Capital Growth, Inc.

10/26/2026

Social Security can be an important piece of your retirement income. But understanding when and how it fits into your overall plan matters.

Here are a few 2026 numbers worth knowing:

→ The current full retirement age is 67 for people who attain age 62 in 2026.

→ The estimated average monthly Social Security retirement benefit is $2,071 as of January 2026.

→ Social Security benefits received a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment for 2026.

Your own benefit will depend on your earnings history and claiming circumstances, so an estimate based on your individual record is much more meaningful than the national average. Social Security is one piece of the puzzle. Your retirement accounts, investments, pensions, taxes and spending needs all play a role in determining how much income you'll actually have available in retirement.

The goal isn't simply to collect benefits. It's to understand how they fit into your bigger picture.

10/22/2026

Your retirement number is personal.

Think about:
• Where you want to live
• How you want to spend your time
• Travel and lifestyle goals
• Healthcare costs
• Housing and debt
• Taxes
• When you plan to retire
• The income you expect from Social Security, pensions and investments

READ our latest post: How much retirement income will you actually need? https://capitalgrowthinc.com/how-much-retirement-income-will-you-actually-need/

In other words, retirement planning isn't simply about reaching a magic savings number. It's about creating a strategy for turning your savings and other income sources into a sustainable retirement lifestyle.

09/06/2026

When families think about paying for college, tuition is usually the first number that comes to mind. But education costs can include much more.

And depending on the student's circumstances, a 529 plan may be used for many qualified education expenses—not just tuition.

The IRS also allows certain 529 distributions to be used toward student loan principal or interest, subject to a $10,000 lifetime limit per individual.

Planning for education means looking beyond the tuition bill and considering the full financial picture.

09/05/2026

A new school year is a natural time to review your family's education savings strategy.

Maybe your child is starting high school. Maybe college is suddenly just a few years away. Or perhaps a grandchild's educational plans have changed.

A 529 plan isn't something you should simply "set and forget." As education goals, timelines and family circumstances change, it may be worth reviewing your contributions, investment approach and beneficiary designation.

At the end of 2025, Americans held approximately $602.9 billion in 529 plans across 17.7 million accounts, according to the Investment Company Institute.

Is your family's education savings strategy still aligned with where you're headed?

09/04/2026

Back-to-school shopping isn't what it used to be.

According to the National Retail Federation, families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $863.86 on back-to-school items this year—including electronics, clothing, shoes and school supplies.

And for families with college students, the average planned spending is even higher at $1,437.79.

These expenses are a reminder that education costs extend far beyond tuition. From technology and transportation to housing and everyday expenses, the financial commitment can add up quickly.

A thoughtful education plan considers both the costs you're facing today and the ones you'll face years from now.

07/29/2026

Retirement planning isn't something that should only happen once a year.

A mid-year review can help answer important questions:

• Are your contributions on track?
• Have your retirement goals changed?
• Are you taking advantage of available planning opportunities?

The sooner adjustments are made, the more time they may have to make an impact.

https://capitalgrowthinc.com/

07/27/2026

We're more than halfway through the year.

How are your financial goals looking?

July is a great time to pause and ask:

✓ Am I saving enough?
✓ Am I on track for retirement?
✓ Have my priorities changed?
✓ Is my financial plan still aligned with my goals?

A few small adjustments today can make a meaningful difference by year-end.

07/17/2026

Education planning is about more than saving for tuition. It's about balancing today's priorities with tomorrow's goals while ensuring your overall financial plan remains on track.

Whether you're saving for retirement, supporting children or grandchildren, or building generational wealth, every financial goal should work together as part of a comprehensive strategy.
A well-designed financial plan helps bring those goals into focus.

07/14/2026

Many grandparents want to leave a meaningful legacy for the next generation. Contributing to a grandchild's education savings plan can be a thoughtful way to support their future while creating a lasting impact. Whether it's a one-time gift or ongoing contributions, education savings can become part of a broader family legacy strategy. Talk with your financial advisor about ways education planning can fit into your family's overall financial goals.

06/30/2026

Graduation season has a way of putting the future into perspective. Whether you're celebrating a child, grandchild, or recent graduate, education often represents one of the most meaningful investments a family can make.

But with college costs continuing to rise, many families are asking the same question:

"What's the smartest way to prepare?"

Our latest blog explores the benefits of 529 plans, current education savings trends, and how thoughtful planning today can help create opportunities tomorrow. Read the full article on our blog: https://capitalgrowthinc.com/graduation-season-is-a-reminder-its-never-too-early-to-invest-in-a-childs-future/

Graduation season is a reminder of how quickly time passes—and how important it is to plan for the future. Learn how 529 education savings plans can help families and grandparents prepare for rising education costs while creating opportunities for the next generation.