Capital Advisors - Jeff Schaefer

07/22/2026

State economies show surprising resilience amid ongoing challenges. Here's a list of the best state economies today.

Economy is one of the most important categories in CNBC’s annual America’s Top States for Business rankings. Several states stand out for economic strength.

07/21/2026

Summer doesn't have to be expensive to be memorable. What's your favorite free activity this time of year? Drop it in the comments! ☀️

07/20/2026

One of the most common estate planning oversights? Outdated beneficiary designations.

Life changes, like marriages, divorces, births, and losses can all impact who you intend to receive your assets. But if beneficiary designations aren’t updated, those assets may not go where you expect.

In many cases, beneficiary forms can override what’s written in a will.

Taking time to review and update these details periodically can help ensure your plan reflects your current wishes and avoids unnecessary complications for your loved ones.

If it’s been a while since you’ve reviewed your beneficiaries, now may be a good time to take another look.

07/17/2026

Whether it's a choice or by circumstance, going from two incomes to one means rethinking a few things. The monthly budget is the obvious starting point, but adjustments usually go further than that. Emergency fund targets, insurance coverage, retirement contributions, and debt repayment timelines can all look different on a single income.

The families that navigate this transition well usually start by getting a clear picture of where things stand, then make intentional decisions about what changes and what stays the same. If you're not sure where to start, reach out.

07/16/2026

Combining finances with a partner is a big step. Before you merge the accounts, make sure you have a conversation about your money goals.

• What does each person want financially in the next 1, 5, and 10 years?
• How do you each feel about spending, saving, and debt?
• Will you split expenses equally or proportionally to income?
• What financial habits are you each bringing into the relationship?

Shared finances work best when they're built on shared expectations. Get the conversation started before you get the joint account.

07/15/2026

Starting your financial journey at 40? Here's some key tips for when you might be playing catch-up. Read more:

Starting your investment journey at age 40? Discover practical catch-up strategies, tax-advantaged tools, and compound math to secure your retirement.

07/14/2026

Plans change. Priorities shift. Life happens.

That’s why flexibility is such an important part of any retirement strategy. Having the ability to adjust your timeline can help reduce stress and keep you moving forward with confidence.

07/13/2026

It’s easy to think, “I’ll get to estate planning later.”

But life doesn’t always wait for the perfect time.

Whether you’re building a career, raising a family, or managing new responsibilities, having a plan in place today can make a meaningful difference tomorrow.

You may want to consider a plan if you:
• Have children or dependents
• Own a home or other assets
• Want a say in medical or financial decisions if something unexpected happens

If you’re unsure where to start, consider scheduling a review.

07/10/2026

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.

07/09/2026

Your 50s are often when retirement starts to feel less like a distant idea and more like something on the horizon. That doesn’t mean every detail has to be figured out, but it can be a good time to get clearer on where things stand.

A few areas to revisit:

• Evaluate your potential sources of retirement income, including how much to expect from each source and when
• Max out retirement contributions in your employer-sponsored retirement account and IRA
• Revisit retirement savings goals to make sure they still make sense
• Check that your estate plan is up to date
• Confirm executors and guardians are still properly chosen
• Consider contributing to an HSA to help save for current and future healthcare costs

Your 50s can be a powerful decade for turning retirement questions into a more detailed plan.