The Hancock Group, Inc.

10/16/2026

Did you know that Pennsylvania’s Revolutionary War history extends far beyond Philadelphia and Valley Forge?

In 1778, Philadelphia merchant and Continental Congress member Daniel Roberdeau personally financed the construction of Fort Roberdeau in Tyrone Township to protect local lead mines that supplied am******on for the Continental Army. The unusual log fort included 48 cabins, four bastions, and even a furnace for smelting lead.

Although the fort was never attacked, it helped protect miners, settlers, and an important resource for the Revolutionary War effort. Today, Fort Roberdeau has been reconstructed and remains an important piece of Pennsylvania’s frontier history.

Learn more at their website, or make a trip there yourself.

https://fortroberdeau.org/

10/14/2026

The Cost of Waiting to Invest for Retirement

If I could go back and give my younger self one piece of financial advice, it would be simple: Start investing sooner.

For years, I kept telling myself I would start “when I made more money,” “when the kids were older,” or “when we had a little extra.” There always seemed to be a reason to put it off.

What I didn't fully appreciate was the cost of procrastination.

The earlier you start investing, the more time your money has to potentially grow through compounding. Waiting doesn't just mean missing a few years of contributions—it can mean missing years of potential growth.

Now, as I get closer to retirement, I sometimes feel like I'm behind the eight ball, trying to make up for time I can't get back.

The good news? It's not too late to start.

Whether you're in your 20s, 40s, 50s, or beyond, taking action today is better than continuing to wait for the “perfect” time.

Don't let procrastination become one of the most expensive financial decisions you make.

If you're wondering whether you're on track for retirement—or where to begin—talk with the caring advisors at The Hancock Group, Inc. We can help you look at where you are today and develop a plan for moving forward.

10/12/2026

Sometimes we don’t appreciate what we have right in our own backyard.

We are pretty blessed to have the Altoona Symphony Orchestra here in our community. As the ASO begins its 98th year, it’s amazing to think about how long this tradition of great music has been a part of Altoona.

For almost a century, the orchestra has brought wonderful music to our area and helped make Altoona a better place to live.

We may not always stop to think about it, but having an orchestra like this in our community is something pretty special. Here’s to 98 years — and many more to come!

10/09/2026

Making Sense of HSAs and FSAs

With average family health insurance premiums for employer coverage averaging over $25,000 annually, some employees feel the squeeze. In this environment, understanding and using Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) can help families take more control of their healthcare finances.

For more information regarding HSAs and FSAs, see the link below.

https://www.thehancockgroup.com/resource-center/money/making-sense-of-hsas-and-fsas

10/07/2026

October is Fire Prevention Month

Fire prevention is about more than having a smoke detector on the ceiling. It’s about making sure your whole family knows what to do before an emergency happens.

Take some time this month to:
• Test your smoke detectors and replace batteries as needed.
• Make sure you have working carbon monoxide (CO) detectors throughout your home.
• Check your fire extinguishers and make sure everyone knows where they are and how to use them.
• Have a fire escape plan and practice it with your family.
• Teach your children what to do if there is a fire — get out, stay out, and call 911. Never go back inside for toys, pets, or belongings.

A few minutes spent preparing today could make a tremendous difference when every second counts.

Contact your local Fire Department for more information. They would rather take the time to help prevent a fire than have to respond to one.

From all of us at The Hancock Group, Inc., stay safe and make fire prevention a family priority!

10/05/2026

Rollover! Good boy!

What's So Great About a Rollover?

Changing jobs can be a difficult process. Figuring out what to do with the funds in your employer sponsored plan shouldn't be one of those stressors.

See the following article for some insight, and be sure to give us a call at The Hancock Group, Inc., should the need arise to make a change.

Making a career move requires tough decisions, not the least of which is what to do with the funds in your retirement plan.

10/01/2026

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This October, The Hancock Group stands with everyone whose lives have been touched by breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an important reminder to prioritize your health, schedule recommended screenings, support those facing a diagnosis, and remember the survivors, caregivers, and loved ones who walk this journey together.

Together, we can raise awareness, encourage early detection, and support the fight against breast cancer.

09/29/2026

Mysterious Faces

Did you know that the Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg has more than 50 carved stone faces hidden in plain sight around the exterior of the historic building?

These mysterious faces, found beneath the arches over the windows, date back to the courthouse’s original construction in the 1870s. Local historians believe some may represent prominent Blair County citizens, while others depict different nationalities or are simply artistic creations.

In recent years, the Blair County Genealogical Society has worked to identify the faces. Among those believed to have been identified are Daniel K. Reamey, Martin Bell and David Aurandt.

So the next time you’re in downtown Hollidaysburg, take a closer look at the courthouse. You may discover a face that has been watching over Blair County for nearly 150 years!

(Photo from the Historic Hollidaysburg, Inc page)

09/25/2026

Ladies: What do you want out of life? What’s important to you? And what kind of future do you want for yourself and the people you love?

For women especially, building a strong financial future can come with unique challenges. That’s why having a financial strategy built around your goals, your family, and the future you envision is so important.

The key is knowing where you want to go—and taking the right steps today to help get you there.

Watch the video at the link below to learn more about planning for the future and creating a financial strategy that fits your life.

For women, retirement strategy is a long race. It’s helpful to know the route.

09/23/2026

Did you know that one of the pioneers of American heart surgery was born right here in Hollidaysburg, PA?

Dr. Daniel Hale Williams became a groundbreaking surgeon at a time when opportunities for Black physicians were severely limited. In 1893, he performed a landmark operation to repair the pericardium—the protective sac surrounding the heart—after a patient suffered a stab wound to the chest. His achievement is often called the “first open-heart surgery,” although historians more precisely recognize it as one of the earliest successful cardiac operations and among the first successful pericardium repairs.

Dr. Williams' influence went far beyond the operating room. He championed antiseptic surgical techniques, founded Provident Hospital and Training School for Nurses, and helped create opportunities for Black physicians and nurses to receive medical training and serve patients regardless of race.

From Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, to the forefront of American medicine, Daniel Hale Williams left a remarkable legacy that continues to influence healthcare today.