Wondering where your income will come from in retirement? You’re not alone. It’s one of the most common—and important—questions people ask as they prepare to transition from their working years into retirement.

Retirement is a milestone many dream about, but the question of whether you can afford to retire is one that requires careful consideration. Financial confidence in retirement isn't just about having enough saved up—it’s about aiming to ensure that your resources align with your values, lifestyle, and legacy goals.

Roth IRAs are a fantastic tool for tax-free retirement income—but for high earners, direct contributions may be off the table due to IRS income limitations. Thankfully, there’s a smart workaround: the "Backdoor" Roth IRA. 

A Roth IRA conversion—sometimes called a backdoor Roth strategy—is a way to contribute to a Roth IRA when income exceeds standard limits. The converted amount is treated as taxable income and may affect your tax bracket. Federal, state, and local taxes may apply. If you’re required to take a minimum distribution in the year of conversion, it must be completed before converting. To qualify for tax-free withdrawals, you must generally be age 59½ and hold the converted funds in the Roth IRA for at least five years. Each conversion has its own five-year period, and early withdrawals may be subject to a 10% penalty unless an exception applies. Income limits still apply for future direct Roth IRA contributions.

Whether we think about it or not, our investments reflect our values. We are accountable for how we steward God’s resources—even the ones quietly growing in retirement accounts. Have you ever thought about it like that?

A stock split happens when a company increases the number of its outstanding shares by dividing each share, typically in a 2-for-1 or 3-for-1 ratio. While the number of shares you own increases, the total value of your investment remains the same.

“Mattress money” refers to cash that’s physically stored at home—often literally under a mattress or in a safe—rather than being deposited in a bank or invested.

Have you ever considered how one dollar given today is worth more than one dollar given tomorrow? Money given sooner has more time to compound for the recipient, as well as for the future rewards of the giver. Are you being called to give?

A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is a charitable giving account that allows you to support your favorite causes in a flexible, tax-efficient way. It’s like having your own mini foundation, but without the cost and administrative hassle.

In this webinar, Tim McLaughlin, CFP®, CKA® and Collin Miller, CFP® were joined by President of the National Christian Foundation Heartland, Matt Farmer for an informative and encouraging presentation focused on giving strategies. 

Is it based on the kind of car you drive?

The balance in your retirement fund?

Is the amount you tithe every week?

Measuring wealth is entirely subjective and involves matters of the heart. 

In today’s digital world, children can be targets of identity theft before they even learn how to spell “credit.” While it may seem premature to think about your child’s credit report, freezing it can be one of the most proactive steps you take to protect their financial future. 

Ah the age-old question! When it comes to estate planning, many people think of wills—but fewer understand the powerful role that trusts can play in protecting assets, potentially reducing taxes, and ensuring a smooth transfer of wealth.