HSB Financial Planning

07/14/2026

Retirement choices can be intimidating. This piece helps you pick the right strategy for your business and employees.

Retirement choices can feel intimidating. Choosing the right strategy can make all the difference.

07/11/2026

Looks like things are cooling off a bit. Only 21 percent of homes sold above list price in January, and on average, they sold for 97.9 percent of the asking price. But it's still a seller's market in places like Buffalo, Omaha, and Anchorage!

Source: Redfin.com, March 9, 2026.

07/10/2026

Mid-sized markets with strong price growth and affordability may continue to do well. St. Petersburg, Augusta-Richmond County, and Tallahassee lead the nation in price growth.

Source: Redfin.com, March 9, 2026.

07/09/2026

While mortgage rates remain elevated, buyers have a wide array of homes to choose from. Inventory is up 1.5 percent year-over-year, homes stay on the market longer (66 days), and `17.2 percent of listings have price drops.

Source: Redfin.com, March 9, 2026

07/09/2026

There are so many reasons to create a will this month, but here are three big ones to consider:

Direct Your Property: Creating a will tells the courts how you want your property distributed. Without a will, state laws will determine how your estate is divided, which may not align with your intentions.

Provide instructions to the probate court: A will can help manage the probate process, providing instructions to the court.

Designate Guardianship for Minor Children: If you have minor children, a will allows you to appoint a guardian to care for them. This crucial step directs that your children are raised by someone you trust, rather than leaving the decision to the courts.

07/07/2026

What every parent needs to know about insuring his or her teen driver.

Tips on insuring your teen driver.

07/06/2026

True comprehensive planning often involves coordination with parents and adult children. I help families navigate conversations around gifting, inheritance, and elder care costs, integrating these elements into your personal strategy. I serve as a professional third party to facilitate complex family financial discussions.

07/05/2026

Trump Accounts opened on July 4. A few questions are worth considering:

➡️ Our baby is 18 months old. Do we qualify for the $1,000?

Yes. Every U.S. citizen baby born since January 1, 2025, qualifies for a one-time $1,000 federal contribution.

➡️ Is there an income maximum?

No. Eligibility is based on the child's citizenship and birth date, not family income.

➡️ Our child is 7. Did we miss it?

Not entirely. Any U.S. citizen under 18 can have an account opened. The federal $1,000 payment applies only to children born in 2025 through 2028, but everything else still applies.

➡️ Can grandparents contribute?

Yes. Up to $5,000 per year combined across parents, grandparents, family, and the child themselves.

➡️ What is the catch?

State tax conformity varies; California, for example, does not currently conform.

Whether to contribute, how much, and how to coordinate it with what you already have are all worth talking through. Our team is here for that.

07/04/2026

🎆 Happy Independence Day! 🎇

Today, we celebrate the land of the free and the home of the brave! On this day in 1776, our nation declared independence, paving the way for freedom, opportunity, and the American spirit we cherish today. 🎉🗽

As we enjoy fireworks, BBQs, and time with loved ones, let’s remember the courage and sacrifice that built this great nation. 🍔🌭

Happy Birthday, America! 🎂🎈

07/03/2026

Great wine and great wealth have something in common—they both reward patience. 🍷

Behind every perfect vintage is time, care, and consistency. The same goes for your financial strategy. The goal isn't quick wins or a perfect growing season, but something that matures over time.

Let's raise a glass to long summer nights with friends, trusted bottles full of years of promise, and a life worth savoring.

Salut! 🥂