Retirement is wonderful if you have two essentials — much to live on and much to live for.” — Unknown What happens when you retire and life doesn’t go according to plan? It’s a question worth asking before you commit to a fixed income and assume your bases are covered. That’s because even the best-laid plans can come up short. If that happens to you, you could have far less to fund the lifestyle you expected in retirement.

When the market hits a new high, a funny thing happens. Instead of celebrating, many investors might freeze. They worry that it’s too late. That a crash is coming. That they should wait it out. But here’s the thing: our brains are wired to feel anxious at the top. And understanding why that happens can help you make more informed decisions (without as much stress), especially when things look good on the surface. I put together a short article to explain what’s going on inside our heads during market highs, and what history has shown about investing at the peak.

The evolution of AI has created remarkable opportunities. It has also created new methods for scammers to attempt to deceive us. Scammers are using artificial intelligence to mimic voices, fake video calls, and craft personalized messages that sound like someone you trust.

These scams are evolving fast, but being informed gives you an advantage. With just a few small changes to your habits and awareness, you can reduce your risk and stay in control.

What would you do differently if you had full confidence in your investment plan?

Would you invest more? Stay the course when the market dips? Stop second-guessing every financial move?

The truth is, most investors either don’t have a clear strategy, or they’re not sure if the one they have still fits their goals.

With more than one-third of adults planning to change their investment strategy in 2025, it’s clear: people are ready to take action with their money.

But action without a plan is just guessing.

Do you know what your brain does on willpower?

It’s happening whenever you try to resist anything or form new habits. When you’re using willpower, the part of your brain responsible for reasoning, impulse control, and problem-solving (the prefrontal cortex) is activated.

The more we know about willpower, the better we’ll be at exercising it, making good choices, and achieving our goals.

What if your inheritance, or your children's, ended up going to Uncle Sam? Or what if it fell under court control or sparked relationship-ending family feuds?

These worst-case scenarios happen more often than you might think, especially when legacy planning is overlooked. Whether you’re a Gen Zer, a Baby Boomer, or somewhere in between, taking steps now can protect your family’s legacy and create a smoother path for wealth transitions.

By building a solid framework today, you can help preserve wealth for the next generation – whether it’s you or your children. Discover what that takes and how families can work together across generations to build more financial security for the future in our latest Visual Insights Newsletter.