Todd W. Cottingham SGWP

10/09/2026

66% of Gen Z investors now bet on sports, and more than half say they’ve used money meant for investing in wagers instead. Experts worry about the increasingly blurred line between betting and investing, especially since the two work very differently. Here’s what’s worth keeping in mind:

Know the real odds: The average sportsbook or prediction market user loses money, even though winning streaks get more attention.

Separate entertainment from strategy: Sports betting may be entertainment, but it doesn’t offer the same long-term wealth-building potential as traditional investing.

Watch for warning signs: When betting starts affecting work, school, or relationships, it may be time to seek support, not chase losses.

Learn why keeping betting and investing separate can matter for your long-term financial health: https://cnb.cx/47BEkCt

Surveys show Gen Z increasingly views sports bets as a form of investment, and those who gamble too often face mental health risks.

10/08/2026

Retirement isn’t just about growing your nest egg; it’s also about managing taxes once you start using it. One planner compares direct indexing to a custom kitchen rather than a meal kit: it offers more ways to customize how you manage a taxable portfolio. Here’s how it works:

Own the ingredients, not the fund: Holding individual stocks instead of an index fund can create more opportunities to harvest losses and offset gains.

Set a capital gains budget: Planning realized gains in advance can help coordinate Roth conversions while keeping tax brackets and Medicare surcharges in mind.

Build flexibility for later: Carried-forward losses may give you more options when managing taxes on future withdrawals, including when larger expenses such as long-term care come up.

See whether direct indexing could play a role in your retirement tax strategy: https://bit.ly/473LUWq

A tax planning strategy that combines direct indexing and tax-loss harvesting could help retirees minimize what they pay Uncle Sam and keep more of their wealth.

10/07/2026

Nearly half of adults under 30 now live with a parent, and it’s not necessarily a free ride: most young adults living at home still contribute to household bills. Here’s what’s driving the shift and why it matters:

Housing costs have outrun incomes: Median home prices now sit at about five times median income, compared with roughly three times in the 1990s.

It’s not always a savings launchpad: 72% of young adults living at home contribute to household bills, and for some, moving home is less about getting ahead than simply making today’s costs manageable.

The effects can extend beyond the household: Delayed moves may also affect milestones like homeownership and family formation, along with spending and retirement saving.

See how today’s housing costs are changing the path to financial independence: https://bit.ly/3VjeWPg

10/05/2026

Exit planning isn't a sudden decision—it's a years-long process that protects your business value, family wealth, and peace of mind.

-Start years ahead: Build clean financials, transferable systems, and leadership structures that reduce founder dependency—buyers pay for performance, not potential
-Clarify objectives early: 75% of founders feel regret within a year of exiting because they lacked clarity on what success looks like beyond the sale price
-Prepare for options and surprises: Evaluate multiple exit paths, plan for taxes and wealth transfer, and put contingency plans in place for the unexpected

Source: https://bit.ly/4c7oZwS

Most entrepreneurs focus on building their business, not planning their exit. However, early exit planning is critical to protecting value, legacy, and what comes next.

10/02/2026

Most homeowners think they’re fully covered, but research shows more than 70% of fire claimants were underinsured by roughly 20%. With rebuilding costs rising and more disasters happening, discovering a coverage gap after a loss is the worst possible time. Here’s where the biggest blind spots tend to hide:

Flooding often isn’t covered: Standard policies exclude flood damage, yet 99% of U.S. counties have experienced flooding in the past 20 years, and claims can run into the tens of thousands.

Rebuilding costs are rising fast: Replacement costs jumped 45% in just a few years, making options like extended replacement cost or ordinance or law coverage worth reviewing.

High-value items may be capped: Jewelry, art, and collectibles often have low payout limits unless you add specific coverage.

Review your policy now to see where gaps may be hiding: https://cnb.cx/46ZA4wq

Many consumers have a gap in their homeowners insurance coverage. This puts them at financial risk, and they are likely unaware, experts said.

09/30/2026

Most people plan carefully for retirement finances, but not always for how they’ll spend their time. Around year three, after the travel, projects, and long-delayed plans slow down, the real adjustment can begin.

-Expect the third-year shift: The first two years often stay busy. After that, many retirees may need a new sense of structure and purpose.
-Ask better questions: What brings you joy? Would volunteering, part-time work, or learning something new feel fulfilling?
-Plan for the long game: With retirement potentially lasting decades, it helps to think about goals for the next 5, 10, or even 20 years.

See how building a post-career routine early could help you create a more fulfilling next chapter: https://bit.ly/42ZyNDJ

Many retirees struggle with a “third year slump” after the excitement of early retirement fades, but creating a meaningful routine can improve happiness and longevity.

09/28/2026

Ever hand your teen a credit card “for emergencies” and hope for the best? One Gen Xer’s college spending mistakes show that kids can’t learn money skills from silence.

Make money talks normal: Discuss spending, saving, and giving openly, and let your own choices set an example.

Teach in small doses: Share lessons as real situations come up and ask questions to see what they truly understand.

Set guardrails, then let them stumble: Spell out expectations before lending money and turn missteps into chances to brainstorm solutions together.

Start building stronger money habits at home with these practical tips: https://bit.ly/4hqY5Bu

Clear guidance and real-life lessons can support better financial decisions

09/25/2026

It takes more than money to be a rich retiree. Maintaining wealth and happiness in retirement requires a combination of smart financial habits and intentional lifestyle choices:

-Spend with Purpose: Balance a mindful budget with enjoying your wealth on experiences that bring you joy.
-Invest Wisely: Diversify your portfolio and determine a safe withdrawal rate to ensure your wealth lasts.
-Prioritize Well-being: Live with a sense of purpose, stay active, and build a team of trusted professionals to help manage your legacy.

Discover 12 habits wealthy retirees use to stay rich and happy: https://bit.ly/kplngjkkbjerTh

From prioritizing spending and investing wisely to using debt thoughtfully, rich retirees get it right. Ready to build a roadmap for your meaningful journey?

09/23/2026

Only 42% of Americans are on track for retirement, and baby boomers trail at just 40%. Missing out on modern 401(k) features like autoenrollment meant fewer chances to build savings during key earning years. Learn how you might close the retirement gap: https://bit.ly/4h5MM2G

09/18/2026

Many business owners plan to fund retirement by selling their company someday. But a profitable business and a sellable business aren’t always the same thing.

-Profit doesn’t guarantee a buyer: Buyers want a company that can run without the founder. If sales, relationships, or daily decisions depend on you personally, the value may be lower than expected.
-The transition window is getting crowded: Millions of small businesses are expected to change hands by 2035, which could mean more sellers competing for qualified buyers.
-Start earlier than feels necessary: Strong exits usually take years of preparation, from documenting systems to building a team that can operate independently.

If your exit strategy is “sell the business someday,” here’s more about what that requires: https://bit.ly/4eiTJMa

Many business owners expect selling their company to fund retirement. Learn why business readiness is the missing piece of retirement planning.