Core Insights - Facet has expanded its flat-fee membership plans to include tax preparation and filing services, utilizing technology from april, an embedded year-round tax platform [1][2] - The membership base has grown to over 24,000 members with a total of $5 billion in assets, offering services such as financial planning, estate planning, insurance, direct indexing, and alternatives [2][3] Company Strategy - Facet targets the mass affluent market, defined as households with less than $2 million in net worth, estimating around 100 million households could benefit from financial advisory services [3][4] - The company aims to create a comprehensive financial hub that integrates various financial services, emphasizing the importance of advice and actionable plans for its members [4][5] Service Offerings - Tax preparation was identified as a highly requested service, complementing existing tax planning and strategy offerings [5] - Membership tiers vary in the level of tax assistance provided, with "plus" members receiving online tax filing with expert review, while "complete" members have their entire tax return managed by a certified tax professional [5]

Core Insights - The article discusses retirement income planning, emphasizing the combination of Social Security benefits and investment income to achieve a comfortable retirement [1][6][18] - It highlights the importance of understanding the tax implications of different account types on retirement income [9][11][12] Income Sources - A hypothetical scenario presents a pre-tax income of $63,200 from $31,200 in Social Security benefits and $32,000 in investment income, which exceeds the median income for those aged 65 and older [1][6] - Following the 4% withdrawal rate guideline, an $800,000 portfolio could yield an additional $32,000 in the first year of retirement, adjusted for inflation in subsequent years [2][18] Social Security Considerations - Social Security benefits are inflation-adjusted and have been consistently paid since 1940, but projections indicate a potential 17% reduction in benefits by 2035 unless Congress intervenes [4][3] - Previous adjustments to Social Security have included tax increases and retirement age extensions, with potential future fixes available [3][4] Tax Implications - The type of account holding retirement savings (taxable, tax-free, or pre-tax) significantly affects tax liabilities and overall retirement income [5][9] - Withdrawals from pre-tax accounts like traditional 401(k)s are taxed as ordinary income, which can also impact the taxation of Social Security benefits [9][10] Investment Strategies - Asset allocation is crucial; investing in fixed-income securities or diversified portfolios can provide reliable income without depleting principal [13][15] - Stocks can offer higher returns but come with volatility; historical averages suggest a nearly 10% annual return for the S&P 500 [14][15] Retirement Planning Tips - Delaying retirement or Social Security claims can significantly increase retirement income, with a potential $56,000 growth in savings over one year at a 7% growth rate [20] - Reducing housing expenses is vital, as it constitutes a significant portion of retirees' budgets, and relocating to less expensive areas can enhance financial stability [20][18]

Core Insights - Cetera Financial has partnered with Cornerstone Business Services to enhance its service offerings for financial advisors, focusing on small business valuations and sales [2][7] - This partnership aims to help advisors engage with small business owner clients well before any sale occurs, thereby providing a competitive edge in attracting talent [2][3] - The move is part of Cetera's broader strategy to diversify its services, which includes recent collaborations with Wealth.com and the introduction of alternative investment model portfolios [2] Group 1: Partnership and Services - Cetera Financial has integrated Cornerstone Business Services into its offerings, targeting family and privately-held companies [2] - The partnership is designed to assist advisors in discussions regarding valuations and sales for small business clients [2][7] - Cetera aims to leverage Cornerstone's expertise to align sales processes with investment advice and tax and estate services [7] Group 2: Industry Trends - Access to small business merger and acquisition services is increasingly sought after by advisors looking to differentiate their practices [3] - Other firms, such as Merchant Investment Management and RightCapital, are also enhancing their service capabilities for small business owners [3][4] - RISR and Capitaliz are examples of startups focusing on platforms and analytics to support financial advisors in engaging with small businesses [6]

Core Insights - Integrated Partners, a Boston-based RIA and financial planning firm, is experiencing significant growth, recently recognized as the fastest growing RIA in Massachusetts [2] Company Operations - CEO Paul Saganey emphasizes the importance of delegating day-to-day operations to Andree Mohr, the new firm president, allowing Saganey to focus on coaching advisors and managing large clients [2] - The firm has a strategy to attract clients willing to pay more for value, countering the trend of fee compression driven by clients finding advisors through social media and AI [4] Industry Challenges - The current market volatility is seen as beneficial for the firm, as it leads to increased client referrals from nervous accountants, with the firm thriving during chaotic market conditions [5] - The firm has historically performed well during economic downturns, such as the tech crash and the 2008 banking crisis, indicating a preference for turbulent market environments [5] Wealth Transfer Dynamics - The Great Wealth Transfer is influencing the advisor landscape, with new clients shifting from their parents' advisors to Integrated Partners, showcasing the firm's ability to capture this demographic shift [6]

Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Retirement doesn't erase your habits — it tests whether your savings can keep up with them. For the upper class, the goal isn't simply avoiding ramen noodles; it's making sure the standard of living built over decades doesn't shrink once the paychecks stop. And to figure out what that takes, experts look at one critical number: your last working year's income. Setting the Baseline With Your Final Paycheck ...

Core Insights - Older Americans are increasing their IRA contributions due to anxiety about running out of money in retirement [1] - The contribution rates for Generation X and baby boomers have risen significantly, with increases of 25% and 37% respectively [2] Contribution Trends - The study analyzed 17.8 million IRA accounts in Q2 2025, revealing that overall IRA contributions have remained flat year over year [2] - Generation X contributed an average of $1,158, while baby boomers contributed an average of $1,839 to their IRA accounts [3] - Despite these increases, both groups still fall short of the overall average IRA contribution of $2,200 reported by Fidelity [3] Social Security Concerns - Financial planners indicate that concerns over potential reductions in Social Security benefits are influencing retirement planning [4] - The Social Security Board of Trustees estimates that benefits can be paid in full until 2035, but a potential 17% reduction in benefits is anticipated thereafter [5] - Legislative changes, such as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, may accelerate the insolvency of the Social Security trust fund, potentially leading to a 24% reduction in benefits by late 2032 [6]

Financial Planning for Athletes - Creative Planning assists professional athletes in managing and investing their money, especially after receiving large sums [1][2] - The key is to save the money until understanding how to manage it properly [3] - Sudden wealth can disappear quickly if not managed well [4] - Financial service providers (financial advisors, estate planning attorneys, CPAs) should communicate with each other to avoid inefficiencies [12][13] Advice for Young Athletes - Living better than peers your age is already a win; avoid comparing yourself to others in terms of spending [6] - Consider using the money for down payments on homes or helping family [7] - Only 50% of NBA first-round picks get a second contract with the same team [7] NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and College Sports - Some high school athletes are being offered major six-figure NIL deals before starting college [10] - The sustainability of college sports ecosystems with NIL money is unclear [10] - There are state-by-state rules regarding whether players can get paid at a young age [11]