- Hybrid Long-Term Care
One strategy, two possible outcomes
by Carroll Golden
September is National Preparedness Month, a reminder that the best time to prepare for a risk is before it becomes a crisis. For financial professionals, that makes it an ideal time to talk with clients about a risk that can dramatically alter even a well-designed retirement plan: the need for long-term care.
read more - A Step-By-Step Strategy For Building An Emergency Fund
Americans are strained by rising costs of living
The climbing cost of living is continuing to strain households nationwide. More than half of Americans (53%) say they can’t cover an unexpected $1,000 expense with their savings alone, according to Bankrate’s 2026 Annual Emergency Savings Report.
read more - Women’s Financial Inquiries Up 22%
Emerging income shifts reflect more women with $24k-$49.9k household incomes seeking financial guidance.
Savvy Ladies 2026 Mid-Year National Women's Financial Trends Report, based on aggregated data from the Savvy Ladies National Free Financial Helpline, reveals a significant 22% YTD increase in women seeking financial guidance, providing a unique real-time view of how women are navigating an evolving economic landscape and proactively building their financial futures.
read more - How Americans Really Shop, Decide, And Save In 2026
Study reveals free shipping obsession; online shopping trends among Gen Z Americans
A new survey released by FinanceBuzz, conducted in partnership with Bank of America, reveals key generational differences between younger and older online shoppers. According to the study's results, 93% of Americans regularly shop online, amassing an average of over 150 packages each year.
read more - The Guidance Gap
A new generation of investors is blurring the lines between information, advice, and entertainment
Betterment, a trusted wealth and savings platform, today released its 2026 Retail Investor Survey, the fourth annual look at how retail investors navigate financial decisions and what shapes their confidence.
read more - Holding To Your Financial Habits
Americans know how to manage money. Why can't they make good financial practices stick?
Most Americans don't need more financial advice—they need help turning good intentions into lasting financial habits.
read more - The First Dollar
Kids have more financial tools than ever, yet many families worry they're less prepared to manage money
Children today have unprecedented access to financial technology. Yet many parents and grandparents question whether convenience is translating into the knowledge, habits, and confidence needed to manage money successfully as adults.
read more - Everyone Talks About Nearshoring. Few Start With The Job
Businesses should define the work first, then choose domestic, nearshore or offshore talent based on skills, operating requirements, time zones, and costs, according to 1840 & Company.
Small businesses continue to struggle to find qualified workers. In June 2026, 84% of small business owners hiring or trying to hire reported receiving few or no qualified applicants, according to the National Federation of Independent Business.
read more - The Insurance Alignment Gap
Where insurer priorities and customer protection needs converge…and diverge
Majesco, the insurance industry’s foremost innovator in AI-native and cloud-native software, has announced the release of the latest thought leadership report, The Insurance Alignment Gap: Where Insurer Priorities and Customer Protection Needs Converge…and Diverge, based on Majesco’s latest research.
read more - 2026 U.S. Life Insurance Sales
U.S. individual life insurance sales continue growth trend in the second quarter, led by whole life and VUL
Total U.S. individual life insurance new annualized with excess premium rose 3% year over year to $4.7 billion in the second quarter of 2026, according to preliminary results from LIMRA’s U.S. Life Insurance Sales Survey.
read more - 2026 Multi-Family Office Asset Pools
Global multi-family office market tops $5.2 trillion
Multi-family offices, private wealth management advisory firms typically serving groups 10-50 high-net-worth clients with individual accounts with $5 million or more in investable assets, now account for more than $5.2 trillion in assets under management, according to the Multi-Family Office Asset Pools 2026 Report from With Intelligence by S&P Global.
read more - What’s Best For Homebuyers?
Nearly 9 in 10 agents believe buyers benefit from independent representation, access to every listing
A new Zillow survey shows that real estate agents, by and large, agree that independent representation, access to every available listing and the ability to choose whether to hire an agent are all good for buyers.
read more - The Family Financial Squeeze
Are Americans sacrificing retirement to support their loved ones?
As every aspect of American life becomes more expensive, many adults are providing ongoing financial support to children, aging parents, partners, and close friends.
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