sheet may be stronger than it seems. In this article, we explore why debt-to-GDP headlines don’t tell the full story—and why long-term investors can remain confident in the nation’s resilience and capacity to grow through innovation, strength, and strategic planning.

Getting rich and building wealth aren't the same. Riches can come fast and disappear just as quickly. Wealth is built over time—through discipline, smart investing, and long-term planning. One is flashy; the other is lasting. At Whitaker-Myers, we help you take the steady, proven path to true financial security. Don't just get rich—build wealth that lasts.

A recession is a period of economic decline, often marked by reduced spending, job cuts, and falling GDP. While headlines may predict it, we usually only recognize a recession in hindsight through lagging indicators like unemployment and corporate earnings. Market downturns can create long-term opportunities for investors, but strategies vary by situation. Always consult a financial advisor to navigate uncertain times and protect your financial goals.

Baby Step 4 of the Ramsey Plan recommends saving 15% of your gross income for retirement. This guide explains how to structure those savings using a 401(k), Roth IRA, or taxable brokerage depending on your income, filing status, and employer plan access. Key rule: “Match beats Roth, Roth beats Pre-Tax.” Whether you're single or married, with or without a plan, there’s a strategy to fit your situation. Consult a financial advisor to create a plan that works for you.

The U.S. faces a $36 trillion national debt and a $1.8 trillion deficit. With most revenue tied up in mandatory spending, there’s little left for other needs. Cutting discretionary spending alone won’t balance the budget—economic growth, increased tax revenue, or reduced defense spending are needed. Efforts like DOGE help reduce waste, but long-term discipline and smart policy are essential. Like personal finance, fixing national debt requires focus and tough choices.