Mabery Consulting

Millions are expected to lose ACA coverage this year as premiums spike and deductibles hit record highs.

As a financial planner, I’m seeing the impact firsthand: strained budgets, delayed care, and rising medical debt risk.

Now is the time to review your coverage, stress‑test your cash flow, and update your financial plan to account for rising health‑care costs.

Your financial wellness depends on it.

https://www.maberyconsulting.com/blog/the-growing-aca-coverage-crisis-what-it-means-for-your-financial-plan

Helping your new grad build strong money habits starts with simple steps — a basic budget, a plan for student loans, small consistent investing, and honest conversations about money values. A little guidance now goes a long way.

Spring cleaning isn't just for your home.

https://www.maberyconsulting.com/blog/spring-into-financial-clarity

More workers are dipping into their 401(k)s to handle financial emergencies — from avoiding eviction to covering medical bills. Vanguard reports hardship withdrawals hit a record high last year.

There is a silver lining: automatic enrollment and strong markets have boosted retirement balances, giving people a cushion when life gets messy. But tapping a 401(k) early can trigger taxes, penalties, and lost long‑term growth.

This trend is a reminder of two truths:
1️⃣ Many households are still under real financial pressure
2️⃣ Having even modest emergency savings can make a huge difference

If you’re thinking about a hardship withdrawal, or want to build a more resilient financial plan, guidance can help you weigh the tradeoffs.

Blog: https://www.maberyconsulting.com/blog/when-your-401k-becomes-a-lifeline-the-upsides-and-downsides-of-rising-hardship-withdrawals

Market headlines can make investing feel stressful.

War concerns.
AI disruption.
Economic uncertainty.

But according to a recent article in the The Wall Street Journal, many individual investors continued investing even during recent market drops.

Why? Because many long-term investors understand that timing the market is extremely difficult.

Instead of trying to predict the perfect moment to invest, many people use strategies like Dollar-cost averaging. This approach means investing a set amount regularly—regardless of what the market is doing.

This helps investors:
✔ remove emotion from investing
✔ buy at different price levels
✔ stay invested for long-term growth

Markets will always have ups and downs. Having a plan helps you stay focused on your financial goals instead of reacting to headlines.

just released a great, comprehensive and concise update on the major Social Security changes coming in 2026. This breakdown is clear, timely, and incredibly helpful for anyone planning their retirement income. Worth the read if you want to stay ahead of what’s changing this year.

https://www.aarp.org/social-security/biggest-2026-changes/

Check out this professor's three options for dealing with IRMAA triggered by RMDs.

https://www.advisorperspectives.com/articles/2026/01/12/irmaa-resistance-futile-there-some-choices?

New FINRA research reveals that many U.S. retail investors lack essential investing knowledge—so now’s your chance to see how you stack up.

https://www.maberyconsulting.com/blog/finras-new-study-reveals-an-investing-knowledge-gap-where-do-you-stand

The Rise of Annuities Inside 401(k)s and Target Date Funds

https://www.maberyconsulting.com/podcast/the-rise-of-annuities-inside-401ks-and-target-date-funds

A wave of new debit cards is hitting the market promising rewards, perks, and travel benefits—but look a little closer and the shine fades fast.

https://www.maberyconsulting.com/blog/are-reward-debit-cards-really-worth-it

Deciding when to claim Social Security is far more complex for married couples than for individuals. A smart decision today can mean thousands more over your lifetime.

https://www.maberyconsulting.com/podcast/tips-for-couples-navigating-social-security