Tobin Investment Planning LLC

10/26/2026

The government publishes several inflation rates, each measuring something different. Learn why the CPI-W used for Social Security differs from the CPI-U, CPI-E, and PCE—and why the inflation rate that matters most is the one you're actually living with.

Not all inflation rates are the same. Here's which one might affect your retirement income.

10/19/2026

Prenuptial agreements can be an important financial planning tool. Learn how prenups can address assets, debt, business interests, blended families, and financial expectations before marriage.

Prenuptial agreements can be an important financial planning tool. Learn how prenups can address assets, debt, business interests, blended families, and financial expectations before marriage.

10/12/2026

A common online security tool is now being used in a new type of scam.

Cybercriminals are increasingly using fake CAPTCHA prompts — the familiar “I’m not a robot” checks — to trick users into taking actions that can compromise their devices.

Instead of a simple verification, these prompts may ask users to click “Allow,” enable notifications, or follow additional steps that can lead to persistent pop-ups, phishing attempts, or unwanted software.

These scams often appear through ads, suspicious links, or redirected web pages, making them harder to spot at first glance.

Security experts note that legitimate CAPTCHA tests do not require enabling notifications, downloading files, or entering system commands — making those requests a potential red flag.

As these tactics evolve, staying cautious when interacting with unexpected prompts can help reduce exposure to online threats.


Source:

Cybercriminals are increasingly using fake CAPTCHA prompts to trick users into enabling malware and scam notifications Security experts warn the ta

10/09/2026

Help the next generation build financial confidence, discipline, and strong values. Explore practical strategies for teaching children and young adults about wealth

Help the next generation build financial confidence, discipline, and strong values. Explore practical strategies for teaching children and young adults about wealth

10/08/2026

Find your row first, then look one row up.

That's the difference starting 5 years earlier can make.

At a hypothetical 8% annual return, the difference between starting at 40 vs. 35 on a $500/month contribution is over $200,000 by the time you reach 65. Not because of more money—just more time.

Time in the market is not just valuable, it's the whole game.

Which row did you land on—and did it surprise you?

10/07/2026

This is a hypothetical example and is not representative of any specific investment or combination of investments. Illustration assumes Early Investor contributes $10,000 annually to a tax-deferred retirement account for ten years, while Late Investor waits than contributes $10,000 annually for thirty years. Both accounts earn a hypothetical 6 percent annual rate of return. Consider your ability to make contributions over time before committing to a long-term strategy.

The early investor put in $100,000.
The late investor put in $300,000.

They ended up with nearly the same amount.

Let that sink in.

Starting early didn't just save money—it saved $200,000 in contributions. Same destination, a third of the effort. That's not a financial trick. That's time doing what money alone never can.

If you've been waiting for the "right time" to start investing, this chart is your sign. Save this post and share it with someone who needs to see it.

10/06/2026

That yellow section? That's money you never saved, your money made it for you.

This is compound interest in action. Start with $1,000/year at a hypothetical 5 percent return, and by year 30, you've built nearly $70,000. But the real story is the yellow: Interest earning interest.

Year 1: almost no interest at all.
Year 30: the interest on your interest alone might cover a year of car payments (or more).

You don't need to invest more. You need to stay focused on your strategy.

10/05/2026

There's a crossover moment every long-term investor experiences, and it can change how you think about money forever.

It's the point at which your total investment earnings exceed your total contributions, meaning your portfolio is now doing more work than you ever did.

As this chart shows, it doesn't happen overnight. In year 5, earnings are barely visible. But by year 25, earnings have pulled ahead.

The most powerful financial decision you can make isn't picking the right investment. It's staying committed to your strategy long enough to reach that crossover.

Where are you on this chart?

09/27/2026

Help the next generation build financial confidence, discipline, and strong values. Explore practical strategies for teaching children and young adults about wealth

Financial boundaries with family and friends can be challenging. Learn practical strategies for lending money, managing shared expenses, setting gift expectations, and protecting your long-term financial goals.

09/20/2026

Open enrollment is an opportunity to align your health insurance coverage with your healthcare needs, tax strategy and long-term financial plan

Open enrollment is an opportunity to align your health insurance coverage with your healthcare needs, tax strategy and long-term financial plan