Markets move in cycles, and successful investing requires both long-term strategy and tactical flexibility. This article explores how strategic and tactical asset allocation can help investors manage risk, respond to changing market conditions, and make retirement withdrawals more efficiently. Learn how a disciplined approach can help navigate both bull and bear markets.

Retirement is often portrayed as a permanent vacation, but true fulfillment comes from purpose, relationships, and meaningful engagement. This article challenges the cultural “leisure lie” and explores how retirees can build a rewarding next chapter grounded in connection and contribution.

Interest rates influence everything from borrowing costs to bond prices and stock valuations. Understanding how Federal Reserve rate changes ripple through the economy can help investors stay disciplined and focused on long-term financial goals.

Financial fraud is becoming more sophisticated with advances in artificial intelligence and digital technology. Learn five practical steps to protect your accounts, strengthen safeguards, and reduce your family’s risk of financial loss.

Gold and silver are grabbing headlines as investors seek shelter from inflation, volatility, and global uncertainty. While precious metals can play a limited role during turbulent times, they don’t generate income or long-term growth—and their prices are often driven by speculation. In this article, we explore the recent rise of gold and silver, weigh their pros and cons, and explain why true diversification through productive assets remains the most reliable path to lasting

A new kind of retiree is emerging—the Everyday Millionaire, Generation 2.0. Raised on God’s wisdom and disciplined financial habits, they avoided debt, saved faithfully, and invested 15% of their income. Many will have more than enough to retire early. But retiring before age 59½ raises questions. The good news? IRS rules like 72(t) distributions and the Rule of 55 allow early access to retirement savings—without penalties—when used wisely and intentionally.

On a warm July 4th night in 2025, as fireworks lit the Florida sky, a quiet but powerful shift in the tax code took place. The One Big Beautiful Bill didn’t just extend the largest standard deduction in U.S. history—it created a rare window for thoughtful generosity. In this chapter, we explore how Donor-Advised Funds and charitable “bunching” can turn faithful giving into an even greater act of stewardship, allowing families to give more, pay less in taxes, and align their w

Let’s establish the fact that money will have an impact on your most important relationship on earth. You cannot ignore the topic, because one or both spouses will deal with money, either in small or large amounts, virtually every day.

The IRS increased retirement contribution limits for 2026, giving investors more room to build wealth. IRA and Roth IRA limits are now $7,500, with a higher catch-up for those 50 and older. Income limits and deduction rules still apply, so knowing where and how to invest matters. This update breaks down what changed and why you may need to adjust your monthly contributions to stay on track.

Most people don’t realize you can make a one-time, tax-free transfer from an IRA into an HSA. If you’re covered by an HSA-eligible health plan and not yet on Medicare, this strategy can quietly turn tax-deferred IRA dollars into tax-free money for future healthcare costs. For people in their early 60s with large IRAs, it can reduce future RMDs and create meaningful flexibility for medical and long-term care expenses.

Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps suggest saving for retirement before college — but that doesn’t mean you have to finish one before starting the other. Financial Advisor Matthew Harris breaks down how to balance both goals, use time and compounding interest to your advantage, and make smart choices that keep you on track for retirement without sacrificing your kids’ education.

Ensuring adequate savings for a lengthy retirement stands as the paramount concern for retirees and individuals nearing retirement. Recent years of elevated inflation have diminished the buying power of cash reserves, creating additional hurdles.

How much can you safely withdraw in retirement without running out of money? While the 4% rule is a good starting point, research by Bill Bengen—and tools like Monte Carlo simulations—help us build smarter, more personalized plans. At Whitaker-Myers, we go further by using strategies like rebalancing, managing sequence of return risk, and diversifying into non-correlated assets to help your retirement income last as long as you do.

Philanthropy has expanded far beyond writing a year-end check. Today, tools like Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) allow individuals and families to give more strategically, unlock valuable tax advantages, and even grow their charitable assets over time.

Retirement rules continue to evolve, and 2025 brings several important updates that could affect how much you save, when you access your funds, and how you manage taxes in retirement. Recent changes under the SECURE 2.0 Act have increased contribution limits, introduced new catch-up opportunities for older savers, and pushed back the age for required minimum distributions (RMDs).

Life’s big moments—buying a home, starting a family, changing jobs—can all reshape your finances. A financial advisor can help you navigate these transitions, avoid costly mistakes, and build a plan for the future. Drew Hodgson's article explores how advisors are compensated, the value they can add (often as much as 3% to annual returns, according to Vanguard), and what to consider when deciding if professional guidance is right for you.

For high-income earners, backdoor Roth IRA contributions are a powerful way to build tax-free retirement savings. On a separate note, rolling over an old 401(k) into an IRA can also be a smart move for better investment options and lower fees. However, when these two strategies intersect, the outcome can either work in your favor—or create an unexpected tax bill. Understanding why is critical before making a move.

Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers proudly announces that President & CIO John-Mark Young, CFP®, has earned the prestigious Tax Planning Certified Professional® (TPCP®) designation from The American College of Financial Services. This advanced credential highlights his commitment to helping families maximize their financial plans through smart, values-based tax strategies—always with the heart of a teacher and a mission to serve clients with clarity and confidence.

Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers proudly announces that Financial Advisor Logan Doup has earned his Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation. Joining colleagues Timothy Hilterman, CFP® and John-Mark Young, CFP®, Logan strengthens the firm’s commitment to client-first planning. The CFP® mark is the gold standard, ensuring expertise, fiduciary duty, and integrity—exactly what clients should expect from their trusted financial advisor.

Small-cap investing isn’t what it used to be. With private equity fueling growth before companies ever hit the public markets, true small-cap opportunities are shrinking. At Whitaker-Myers, we define Aggressive Growth as both mid-cap and small-cap stocks—splitting exposure to capture resilient names like Invesco and Smithfield Foods while still positioning for a small-cap rebound, which research partner Tom Lee believes may be just around the corner.