Gate City Advisors

Thinking about a prepaid debit card? Consider the pros and cons.

Weighing the Benefits of Prepaid Debit Cards It's important to understand the pros and cons when considering a prepaid debit card.

New legislation brings significant changes to tax brackets, deductions, and credits — some permanent, some temporary. From tips and overtime to child credits and estate exemptions, here's what you need to know about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

2026 Tax Law Changes The One Big Beautiful Bill is now law. Here's a clear breakdown of what changed, what's temporary, and what it means for you.

Agent Jane Bond wants you to know about how bonds can be laddered to generate income.

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.

When you think about retirement, what's the first number that comes to mind?

Your 401(k) balance?
Your savings goal?
Your expected Social Security benefit?

Those numbers matter—but retirement is about more than numbers.

It's about having the freedom to spend time with the people you love, travel, pursue the things you've put off, and enjoy the life you've worked hard to build.

That's why we believe retirement planning should start with a conversation about what you want your retirement to look like, not just how much money you have.

Once you know where you want to go, you can begin building a financial strategy to help get you there.

Helping you get TO and THROUGH your retirement.

A will may be only one of the documents you need—and one of the factors you should consider—when it comes to managing your estate.

Estate Management 101 A will may be only one of the documents you need—and one factor to consider—when it comes to managing your estate.

** Retirement Income Toolkit Minute **

Unexpected expenses don't retire just because you do.

When you're working, an unexpected $5,000 or $10,000 expense is frustrating—but you still have a paycheck coming in.

Retirement is different.

A major home repair. An unexpected medical expense. A new car. Helping a family member.

These things don't necessarily wait until it's convenient.

That's why I believe every retirement income plan should have an answer to a simple question:

"Where will the money come from when something unexpected happens?"

Having accessible cash or other liquid resources can give you flexibility and help prevent an unexpected expense from forcing you to sell investments at an inconvenient time or disrupt your planned retirement income.

That doesn't necessarily mean keeping a large amount of money sitting in cash. The right approach depends on your income sources, spending needs, investments, and overall retirement strategy.

This week's challenge: Think of the last unexpected expense you had. Now imagine facing a similar expense in retirement. Do you know exactly where the money would come from?

If the answer isn't clear, that's something worth addressing before you retire—not after.

Want to go deeper? Download a free excerpt from The Retirement Income Toolkit at www.RetirementIncomeToolkit.com.

Looking for a quick read? Explore the role Money Market Funds may play in your portfolio thanks to this concise article.

Your Gate City Advisors Team The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. Some of this material was developed an...

Do you really understand how your homeowners insurance works?

Understanding Homeowners Insurance Purchasing homeowners insurance is critical for protecting your home.

The key to healthcare in retirement might be a patchwork of different choices.

Extended Care: A Patchwork of Possibilities What is your plan for health care during retirement?

** Retirement Income Toolkit Minute **

Inflation doesn't stop at retirement.

When you're working, you generally have the opportunity to earn more over time as your income changes.

In retirement, you may be living primarily on a combination of Social Security, retirement accounts, investments, pensions, and other sources of income.

But here's the challenge: the cost of the life you're funding can continue to rise.

The $5,000 a month you need today won't necessarily buy the same things 10 or 20 years from now. Inflation gradually reduces the purchasing power of your money.

That's why I encourage people to think beyond, "How much do I need to retire?"

Instead, ask:

"How much income will I need throughout retirement?"

That distinction matters.

Your retirement could last 20, 30, or even more years. Your income strategy needs to account not only for what you need when you retire, but for how your spending and purchasing power may change along the way.

This week's challenge: Look at what you spend each month today. Then consider how those expenses might change over the next 10, 20, or 30 years.

You don't have to predict the future perfectly. You just need to make sure your retirement plan is built with the future in mind.

Want to go deeper? Download a free excerpt from The Retirement Income Toolkit at www.RetirementIncomeToolkit.com.