Rose City Financial Services, LLC

07/17/2026

A simple reminder.

07/16/2026

If you're collecting Social Security and still working, here's a mid-year reminder: your earnings could affect your benefits.

Before reaching your full retirement age, Social Security may temporarily withhold a portion of your benefits if your earned income exceeds certain limits. Once you reach full retirement age, those earnings limits no longer apply.

The rules can be confusing, especially if you've started a new job, picked up part-time work, or had changes in income this year.

That's why a mid-year check-in can be worthwhile. Reach out if you'd like to review how your earnings could affect your benefits this year.

07/15/2026

If you're self-employed, your retirement planning options may look different than someone working for a large employer.

One option to know about is the solo 401(k). It's designed for business owners with no full-time employees other than a spouse and may allow eligible owners to save more for retirement than some other account types.

For many entrepreneurs, it can be a powerful way to build retirement savings while maintaining flexibility.

Not sure whether a solo 401(k) fits your situation? Let's talk.

07/14/2026

Whether you're a recent grad just entering repayment or a parent trying to help your child navigate the process, knowing what repayment plans are available can save you thousands of dollars over time.

Here's a breakdown of the most common federal student loan repayment options:

Standard Repayment Plan
🔹 Fixed payments over 10 years
🔹 You'll pay less interest overall compared to other plans
🔹 Best for: borrowers who can afford consistent monthly payments

Graduated Repayment Plan
🔹 Payments start low and increase every two years
🔹 Still paid off within 10 years
🔹 Best for: borrowers expecting their income to grow over time

Extended Repayment Plan
🔹 Fixed or graduated payments stretched over up to 25 years
🔹 Lower monthly payments but more interest paid over time
🔹 Best for: borrowers with more than $30,000 in federal loans who need payment relief

Income-Driven Repayment Plans (IDR)
There are several IDR options, including:
🔹 SAVE Plan: Payments based on income and family size; remaining balance forgiven after 20–25 years
🔹 Pay As You Earn (PAYE): Payments capped at 10% of discretionary income
🔹 Income-Based Repayment (IBR): Payments capped at 10–15% of discretionary income
🔹 Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR): Payments based on income or a 12-year fixed plan, whichever is less
🔹 Best for: borrowers with high debt relative to their income

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
🔹 Available to borrowers working full-time for a qualifying government or nonprofit employer
🔹 Remaining balance forgiven after 120 qualifying payments (10 years)
🔹 Best for: teachers, nurses, social workers, and other public service professionals

A Few Important Things to Know:
✅ These plans apply to federal student loans; private loans have different options
✅ Enrolling in an income-driven plan may lower your monthly payment but increase total interest paid
✅ Forgiven amounts may be considered taxable income depending on the plan
✅ Always recertify your income annually if you're on an IDR plan

Not sure which plan is right for your situation? This is exactly the kind of conversation worth having with a financial professional. Reach out—we're here to help.

07/13/2026

Is your business your retirement plan?

A recent SCORE study found that 34% of business owners have no retirement savings outside of their business. If that hits close to home you're not alone, but it's worth taking a closer look at your long-term plan.

Relying solely on your business as a retirement strategy comes with real risk. Markets shift, industries change, and a sale doesn't always go as planned. Building retirement savings outside your business gives you options and additional security.

The good news? Business owners have access to some powerful tax-advantaged accounts, like SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and Solo 401(k)s that can help close that gap.

If your business is your biggest asset but your only retirement plan, let's chat about building a strategy that works harder for your future.

07/10/2026

Outliving your savings is a real risk in retirement. This article breaks down the key stats & tips for a secure retirement. 💡📈

A new report lists 41 states where seniors are likely to outlive their retirement savings.

07/09/2026

More than 40% of small businesses still don't offer a retirement savings plan.

For employees, retirement benefits are often one of the most valuable workplace benefits available. For employers, they can be a meaningful way to attract and retain talent while helping employees build long-term financial security.

Not sure where to start? We're happy to help you evaluate which benefits may make the most sense for your business and your employees.

07/08/2026

Estate planning is 10% math and 90% communication.

The documents, the assets, and the beneficiary designations are important, but the piece most families overlook is the conversation. Who gets what? Who makes decisions if you can't? Does your family know where everything is? Do they understand your wishes?

The most effective estate plans are built on clear communication and shared understanding. That means looping in your spouse, your kids, your executor, and anyone else who plays a role in your plan.

Have you had the talk with your family yet?

07/07/2026

Business owners wear a lot of hats, which is exactly why a mid-year check-in can help.

Cash flow, estimated taxes, reserves, and retirement planning often look different in June than they did in January. A quick reset now may make year-end decisions feel a lot less rushed.

If it has been a while since you reviewed the bigger picture, mid-year may be a good time to start.

07/06/2026

When people talk about “international markets,” they’re usually referring to companies and investments outside the U.S.

Why does that matter?

Because different economies, currencies, and regions don’t always move in sync. That means international exposure can play a role in diversification, but it can also come with extra considerations like currency risk, political risk, accounting differences, and market volatility.

So what level of exposure is right?

That’s where the conversation becomes personal. Time horizon, comfort with market swings, overall diversification, and long-term goals all matter. More exposure isn’t automatically better and less exposure isn’t automatically safer.

A thoughtful review can help determine whether your current investment mix still aligns with your long-term goals.