AGATE Financial Partners

05/31/2026

Explore how inflation has affected purchasing power over the decades with this historical tool.

See how the purchasing power of a dollar has changed over time due to inflation.

05/30/2026

\$100 not spent is more like \$143. Intrigued?

One way to find money is to examine your current spending habits and eliminate money wasters.

05/29/2026

Do you actually know what your car costs you in fuel each year? Enter your driving habits and gas prices to find out what your MPG really means for your wallet.

Calculate your vehicle's fuel efficiency and see what you're spending on gas annually.

05/29/2026

According to a Fidelity article, for the ‘25-’26 school year, the average published all-in cost at a 4-year public school for out-of-state students is $45,780, and the average private school costs $60,920.

So, because today is 529 Day (it’s 5/29, get it? 😂), it’s a good time to revisit one of the most flexible tools for tackling those numbers.

What 529 plans actually do:

📚 Tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses. State tax treatment will vary, and so will fees and expenses.

📚 Use them for college, trade school, K-12 tuition, and apprenticeships. A 529 can even repay up to $10,000 in student loans.

📚 Whether a 529 qualifies for a state tax deduction will depend on your state of residence, as state tax laws and treatment may vary from federal tax laws.

📚 Superfund up to $95,000 in a single year by using five years of gift tax exclusions at once. But remember if you make nonqualified distributions, earnings will be subject to income tax and a 10 percent federal penalty tax.

📚 Minimal impact on financial aid—parent-owned 529s are assessed at a maximum rate of 5.6 percent.

Grandparents, parents, aunts, or uncles can contribute.

And starting in 2026, the K-12 annual withdrawal limit doubles to $20,000.

The best time to start was years ago. The second-best time is now.

05/28/2026

Cyber attacks are a growing online threat, but the good news is that you can insure your business!

90% of small businesses in the U.S. don't protect their data from cyber attacks. Is your business at risk?

05/28/2026

Most parents think the last tuition check means game over for college. The data says it's halftime.

50 percent of parents with adult children still provide regular financial support, spending $1,474 a month to do so. That's more than twice what they're putting toward their own retirement.

Here's what "just helping out a little" actually looks like:

✅ 75 percent of parents aged 45+ are financially supporting at least one adult child, even though over half of those children can meet their own basic needs, according to a 2025 AARP survey.

✅ 42 percent of supporting parents report financial stress. 9 percent have retired early because of it.

✅ 47 percent say they've sacrificed their own financial position for the sake of their kids.

✅ 18 percent say the support could continue indefinitely. They don't see an end in sight.

This isn't about being less generous. It's about being intentional.

Whether your kid just graduated, graduated five years ago, or is still in school, the question is the same: Is your support happening by design or by default?

That's worth a conversation.

05/27/2026

When should you discuss family finances as retirement nears? Now! Read this article to learn how to facilitate those important conversations.

Talking about money shouldn’t be taboo. Learn about starting financial conversations across the generations in your family.

05/26/2026

Committed to increasing your financial literacy? Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Many Americans are operating their personal finances with only the barest minimum of knowledge.

05/25/2026

How can you help your family feel confident about the future? Talk to them. Discuss your financial values and plans.

Start a discussion with your adult kids about generational family finances. Share your retirement and financial goals.

05/25/2026

Yes, Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer. But let's not forget what this day is really about.

Today, we remember those who gave everything. The men and women who served and never came home.

Some of us knew them. Some of us are here because of them.

However you spend today, take a moment to pause. Enjoy the long weekend, but hold space for what it actually means.

To the families carrying that loss: we honor them with you.