Get ready for Halloween without breaking the bank! In this blog, I share practical tips and tricks for saving on costumes, décor, candy, and party planning. Perfect for busy families looking to enjoy the spooky season while keeping finances in check!
Medicare open enrollment is here (October 15 - December 7), and POWWOW encourages clients aged 65+ to work with a trusted resource to ensure existing coverage is still suitable.
If you’ve received a notice from Fidelity or Vanguard inviting you to participate in their securities lending program, you might…
Behind the Curtain: How Colleges Review ApplicantsWhen families think about college admissions, it’s easy to picture an admissions officer sitting…
Before signing a Massachusetts CCRC contract, review refund terms, apartment upgrades, and financial strength to protect your deposit and care.
Target date funds are a powerful tool for retirement savers—but they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. Learn when they work best, when to reconsider, and how to choose the right one for your goals.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act brings clarity yet tax planning nuances for Massachusetts families earning $100K–$500K. Discover the key benefits — and tax torpedos — you should plan for.
Learn how one family of six planned and paid for a multi-generational trip to Europe. Tips on saving, splurging wisely, using credit cards, and avoiding common pitfalls — without sacrificing fun.
Considering a move to Brooksby Village in Peabody, MA? Learn what it costs and how to plan financially for assisted living with help from a local fiduciary financial advisor.
Teach your middle schooler key money concepts related to taxes, interest, and investing. This guide covers introducing financial literacy skills to kids ages 10–14 in an age-appropriate and engaging way.
Many high-earning professionals have inaccurate paystub tax withholdings, leading to surprises at tax time. Learn why this happens and how Powwow, LLC can help you course-correct midyear.
Dementia affects millions of individuals and their families, presenting complex challenges that require comprehensive care and support. Recognizing this need,…
Every generation has its way of handling money. For the “sandwich generation", navigating finances looks a bit different than it did for older generations. Read on to see how Gen X is redefining how to build wealth.
Real estate transactions are one of life's major milestones... whether it’s purchasing a first home, a second property for personal…
With rising costs of homeownership, expectations for aesthetics, and the time it takes to manage it all, even high earners are finding it harder to justify or afford a second home. Even if it's a rental! Smart financial planning is key to navigating these challenges.
Choosing guardianship for your children is one of the most important decisions in estate planning. By selecting the right person, providing financial resources, communicating your parenting philosophy, and ensuring easy access to estate plans, you can create a stable and supportive future for your children. If you haven’t yet named a guardian or need to update your estate plan, now is the time to take action.
Mutual funds often issue large year-end capital gain distributions and dividends, impacting your tax bill. Learn why this happens, how to anticipate it, and what to do.
Learn how a Homestead Exemption protects your home. Discover how homestead exemptions work in MA, New Hampshire and other states, along with key filing steps and recent law changes.
When moving to a new area, finding the right public school for your children often tops the list of priorities.…
The increasing frequency and intensity of catastrophic weather events are reshaping homeowners insurance in a profound way. From wildfires in…
Stay ahead of 2025 tax adjustments that impact your savings, taxes, and employee benefits.
Discover the best ways to manage your child's cash gifts, from piggy banks to trusts, and learn how to maximize growth while teaching financial responsibility.
Learn how pooled trusts help seniors in Massachusetts qualify for MassHealth while preserving assets. Read about eligibility, benefits, and expert tips for elder care planning.
Discover thoughtful gift ideas for seniors this holiday season! From meaningful experiences and consumables to professional services and practical gadgets, find perfect ways to show your love while avoiding clutter. Make their holidays special and stress-free!
Open enrollment is here, so as I offer every year, here is my latest recap that goes over the different Medicare Part and Medicare plan options and their costs.
This blog provides an overview of FinCEN and BOI reporting requirements, highlighting why compliance matters and offering practical advice for businesses and individuals. By staying informed, you can protect yourself and your business from regulatory issues while supporting broader efforts to combat financial crimes.
Hiring a nanny over using daycare can offer personalized care and certain conveniences, but it also comes with significant financial and employer responsibilities. From payroll taxes and liability insurance to agency fees and contract considerations, the costs and time associated with correctly managing it all can add up quickly. By understanding these financial implications and planning accordingly, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your family’s needs and budget.
Closing an estate is a complex and emotional process, but understanding the steps and seeking professional advice can make the estate closure process easier to navigate. Be sure to download my included guide.
Buyers will now be implored to negotiate terms with their agent vs depending on the seller's contract. The change has been described as great, terrible, a minor shift and everything in between. Time will tell, but understanding how this can help or hurt you in your next transaction is step 1!
The 2025-2026 federal student aid application will open to all students as late as Dec. 1, mirroring delays last year.
Discover if pet insurance is worth the cost and right for your family. Explore the pros and cons, factors to consider, and alternatives to help you make an informed decision for your pet's health and your financial peace of mind.
One of the most FAQs I receive from families is what questions to ask during an assisted living tour. If you google it, you'll find some pretty exhaustive lists. I’ve distilled down the best topics and insight to focus on as you consider an assisted living community.
Supporting your children financially goes beyond funding their college expenses. It's about empowering them with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to thrive in all aspects of life.
Correctly managing inherited wealth requires careful planning and a healthy dose of self-awareness. Working with a financial planner can help you make high-value choices.
Planning ahead for IRMAA surcharges has become more important as the bracket tiers narrow and Medicare premiums increase.
Learn how to safeguard your finances from potential scams and Ponzi schemes by identifying red flags and discovering essential insights to protect yourself and your investments from financial fraud. Learn who and what's involved with investment management to help ensure a secure financial future.
Caregivers must be mindful of potential challenges that can arise, including accusations of fraud. Sometimes things start off on the right foot, but can land on a sour note unexpectedly. Here are some steps well-meaning caregivers can take to protect themselves.
The FAFSA Simplication Act will have families seeing changes to their application process and aid package this year. Many will do well by the calculation adjustments. And at the very least, they should find the application process much easier. Others may walk away with less than expected.
Learn how everyday families can benefit from estate planning to ensure their intentions are seen through and how to avoid common estate planning mistakes.
Did you know numerous tax saving strategies don't adhere to a year-end deadline? In this blog, we'll explore some effective methods to minimize last year's tax burden.
SECURE 2.0 has 90+ new or updated retirement provisions. For retirees, this means expanded catch-up contributions, charitable gifting options, and changes to RMDs.
Effectively benefiting the next generation comes in all shapes and sizes, learn about your options to gift relative to your net worth.
Life insurance can provide a valuable safety net for loved ones who depend on you financially. But children usually don’t have jobs, so no one depends on their income. Forbes look at the possible reasons for buying life insurance for children.
Choosing the right type of care community for a loved one depends on their specific needs, health conditions, and preferences. Here is my overview of Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), Assisted Living, and Nursing Homes to help you make an informed decision.
Minimizing the burden of taxes and avoiding potential complications of settling an estate are certainly worthy goals to aim for! In this blog, we’ll discuss how I address the goal of leaving a tax-reduced estate.
Teaching young children smart money habits is a valuable life skill that can set them on a path to financial responsibility and success. Here are some tips on how to teach financial literacy to children aged 6-9.
In reflecting on my New Year's Resolution, there were repeated themes this year that I hope to incorporate into my life to maximize my Sandwich Generation efforts vs feeling encumbered with an unattainable goal. I'm sharing my conclusions with the hope that you start 2024 with an energized mindset.
Teaching young children smart money habits is a valuable life skill that can set them on a path to financial responsibility and success. Here are some tips on how to teach children aged 3-5 smart money habits.
With no cost of living adjustment since 2006 and soaring property valuations, the MA state estate tax has been a pain point for the beneficiaries of the middle-class.
Last year the Northeast experienced a drought. This year my town had multiple floods wreaking havoc on both residents and businesses. While most people are trying to offload their bank required flood insurance to save on cost, you may be wanting to sign up ASAP in light of recent events. But is the premium worth it? More importantly, are you eligible to get it based on your zoning? Read more from BankRate.com.
Medicaid in Massachusetts, known as MassHealth, provides long-term care coverage to eligible low-income seniors within the state. Applying for this coverage can be daunting, but understanding the big picture can be helpful.
They're restarting come October 2023 - don't delay understanding your options for payment, payment method, and ensure it's folded into your budget.
There is no need to hunker down in just the SP500 or gold to see returns, diversification is preached for a reason. This chart shows annual returns for eight broad-based asset classes. Notice how the “leadership” changes from year to year, and how competitively the diversified portfolio performed over 20 years (see the “annualized return” column).
Pre-paying a funeral is a way to plan and cover the costs associated with your end-of-life services in advance. Pre-paying can come into play to ensure services are carried out as intended, to help with Medicaid eligibility, and provide a little reprieve of responsibility as loved ones grieve.
Rethinking65 features Quentara Costa's insight on how tax benefits for continuing care retirement communities can make them more affordable.
One of the most frequently asked questions I'm receiving these days is related to paying off debt and financing options. Gone are the days of a 2.5 - 3.5% mortgage. Whether it be for a home purchase, improvement, car, or business venture, here are some options to consider if you're looking for financing.
Writing an obituary can be a challenging task, as it requires capturing the essence of a person’s life and honoring their memory. Here are some guidelines to help you write a great obituary for your loved one.
Student loan proposals didn't go in Biden's favor during debt ceiling negotiations and a deciding vote by the Supreme Court. The Biden Administration hopes to now find a win revamping the income-driven repayment plan.
Your child's IEP and support network will not follow them to college, so it's critically important for them to become their own advocate as they navigate the world of college accommodations.
Here are the top three suggestions on how a senior may be able to make use of ChatGPT in ways that are different than what's already available through other popular technologies.
8 steps to help with financial planning as you consider an LGBTQ-motivated relocation. Plus info from ACLU and Wallet Hub on related state-by-state law proposals and tax burdens.
I've had a slew of clients adding "wedding" to their list of goals. Is their 20-something child even engaged yet - not necessarily, they just want to be prepared when the special day comes. But a part from funding the day, there is plenty else to consider as two become one.
While the process of downsizing can be emotionally and physically challenging, it can also be liberating and rewarding. To help you navigate this transition, we've compiled a comprehensive checklist for downsizing your home.
The attraction of 529 college savings programs is that they provide for investment earnings to grow on a tax-deferred basis, making them a tax-savvy choice compared to other options.
Caregivers of an aging loved one often feel like they're stranded on an island with no support. But take heart that there are options if you know where to look.
What any bank depositor should know about Silicon Valley Bank and their own FDIC coverage.
There are SO many articles about layoffs and jobs being left unfilled. It makes you think about your own preparedness in the event of job loss. Here's my game plan for helping you go from layoff to takeoff.
Read how you may be able to save a bit on taxes if considering a CCRC. You may potentially be able to deduct a portion of the initial buy-in and ongoing rent.
About half of U.S. adults plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, spending a total of $25.9 billion!
What’s the best way to discuss financial limits as a family without stressing out children? How can parents support children’s well-being while taking care of their own?
SECURE 2.0 is primarily meant to strengthen Americans' ability to retire by enhancing savings options. For workers, this means automatic enrollment in retirement plans, enhanced matching, and flexibility to use savings for emergencies.
Determine what existing travel coverage you have first, and whether additional travel insurance is a good idea.
Many studies confirm "The January Effect" exists, so will the monthly performance for January predict how 2023 will pan out?
It's time to make sure you're financially accounted for before the new year rolls around. It may be maxing out HSA and retirement plans, settling debt, or holding realistic assumptions about your spending habits. Here is a full list to consider tackling.
Open enrollment is here, so as I offer every year, here is my latest recap that goes over the different Medicare Part/Plan options and their costs for 2023.
There have been so many recent announcements related to 2023 adjustments, let’s just tackle them all together!
Do Roth IRAs make sense from a tax perspective? The first question may not be whether it’s “right” for you, but whether you’re eligible to even open one at all. That's where Roth Conversions come into play.
There are big differences in the quality of nursing homes and the care they provide. 2 Sisters Senior Living Advisors help us identify and prioritize criteria for this difficult decision.
Calculate a school’s return on investment to determine whether it is a good investment or not.
Feelings have run amok after Biden outlines his executive action for student loan forgiveness. Read about the program and my own thoughts.
Solar panels, corporate taxes, and Medicare prescription drugs - oh my! Read the highlights of Biden's latest bill.
Market downturns, like the one through the first half of 2022, could be a good time to adjust your fund portfolio to minimize the tax bite. Here’s how to calculate the best ways to do that – now and in the future.
Adult children often find themselves unprepared in the position of primary caregiver for their parents. Finances (and even more importantly TIME allocated toward supporting family) can be very dicey for members of the Sandwich Generation.
From one of our favorite local attorneys, Adam Minsky discusses the likelihood of Biden offering additional forgiveness and deferment on student loans, despite Republicans submitting a bill to resume payments.
Raising rates may be throwing the market into turmoil... but it's finally an opportunity to make some money on cash!
Direct PLUS loans have become very popular in college planning. This post by Student Aid should answer all your major questions. It also goes into good detail on how to start repaying them after graduation vs at disbursement.
When agreeing to move forward at a retirement community, be prepared for the paperwork so you don't encounter delays.
With the cost of gas and electricity skyrocketing in the past year, many households are looking to clean energy alternatives.
June 24 & 25. Programs are free and open to the public. To register for sessions and/or keynote speakers please call the senior center or register online
Although the college application process begins in earnest during your senior year, there are things you can be doing along the way to ensure you're ready to put your best foot forward.
The housing market has been frustrating for buyers, but there are signs that those frustrations might be easing.
If you've owned a LTC policy for 10+ years you've likely received a premium increase. Should you accept it or adjust coverage instead?
Discover how living a satisfying retirement is worth more than secured finances.
Is there an end game to the student loan repayment extensions? (Redirect to Nerd Wallet)
Wondering how to prepare for travel apart from packing a bag? Here is the shortlist of what I did to ensure myself, family, and clients would be taken care of in case of an emergency.
One of the most common questions for anyone planning for retirement is: “What’s the best age to start Social Security?” Read how the program works, how it's changed, and what to consider.
Despite it being no secret that money can cause a breakup, being on the same page about finances is not usually considered at the start of a relationship.
Lately, I've had a number of clients and prospects ask how to pay for college. Not in the future -…
Cleaning up personal finances remains one of the top resolutions every New Year. But we all know what happens to most such self-promises, so here’s a month-by-month to-do list to cultivate better financial health.
