Blog
Continuing Care Retirement Communities: What They Cost, How They Work, and When to Start Preparing
Why Is This Conversation So Important Right Now? The U.S. is in the middle of a sustained demographic shift. More than 61 million adults are aged 65 and older as of 2025, and that number is projected to reach approximately 82 million...
Read MoreShow All
When Should I Start Taking Social Security: 5 Factors to Consider
Social Security decisions are often framed as a single question: “When should I start drawing benefits?” That question matters, but it can also be limiting. The better question is: how does Social Security fit into my overall...
Read MoreTeaching Teens and Young Adults Financial Literacy Through Real-Life Decision Making
If you are a parent of a teen or young adult, how do you teach them to make confident money decisions before the stakes are high? Teaching teens and young adults about money is less about formal instruction and more about repeated...
Read MoreHelping Adult Children Buy a Home: How to Gift a Down Payment The Smart Way
Key TakeawaysHere are some questions this blog aims to answer:How can parents or grandparents help with a down payment for adult children?What are ways to gift a down payment, and how do the annual gift tax exclusion and lifetime...
Read More
Three Numbers Every Woman Should Know
Key TakeawaysHow much wealth are women on track to control in the next decade, and why does that matter?What does the life expectancy gap between women and men mean for how long money needs to last?How common is it for women to be...
Read MoreTax Prep vs. Tax Strategy: The Difference Matters More Than You Think
Key TakeawaysTreat tax strategy as a continuous process, not a once-a-year filing exercise.Coordinate with financial and tax professionals throughout the year to identify opportunities for efficiency.Review contribution limits,...
Read MoreUnderstanding the Emotions Behind Financial Decisions
Key TakeawaysEmotions and biases might influence financial choices more often than most people realize.Behavioral patterns, such as loss aversion, familiarity bias, and herd mentality, can impact long-term results.Recognizing emotional...
Read MoreAI and the New Face of Fraud: How to Protect Your Identity and Finances in 2026
Artificial intelligence (AI) may be the most revolutionary technology of our time, with industries scrambling to embrace its possibilities. AI’s early influence seems similar to the positive disruptions brought about by past...
Read More2025 in Review and What You Should Know
As we begin a new year and consider the opportunities ahead, reflecting on the past year helps put today’s financial landscape into perspective and informs the strategies that can move us closer to our goals. 2025 was a year marked by...
Read MoreGoal Setting That Sticks: Simple Ways to Turn January Motivation into Lasting Wins
Key Takeaways and Suggestions for Successful Goal Setting Use SMART Goals for Clarity and FocusSet goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This proven method helps break big ambitions into manageable...
Read MoreYear-End Giving Strategies: Tax-Smart and Impactful
Key Takeaways A third of annual donations: About one-third of all charitable contributions are made in December. Donating before December 31 may offer tax advantages. New rules starting in 2026 (via the OBBB Act) may affect deductions...
Read MoreThe True Costs of Caring for Aging Parents
The True Costs of Caring for Aging Parents Key Takeaways Caring for aging parents is a growing reality for many Americans. The number of family caregivers in the U.S. has jumped to 63 million, a 45 percent increase over the past...
Read MoreMoney Talks: How to Use Holiday Gatherings to Start Family Financial Conversations
Money Talks: How to Use Holiday Gatherings to Start Family Financial Conversations Key Takeaways Year-end holidays may be a good time to initiate a discussion about financial matters that may impact your family. If you have adult...
Read MoreShould You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?
Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early? Receiving a bonus, inheritance, or an increase in income often prompts a key financial question: Should I use this money to pay off my mortgage, or invest it? At first glance, the answer might...
Read MoreA 2025 Guide to Protecting Seniors from Fraud
A 2025 Guide to Protecting Seniors from Fraud If you’ve found yourself stepping into a more active role in your parents’ financial lives, you’re not alone. Some of us are helping aging parents navigate everything from healthcare...
Read MoreSmart Moves to Consider Before Year-End
Smart Moves to Consider Before Year-End The final months of the year can sneak up quickly, and with them come deadlines, decisions, and distractions. Before the holiday season takes over your calendar, fall can be a valuable window to...
Read MoreBreaking Down the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: What You Need to Know
Breaking Down the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: What You Need to Know The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) included lower federal income tax brackets, bigger standard deductions, and higher gift and estate tax exemptions, among...
Read MoreWhy More Families Are Choosing to Gift Wealth Earlier—and How to Do It
Why More Families Are Choosing to Gift Wealth Earlier—and How to Do It Estate management isn’t just about what happens after you’re gone— it’s also about what you can do now to help manage future estate taxes, transfer wealth...
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know About the 2025 Changes to Inherited IRA Rules
What You Need to Know About the 2025 Changes to Inherited IRA Rules The rules regarding inherited IRAs have changed in the last five years, and failing to comply with the new requirements may result in IRS penalties. These changes...
Read MoreBeyond Salary: Understanding Your Total Compensation
Beyond Salary: Understanding Your Total Compensation Compensation is more than just a number on a paycheck. Whether you're exploring new opportunities, preparing for a promotion, or evaluating your current benefits, it’s important to...
Read MoreHow Much Do You Really Know About Stock Market Indexes?
How Much Do You Really Know About Stock Market Indexes? While you may follow the various stock indexes on the nightly business news, how much do you know about their histories, how they work, and why they're important? We pulled...
Read MoreHow Do You Turn Retirement Savings into a Reliable Income Strategy?
6/25 How Do You Turn Retirement Savings into a Reliable Income Strategy? You’ve likely spent years building your retirement nest egg—saving diligently, investing wisely, and contributing to retirement accounts along the way. But...
Read More“The Four Most Dangerous Words In Investing Are: ‘This Time It’s Different.’” – Sir John Templeton
6/11 “The Four Most Dangerous Words In Investing Are: ‘This Time It’s Different.’” – Sir John Templeton Despite those who say the conventional wisdom that has guided investor actions over the years is no longer valid in 2025, remember...
Read MoreFrom College Acceptances to Affordability: Considerations for Families in the Final Stretch
4/16 From College Acceptances to Affordability: Considerations for Families in the Final Stretch April is a pivotal time in the college admissions process. After years of preparation, saving, and investing—not to mention the countless...
Read MoreSpring Into Financial Wellness
April isn’t just about filing taxes—it’s also Financial Literacy Month, a perfect opportunity to reflect on your financial habits, expand your knowledge, and take meaningful steps toward improving your financial well-being. Whether...
Read More10 Things You Can Do Now to Help Simplify Your Estate for Your Heirs
3/25 10 Things You Can Do Now to Help Simplify Your Estate for Your Heirs One of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones is a thoughtful estate strategy that outlines your wishes after you are gone. Discussing estate details...
Read MoreThe Evolving Role of Women in Family Finances
3/11 The Evolving Role of Women in Family Finances March is Women’s History Month, and according to a recent survey, 49% of women consider themselves to be the chief financial officer of their households, up from 41% in 2021.1 Those...
Read MoreDon’t Leave Money Behind: Finding Your Missing 401(k)s
2/26 Don’t Leave Money Behind: Finding Your Missing 401(k)s You've worked hard throughout your life to build assets to support your retirement. As financial professionals, one of the most critical functions we provide is helping...
Read MoreTax season brings a new wave of identity theft risks
2/11 Tax season brings a new wave of identity theft risks Tax season brings a new wave of identity theft risks, with criminals ready to exploit your personal data to file fraudulent tax returns in your name. Imagine the shock of...
Read More10 Facts You May Not Know About Social Security
1/15 10 Facts You May Not Know About Social Security Social Security is often misunderstood or underestimated in retirement strategy. However, as financial professionals, we've seen how it can play a crucial role in our clients'...
Read MoreInnovative New Year's Resolutions: Financial and Personal Growth Strategies for 2025
1/1 Innovative New Year's Resolutions: Financial and Personal Growth Strategies for 2025 Looks like New Year's resolutions are still going strong in 2024! A recent Pew survey found that about a third of Americans kicked off the year...
Read MoreKey Financial Insights from 2024 and Looking Ahead to 2025
12/18 Key Financial Insights from 2024 and Looking Ahead to 2025 As we approach the end of 2024, it's an opportune time to reflect on the year's financial developments and consider what 2025 may bring. We believe in understanding both...
Read MoreNavigating Healthcare Costs in Retirement: Life After Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance
12/11 Navigating Healthcare Costs in Retirement: Life After Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance As you approach retirement, a critical aspect of your retirement strategy can catch even the most financially savvy individuals off guard:...
Read MoreA Different Kind of Year-End Review: 10 Steps to Reflect and Recharge
11/21 A Different Kind of Year-End Review: 10 Steps to Reflect and Recharge Financial professionals typically have a year-round focus on monetary goals and wealth management strategies. However, we also believe that true financial...
Read MoreYear-End Giving Strategies: Maximizing Your Impact
11/6 Year-End Giving Strategies: Maximizing Your Impact America is a generous country. People with diverse backgrounds can unite for a good cause, whether to benefit their local communities or the broader world. As we enter the holiday...
Read MoreExploring the Financial Impact of Electric Vehicles
10/22 Exploring the Financial Impact of Electric Vehicles As financial professionals, we’ve noticed a trend among our clients: an increasing interest in electric vehicles (EVs). To help address some of your questions, we’ve compiled...
Read MoreSafeguarding Your Identity: Essential Tips for Financial Security
10/8 Safeguarding Your Identity: Essential Tips for Financial Security Statistics show that nearly 33% of Americans have faced some identity theft attempts in their lives, and experts estimate there is a new case of identity theft...
Read More
Your Quarterly Medicare Newsletter
Discover the benefits of Medicare Advantage plans and how they can provide you with additional health insurance coverage, including features like prescription drug plans and coverage for dental, hearing, and vision insurance. Learn...
Read MoreMonthy Market Insight- September 2024
U.S. Markets Stocks notched modest gains in August, helping investors forget a volatile month of trading, punctuated by upbeat comments by Fed officials about interest rates. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.76 percent, while...
Read MoreThe Impact of Elections on the Markets and Tax Policy
9/18 The Impact of Elections on the Markets and Tax Policy The Impact of Elections on the Markets and Tax Policy With Labor Day behind us, we're in the final stretch of the 2024 presidential election race. As we follow the news and...
Read MoreDon’t Be A Victim Of The Retirement Crisis
9/4 Don’t Be A Victim Of The Retirement Crisis Don’t Be A Victim Of The Retirement Crisis If you think the United States has a retirement crisis, you are not alone. A recent survey found that 79% of working-age Americans believe the...
Read MoreArtificial Intelligence’s Influence on the Investing Landscape
8/15 Artificial Intelligence’s Influence on the Investing Landscape In 1999, Bill Gates wrote, “How you gather, manage, and use information will determine whether you win or lose.” Companies looking to be successful in the future...
Read MorePreparing to Send a Child Off to College? Don't Forget These Important Topics
8/1 Preparing to Send a Child Off to College? Don't Forget These Important Topics Sending a child off to college is a major milestone for any family, whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or close friend. It’s an exciting time, filled...
Read MoreDo You Know About the New Filing Requirements for Small Business Owners?
7/17 Do You Know About the New Filing Requirements for Small Business Owners? If you are a small business owner—or plan to be one—you should be aware of a new reporting requirement. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), passed in 2021,...
Read MoreTen Common Estate Strategy Mistakes You Should Avoid
7/10 Ten Common Estate Strategy Mistakes You Should Avoid Legacy preparation can play a key role in any financial strategy. Legacy management lets you consider what happens to everything you’ve accumulated—and may continue to...
Read MoreFinancial Wedding Tips for a Memorable “I Do”
6/14 Financial Wedding Tips for a Memorable “I Do” As we enter the traditional wedding month of June, we wanted to explore the range of expenses that can be related to this special event. The average US wedding costs $35,0001 According...
Read MoreThe Evolving Relationship Between Stocks and Bonds
6/4 The Evolving Relationship Between Stocks and Bonds Sir John Templeton once said, “The four most expensive words in investing are: ‘This time it’s different.'” And normally, we would agree. But the phrase “This time it’s different”...
Read MoreHow Much Do You Need To Retire?
5/22 How Much Do You Need To Retire? A few years ago, there were ads from financial services companies asking, “What’s your number?” The number was the money you needed to retire comfortably. This was an effective way for financial...
Read MoreIdentity Protection Strategies – Are You Doing Enough To Keep Your Information Safe?
5/8 Identity Protection Strategies – Are You Doing Enough To Keep Your Information Safe? There isn’t a week that goes by when you don’t read about some data breach. Safeguarding your personal information starts with understanding...
Read MoreCreate a Strategy to Protect Your Wealth with Potential Estate Tax Changes Looming
4/16 Create a Strategy to Protect Your Wealth with Potential Estate Tax Changes Looming At the end of 2025, portions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) are set to expire. Many changes will come with the sunsetting of many rules,...
Read MoreGet to Know Tom Speight's beloved pet.
Tom's Enigmatic Feline Companion! Meet Tiger, the charismatic cat who knows how to steal the spotlight! With his expressive meows and endearing quirks, Tiger is not just any ordinary cat – he's a captivating character with a...
Read MoreGet to know Chris Speight's beloved pet
Meet Jolene, The newest addition to Chris Speight's Pet Squad! This play and curious near five-month-old kitten brings endless joy and laughter to Chris' household. With big, bright eyes and a cautious demeanor around new faces, Jolene...
Read MoreGet to know Meet Jon Speight's beloved pets.
Boba is a 4- year-old American Shorthair Tabby Cat know for her deep affection towards her owner, Jon. While reserved around strangers, she exudes warmth and devotion to her family. Boba delights in lounging with her parents and...
Read MoreGive Your Children the Gift of Financial Literacy
4/2 Give Your Children the Gift of Financial Literacy Give your children the gift of financial literacy. They’ll thank you later! As a parent, you are well aware of your responsibility in helping your children grow up happy and...
Read More
SECURE Act 2.0 Includes New Provision On Special Needs Trusts
3/12 SECURE Act 2.0 Includes New Provision On Special Needs Trusts Experts estimate there are more than 44 million people with disabilities in the U.S., representing 13.4% of the population.1 Many parents of children with disabilities...
Read More
Investing in a Presidential Election Year
3/26 Investing in a Presidential Election Year As the presidential election race heats up, a common question on investors’ minds is, “How might the looming White House vote impact the markets?” Some may wonder if they...
Read MoreThe Psychology of Love and Money
2/12 The Psychology of Love and Money Money can be a touchy subject, especially regarding our closest relationships. Whether we like it or not, finance plays an integral role in our partnerships, families, and friendships. So, how can...
Read MoreRules and Regulation Changes That Could Impact Your Finances in 2024
2/6 Rules and Regulation Changes That Could Impact Your Finances in 2024 In the ever-evolving financial landscape, staying informed about the latest changes and potential implications for your retirement savings is crucial. Shifts in...
Read More
Employee Spotlight for the month!
Employee Spotlight for the month! This month, Sterling Financial Group is thrilled to shine the spotlight on Jon Speight, our exceptional Business Manager. Hailing from Chesapeake, VA, Jon brings a unique blend of dedication and...
Read More
Intern Spotlight
Intern Spotlight! Name: Umayr Khan Position Title: Student Intern Main Responsibilities: One of the few writers of the SFG weekly newsletter, provide financial analysis to the team, and help out with client relations. Home Town:...
Read MoreThe Big Game Indicator and Other Unusual Economic Theories
1/23 The Big Game Indicator and Other Unusual Economic Theories It’s a fun time of year for football fans. The NFL playoffs are starting, and the Big Game is just around the corner. While football fans will tune in for the...
Read MoreMajor Tax Changes Looming: Are You Ready?
1/9 Major Tax Changes Looming: Are You Ready? With the start of the new year, we wanted to discuss a topic that will likely garner attention throughout 2024: the potential sunsetting of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in 2025....
Read More
December 2023- Employee Spotlight of the month- Adina Ewell
Employee Spotlight for the month! We are delighted to announce that our Employee Spotlight of the Month is none other than Adina Ewell. As a highly valuable asset to Sterling Financial Group, Adina has consistently showcased...
Read MoreTips for Raising Financially Literate Children
Every parent wants the best for their children and strives to prepare them to lead a happy, healthy, and successful life. But, despite understanding the importance of financial responsibility, only 28 percent of parents speak to their...
Read MoreWhat to Know When Your Child Turns 18
Your Child is Turning 18: Handling Healthcare, Academics, and Finances Together As your child blows out the candles on their 18th birthday, you may still see your baby girl or boy. But in the eyes of the law your child is considered a...
Read More2023 Recap and 2024 Outlook: Key Events and What May Be in Store
As we get ready to turn the page on 2023 and welcome the new year with all its possibilities, we’d like to take some time to reflect on the year that was—the notable events, trends, and developments that defined our...
Read MoreTransitioning to Medicare from Private Health Insurance Plans
Transitioning from Private Health Insurance Plans to Medicare As you approach retirement age, you may be anticipating transitioning from your private insurance to Medicare, which is a federal health insurance program that provides...
Read MoreTechnology Guide for Dementia Patients and Their Caregivers
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or any other form of dementia, this can be an extremely challenging time. While promising new treatments are developing and research continues, a cure remains elusive....
Read MoreWhere to Put Excess Cash
According to the Investment Company Institute, near the end of 2022, there was more than $4.7 trillion in cash sitting in U.S. money market funds.1,2 While cash can play a role in a diversified portfolio, historically, cash has not...
Read More10 Financial Missteps to Avoid During a Divorce
Divorce is one of the most stressful life events. Even the most amicable splits can be complicated and emotionally draining. We likely all know couples who have gone through divorce, and it can be a trying time for everyone involved....
Read MorePreparing for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Sunset at the End of 2025
While we haven’t yet said goodbye to 2023, it’s not too early to begin thinking about any tax changes that may be on the horizon. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 was designed to overhaul the federal tax code by...
Read MoreLifetime Estate & Gift Tax Exemption Updates for 2023
In October 2022, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced tax changes for 2023 — changes primarily driven, in part, by the current inflationary environment. For affluent couples or individuals interested in transferring...
Read More10 Ideas for a Virtual Holiday Party
Many of us have adapted to a world with remote team members and back-to-back Zoom calls with customers spread across the country, which certainly has its benefits. Nevertheless, one drawback is the difficulty of getting together in...
Read MoreThe Impact of SECURE 2.0 in 2024 and Beyond
SECURE 2.0: Changes Going Into Effect in 2024 Passed in 2019, the SECURE Act was the most substantial retirement legislation in over a decade. It contained important changes designed to help investors save more and be better prepared...
Read MoreContribution Limit Increases for 2023: Just What We Wanted to Hear
In late October, the IRS announced that it is increasing contribution limits to retirement savings accounts in 2023. The changes, like many you are seeing, are a direct result of months of high inflation and financial uncertainty, some...
Read MoreAI's Role in Shaping Our Tomorrow: A Look Ahead
While artificial intelligence (AI) is making headlines today, the concept of "thinking machines" can be traced back to ancient philosophers and mathematicians. The phrase artificial intelligence was first used in the mid-20th century,...
Read MoreTop 10 Questions High Net Worth Individuals Ask About Social Security
Social Security, the program you may have spent a lifetime paying into, is designed to offer stability, supplemental income, and other valuable benefits that can play a role in your overall financial strategy after you retire. We've...
Read MoreUnderstanding the September Effect: What It Is and Why It Happens
If you ask the average investor which month is the most volatile for the stock market, they will probably say October. It's a reasonable answer, but it's incorrect. Despite October's reputation for market-defining events like the...
Read MoreA Year-End Financial Checklist
Time to Think About Year-End Financial Strategies As we roll into fall and the fourth quarter, now is a good time to pause and reflect on proactive ways to set up your finances for 2024. Economically speaking, we are now in a much...
Read MoreDon't Get Hooked: A Guide to Recognizing and Avoiding Phishing
As financial professionals, we understand how vital it is to safeguard your personal and financial information. Unfortunately, in our increasingly digital world, cybersecurity risks, such as phishing attacks, have become a prevalent...
Read MoreMoney Tips for Parents Sending Children Off to College
You’ve done a great job teaching your children vital life lessons and instilling values that will last a lifetime. As summer ends and a new school year begins, one thing that shouldn’t be overlooked, especially for...
Read MoreFAFSA Gets an Overhaul
Changes are coming to the complicated form that students must submit to qualify for college financial aid, known as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).The Department of Education is calling it the “most...
Read MoreThe 6 Biggest Mistakes DIY Investors Make and How to Avoid Them
The 6 Biggest Mistakes DIY Investors Make and How to Avoid ThemBodyIntroductionOver the last several months, I have met with quite a few self-proclaimed do-it-yourself (DIY) investors who, after struggling with the markets in 2022,...
Read MoreHow the SECURE 2.0 Act Changed 529 Plans
How the SECURE 2.0 Act Changed 529 PlansBodyChanges to 529 Plans in the SECURE 2.0 ActThe SECURE Act was initially passed by Congress at the end of 2019 and was intended to improve retirement savings opportunities. It was a big deal at...
Read MoreHealth Savings Accounts: Pros, Cons, and Retirement Considerations
Health Savings Accounts: Pros, Cons, and Retirement ConsiderationsBodyWhat if your child needs braces? The cost may be as much as $6,000 for metal braces—more modern versions can run as much as $13,000. Your health insurance may...
Read MoreTop 7 Most Common Estate Strategy Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Top 7 Most Common Estate Strategy Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)BodyGetting your affairs in order and outlining what you want done with your estate after you’re gone is one of the greatest gifts you can leave your loved ones....
Read MoreNavigating the Costs of Senior Care: Tips for Preparing for Long-Term Care
Navigating the Costs of Senior Care: Tips for Preparing for Long-Term CareBodySenior care costs can be overwhelming, particularly when long-term care is required due to illness or medical conditions. With the number of seniors in the U...
Read MoreLiving Trusts: Understanding the Basics and Key Considerations
Living Trusts: Understanding the Basics and Key ConsiderationsBodyEstate management can be a complex and daunting task for many people, but it’s a critical step in helping your assets get managed and distributed according to your...
Read MoreTrying to Time a Recession?
Trying to Time a Recession?BodyEconomies move in cycles – always have, always willThe Federal Reserve has been steadily increasing interest rates in an attempt to slow the rate of inflation. Its efforts are yielding some results,...
Read MoreWhat Factors Have the Greatest Impact on Your Credit Score?
What Factors Have the Greatest Impact on Your Credit Score?BodyFun fact: You probably have dozens of credit scores out there, and each one might be a different number. You’re probably familiar with a credit score, why...
Read MoreImportant Financial Considerations to Make When Remarrying Later in Life
Important Financial Considerations to Make When Remarrying Later in LifeBodyDiscussing personal finances is important for any couple preparing for marriage. However, this topic can be more complicated for those who remarry later in...
Read MoreTop Considerations to Help Adult Children Be Better Prepared As You Age
Top Considerations to Help Adult Children Be Better Prepared As You AgeBodyAs we get older, it’s important that our adult children are prepared to manage any aging-related situations that may arise. This includes everything from...
Read More