Full Circle Financial Planning

08/18/2026

🍂 Fall Financial Reset: Check Your Beneficiaries

Now that summer is coming to an end, it’s a great time to get a few of those financial “I’ll get to it later” items taken care of.

As part of our Fall Financial Reset Series, we’ll be sharing a few simple things you can do to get your finances back in order.

First up: Check your beneficiaries.

For many people, their 401(k), 403(b), 457, or other workplace retirement account is one of their largest financial assets.

Yet you’d be surprised how many people have never named a beneficiary or haven’t logged into their account in years to see who is listed.

Take a few minutes today:

✅ Log into your retirement account.
✅ Find the Beneficiaries section.
✅ Make sure someone is actually listed.
✅ Make sure it still reflects your wishes.

Marriage, divorce, children, deaths, and other life changes can make an old beneficiary designation outdated.

And if you don't have a beneficiary listed at all, it can create unnecessary complications for the people you leave behind.

Two minutes today could save your family a lot of headaches later.

06/15/2026

Most people are familiar with CDs at the bank. You deposit money, earn a fixed interest rate for a set period, and get your money back at maturity.

What many people don't realize is that there is a similar option offered through insurance companies called a Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity (MYGA).

Like a CD, a MYGA offers a guaranteed interest rate for a specified period. One key difference is that earnings inside a MYGA grow tax-deferred, meaning you don't pay taxes on the interest each year as you would with a non-retirement CD.

That doesn't mean a MYGA is always better—each has its pros and cons—but it's a tool that often flies under the radar when people are evaluating options for cash they don't need immediate access to.

I came across this article that does a nice job explaining some of the differences. If you're comparing CDs, savings accounts, or other conservative options, it's worth a quick read.

Have you heard of a MYGA before?

MYGAs are insurance products intended to generate income, while CDs are bank savings products that generally offer lower interest rates.

06/02/2026

As we celebrate Pride Month, we reaffirm a core belief that’s guided Full Circle from the beginning: everyone—and every family—deserves the chance to plan for a future that honors their unique story.

Love is love. Family is family. And we’re proud to be an ally on your journey.

05/28/2026

Over the last week, we’ve had a couple clients reach out after reading about the “widow penalty” and how surviving spouses can sometimes face higher taxes and Medicare premiums.

Something to be aware of? Absolutely.
Something to panic over? Usually not.

Things to consider:
• Tax brackets shrink after a spouse passes
• Medicare IRMAA thresholds tighten
• RMDs may stay relatively high
• Planning ahead can help reduce surprises

Every situation is different, especially depending on pensions, Social Security, and retirement account balances.

If you have questions about what your future tax situation could look like, let’s talk.

Surviving spouses often face a 'widow's penalty' in taxes, leading to higher bills and lower deductions. Learn how to mitigate it.

05/04/2026

If you’re in your 40s or early 50s, read this.

You’ve probably done a great job saving for retirement.

401(k)? ✔
Roth IRA? ✔

But everything else still feels… tight.

That’s usually not a savings problem.
It’s a structure problem.

If retirement is on track, the next step is building flexibility for everything happening before it.

https://www.fullcirclefp.com/post/how-much-is-too-much-in-retirement

03/18/2026

Who do you have winning it all?

THE BEST TWO DAYS OF BASKETBALL 🙌

For anyone who needs this 🤝

02/19/2026

Just watched the Oscar-nominated short film Retirement Plan and it stuck with me.

It’s about an older gentleman finally retiring and talking about all the things he’ll do now. It’s heartwarming but also a little sobering.

As a financial planner, I believe in saving for the future. But I also believe some experiences shouldn’t wait. Climbing the Coliseum stairs is easier at 45 than 67. Taking the trip with your kids hits differently when they’re still young.

Planning isn’t about delaying life. It’s about aligning money with what's important to you.

Highly recommend watching it.

In John Kelly’s animated short film, nothing’s off limits when it comes to thinking about the future—particularly when there’s so much left to do.

02/05/2026

AI is changing the conversation about work and the future.

This opinion piece reflects on why uncertainty is not new and why planning still matters.

I recently came across a few headlines about Elon Musk suggesting that saving for retirement may not even matter anymore because of artificial intelligence.I will admit, I found that a little ironic. The richest person in the world telling everyone else to stop saving for the future.That observation...

02/02/2026

🌟 Celebrating Black History Month 🌟

This month, we honor the rich legacy, resilience, and contributions of Black leaders, innovators, and changemakers who have shaped history and continue to inspire progress.

At Full Circle Financial Planning, we are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion—ensuring that every voice is heard, valued, and empowered. Financial planning should be accessible to everyone, and we’re here to help build a future where opportunity knows no boundaries.

01/28/2026

Why the falling U.S. dollar matters to everyday investors

The dollar recently hit its lowest level in four years. Over time, currency shifts like this can affect everything from international investment returns to inflation and purchasing power. It’s one reason long-term financial planning focuses on diversification and resilience rather than short-term predictions.

Dollar drops against basket of currencies after Donald Trump brushed off concerns over slide