If you’re a civilian employee at Scott Air Force Base, you’re likely feeling the pressure of uncertainty. Rumors of budget shifts and workforce changes are no longer just speculation—they’re backed by a recent memo from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth outlining voluntary separations and early retirement options across the Department of Defense.

Independence isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a meaningful step toward a better financial future for you.

On January 5, 2025, a historic change to Social Security was signed into law with the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act. This legislation eliminates the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), a rule that had long reduced Social Security benefits for public sector workers who also received a pension from non-Social Security-covered employment. The repeal of WEP will provide financial relief to retired public employees, including teachers, police officers, and firefighters across the country.

Health isn’t just about how you feel—it’s also about how much you spend. An unhealthy lifestyle can take a toll on your wallet as much as your well-being. But the good news? Prioritizing your health now is one of the smartest investments you can make for your future.

When it comes to your financial goals, your health might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But the truth is, your physical well-being and financial future are closely connected. As the saying goes, "With health, you will either pay for being healthy now with gym memberships or in the future with medical bills."

We all love a night off from cooking, whether it’s grabbing takeout or heading to a favorite restaurant. But if your goal is to take better control of your finances, cutting back on dining out could be one of the most impactful changes you make.

It happens to the best of us. You sign up for a streaming service to watch that one show everyone’s raving about, or grab a free trial for an app you’re sure will revolutionize your productivity. Months later, you’re scrolling through your credit card statement and realize you’re still paying for it. Subscriptions can sneak up on anyone, but the good news? Tackling them is one of the easiest ways to tighten up your budget.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017, often heralded as one of the most comprehensive tax reforms since the Reagan era, brought about significant changes in the realm of individual income tax, corporate tax, and estate tax.

Umbrella insurance is easily the most overlooked, yet cheap and important form of insurance. What is it? Umbrella liability coverage, also known as excess liability or personal liability insurance, supplements existing insurance policies, such as auto and homeowners insurance. It activates when the liability limits of these primary policies have been exhausted.

Deciding whether to take your pension as a lump sum or an annuity is a significant retirement crossroads. Each path offers distinct advantages and drawbacks. Let's break down the key factors to help you make an informed decision.

Planning for retirement involves more than just saving money—it’s about creating a comprehensive strategy to ensure financial security and peace of mind. This guide outlines the essential components of a solid retirement plan. By addressing these key areas, you can build a robust retirement strategy that meets your needs and goals.

Navigating 529 plan withdrawals can be tricky. To ensure you make the most of your funds and avoid penalties, it’s vital to understand the key steps. This guide covers how to identify qualified expenses, avoid tax credit double-dipping, keep accurate records, and synchronize withdrawals with expenses.

Investing in your child’s education? A tool from The Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity helps estimate the ROI of over 50,000 programs. Some degrees offer substantial gains, while others may not pay off. Clark Wealth Partners can guide you in making informed financial decisions.

Recognizing that success in investing, much like in other areas of life, is not solely the result of individual acumen or effort, but also of cultural legacies, timing, and opportunity, can lead to more informed and empathetic financial decisions.

Whether you're aiming to boost your savings, invest wisely, or simply manage your finances more efficiently, we've got you covered.

In her book, Annie Duke starts by challenging the common misconception that decisions can be made with absolute certainty, drawing upon her extensive background as a professional poker player. She emphasizes that life's decisions are inherently probabilistic and encourages readers to adopt a probabilistic mindset.

As we step into the New Year, it's time to take a closer look at our finances, particularly in managing subscriptions and budgeting effectively.

Gladwell's book is an intricate exploration of our interactions with people we don't know, a pertinent theme in our increasingly interconnected yet polarized world.

The book touches on significant historical financial events, such as the Great Depression, to illustrate how these events can leave a lasting impact on individuals' financial behavior.