Trina L. Hanner

06/01/2026

Moving to music can be more than just fun—it can also support physical, mental, and social well-being as people age.

Health professionals say dancing may help improve balance, strength, mobility, flexibility, and brain health. Because it combines movement, memory, rhythm, and coordination, it can engage both the body and mind.

Dancing can also create meaningful social connections, whether through line dancing, ballroom, salsa, tap, Zumba, or community groups.

For many older adults, that combination of movement and connection can make staying active feel more joyful and sustainable.

The best part? You do not need to be an expert to benefit. Starting with simple steps, a beginner-friendly class, or a favorite song at home can still be a meaningful way to get moving.

Medical professionals say that moving to music is a great way for older adults to stay healthier as they age. It doesn't matter what kind of dancing.

05/29/2026

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

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

Summer travel may come with higher costs this year, as airfare, gas, lodging, dining, and activities all reflect broader price pressures.

Average domestic airfare is about $383, up $89 from last year, while gas prices have risen $1.42 per gallon from a year earlier.

Other travel-related expenses are also higher. Activities are up by more than 5.5%, lodging costs are up by 4.3%, and dining out prices are up by more than 3.6%.

Even with higher prices, many Americans are still taking trips, though some may choose destinations closer to home to help manage overall costs.

These trends show how inflation can affect more than everyday essentials — it can also shape how households approach travel, leisure, and seasonal spending.

Gas prices, airfares, accommodations and other vacation essentials are more expensive this year compared to last year.

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.

05/23/2026

Wow! What a great challenge! 🥰

05/21/2026

Cap and gown season is here. 🎓

A BIG CONGRATULATIONS to every graduate walking across a stage this month! 🥳 🥳

The late nights, the stress, the uncertainty about what comes next have all led to this moment.

To the parents and grandparents in the audience pretending they're not emotional: we get it. ❤️

For the new grads, a few things to consider as you start this next chapter:

➡️ Start investing as early as possible, even if it's small. Time is the one advantage you won't get back.

➡️ If your employer offers a retirement plan with a company match, take it. It's free money.

➡️ Build an emergency fund before you worry about investing. Three months of expenses is a good first goal.

➡️ Understand your student loans: what you owe, the interest rates, and when payments start.

➡️ Your first budget doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to exist.

The financial habits you build now will help form the foundation for your future.

Congrats, Class of 2026. 👏

05/20/2026

Energy costs were a major driver of the latest inflation data, with higher gas, electricity, and fuel prices showing up across household budgets.

In April, the Consumer Price Index rose at an annual rate of 3.8%, marking the fastest pace in nearly three years. Higher energy prices accounted for about 40% of the total increase.

Gasoline prices were up more than 28% from a year earlier, while overall energy costs — including gas, heating oil, and electricity—rose nearly 18%.

The impact may extend beyond the pump. Higher fuel costs can influence transportation, airfares, grocery prices, and other everyday expenses as businesses absorb or pass along higher operating costs.

For households, these trends highlight how energy prices can ripple through the broader economy and affect purchasing power over time.

CPI gas price index has surged 28% from a year ago, while overall energy costs are up nearly 18%, new inflation data shows.