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Key TakeawaysTreat tax strategy as a continuous process, not a once-a-year filing exercise.Coordinate with financial and tax professionals throughout the year to identify opportunities for efficiency.Review contribution limits,...

Key TakeawaysEmotions and biases might influence financial choices more often than most people realize.Behavioral patterns, such as loss aversion, familiarity bias, and herd mentality, can impact long-term results.Recognizing emotional...

Artificial intelligence (AI) may be the most revolutionary technology of our time, with industries scrambling to embrace its possibilities. AI’s early influence seems similar to the positive disruptions brought about by past...

As we begin a new year and consider the opportunities ahead, reflecting on the past year helps put today’s financial landscape into perspective and informs the strategies that can move us closer to our goals. 2025 was a year marked by...

Key Takeaways and Suggestions for Successful Goal Setting Use SMART Goals for Clarity and FocusSet goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This proven method helps break big ambitions into manageable...

Key Takeaways A third of annual donations: About one-third of all charitable contributions are made in December. Donating before December 31 may offer tax advantages. New rules starting in 2026 (via the OBBB Act) may affect deductions...

Key Takeaways Caring for aging parents is a growing reality for many Americans. The number of family caregivers in the U.S. has jumped to 63 million, a 45 percent increase over the past decade, making 1 in every 4 Americans a...

Key Takeaways Year-end holidays may be a good time to initiate a discussion about financial matters that may impact your family. If you have adult children, you may want to discuss your financial situation, estate strategy, and legal...

Receiving a bonus, inheritance, or an increase in income often prompts a key financial question: Should I use this money to pay off my mortgage, or invest it? At first glance, the answer might seem simple. But in reality, it requires...

If you’ve found yourself stepping into a more active role in your parents’ financial lives, you’re not alone. Some of us are helping aging parents navigate everything from healthcare decisions to bill payments—and increasingly, we’re...

The final months of the year can sneak up quickly, and with them come deadlines, decisions, and distractions. Before the holiday season takes over your calendar, fall can be a valuable window to revisit your financial strategy and...

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) included lower federal income tax brackets, bigger standard deductions, and higher gift and estate tax exemptions, among other provisions. The law stipulated that some of those tax breaks would...

Estate management isn’t just about what happens after you’re gone— it’s also about what you can do now to help manage future estate taxes, transfer wealth strategically, and attempt to create a meaningful impact during your lifetime....

The rules regarding inherited IRAs have changed in the last five years, and failing to comply with the new requirements may result in IRS penalties. These changes affect people inheriting IRAs and those looking to leave retirement...

Compensation is more than just a number on a paycheck. Whether you're exploring new opportunities, preparing for a promotion, or evaluating your current benefits, it’s important to understand the full value of your total...

While you may follow the various stock indexes on the nightly business news, how much do you know about their histories, how they work, and why they're important? We pulled together some information and interesting facts about some of...

You’ve likely spent years building your retirement nest egg—saving diligently, investing wisely, and contributing to retirement accounts along the way. But transitioning from earning a paycheck to relying on your savings can feel...

Despite those who say the conventional wisdom that has guided investor actions over the years is no longer valid in 2025, remember the famous quote from legendary investor Sir John Templeton: "The four most dangerous words in...

It’s graduation season—a time of celebration and new beginnings. For families with college seniors, this time can bring both excitement and uncertainty. While some graduates have jobs lined up, many others still are navigating job...

As summer approaches, your thoughts may drift toward escaping your daily routine. Whether your idea of a perfect vacation is sitting on a pristine beach, fishing in a mountain lake, or playing the back nine between pickleball matches,...

April is a pivotal time in the college admissions process. After years of preparation, saving, and investing—not to mention the countless hours spent on exam prep, campus visits, and perfecting applications and essays—the finish line...

April isn’t just about filing taxes—it’s also Financial Literacy Month, a perfect opportunity to reflect on your financial habits, expand your knowledge, and take meaningful steps toward improving your financial well-being. Whether...

One of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones is a thoughtful estate strategy that outlines your wishes after you are gone. Discussing estate details with your team of professionals is another way to help manage your legacy...

March is Women’s History Month, and according to a recent survey, 49% of women consider themselves to be the chief financial officer of their households, up from 41% in 2021.1 Those numbers are even more impressive when you consider...

You've worked hard throughout your life to build assets to support your retirement. As financial professionals, one of the most critical functions we provide is helping clients determine their retirement income needs and structuring a...

Tax season brings a new wave of identity theft risks, with criminals ready to exploit your personal data to file fraudulent tax returns in your name. Imagine the shock of discovering that a criminal beat you to filing your...

Social Security is often misunderstood or underestimated in retirement strategy. However, as financial professionals, we've seen how it can play a crucial role in our clients' overall financial strategy, regardless of their income...

Looks like New Year's resolutions are still going strong in 2025! A recent Pew survey found that about a third of Americans kicked off the year with at least one resolution, and many people actually went for multiple goals. It's...

As we approach the end of 2024, it's an opportune time to reflect on the year's financial developments and consider what 2025 may bring. We believe in understanding both the past and potential future of our economic landscape, which...

As you approach retirement, a critical aspect of your retirement strategy can catch even the most financially savvy individuals off guard: healthcare costs. For decades, you may have enjoyed employer-sponsored health insurance. As...

Financial professionals typically have a year-round focus on monetary goals and wealth management strategies. However, we also believe that true financial well-being is intrinsically linked to your overall life satisfaction and...

America is a generous country. People with diverse backgrounds can unite for a good cause, whether to benefit their local communities or the broader world. As we enter the holiday season, now is a great time to think about your giving...

As financial professionals, we’ve noticed a trend among our clients: an increasing interest in electric vehicles (EVs). To help address some of your questions, we’ve compiled this high-level guide to provide insights into the...

Statistics show that nearly 33% of Americans have faced some identity theft attempts in their lives, and experts estimate there is a new case of identity theft every 22 seconds. As financial professionals, one of our primary goals is...

Navigating the Recent Federal Reserve Rate Cut: Implications and Reassurances

Roger Kiger, CFP®

Monday, September 23, 2024

The Federal Reserve's recent decision to cut interest rates by 50 basis points has sent ripples through financial markets. While this move is intended to stimulate economic growth, it may also have implications for various aspects of...

Navigating the Recent Federal Reserve Rate Cut: Implications and Reassurances

Roger Kiger, CFP®

Monday, September 23, 2024

The Federal Reserve's recent decision to cut interest rates by 50 basis points has sent ripples through financial markets. While this move is intended to stimulate economic growth, it may also have implications for various aspects of...

The Impact of Elections on the Markets and Tax Policy With Labor Day behind us, we're in the final stretch of the 2024 presidential election race. As we follow the news and parse the most recent polls, some may ask, "How might what...

Don’t Be A Victim Of The Retirement Crisis If you think the United States has a retirement crisis, you are not alone. A recent survey found that 79% of working-age Americans believe the same thing. That percentage is up from 67% in...

In 1999, Bill Gates wrote, “How you gather, manage, and use information will determine whether you win or lose.” Companies looking to be successful in the future should heed these words when making decisions about implementing...

Sending a child off to college is a major milestone for any family, whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or close friend. It’s an exciting time, filled with anticipation and perhaps a bit of trepidation. There’s so much to do, and...

If you are a small business owner—or plan to be one—you should be aware of a new reporting requirement. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), passed in 2021, changed beneficial ownership rules, which is expected to impact 32 million...

Legacy preparation can play a key role in any financial strategy. Legacy management lets you consider what happens to everything you’ve accumulated—and may continue to accumulate—throughout your lifetime. But far too often, we’ve seen...

As we enter the traditional wedding month of June, we wanted to explore the range of expenses that can be related to this special event. The average US wedding costs $35,0001 According to The Knot Real Weddings Study of nearly 10,000...

Sir John Templeton once said, “The four most expensive words in investing are: ‘This time it’s different.'” And normally, we would agree. But the phrase “This time it’s different” may apply to what's happened in financial markets in...

A few years ago, there were ads from financial services companies asking, “What’s your number?” The number was the money you needed to retire comfortably. This was an effective way for financial services companies to get people...

There isn’t a week that goes by when you don’t read about some data breach. Safeguarding your personal information starts with understanding cybersecurity risks, knowing what to look for, and doing everything you can to help protect...

At the end of 2025, portions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) are set to expire. Many changes will come with the sunsetting of many rules, including the possibility that federal estate and gift tax exemption levels will revert to...

Give your children the gift of financial literacy. They’ll thank you later! As a parent, you are well aware of your responsibility in helping your children grow up happy and healthy. Once they enter their teen years, the pressure can...

As the presidential election race heats up, a common question on investors’ minds is, “How might the looming White House vote impact the markets?” Some may wonder if they should tweak their portfolios or sit tight...

Experts estimate there are more than 44 million people with disabilities in the U.S., representing 13.4% of the population.1 Many parents of children with disabilities choose to establish a special needs trust. This can help provide...

Money can be a touchy subject, especially regarding our closest relationships. Whether we like it or not, finance plays an integral role in our partnerships, families, and friendships. So, how can we foster healthy attitudes and...

In the ever-evolving financial landscape, staying informed about the latest changes and potential implications for your retirement savings is crucial. Shifts in retirement regulations define 2024, and we’re committed to keeping...

It’s a fun time of year for football fans. The NFL playoffs are starting, and the Big Game is just around the corner. While football fans will tune in for the matchups, commercials, and Usher’s Big Game halftime show, you...

With the start of the new year, we wanted to discuss a topic that will likely garner attention throughout 2024: the potential sunsetting of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in 2025. Although some of the provisions within the TCJA are...

Your Child is Turning 18: Handling Healthcare, Academics, and Finances Together As your child blows out the candles on their 18th birthday, you may still see your baby girl or boy. But in the eyes of the law your child is considered a...

As we get ready to turn the page on 2023 and welcome the new year with all its possibilities, we’d like to take some time to reflect on the year that was—the notable events, trends, and developments that defined our...

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or any other form of dementia, this can be an extremely challenging time. While promising new treatments are developing and research continues, a cure remains elusive....

Divorce is one of the most stressful life events. Even the most amicable splits can be complicated and emotionally draining. We likely all know couples who have gone through divorce, and it can be a trying time for everyone involved....

While we haven’t yet said goodbye to 2023, it’s not too early to begin thinking about any tax changes that may be on the horizon. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 was designed to overhaul the federal tax code by...

SECURE 2.0: Changes Going Into Effect in 2024 Passed in 2019, the SECURE Act was the most substantial retirement legislation in over a decade. It contained important changes designed to help investors save more and be better prepared...

Time to Think About Year-End Financial Strategies As we roll into fall and the fourth quarter, now is a good time to pause and reflect on proactive ways to set up your finances for 2024. Economically speaking, we are now in a much...

While artificial intelligence (AI) is making headlines today, the concept of "thinking machines" can be traced back to ancient philosophers and mathematicians. The phrase artificial intelligence was first used in the mid-20th century,...

Social Security, the program you may have spent a lifetime paying into, is designed to offer stability, supplemental income, and other valuable benefits that can play a role in your overall financial strategy after you retire. We've...

If you ask the average investor which month is the most volatile for the stock market, they will probably say October. It's a reasonable answer, but it's incorrect. Despite October's reputation for market-defining events like the...

In my experience as a financial professional, I have found no financial product to be more polarizing than an annuity. Some folks love them, but others consider annuity to be a bad word.  Even financial advisors of different types...

As financial professionals, we understand how vital it is to safeguard your personal and financial information. Unfortunately, in our increasingly digital world, cybersecurity risks, such as phishing attacks, have become a prevalent...

You’ve done a great job teaching your children vital life lessons and instilling values that will last a lifetime. As summer ends and a new school year begins, one thing that shouldn’t be overlooked, especially for...

Changes are coming to the complicated form that students must submit to qualify for college financial aid, known as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Department of Education is calling it the “most...

IntroductionOver the last several months, I have met with quite a few self-proclaimed do-it-yourself (DIY) investors who, after struggling with the markets in 2022, approached me asking for a second opinion. Interestingly, almost every...

Changes to 529 Plans in the SECURE 2.0 ActThe SECURE Act was initially passed by Congress at the end of 2019 and was intended to improve retirement savings opportunities. It was a big deal at the time and the most significant piece of...

What if your child needs braces? The cost may be as much as $6,000 for metal braces—more modern versions can run as much as $13,000. Your health insurance may cover only a portion of the cost. If you're well past the braces stage...

Getting your affairs in order and outlining what you want done with your estate after you’re gone is one of the greatest gifts you can leave your loved ones. However, not preparing for the transfer of your assets can lead to...

Senior care costs can be overwhelming, particularly when long-term care is required due to illness or medical conditions. With the number of seniors in the U.S. expected to rise exponentially by 2030, it's crucial to be prepared for...

Estate management can be a complex and daunting task for many people, but it’s a critical step in helping your assets get managed and distributed according to your wishes.One popular tool that can be used in estate strategies is...

Economies move in cycles – always have, always willThe Federal Reserve has been steadily increasing interest rates in an attempt to slow the rate of inflation. Its efforts are yielding some results, although inflation remains...

Fun fact: You probably have dozens of credit scores out there, and each one might be a different number.You’re probably familiar with a credit score, why it’s essential, and what it’s used for, but do you know how...

Discussing personal finances is important for any couple preparing for marriage. However, this topic can be more complicated for those who remarry later in life.If you’re remarrying later in life, one of your goals should be to...

As we get older, it’s important that our adult children are prepared to manage any aging-related situations that may arise. This includes everything from having to make medical and financial decisions to determining assisted...

Every parent wants the best for their children and strives to prepare them to lead a happy, healthy, and successful life. But, despite understanding the importance of financial responsibility, only 28 percent of parents speak to their...

Transitioning from Private Health Insurance Plans to MedicareAs you approach retirement age, you may be anticipating transitioning from your private insurance to Medicare, which is a federal health insurance program that provides...

According to the Investment Company Institute, near the end of 2022, there was more than $4.7 trillion in cash sitting in U.S. money market funds.1,2While cash can play a role in a diversified portfolio, historically, cash has not kept...

By 2040, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 80 million people in the U.S. will be age 65 or older.1 Most of these senior adults will either want to—or need to—"age in place," living in their homes securely, independently...

New Year, New Rules for Retirement Accounts

Nick Hughes, CFP® 

Thursday, January 26, 2023

The New Year always seems to bring a change of some sort, from beginning a new health regimen to becoming more intentional with your finances by developing a spending plan. This year, retirement savers have gotten an added wrinkle to...

A Changing Landscape For Retirees

Nick Hughes, CFP® 

Tuesday, August 9, 2022

Politicians, economists and talking heads alike continue to debate whether we have entered a recession. Recessions have been officially declared by the National Bureau of Economic Research, a committee of economists who defines a...

Spotlight on Health Savings Accounts

Nick Hughes, CFP® 

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

We often hear from folks that are looking to maximize their savings opportunities prior to retirement. Perhaps you are already taking full advantage of employer retirement plan contributions, contributing all you can to IRAs and Roth...

Have a Plan for Inflation

Nick Hughes, CFP® 

Saturday, January 1, 2022

If you have filled up your gas tank or bought the family groceries it has been hard to ignore the rising prices. This has spilled over to many consumer and household goods as well due to strong demand and continued bottlenecks in the...

Year-End Tax Planning Playbook

Nick Hughes, CFP® 

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

The end of the year is often one of the busiest times for our advisors both professionally and personally. Additionally in 2021, we continue to monitor pending legislation that could have a major impact on our clients. The Build Back...

All in a Day’s Work

Nick Hughes, CFP® 

Thursday, July 1, 2021

Just the other day at a social gathering, I was met with a question one might ask a financial advisor. "Where is the market headed from here?" I gave my usual answer: "My educated guess is up, over the long-term." But this time it...

Don’t Get Too Comfortable

Nick Hughes, CFP® 

Saturday, May 1, 2021

Regardless of if you are a recent graduate, mid-career professional, approaching or in retirement I would offer the same advice for life: "Don't get too comfortable." My experience has shown that the most rewarding and beneficial...

Don’t Fall Victim to the Next Bernie Madoff

Nick Hughes, CFP® 

Thursday, April 1, 2021

Bernie Madoff, who swindled thousands of investors to the tune of over $10 billion by way of his infamous Ponzi Scheme, passed away last week while serving a 150-year prison sentence. [1] While Madoff has become known as one of...

A Closer Look at Roth IRAs

Nick Hughes, CFP® 

Thursday, March 25, 2021

With renewed concerns over higher future tax rates, Roth IRAs are being given a closer look by many investors. As the tax code can be a landmine to navigate, there are a number of traps to avoid with regards to Roth IRAs. We take a...

Fine-Tune Your Taxes for 2020 and Beyond

Nick Hughes, CFP® 

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

While the The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (aka the CARES Act) did postpone the deadline for tax filing from April 15th to July 15th, those taxes will soon become due. For those that may be feeling the pinch from...

It is human nature to try to make sense of the unknown. In this time of great uncertainty, it is not surprising that some investors may be tempted to try to use perceived market patterns or indicators to their advantage. This can take...

5 Ways to Manage Cabin Fever

Nick Hughes, CFP® 

Thursday, March 19, 2020

During this current period of isolation and shared sacrifice, it is important to remember what we can do to avoid cabin fever and stay connected with our friends, family and community. Below are 5 ways to avoid the cabin fever blues...

Sign in and watch Nick Hughes present some of the most important changes impacting your IRAs from the new legislation known as the SECURE Act.

Market Insights – A Review of 2019 and a Preview of 2020On January 17, Roger Kiger presented our Semi-Annual Market Review and Outlook. Please click here to register and watch the recording.Please submit any questions to...

The SECURE Act: A Major Shakeup for Retirement Planning

Nick Hughes, CFP® 

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

In 2020, retirement planning is expected to experience the first major shakeup since the Pension Protection Act of 2006. The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act) was attached to a bipartisan spending...

The Search for Income in Retirement

Nick Hughes, CFP® 

Thursday, November 21, 2019

I regularly hear stories from clients regarding their earlier investing experiences, particularly about the days when rates that were available on CD's and bonds were much higher. While the U.S. faced two recessions in the early 1980's...

Which Bond is Your Favorite?

Nick Hughes, CFP® 

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Early on in my career, I took an interest in bond investments and particularly the role that they play in a sound portfolio. While many advisors were more interested in finding the next hot stock, I would scour bond inventories and...

Meet Tyler Morrow

Roger Kiger, CFP®

Monday, July 1, 2019

Good afternoon,Tyler Morrow, CFPI wanted to take a minute to introduce you to Tyler Morrow. Tyler has been an adviser for almost five years and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification. He has been with Visionary...

Visionary Horizons was fortunate enough to add Nick Hughes, CFP® to our team at the beginning of 2019. Nick will be servicing his clients from his office in Chattanooga, TN. Here, in his own words, is his reason for being in our...

In the markets:U.S. Markets: U.S. stocks managed to move modestly higher this week as most of the major indexes recorded their seventh consecutive week of gains. Within the S&P 500, utilities shares performed the best followed by large...

For those of you that were unable to attend the webinar at its scheduled time, here is the link to view the recording:https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2489569599528389889

Weekly Market Recap: Week Ending 1/25/2019In the marketsU.S. Markets: Following four weeks of solid gains the major U.S. benchmarks ended the week flat. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added just 30 points last week ending the week at...

In the markets:U.S. Markets: U.S. stocks recorded their fourth consecutive week of positive returns, continuing to build on their very strong start to 2019. The gains pulled most of the large-cap benchmarks out of correction territory,...

Weekly Market Recap: Week Ending 12.28.2018In the markets:U.S. Markets: U.S. stocks closed out the week with gains forged in another week of wild volatility. Sharp declines in the beginning of the week pushed the large cap S&P 500...

Weekly Market Recap: Week Ending 12/14/2018In the markets:U.S. Markets: The major U.S. indexes finished the week lower as a midweek rebound was retraced by a rout on Friday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 288 points or -1.2% to...

Weekly Market Recap: Week Ending 12/7/2018In the markets:U.S. Markets: U.S. stocks fell sharply this week, with the technology-heavy NASDAQ Composite and smaller-cap indexes faring the worst. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged...

Weekly Market Recap: Week Ending 11/30/2018In the markets:U.S. Markets: The major U.S. indexes rebounded strongly this week as Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said that the federal funds rate is "just below" a neutral level (from...

Weekly Market Recap: Week Ending 11/23/2018In the markets:U.S. Markets: U.S. stocks endured a second week of losses, primarily due to sell-offs on Monday and Tuesday. Declines were particularly evident in technology stocks, but energy...

Weekly Market Recap: Week Ending 11/16/2018In the markets:U.S. Markets: U.S. stocks fell for the week, starting with a plunge on Monday that saw the S&P 500 record its worst decline in a month. That was followed by a further decline on...

As I sit here this morning, knocking out a few tasks before our Monday Morning Meeting, I can’t help but think I’m not the only one who may need a break…or maybe just a little rest.I’m currently on a 20 plus...

Weekly Market Recap: Week Ending 11.9.2018In the markets:U.S. Markets: U.S. stocks ended the week higher but gave back a portion of their gains on Friday. Large cap indexes outperformed both the technology-heavy NASDAQ Composite index...

Market Recap: Week Ending 11/2/2018In the markets:U.S. Markets: U.S. stocks recorded solid gains for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rallied 582 points, or 2.4%, ending the week at 25,270. Despite a weak close on Friday and...

Market Recap: Week Ending 10/26/2018In the markets:U.S. Markets: U.S. stocks experienced another week of sharp declines – the fourth down week of the last five. The large cap S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite indexes joined the...

Market Recap: Week Ending 10/19/2018In the markets:U.S. Markets: The major U.S. stock indexes produced mixed results for the week as a strong rally on Tuesday was offset by a sell-off Thursday and, for much of the market, Friday. The...

In the markets:U.S. Markets: Stocks fell sharply this week with the large cap S&P 500 index losing more than 5% on Wednesday and Thursday combined, the largest two-day drop since early February. Stocks managed a bounce on Friday with...

Market Recap: Week Ending 10/5/2018In the markets:U.S. Markets: The major U.S. benchmarks ended the week lower with large-cap indexes holding up substantially better than the technology-heavy NASDAQ Composite and the smaller cap...

Market Recap: Week Ending 9/28/2018In the markets:U.S. Markets: The major U.S. indexes ended mixed for the second week. The technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite recorded a solid gain, while most of the other benchmarks declined. The Dow...

Market Recap: Week Ending 9/21/2018In the markets:U.S. Markets: U.S. stock indexes finished the week mixed with the Dow and the S&P 500 at or near record highs, while the NASDAQ continued to see pressure amid weakness in tech stocks....

Market Recap: Week Ending 9/14/2018In the markets:U.S. Markets: U.S. stocks finished the week with gains despite significant volatility intraweek, mostly triggered by trade headlines. Early in the week concerns about the Trump...