A.T. Becker & Associates, Inc

10/07/2026

What if you could save thousands each year without making drastic lifestyle changes?

This article shares 7 smart strategies to cut your monthly bills and keep more money in your pocket.

Need help creating a budget, reducing debt, or building a stronger financial future? Reach out to our office today. We're happy to help you develop a plan that works for your unique situation.

One of the easiest ways to create breathing room is to start with recurring bills, expenses you may be able to reduce without giving up the services you value.

09/29/2026

The credit card market is evolving. As consumers seek value without paying top-tier annual fees, issuers are introducing a new category: the almost-premium card. It's a fascinating example of how businesses adapt to changing customer expectations.

Higher annual fees on top-tier credit cards have led to a reshuffling of the market, with cards just below that level targeting the not-quite-rich enough.

09/29/2026

Just in time for Halloween next month, here's a sweet (or not-so-sweet) reality: candy is getting more expensive.

While tariffs often take the blame, this article highlights the broader factors driving higher prices, from commodity costs to supply chain pressures. An interesting read ahead of one of the biggest candy-buying seasons of the year.

If the candy budget is a sour patch for your household finances this Halloween, blame tariffs, the weather, and financial speculators.

09/28/2026

The economics of higher education are changing. As enrollment pressures grow and affordability becomes a top priority, colleges are rethinking pricing strategies and challenging long-held assumptions about tuition and value.Could affordability become the new measure of value?

As more families balk at costs, some schools are starting to make changes.

09/23/2026

💍 For years we've heard about couples going into debt for their weddings. Now, some brides are actually turning their big day into a side hustle.

Whether you're planning a wedding, buying a home, or saving for retirement, the goal is the same: make your money work for you, not the other way around.

Need help creating a budget that balances today's celebrations with tomorrow's goals? Reach out to us. We'd love to help.

As wedding spending rises, brides are borrowing from the celebrity-influencer playbook, finding sponsors to pay for invitations, dresses and bachelorette parties.

09/22/2026

For a long time, the expectation was that higher interest rates would significantly slow the economy. Yet here we are, with many sectors continuing to show surprising resilience.

This article explores why the economy may be handling elevated rates better than many anticipated.

Economies around the world are showing surprising resilience to higher central bank-interest rates and government bond yields.

09/19/2026

✈️ Skip the line... but don't let all those airport fast-pass options take your budget for a ride.

Between TSA PreCheck®, CLEAR®, and lounge memberships, travel perks can save time, but they also come with a price tag. The key is knowing which ones actually fit your travel habits and financial goals.

If you're looking for ways to spend smarter, save more, and make the most of your money, reach out to us. We're here to help you build a budget that works as hard as you do.

The Wall Street Journal's travel columnist’s guide to sorting out the differences between TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear.

09/18/2026

Looks like we’ve got one smart cookie!

This past week we celebrated Sean for passing all four parts of the CPA Exam, a tremendous accomplishment that reflects hard work and commitment. Congratulations Sean!

09/18/2026

As college application season ramps up, families are focused on finding the right fit for their students. At the same time, the higher education landscape is changing, as highlighted in this article on colleges facing an enrollment cliff.

No matter where your student is applying, having a plan for the cost of college is just as important as the application itself.

The largest number of Americans born in a single year arrived on campus in the autumn of 2025, and now a falloff is looming.

09/17/2026

The recent headlines surrounding Jimmy Buffett’s estate are a powerful reminder that even substantial wealth and carefully crafted plans can lead to family conflict when expectations, communication, and trust administration aren't fully aligned.

For investors and families alike, estate planning isn't just about preserving wealth. It's about creating clarity, minimizing uncertainty, and helping loved ones navigate difficult transitions with confidence.

When was the last time you reviewed your estate plan or strategy? It may be worth revisiting to ensure your wishes are clearly documented and understood.

Jimmy Buffett, king of the chill beachcombing lifestyle, thought he had set up a smooth plan to pass along his $275 million trust. But family—and fortune—are hard to predict.