We’ve been getting lots of questions lately about how to build generational wealth through the stock market. It’s a smart question, because unlike many of the benefits we think of in retirement planning—like Social Security or pensions—investment accounts can actually extend beyond your lifetime and provide financial security for the people you love

WFor decades, inheriting one of these accounts came with a powerful tax advantage known as the “stretch IRA.” This strategy allowed non-spouse beneficiaries—such as children or grandchildren—to spread those RMDs out over their own lifetimes. The result was smaller annual withdrawals, decades of continued tax-deferred growth, and potentially lower taxes overall. In many cases, an inherited IRA could be “stretched” across an entire lifetime if structured properly—making it a cornerstone of family financial planning

But that changed with the passage of the SECURE Act in late 2019, which went into effect for most inherited IRAs starting January 1, 2020. One of the biggest shifts introduced by this legislation was the elimination of the stretch IRA for most non-spouse beneficiaries. In its place: the 10-Year Rule.

So what exactly changed—and how do the two approaches compare?

Q2 = stock market decline, bounce back, and new record highs. Get our recap here!

Q2 = stock market decline, bounce back, and new record highs. Get our recap here!

Social Security is one of the most important retirement benefits available to Americans, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood. Whether you’re decades away from retirement or it’s just around the corner, understanding how Social Security works can help you make better financial decisions today. Below are the top five things everyone should know about Social Security—plus a bonus look at what the future might hold.

This blog post originally came out in March of 2020, during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. At the time, we were all trying to make sense of dramatic market swings—and the temptation to time the market was real.

While the headlines have changed, the market’s unpredictability hasn’t. Fast forward to today, and we’ve seen plenty of fresh waves of volatility—this time fueled by things like the ongoing tariff wars, geopolitical tensions, and policy uncertainty. But here’s the thing: the core principles we shared back then still hold true.

In this updated version of the original blog, we’ll revisit the timeless question: “What should I do about the volatility in the markets?” This post focuses on a common urge—timing the market—and why it rarely works out the way we hope.

All of your money should be earning money. If your cash is sitting in a traditional bank savings account, it’s likely collecting little to no interest. But where should you put it? Find out your top options here.

2025 kicked off with market volatility - get our take on it here.

If you’re an educator, firefighter, police officer, or other public servant who contributes to a pension, the recent repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) could significantly impact your retirement plans. Find out more here:

Wondering how much you can put away for retirement next year? The IRS released updated contribution limits for 2025. Knowing the limits for different types of accounts can help you maximize your retirement savings AND save money on taxes.