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

Gold and silver have surged to record highs, reigniting investor interest in precious metals. But strong recent returns don’t automatically mean they belong at the center of your portfolio. In this article, we explore what’s driving today’s rally, the historical role of precious metals, and how gold and silver may fit into a diversified, long-term investment strategy.

Understanding your tax situation is more than just knowing how to file—it’s a critical foundation for smart financial decision-making. From choosing the right filing status to working with a CPA or financial advisor, clarity around your taxes can uncover opportunities to save money today and build wealth for tomorrow. With the right strategy and professional guidance, you’re not just paying taxes—you’re paying them in the smartest way possible.

Retirement planning doesn’t end when you stop working — it evolves. From managing RMDs and Medicare IRMAA surcharges to navigating the often-overlooked widow’s trap, smart tax planning can make a meaningful difference in preserving your wealth. Learn how strategic Roth conversions, tax diversification, and proactive planning can help protect your retirement income and support surviving spouses.

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.

Joe Mains, Whitaker-Myers Financial Advisor and Certified Ramsey Solutions Master Financial Coach, shares his lessons learned from more than 30 years of personal and professional experience following Dave Ramsey’s principles. Drawing from his own journey, he highlights three key pitfalls to avoid: relying on debt financing, managing money separately from your spouse, and delaying investing for the future.

September signals a new school year and, for parents of high school seniors, an important crossroads: preparing your student for college without sabotaging your own financial future.

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.

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.