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After discovering Dave Ramsey 30 years ago, my wife and I transformed our finances—and our future. Today, as a Ramsey Master Financial Coach and Financial Advisor at Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers, I help others do the same. A monthly budget is vital at every stage, from getting out of debt to planning for retirement. It puts you in control of your money. Want help creating a personalized budget? Let’s build a strategy that works for you. Schedule a meeting today.

Sequence of return risk—the timing of investment returns near retirement—can significantly impact portfolio longevity. Losses early in retirement are far more damaging than losses later. Investors approaching the “Retirement Red Zone” should reduce risk exposure and consider tools like income annuities, buffer assets, and diversified portfolios. A trusted financial advisor can help build a plan to retire with confidence and stability.

When comparing portfolio returns to benchmarks like the S&P 500, it’s crucial to ensure a proper match in asset composition. The coefficient of determination (R²) measures how well a benchmark fits your portfolio—an R² of 0.70 or higher suggests a good match. However, no single metric should drive decisions. At Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers, our research team uses tools like R² to guide informed, holistic financial planning. Connect with an advisor to learn more.

Homeowners who install energy-efficient systems like heat pumps, skylights, or biomass stoves may qualify for the Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit—worth up to 30% of the cost. Caps apply, such as $2,000 for heat pumps and $600 for windows. To claim it, file IRS Form 5695 with your tax return. Before starting home upgrades, consult a tax professional to ensure eligibility. Whitaker Myers offers financial and tax guidance to help you save more this tax season.

Starting your financial journey as a young adult begins with building a budget and following Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps—starting with a $1,000 emergency fund and progressing toward saving 15% for retirement. Use a money market fund for emergency savings and take advantage of employer retirement plans and Roth IRAs for long-term growth. The earlier you start, the better. For personalized help, connect with a Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers financial advisor today.

Over the next 20 years, an estimated $84 trillion will transfer from baby boomers to their heirs—marking the largest wealth shift in U.S. history. This transition, driven by 401(k)s, rising home values, and disciplined savers, will reshape the economy and widen the wealth gap. For those expecting an inheritance, now is the time to meet with a financial advisor to plan wisely, maximize tax efficiency, and set long-term goals. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers can help you prepare.

Without a will, you die “intestate,” leaving state courts to decide how your estate is divided—often in unintended ways. Dave Ramsey emphasizes having a proper estate plan, preferably through a legally valid will. There are various types, including holographic, nuncupative, and statutory wills. While wills ensure your wishes are on paper, they also go through probate, which can be contested. For guidance, Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers partners with Encore Estate Planning to help.

Technology now makes up about 32% of the S&P 500, highlighting its dominance in the U.S. economy and markets. In 2024, strong demand for AI, semiconductors, and cloud computing fueled growth for firms like NVIDIA and Microsoft. However, this concentration poses risks—tech’s heavy influence can create volatility and distort the index's representation of the broader economy. Investors should review their diversification and risk exposure with an advisor.

John-Mark Young earns the ChFC designation from the American College of Financial Services

For self-employed individuals and small business owners, SEP IRAs and Solo 401(k)s offer powerful, tax-advantaged retirement savings beyond traditional IRAs. SEP IRAs are simpler to set up and ideal for businesses with employees, while Solo 401(k)s allow higher contributions and catch-up options for owners with no employees. Each has unique rules and benefits—consult a Whitaker-Myers advisor to choose the best fit for your retirement goals.

Tim Hilterman gets a shout out on the EntreLeadership Podcast.

Health Savings Accounts can be used to save money on taxes and provide strategic tax planning for higher income years.

5 Insights for your financial, saving and investing life for 2025.

The Social Security Fairness Act was approved in the House in November and in the Senate early Saturday morning.

The Homestead Tax Exemption is a legal benefit available in most states, which reduces property tax reduction on homeowners’ primary...

The new year can fill you with a sense of hope and expectation.  There are new goals to reach and new challenges to tackle.  Something...

For many individuals with investments in the market and other securities, the state of the economy is critically important. But what...

What is Mean Reversion? Mean reversion is a financial concept that describes the tendency of a stock or index price to return to its...

Cleveland Clinic and Fidelity BrokerageLink - a powerful combo for retirement savers

Ohio STRS announced recent changes to the benefit eligibility of the defined benefit plan.