Blog
Financial Tips and Insights from
Justin Katt, Master's Financial Group
5 Types of Insurance Your College Student May Need
If you have teenagers, you’re likely very in touch with the adage, “One day you’re changing diapers, and the next you’re sending them off to college.” One of the results of that compressed passage of time is the bracing reality that...
Read MoreCelebrate Spring – MAY 2026
May is here! The days are growing longer, the sun lingers, and everything is beginning to bloom. May encourages us to be more present—whether it’s enjoying a quiet morning coffee or taking evening strolls outdoors. It’s also a month...
Read MoreHappy Earth Day – APRIL 2026
April has arrived! This month invites warmer days and blooming gardens, offering a season filled with opportunities to connect with others. From colorful spring traditions to meaningful events, it is a month that encourages joy and...
Read MoreIncome Tax Checklist to Stay on Track
Tax time is upon us, and that means gathering all of your documents needed and getting them in one place to make filing your taxes as easy as possible. We thought it would be helpful to send along this handy checklist to assist with...
Read MoreSpring is Calling! – March 2026
March has arrived, and the promise of spring is on the horizon! With the season beginning to shift, March brings brighter days, fresher air, and an excellent reminder that growth is always possible. As everything begins to bloom, this...
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Ways to Put Your Tax Refund to Work
Saving money is a bit like eating healthy; you know you should eat your veggies, but it’s hard to resist indulging in something more fun. Like making healthy choices, a tax refund can present the opportunity to splurge. But, more...
Read MoreHappy New Year! – January 2026
January has a quiet magic that brings slower mornings, new hints of daylight, and a chance to start anew with hope and purpose. The start of the new year offers an opportunity for positive change; however, it is essential to pace...
Read MoreGive Thanks - November 2025
As the autumn leaves begin to fall, November marks the beginning of the final chapter of the year. This month offers a rare pocket of time, nestled between the thrill of October and the rush of December. November allows for a window...
Read More6 Reasons to Include Your Children in Estate Planning
As people transition into the later stages of their lives, their thoughts inevitably turn toward the complicated matters to be addressed upon their death. Having an Estate Plan in place can significantly ease the burden of those...
Read MoreCheck Your Withholding This Fall
How much are you withholding per paycheck?Is the amount too little? (Or too much?) Find out the answer before the year ends. You may not want to discover next year that your withholding amount for this year was too small. The IRS...
Read MoreTurning a New Leaf – September 2025
September is a month that marks new beginnings. As the leaves begin to change and temperatures cool down, September offers a quiet focus that replaces summer’s chaos. For many, it is the start of the school year, approaching a fresh...
Read More7 Time-Saving Tips for School Mornings ⏰
If you have school-age children, you’re intimately familiar with the often-hectic morning routines that make launching a rocket into space look easy. And, the longer the morning routine, the greater the likelihood of running late and...
Read MorePause, Reset, Reflect – August 2025
August is a time to pause, reflect, and reset. Whether you are squeezing in last-minute summer getaways, preparing for fall, or simply enjoying the slowing pace of the season, now is an excellent opportunity to plan for year-end goals...
Read MoreShould You Use Your Retirement to Pay for College?
Educational attainment is a bedrock of the American Dream. We all want our kids to do better than us, and we'll do anything to help them achieve that! But unfortunately, there are dreams, and then there's reality: college costs have...
Read MoreKeep Your Cool and Save 💰
As a financial professional, I’m always looking for ways to help clients be more efficient with their money. Now that summer’s here, staying cool can make electricity bills skyrocket, so here are some strategies to help keep cool and...
Read MoreIt’s mid-year, let’s connect
Are you available for a mid-year check-in? We always appreciate this chance to discuss your portfolio, answer any questions, and stay up-to-date with any changes in your life. For instance, if you’ve experienced any updates we haven’t...
Read MoreHappy Older Americans Month
May is a month to celebrate the older Americans in our country and honor their lives and the accomplishments they still have ahead of them. Older Americans Month was established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy to bring awareness...
Read MoreSpring is in Bloom – Happy May!
Happy May! Our gardens are blooming, and the temperatures are rising, signaling the summer season will be here before we know it. If you are a planner, you have likely started to map out potential family vacations for the coming...
Read MoreWhy You Should Stay the Course
In light of recent events which have significantly impacted the markets, we wanted to proactively reach out and remind you that we’re here to support you as we navigate these times of uncertainty. Knowledge is power, and we’re...
Read MoreApril Showers Brings May Flowers!
April is upon us! The expression "April showers bring May flowers" is a beautiful reminder of nature's natural cycles and the unexpected storms that may appear in our lives. This is an excellent time to consider starting a rainy-day...
Read MoreWays to Put Your Tax Refund to Work
Saving money is a bit like eating healthy; you know you should eat your veggies, but it’s hard to resist indulging in something more fun. Like making healthy choices, a tax refund can present the opportunity to splurge. But, more...
Read MoreLife insurance is a legacy.
Life isn’t a journey, but many journeys woven together that create your story. The choices you make along the way guide these threads into a tale you leave behind to those who matter most. These decisions determine the paths that can...
Read MoreLast Minute Tips Before Tax Day
Fewer things are more reliable than Tax Day, even if the deadline has shifted around a bit in recent years. This year, it’s April 15th for most taxpayers, and recent legislation changes include substantial increases to standard...
Read More3, 2, 1…Happy New Year! 🎇
Happy New Year! Here’s to a fantastic January. The new year is often a time of reflection, renewal, and embracing new opportunities in the year ahead. Many of us are ready to kickstart 2025 with a fresh set of goals to accomplish over...
Read MoreMerry Christmas
I would like to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas! May the tangible and intangible gifts of the season warm your heart, and may your family and friends make the celebration exceptionally warm and bright. I have...
Read MoreDiscussing Finances Over the Holidays
The holiday season is upon us; from story time with sorely missed grandchildren to laughter with friends and family over long-cherished memories, there's little doubt that "the most wonderful time of the year" has arrived. For my...
Read MoreNovember 2024: Retirement Readiness
This month’s Retirement Readiness newsletter features helpful information about ways to deal with a burdensome inheritance, strategies for women approaching retirement, how AI tools are impacting retiree entrepreneurship, and...
Read MoreOpen Enrollment for the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace
As a reminder, the 2025 Open Enrollment Period for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace is November 1 through January 15, 2025. Anyone looking to enroll, re-enroll, or opt out of private health, vision, and...
Read MoreLearn the Estate Planning Essentials
You’ve worked hard to establish a legacy you can be proud of, one that your family can continue to build upon for years to come. And as you know, a comprehensive estate plan is an essential piece of your financial puzzle. However,...
Read More6 Helpful Tips to Get Started on Your Estate Plan
If you’re wondering if estate planning is right for you, it’s important to know it’s not just for the wealthy. Even people with modest assets need a written plan. And right now is a great time to take the next step and get started....
Read MoreSeptember is Life Insurance Awareness Month
Life is an amazing journey full of challenges and triumphs. No matter where you are on the journey, preparing can be a key part of success. That’s why we are happy to remind you that September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. Life...
Read MoreAugust is National Make a Will Month
When was the last time you reviewed your will or estate strategy? August is National "Make a Will" Month, an excellent annual reminder to update or create your will. A will can outline your wishes and help guide the settlement of your...
Read MoreShould You Use Your Retirement to Pay for College?
Educational attainment is a bedrock of the American Dream. We all want our kids to do better than us, and we'll do anything to help them achieve that! But unfortunately, there are dreams, and then there's reality: college costs have...
Read MoreIt’s Time for a Mid-Year Check-In.
With the first half of the year in the rearview mirror, summertime is a great chance to touch base. A mid-year financial review can help to take stock of your accomplishments thus far and uncover any needs for adjustments. It’s...
Read MoreThree Reasons Why I’m Optimistic
As we inch closer to the second half of 2024, I’ll give you three reasons to be optimistic about the outlook for the financial markets. We have an election on the horizon, so you’ll likely hear mixed messages about the economy’s...
Read MoreAge My Way in May
May is a month to celebrate the older Americans in our country and honor their lives and the accomplishments they still have ahead of them. Older Americans Month was established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy to bring awareness...
Read MoreYou Can Celebrate Your Milestones!
With each season of life, new milestones will impact your budget. However, when you enter your 30s and 40s, these milestones have a much heftier price tag. The sheer costs can be intimidating, whether it's a wedding, a new home, or...
Read MoreWays to Put Your Tax Refund to Work
Saving money is a bit like eating healthy; you know you should eat your veggies, but it’s hard to resist indulging in something more fun. Like making healthy choices, a tax refund can present the opportunity to splurge. But, more...
Read More5 Reasons Why Women Need to Invest
Despite progress toward financial planning and saving, women often face challenges regarding their financial security. These challenges can include more time away from the workforce (often caring for children or for parents), the...
Read MoreSpring Into March 🍀
March has arrived, and soon, spring will be here as well. For those eagerly waiting for warmer days and lighter evenings, your wait will soon be over. Daylight Savings Time kicks in March 10th for much of the U.S. –...
Read MoreCaregiver Readiness… Are You Prepared?
There are lots of positives to adulthood. You make your own money, you make your own rules, and you make your own decisions. But with freedom comes responsibility, and one of those responsibilities is making plans for the future....
Read MoreLast Minute Tips Before Tax Day
Fewer things are more reliable than Tax Day, even if the deadline has shifted around a bit in recent years. This year, it’s April 15th for most taxpayers, and recent legislation changes include substantial increases to...
Read MoreYour Wealth Is Waiting
Are you waiting to invest until you have more funds to work with? Don’t wait! The size of your portfolio 20, 30, or 40 years from now won’t reflect the dollar amount you start with today; rather, it will almost...
Read MoreStudy: Hobbies Keep You Sharp
Did you know that hobbies can help you live a longer and more fulfilled life? Many scientific studies have found that having a hobby can improve your physical and mental health, keep you sharp on the job, and help your relationships....
Read MoreMerry Christmas
May the spirit of the season fill you and your loved ones with joy, and may your celebrations be warm, merry, and bright!
Read MoreAre You Getting the Most Out of Giving?
Making charitable contributions is a great way to help people in need while maximizing tax benefits, creating a win-win. Donations to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations can shrink taxable income, saving hard-earned cash. Here are...
Read MoreAre You Getting the Most Out of Giving?
Making charitable contributions is a great way to help people in need while maximizing tax benefits, creating a win-win. Donations to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations can shrink taxable income, saving hard-earned cash. Here are...
Read MorePreparing for Divorce: Helpful Worksheets
Divorce is an ending, and endings aren't easy. There's a lot of emotion involved: sadness, confusion, fear of the future, and maybe anger, to name just a few. So it's understandable if you want to sit on the sofa watching reruns or...
Read MoreWomen Are Giving Thanks by Giving Back
As a woman, you’re well versed in the practice of giving (giving your time, energy, expertise, support, etc.), so you probably already know how giving can enhance your life while improving the lives of others. But did you also...
Read More10 Common (and Costly) Medicare Mistakes
As we age, one consideration that weighs on most people is the cost of healthcare in retirement. While we can’t truly predict the cost, we can take time to educate ourselves about the options or resources available to help pay...
Read MoreWomen 🚺 Should Know These 7 Things About Social Security
Did you know… You should start preparing a Social Security Strategy by age 55! Most people don’t even think about Social Security until they’re facing retirement, but it really pays to be informed. There are so many...
Read MoreDoes Emotional Investing Affect Your Results?
Investing in the stock market can sometimes feel like riding a rollercoaster, full of ups and downs. There’s the thrill and excitement when the market goes up, but also uncertainty and fear when it goes down. It’s...
Read MoreSeptember Is National Life Insurance Awareness Month
It’s time for your life insurance checkup. September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to review your coverage.1 If you don’t have any life insurance, you’re not alone. Life...
Read MoreLadies, Take Care of Yourself in Retirement
Throughout our lives, men and women have differing healthcare needs. In retirement, the differences are even more amplified due to longevity and potential savings deficiencies. First, when childbirth occurs, women are more likely than...
Read MoreHappy Labor Day!
More than just a bookend to the summer season, Labor Day is a celebration of workers' contributions to the well-being of our country and the economy.Labor Day was first celebrated on Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with...
Read MoreTailgating: Clever ideas for a winning party
Tailgating is a favorite among American sports fans, and just about anyone can do it. Drive to the game, park in the lot, cook up some food, right? Sure, but to do it well, you might want to follow these tips from the experts: Arrive...
Read MoreTime-Saving Tips for School Mornings
If you have school-age children, you’re intimately familiar with the often-hectic morning routines that make launching a rocket into space look easy. And, the longer the morning routine, the greater the likelihood of running...
Read More5 Types of Insurance Your College Student May Need
If you have teenagers, you’re likely very in touch with the adage, “One day you’re changing diapers, and the next you’re sending them off to college.” One of the results of that compressed passage of time...
Read MoreAugust 2023: Retirement Readiness
Our newsletter this month features a video exploring the facts about early retirement, and helpful articles about challenges women face when planning to retire, the importance of making sure your retirement accounts are working in...
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