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In addition to helping our clients prepare for their financial goals, we hope to serve as a source of guidance and education with our blog. Here, you will find posts about current industry trends, the benefits of working with Integra Shield Financial Group, LLC, and education tailored to your pressing financial concerns. 

"We help you with Life's Transitions to get the best return on your life".

 

 

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Legacy planning is often the last piece folks tackle in their financial planning, because it’s the least appealing to think about. Planning for a robust nest egg that will keep you safe, secure, and fulfilled when you stop...

 

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

In case you haven't heard Congress at the end of the year passed some major retirement laws at the end of 2022. These laws are complex and roll out over several years. The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Secure Act 2.0

 

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

We look at how the balance of power has historically shifted during midterms and what, if any, impact it has had on the stock market.

 

Monday, September 12, 2022

Have questions about the recent student loan forgiveness announcement? I’ve got (some) answers. Here's what we know about the loan forgiveness so far: The Dept. of Education will forgive up to $10,000 in federal student loans to...

 

Wednesday, September 7, 2022

New laws are here! The new Inflation Reduction Act is a big enchilada of green energy spending, corporate taxes, and some pretty major changes to Medicare.Is this deal a big deal? Could be. I'll wrap it up for you at the end.

 

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Wednesday, July 6, 2022

Helping your adult child financially? Before writing a check or making a deposit through Venmo to your children, ask yourself these four key questions.

 

Tuesday, June 7, 2022

Since 1942 many events have rocked the markets. We're likely in one now. What wil you do? Panic and short sighted decisions usually don't work out too well. Following a well contstructed investment plan is critical especially right

 

Friday, May 20, 2022

Inflation and recession are on the minds of many today. Some think the US is headed for recession making investing in this environment challenging. While there are risks to the economy, there are reasons for optimism.

 

Monday, May 16, 2022

A recent study published by npj Regenerative Medicine found that increased longevity has widened the gap between a person's total healthspan (the number of years you are healthy) and lifespan by approximately 9 years. That means the...

 

Friday, May 6, 2022

 

Friday, April 1, 2022

Purpose and fulfillment can and should be yours in retirement. Yet many new retirees feel a large sense of loss when they leave their career. Here are two questions to ask yourself that just may help you find purpose and fulfillment.

 

Thursday, January 27, 2022

Investing during market volatility can be like driving during a winter storm. Your best plan of action is to focus on what you can control and keep progressing towards your destination.

 

Friday, January 7, 2022

Will these predictions be right? Will they be wrong? Predictions are usually judged by how right or wrong they turn out to be. There's hope for COVID-19 in 2022. Politics will dominate headlines. Folks are ready for some kind of normal.

 

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

When making your New Year resolutions considering your values, relationships, your true motivation and your financial foundation are crucial to following through to reach your goals.

 

Thursday, December 23, 2021

Talking with your family about the causes that are important to each person can be immensely powerful.

 

Thursday, November 11, 2021

How are you feeling about work these days? Are you taking stock of your life and thinking about moving on? (You're not alone.) Are you a boss struggling to fill roles and retain your people? (You're in good company.) America is going...

 

Thursday, October 14, 2021

Many people who go solo on their financial planning spend their working years on autopilot. Every month, when their paychecks come in, they make their automatic contributions to savings, retirement, and investing accounts, pay their...

 

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Capitol Hill is producing more drama than Hollywood. We've got bold statements, ultimatums, cliff-hangers, and confusing sequels. We've even got folks paddling up to Senators' party boats to discuss tax reform. Let's recap what we know...

 

Monday, September 13, 2021

Over the weekend I gave a great deal of thought to this question and wanted share some thoughts with you. What were you doing on the morning of September 11th? Can you picture it clearly? Did you know how much life would change after...

 

Thursday, July 22, 2021

What happens when the predictions are wrong? Is it time to panic? Is it time to ditch our strategy? It's a fascinating question because it cuts right down to the question of what it means to live in an uncertain world. Humans are wired...

 

Monday, July 12, 2021

The Fourth of July is often a high point of summer, but it's also the unofficial halfway point. If you'd like to take a break from your backyard before the kids are back in school and the year-end push starts at work, now might be the...

 

Tuesday, July 6, 2021

Envision Retirement -- Even If You Don't Want To No, you're not the only soon-to-be retiree who's reluctant to leave your working days behind. What we do is so tied up in who we are that it can be difficult to picture yourself without...

 

Thursday, July 1, 2021

Use Your Daily Schedule to Increase Your ROL When you're working, raising kids, and struggling to find time to take a run or read a book, it's common to feel like your days keep getting away from you. Mixing a few of these hacks and...

 

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

As we exit the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans are on the move. Remote work opportunities, childcare challenges, and a lot of time to reflect have changed what home means to many folks. The premium on at-home office space and big...

 

Thursday, June 17, 2021

Are you tired of hearing about taxes? Me too. But here we are. Let's dive in. So, we've got dueling infrastructure bills, plus a big proposed budget with lots of spending (and higher taxes inside). That's a lot of expensive legislation...

 

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Your paycheck pays the bills, but the total benefits you receive can have just as big of an impact on how you feel about the work you do and how that work affects life for you and your family. Here are four ways that your benefits can...

 

Friday, June 11, 2021

If your family has ever deserved a vacation, it's this summer. After a year of locking down and making sacrifices of all shapes and sizes, COVID-19 rates are dropping, and vaccination rates continue to rise. That doesn't quite...

 

Thursday, June 3, 2021

According to the latest guidelines from the CDC, it's finally time for vaccinated retirees to put away their masks and get back to enjoying retirement. If your to-do list is looking a little crowded after a year of missed hugs and...

 

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

How much inflation can the country afford before we’re in trouble? Let’s discuss. First, let’s get on the same page about some basics. If you’ve noticed the price of a thing increasing over time (say, your...

 

Thursday, May 27, 2021

Some would-be entrepreneurs look at a displaced business landscape and see trouble. Others see an opportunity: the chance to become owner and CEO of the company they’ve always wanted to start. If you think that 2021 could be the...

 

Thursday, May 20, 2021

The large amounts of money that our government has spent on pandemic relief and is proposing to spend on infrastructure projects has raised some serious concerns about inflation. But now that the country has started to reopen,...

 

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Individuals, foundations, bequests, and corporations gave an estimated $449.6 billion to U.S. charities in 2019, according to findings in [[https://givingusa...

 

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Two things to discuss today: the economy (getting better) and taxes (going up?). Let’s dive in. The light at the end of the tunnel is getting closer and brighter. The economy is booming and we’re getting much closer to...

 

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Is a financial check-up on your Spring-Cleaning list? Once you've tidied your lawn and emptied that out-of-control closet, let some fresh air into your home office and use these six tips to freshen up how you spend, save, and plan for...

 

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

If you only enjoy the money you earn on weekends and holidays, it might be time to rethink how you’re earning your money. Sure, no one loves absolutely everything about their job. And the older we get, the more pressing our...

 

Thursday, April 15, 2021

More spending = higher taxes? That seems likely with a $2 trillion American Jobs Plan (that could eventually cost trillions more) on the table to bolster America’s crumbling infrastructure and invest in R&D.1 What could those tax...

 

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

"Don't stop thinking about tomorrow," sang Fleetwood Mac on their 1977 classic "Rumors." And band member Stevie Nicks is among a handful of rockers who seems to be putting those words into action. Recently, Nicks, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon...

 

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

As vaccine rollouts continue to progress, folks are starting to tiptoe out of their quarantine bubbles. But once the euphoria from that first dinner in a restaurant or group hang without masks passes, some people might find that...

 

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

As you transition from full-time work to retirement, many items on your budget are going to decrease (daily transportation) or even disappear (your kids' tuition and food). Health care, however, is an ongoing expense that needs to be...

 

Saturday, March 20, 2021

Many aspects of retirement are changing, such as the health and activity level of seniors and a rise in working retirees. But many seniors are still very attached to one traditional retirement goal: selling the family house and moving...

 

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

The pandemic prevented many retirees from enjoying two of the most popular and rewarding retirement activities: travelling and volunteering. Now that vaccines are rolling out and the world is starting to reopen, why not catch up on...

 

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Our Life-Centered Planning process is designed to help you and your family achieve important long-term goals like buying a house, sending your kids to college, and enjoying a secure and fulfilling retirement. But the journey to those...

 

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Unfortunately, turning the calendar past 2020 hasn't erased all the problems that we've been facing for the past year. If feelings of uncertainty and anxiety are starting to get between you and your 2021 goals, use this three-step...

 

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

The Work from Home revolution and pandemic business disruption have motivated many aspiring entrepreneurs to take their shot in 2021. If you’re determined to make this the year that you promote yourself to Founder and CEO, these...

 

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

Since the end of January, #YOLO has been a rallying cry on internet message boards where amateur investors have driven up stock prices for video game retailer GameStop and movie theatre chain AMC. And while everyone should have...

 

Monday, February 1, 2021

Did you hear GameStop went viral? It's all over the media right now so it's hard not to have heard. Here’s a quick guide to the market frenzy you’re seeing in the headlines. (Buckle up, it’s a little complicated.)...

 

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Mentoring can be a fulfilling way for retirees to repurpose their professional skills, give back, and stay active. But there's more to building an effective mentoring relationship than just making yourself available for a chat. These...

 

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Many people are discovering that their financial journeys are even more fulfilling when they align their plans with their values. These investing, spending, and giving strategies could help you grow your nest egg while also putting...

 

Thursday, January 14, 2021

How are your goals for the New Year progressing? If you’re like most people, you’ve probably passed a few exciting checkpoints while also tripping over a few pebbles. Some goals might be easier to spot on the horizon now...

 

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

The first wave of COVID-19 vaccinations has lifted many spirits and raised expectations for the new year. Those shots have also inspired a sharp rise in travel bookings among folks who are hoping it will finally be safe to jump on an...

 

Thursday, December 31, 2020

COVID-19 hampered so many of our plans for 2020 that the promise and potential of a new year feel a bit more special this January 1st. But having a renewed excitement to take control of the things we can control and make real changes...

 

Monday, December 28, 2020

What's on your holiday wish list this year? Good health? Festive cheer? A better year in 2021 for your loved ones and community? Reaching out and giving back could bring you gifts that will make these holidays truly special and set a...

 

Thursday, December 10, 2020

Hopefully, when you look out at your retirement $Lifeline, you see some big events that you’re excited to enjoy once the pandemic is behind us. But what about all those days in between? How are you planning to spend your time...

 

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

There's truth to the old adage, "Shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations." According to many studies, 70% of families lose their wealth in two generations; 90% lose their wealth in three. And while the reasons for these...

 

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Tough times often bring people closer together. As Covid-19 continues to spread, our most vulnerable neighbors and the people who are caring for them need all the support and generosity that we can give this holiday season. Here are...

 

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

At the time of year when we want to be closest to our loved ones, Covid-19 is still making it difficult to spend time together. Public health officials warn that indoor events pose a far greater risk of spreading the disease. And many...

 

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Elections Matter … Your Life Transitions Are More Important: Many folks are feeling as much anxiety about the end of this contentious presidential election as they were feeling during the long months of campaigning....

 

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

How to Make the Most of Fall ... During a Pandemic Folks who are starting to feel that telltale chill in the air might feel a little extra motivation to take a fall trip this year. Outdoor activities are still the safest during the...

 

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

October starts the fourth quarter of the year. In the business world, top companies kick off “Q4” by gathering together their leadership teams to assess what’s gone right this year, what’s gone wrong, and what...

 

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Build Your Network and Give Back If Covid-19 and social justice movements have inspired your charitable side, you might consider approaching philanthropy the same way you would approach a career move. With so many people living and...

 

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Use Downtime to Think About Retirement The coronavirus pandemic has forced many older workers to reassess their careers and how they view retirement. Folks who are fortunate enough to be working from home might be coping with a mix of...

 

Monday, April 20, 2020

I heard we are all in the same boat, but it's not like that. We are in the same storm, but not in the same boat. Your ship could be shipwrecked and mine might not be. Or vice versa. For some, quarantine is optimal. A moment of...

 

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

“The toilet paper had armed guards.” “We celebrated my birthday with a dinner party over Zoom.” “My officemate jumped on my desk and drooled on my keyboard during a meeting.” One day, we’ll...

 

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

It's absolutely bonkers, isn’t it? Across America, we’re working from home (many for the first time), homeschooling children (teachers deserve 10x what they get paid for this), and dealing with increasing levels of lockdown...

 

Monday, March 16, 2020

The pandemic is here and we’ve found ourselves in bear country without enough toilet paper. When markets fall as rapidly as they have over the last few weeks and the country is going into lockdown, it’s reasonable to be...

 

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

After weeks of headlines about the coronavirus outbreak, markets have been caught in a volatile pattern of surges and retreats. Here’s what you should know: Why are markets so volatile? Disease outbreaks are hard to predict and...

 

Thursday, January 9, 2020

At the end of 2019, Congress passed the most sweeping change to retirement rules in over a decade.1 Known as the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act), this legislation went into effect on January 1,...

 

Thursday, February 7, 2019

How to Phase into Retirement and Take It for a Test Drive There are many reasons why people who could retire are hesitant to do so. Some people think they need to wait until they’re 65 or older. Some are worried about running out...

 

Thursday, January 17, 2019

3 Life Insights from the Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos Divorce One of the reasons that divorce is such a challenging life transition is its public nature. A couple might keep their problems private as they try to work through them. But if a...

 

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Don’t Let a Declining Stock Market Lead to A Down Life Big red arrows, panicked cable news experts, and the echo chambers of our social media feeds can make stock market volatility seem much worse than it actually is. If...

 

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

In our busy world all of us are so often busy doing. I'd encourage you this Thanksgiving to take a few moments to reflect on being. Click on this video link one of my clients shared with me about a beautiful Native American...

 

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Your Retirement Accounts Awarded in a Divorce May be in Jeopardy. A most interesting Minnesota appeals case recently came to my attention that has far reaching implications for divorcing individuals awarded all or part of their...

 

Friday, October 26, 2018

There’s a pretty good chance that your parents and grandparents retired just because they turned 65. Today’s retirement is a bit more complicated than that. While age is still an important factor, your ability to connect...

 

Thursday, October 4, 2018

As your parents begin to settle into their final phase of life, their health, residence, and finances could become a factor in your retirement planning. This is especially true if you are the person your parents have tasked with...

 

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

4 Things to Consider Before Financially Bailing Out Your Adult Children According to a recent study by TD Ameritrade, 25% of baby boomers are supporting their family members financially (1). Support to adult children averages out to...

 

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

A blank calendar filled with nothing but free time can be every bit as stressful as a packed work week. That’s the surprising fact that many new retirees confront after a few days of hitting the snooze button and puttering around...

 

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

You can be forgiven for wondering what all the hoopla was about when, on August 22, the newspapers erupted with the announcement that the current bull run in the U.S. stock market was the longest in history. Wasn’t the day before...

 

Friday, August 10, 2018

Carl Richards, a colleague of mine who writes for the New York Times known as the sketch guy with Behavior Gap wrote this piece that focuses on YOU! At Integra Shield Financial Group our focus is always on you. Our goal is to help you...

 

Thursday, May 24, 2018

You want to know the #1 rule of personal finance for couples? Spouses almost never agree on the definition of "financial security." Even the simple act of talking about what to do with extra money can cause conflict in relationships....

 

Thursday, March 29, 2018

In case you haven't heard many of our tax laws changed for 2018. It seems like everyday there are a plethora of posts about some aspect of the new law that took effect January 1, 2018. You may have already noticed a change in your take...