Clear Skies Wealth Management

August brought renewed volatility, shifting market trends and uncertainty in the bond market. Despite these pressures, the underlying backdrop reinforced that the US economy continues to expand. Get the details in the August market recap:

August review: Markets advance despite familiar tensions raymondjames.com

As long-term care needs grow with age, traditional insurance may feel restrictive. Learn how asset-based long-term care solutions can offer greater flexibility, protection and potential value as part of your retirement strategy:

Asset-based long-term care solutions: A more flexible option raymondjames.com

A trusteed IRA is where retirement planning and estate planning meet. Learn if it's right for you:

Aligning retirement and estate planning raymondjames.com

An HSA is more than a way to pay for current healthcare costs. It can play a critical role in long term retirement planning when paired with a 401(k). The average 65-year-old today may need more than $172,000 for healthcare expenses in retirement, yet many employees have not accounted for this in their savings strategy.
By using both an HSA and a 401(k), employees can strengthen their financial future. Those who take advantage of this combination tend to save more, feel more confident about retirement, and are less likely to tap into their savings early. Together, these benefits create a more complete approach to preparing for both everyday needs and future healthcare costs.

HSA users save 23% more in retirement accounts than non-HSA users. fidelityworkplace.com

Most of us associate 529 accounts with college savings. They're flexible, allowing you to transfer assets to anyone for the purpose of furthering the education of your beneficiary. But did you know that a 529 can be a powerful estate planning tool, too?

529s are more than a college savings tool raymondjames.com

Your child may be an adult at 18, but that doesn't automatically mean you'll be able to help in an emergency. From healthcare decisions to financial matters, key legal documents can help ensure parents and caregivers can step in when needed.
Learn which documents every family should consider before college move-in day by reading the article below.
Have questions about protecting your family and preparing for the next stage of life? Connect with me to discuss planning considerations that may be right for your situation.

Essential Documents for Children Turning 18 raymondjames.com

Sector rotation helped the markets hold steady in July, with performance in sectors like health care, financials and energy making up for a slowing tech sector. Get the details in the July market recap:

July review: Markets navigate US-Iran tensions, sector rotation and policy uncertainty raymondjames.com

When it comes to choosing a place to retire, location definitely matters. But there are other factors to consider as well, like whether to rent or buy a home. Here are a few things to think through:

Infographic: Rent or buy? Think through where you want to live in retirement raymondjames.com

For business owners, stepping away from your business and entering retirement can be a significant shift.

After years of building, leading, and creating value, stepping away can leave a gap in both structure and purpose. This shift in identity makes it even more important to intentionally build a lifestyle that supports your health, passions, and sense of meaning. Whether it's starting an encore venture, mentoring others, giving back, or focusing on relationships, there are many ways to create fulfillment in this next phase.

I'm sharing a Thrive Guide with ideas and inspiration—and if you'd like help turning those ideas into a plan that fits your life and aligns with your finances, I'd be happy to connect.

Longevity Planning Thrive Guide raymondjames.com

Questions about Social Security's future are prompting many people to take a closer look at their retirement strategy. Explore the latest insights and what they could mean for your long term planning:

The future of Social Security: What you need to know today raymondjames.com