Freedom For Living

February is full of milestones that shaped culture, language, and science. That being said, we wanted to take a second to share some of our favorite historical moments from the month.

📚 February 1, 1884 - The first part of the Oxford English Dictionary was published, laying the groundwork for what would become the most comprehensive record of the English language.

🧸 February 15, 1903 - The very first teddy bear went on sale after a shop owner received permission from President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt to use his nickname. The cuddly toy quickly became a childhood classic.

🧬February 28, 1953 - Scientists revealed the spiral structure of DNA, forever changing how we understand genetics.

Which of these February milestones do you find most interesting? Share your thoughts in the comments!

If you’re thinking about retirement, you might be considering Social Security benefits as part of your plan. But you might not realize that you could be preparing now to help increase your benefit later.

Here are some key Social Security strategies that could help maximize your benefit more — and bring you greater peace of mind down the road:

✅ Work at least 35 years - Social Security is based on your 35 highest-earning years. If you’re only a few years off of this target, you may want to consider working until you hit the 35-year mark.

✅ Consider additional earning opportunities - Raises, promotions, or side gigs that increase your income can count toward a higher future benefit.

✅ Check your earnings record - Errors or missing income can shrink your future payments. Review and correct them through your My Social Security account.

✅ Wait until full retirement age - Claiming Social Security benefits early can reduce your monthly amount for life. Waiting until your full retirement age can pay off.

✅ Consider delaying benefits - For every year you delay past your full retirement age, your benefit increases. Depending on your personal health and financial needs, delaying your Social Security benefits can help you earn more as you age.

While these strategies may work for some, it’s important to discuss the best approach for your unique situation with a financial advisor.

That’s where we come in. Give us a call today, and we can discuss a holistic wealth management strategy that considers current needs and future goals.

A new year often means new chapters in life, and those changes can impact your life insurance needs. Getting married, having children, changing jobs, going through a divorce, or even experiencing a loss in the family are all moments when a policy review makes sense.

Call our office today to schedule your new year life insurance review. Our team is here to help you update your coverage so it continues to protect what matters most!

January is Financial Wellness Month, making it the perfect time to check in on some of your financial components. Two key areas that help build a solid financial foundation for the year ahead are savings and debt. Think you’ve got a handle on these basics? Take our quiz to find out.

If you have any questions about savings, debt, or investments, reach out to us today. We are here to help support your financial goals.