What’s the value of hiring a CFP? This might be the best estimate.
by Sonja Breeding, CFP®, CCFCIndependent research continues to show that working with a Certified Financial Planner adds significant value to one’s financial planning journey. What’s the value of hiring a CFP? This might be the best estimate By Tobias Salinger, Feb. 12, 2026 The planning profession’s largest certification correlates with good grades from clients, both in terms of important… Continue reading
How to Make, and Keep, New Year’s Financial Resolutions
by Sonja Breeding, CFP®, CCFCStart the year with clarity. Turn your 2026 financial resolutions into specific, actionable goals that move your plan forward. How to Make, and Keep, New Year’s Financial Resolutions By Ann Carrns, Jan. 9, 2025 This is the time of year when many people make New Year’s resolutions — “I’m going to boost my savings” or… Continue reading
Too Rich for College Aid, Can’t Afford Full Price: How One Family Made It Work
by Sonja Breeding, CFP®, CCFCAt times, bargaining power can play a major role for financial aid and college decisions. Too Rich for College Aid, Can’t Afford Full Price: How One Family Made It Work By Oyin Adedoyin, Aug. 22, 2025 This week, we’re bringing you stories about what it costs to raise a child in 2025, and how families… Continue reading
Americans Are Finally Saving Almost What They’re Supposed to for Retirement
by Sonja Breeding, CFP®, CCFCSome positivity: 401(k) contributions are on the rise, edging closer to what financial planners recommend. Americans Are Finally Saving Almost What They’re Supposed to for Retirement By Anne Tergesen, June 4, 2025 How 401(k) Saving Compares to Standard Advice Workers are putting away a record share of their income for retirement. The average savings rate… Continue reading
Three Financial Planning Strategies for When Markets Fall
by Sonja Breeding, CFP®, CCFCWith the right strategies, stock market downturns can become opportunities to strengthen your financial plan. Three Financial Planning Strategies for When Markets Fall By Matthew Sommer, Ph.D. CFA®, May 1, 2025 The market volatility experienced in early April may have left some investors feeling a bit unnerved. While many tried-and-true strategies such as “stay the course”… Continue reading
529 Plan Contribution Limits for 2025
by Sonja Breeding, CFP®, CCFCThinking About College Costs? Here’s What You Should Know About 529 Plan Contributions in 2025. 529 Plan Contribution Limits for 2025 By Kathryn Pomroy, April 4, 2025 A 529 plan is a state-sponsored account that offers tax-advantaged savings to cover college, trade and vocational courses and qualified K-12 expenses. It can be a powerful… Continue reading
A Three-Step Income Plan for Those Nearing Retirement
by Sonja Breeding, CFP®, CCFCAs a financial advisor, increasingly I find myself in a ticklish situation: Trying to convince people that taking an easy yield on cash is not a long-term investment strategy. Here is what typically happens, in my experience. Imagine a couple in their early 60s. They have diligently saved for retirement. As they approach the… Continue reading
Medicare plan options are confusing. This book may help.
by Sonja Breeding, CFP®, CCFCMedicare Made Simple? Not Quite: Decoding the Alphabet Soup to Maximize Your Coverage. Medicare plan options are confusing. This book may help. By Michelle Singletary, November 22, 2024 For all its pluses, Medicare can be a hellish system that befuddles and frustrates so many beneficiaries. Medicare provides health insurance for millions of Americans 65… Continue reading
What to Know About 529 Accounts Owned by Grandparents & the New FAFSA
by Sonja Breeding, CFP®, CCFCRecently, rules have changed for 529 plans, and there is now a “Grandparent Loophole” that could be of benefit to you. What to Know About 529 Accounts Owned by Grandparents & the New FAFSA by Kathryn Flynn, February 19, 2024 529 plans are a popular way for grandparents to save for college and for good… Continue reading

