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When most business owners start their company, one of the first decisions they make is choosing a legal structure. They form an LLC, elect S corporation status, or begin operating as a sole proprietor, often based on simple advice or...

For many small business owners, one of the simplest questions can be difficult to answer: “How much should I be paying myself?” Some owners take too little, reinvesting everything back into the business. Others take whatever is left at...

For decades, financial professionals and policymakers have wrestled with the same fundamental challenge: how to help families start saving earlier, stay invested longer, and build durable financial security across generations. The...

Have you recently received a bonus from your employer? While bonuses can be a welcome boost to your income, they often come with questions—and surprises—at tax time. Understanding how bonuses are taxed and withheld can help you plan...

For many business owners, success looks like this: steady revenue, a growing team, and a full calendar. On paper, things are working. But beneath the surface, no one discusses the quiet reality: the business depends too much on you.If...

For many business owners, success looks strong from the outside. Revenue is healthy. The team is growing. The business has real value. Yet when asked a simple question:“How financially secure are you, separate from the business? The...

In today's corporate environment, cost cutting, restructuring, and downsizing are the norm, and many employers are offering their employees early retirement packages. But how do you know if the seemingly attractive offer you've...

As a partner or co-owner (private shareholder) of a business, you've spent years building a valuable financial interest in your company. You may have considered setting up a buy-sell agreement to ensure your surviving family a smooth...

What is it? You and your spouse have recently divorced or are planning to divorce. Either one of you may have life insurance policies in effect, and you probably have questions about your new and continuing needs for life insurance....

Every new year brings the opportunity to set financial goals, but many resolutions fizzle out before February. Whether your priority is saving more, paying down debt, or investing for the future, creating a realistic plan and adopting...

As we step into 2026, it's essential to understand the economic forces shaping the investment landscape. While the future remains uncertain, current projections offer valuable insights for investors seeking to align their strategies...

What are appropriate checklists for year-end tax planning? Tax planners often develop checklists to guide taxpayers toward year-end strategies that might help reduce taxes. Typically, suggestions are grouped into several different...

Planning on working during retirement? If so, you're not alone. An increasing number of employees nearing retirement plan to work at least some period of time during their retirement years. Why work during retirement? Obviously, if you...

As the year comes to a close, it’s a good time to check in on your investment portfolio. Market fluctuations, changing interest rates, and personal milestones can all impact whether your investments still align with your goals and...

The end of the year is a natural time to take stock of your financial picture. This includes the insurance coverage that protects your income, family, and assets. Life changes, inflation, and shifting financial goals can all affect how...

Making decisions about your retirement account can seem overwhelming, especially if you feel unsure about your knowledge of investments. However, the following basic rules can help you make smarter choices regardless of whether you...

Life insurance can be an excellent tool for charitable giving. Not only does life insurance allow you to make a substantial gift to charity at relatively little cost to you, but you may also benefit from tax rules that apply to gifts...

Thanksgiving brings together two of life’s best things: food and family. Whether you’ve been heading to grandma’s house for the past 20 years or you’re hosting your first Friendsgiving in a tiny apartment, the same beloved traditions...

The holidays can be joyful and expensive. With higher prices on everything from travel to groceries and endless options for gifts, it’s easy for spending to spiral. A thoughtful plan can help you keep the season merry without straining...

Children are a special blessing and their arrival brings boundless love and joy into our lives that you can't put a price on. But adding a child to the household impacts the family budget in very measurable ways. Whether this is your...

When it comes to something as personal as our finances, it's natural that our individual perspectives, experiences, and even our gender can shape how we approach money and who we trust for advice. A study conducted by Barnum Financial...

The traditional image of retirement often involves a clear-cut path: work for X years, retire at age Y, and live comfortably on a pension and Social Security. While appealing, this retirement picture is rapidly changing. Today, the...

What are budget goals? Think of your budget goals as your financial wish list and your spending plan as a way to make those wishes a reality. Without clear budget goals, your financial life may remain in disarray. Like any other goals...

You know how important it is to plan for your retirement, but where do you begin? One of your first steps should be to estimate how much income you'll need to fund your retirement. That's not as easy as it sounds, because retirement...

What is maximizing the estate planning value of life insurance?Simply put, maximizing the estate planning value of life insurance means getting the most bang for your buck. That is, it involves keeping as much of the proceeds as...

In the world of financial planning, few tools are as universally valued as life insurance. While some people may put off having the conversation, our Study of Working Americans reveals a powerful truth: those who have it, value it...

The underwriting process is how an insurance company evaluates the risk of insuring an applicant to determine their eligibility for coverage and set the appropriate premium. It's a comprehensive review that assesses a wide range of...

As the summer winds down, many families find themselves in a natural moment of reflection – shifting focus from leisurely pursuits to the long-term stewardship of their legacy. August, often a quieter period, presents a strategic...

You vaguely remember signing a form every year at college registration time. Now that you've graduated, it's all become painfully clear — those forms were promissory notes detailing your student loan obligations. Your loans aren't...

Entrepreneurs face distinct challenges when securing their retirement. Their fluctuating business income, coupled with the inherent uncertainties of a dynamic business plan, creates a unique landscape compared to traditional employment...

As the Connecticut summer winds down, an opportunity emerges for savvy shoppers and families gearing up for fall: the annual Sales Tax-Free Week. From Saturday, August 17th, through Friday, August 23rd, 2025, residents of Connecticut...

Medicare, the federal health insurance program for Americans aged 65 or older and certain younger individuals with disabilities, is constantly evolving. The updates primarily driven by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA), aim to...

A Look at Its History, Importance, and Evolving Landscape The American workplace has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past century, and with it, the nature of employee benefits. In the midst of this evolution, one piece of...

You've worked hard your whole life anticipating the day you could finally retire. Congratulations — that day has arrived! But with it comes the realization that you'll need to carefully manage your assets to give them lasting potential...

Life's an unpredictable journey, isn't it? One moment you're cruising, and the next you're navigating a sharp turn. It could be a new job, a growing family, or an unexpected expense. These shifts, big and small, directly impact your...

When it comes to planning for your retirement income, it's easy to overlook some of the common factors that can affect how much you'll have available to spend. If you don't consider how your retirement income can be impacted by...

We all have causes that stir our hearts, issues that ignite a desire for change. Often, our generosity manifests as a check, a contribution made with good intentions. But what if our giving could transcend a single transaction, and...

You're an adult, and that distinction comes with some privileges, benefits, responsibilities, and choices to make, including the potential decision of whether to live with your parents or move out. Not surprisingly, there are pluses...

Investing in Collectibles as an Alternative Asset Imagine stumbling upon a dusty painting in your attic, only to discover it's a lost masterpiece worth a fortune. Or perhaps the carefully preserved vintage baseball card you inherited...

It's hard to talk about college without mentioning financial aid. Yet this pairing isn't a marriage of love, but one of necessity. In many cases, financial aid may be the deciding factor in whether your child attends the college of his...

Save your money. Stick to a budget. Invest in a 401K. Plan for your children’s education. Prepare for retirement. As we all work in our various career fields, these are the phrases we hear consistently. Building a financial plan is...

By investing for retirement through your employer-sponsored plan, you are helping to manage a critically important financial risk: the chance that you will outlive your money. But choosing to participate is just one step in your...

What is it?If you don't have disability income insurance because you can't afford the premiums, you should know that there are several strategies you can use to make disability coverage more affordable. These strategies include...

Life insurance. It's a topic that often elicits a mix of emotions: concern, perhaps a touch of anxiety, and for some, a sense of overwhelming dread. We know, as financial professionals, that it's a crucial component of a sound...

If a former student is past due on a Federal student loan, there is an obvious way to bring the loan account current. The borrower simply pays the past due amount and continues on with his or her payment plan. However, most delinquent...

We live in a world where financial decisions are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. From managing student loans to planning for retirement, the ability to navigate the complexities of personal finance is more crucial than ever....

What is it?Evaluating and comparing life insurance policies is complicated. After determining how much life insurance you need, you must decide what type of life insurance to buy. Should you buy term insurance? A whole life policy? A...

You will need to think about the disposition of your assets at your death and any tax implications. Statistically speaking, women live longer than men. So if you are married, you'll also probably have the last word about the final...

If you fail to estimate your federal income tax withholding properly, it may cost you in a variety of ways. If you receive an income tax refund, it essentially means that you provided the IRS with an interest-free loan during the year....

As the cost of a college education continues to climb, many grandparents are stepping in to help. This trend is expected to accelerate as baby boomers, many of whom went to college, become grandparents and start gifting what's...

Throughout your career, retirement planning will likely be one of the most important components of your overall financial plan. Whether you have just graduated and taken your first job, or are starting a family, enjoying your peak...

Disasters can strike anybody at anytime, resulting in catastrophic property damage and loss. Fires in dwellings and natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, severe storms, mudslides, and wildfires cause significant...

Deciding when to retire may not be one decision but a series of decisions and calculations. For example, you'll need to estimate not only your anticipated expenses but also what sources of retirement income you'll have and how long...

One of the challenges of investing during retirement is providing for annual income while balancing that need with other considerations, such as liquidity, how long you need your funds to last, your risk tolerance, and anticipated...

Owning a home outright is a dream that many Americans share. Having a mortgage can be a huge burden and paying it off may be the first item on your financial to-do list. But competing with the desire to own your home free and clear is...

Submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step for all students seeking Federal, state, college, and private financial aid. To improve the financial aid process, the FAFSA Simplification Act (the...

Married couples often decide together that one spouse should be the primary breadwinner while the other stays home to take care of family members. Although this often works out well for childrearing or eldercare responsibilities in the...

Investing for your retirement isn't about getting rich quick. More often, it's about having a game plan that you can live with over a long time. You wouldn't expect to be able to play the piano without learning the basics and...

Parenthood can be both wonderfully rewarding and frighteningly challenging. Children give gifts only a parent can understand — from sticky-finger hugs to heartfelt pleas to tag along on Saturday morning errands. You raise them with a...

You may be counting on funds from a defined benefit plan to help you achieve a comfortable retirement. Often referred to as traditional pension plans, defined benefit plans promise to pay you a specified amount at retirement. To help...

What would you do with an extra $10,000? Maybe you'd pay off some debt, get rid of some college loans, or take a much-needed vacation. What if you suddenly had an extra million or 10 million or more? Now that you've come into a...

If your employer-sponsored 401(k) or 403(b) plan offers pre-tax, Roth, and/or non-Roth after-tax contributions, which should you choose? How do you know which one might be appropriate for your needs? Start by understanding the features...

Ever since a legal secretary named Ida May Fuller received the first retirement benefit check in 1940, women have been counting on Social Security to provide much-needed retirement income. Social Security provides other important...

What would happen if you were mentally or physically unable to take care of yourself or your day-to-day affairs? You might not be able to make sound decisions about your health or finances. You could lose the ability to pay bills,...

If you give away money or property during your life, those transfers may be subject to federal gift and estate tax and perhaps state gift tax. The money and property you own when you die (i.e., your estate) may also be subject to...

Your retirement lifestyle will depend not only on your assets and investment choices, but also on how quickly you draw down your retirement portfolio. The annual percentage that you take out of your portfolio, whether from returns or...

Women often face special challenges when planning for retirement. For example, if they are the primary caregivers in their families, their careers may be interrupted to care for children or elderly parents, which means they may spend...

Planning for your own business Before you start your own business or buy an existing business, you should do some initial planning. You may have already decided what type of business you want — your own restaurant, retail outlet,...

If you're a senior, the future may present more of a concern than it once did--you may wonder what you'll do if your health deteriorates. If you must enter a nursing home, for example, how will you pay for it? Fortunately, you may have...

At any age, health care is a priority. When you retire, however, you will probably focus more on health care than ever before. Staying healthy is your goal, and this can mean more visits to the doctor for preventive tests and routine...

Even with all of your savvy college shopping and research about financial aid, college costs may still be prohibitive. At these prices, you expect you'll need to make substantial financial sacrifices to send your child to college. Or...

Barnum Financial Group is dedicated to empowering Americans in the workplace to achieve their financial goals. We understand the complexities of navigating today's financial landscape, and we're committed to providing the guidance and...

Five Keys to Investing for Retirement Making decisions about your retirement account can seem overwhelming, especially if you feel unsure about your knowledge of investments. However, the following basic rules can help you make smarter...

Life insurance has come a long way since the days when it was known as burial insurance and used mainly to pay for funeral expenses. Today, life insurance is a crucial part of many estate plans. You can use it to leave much-needed...

What is it? Life insurance can be complicated. Yet many people have life insurance because they recognize the need to provide adequate resources for their dependents when they die. Many others treat their life insurance policies as...

When your child first started school, you doled out the change for milk and a snack on a daily basis. But now that your kindergartner has grown up, it's time for you to make sure that your child has enough financial knowledge to manage...

If you're a decade or so away from retirement, you've probably spent at least some time thinking about this major life change. How will you manage the transition? Will you travel, take up a new sport or hobby, or spend more time with...

Whether you're a current business owner or a budding entrepreneur burning with the next great idea, one of the most important steps you can take on your road to success is creating a business plan. Why? A well-thought-out and...

You may have lost your job already, or it's something you're concerned about. Either way, the keys to surviving a job loss financially are to plan ahead, take stock of your income, and cut your expenses. Plan ahead If you haven't been...

How much life insurance do you need? Your life insurance needs will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your family, the nature of your financial obligations, your career stage, and your goals. For example, when you're...

When developing a succession plan for your business, you must make many decisions. Should you sell your business or give it away? Should you structure your plan to go into effect during your lifetime or at your death? Should you...

If you've lost your job, or are changing jobs, you may be wondering what to do with your 401(k)-plan account. It's important to understand your options. What will I be entitled to? If you leave your job (voluntarily or involuntarily),...

An important part of managing your personal finances is keeping your financial records organized. Whether it's a utility bill to show proof of residency or a Social Security card for wage reporting purposes, there may be times when you...

The cost of long-term care can quickly deplete your savings and affect the quality of life for you and your family. Long-term care insurance allows you to share that cost with an insurance company. But premiums for long-term care...

Graduation is a time of anticipation, excitement, and eventually, financial anxiety. In most cases, you’ll have an education loan to repay, an impending job search, and the potentially overwhelming aspect of being an independent adult...

Introduction Whether to invest a large amount all at once or over a short period of time (lump-sum investing), or to invest gradually over a longer period of time (periodic investing) is an investment strategy decision you’ll have to...

Mental health and finances are often intertwined. Financial challenges can trigger anxiety and depression, which when left untreated, can morph into severe mood disorders. On the other hand, mood disorders can lead to overspending or...

The SECURE Act of 2019 and the SECURE 2.0 Act, passed in December 2022, dramatically changed the rules governing the inheritance of IRA and retirement plan assets. Retirement savings account owners and their loved ones should...

Have you ever wondered how you would manage if you suddenly fell ill or were in a debilitating accident? What would you do if you’re unable to earn a living or financially take care of yourself and your loved ones? According to data...

529 plans can be powerful college savings tools, but you need to understand how your plan works before you can take full advantage of it. Among other things, this means becoming familiar with the finer points of contributions and...

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the means by which students obtain their fair share of the billions of dollars in Federal, state, and college financial aid to help defray the cost of college. The problems...

During your working years, you’ve probably set aside funds in retirement accounts such as IRAs, 401(k)s, or other workplace savings plans, as well as in taxable accounts. Your challenge during retirement is to convert those savings...

One skill that doesn’t lose value even as you age is financial literacy. Seniors struggle with maintaining a fixed income essential for comfort and increasing medical needs. They’re also increasingly vulnerable to fraud, making them...

Have you ever wondered about retirement beyond the savings account? Your retirement should be more than just numbers on a statement. Go beyond financial planning and think about a holistic lifestyle. Here is a guide to help you prepare...

Even before your children can count, they already know something about money: it’s what you have to give the ice cream man to get a cone or put in the slot to ride the rocket ship at the grocery store. So, as soon as your children...

Working from home can certainly provide you with personal benefits, such as a flexible schedule and more family time. But increasing numbers of people are discovering the tax advantages as well. It’s no secret that you generally can’t...

Go out into your yard and dig a big hole. Every month, throw $50 into it, but don’t take any money out until you’re ready to buy a house, send your child to college, or retire. It sounds a little crazy, doesn’t it? But that’s what...

Business owners hire their children for sound reasons such as instilling a strong work ethic, teaching responsibility, encouraging entrepreneurship, reducing taxes, and saving for a college education. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2018 ...

If you care about what happens to your money, home, and other property after you die, you need to do some estate planning. There are many tools you can use to achieve your estate planning goals, but a will is probably the most vital....

One reason for the establishment of the U.S. Education Department (ED) in 1979 was to assist students in paying for a post-secondary education. Like corporations that market to consumers, the ED conducts much of its business with its ...

Buying insurance is about sharing or shifting risk, but you may think you’re covered for specific losses when, in fact, you’re not. Here are some common coverage gaps to consider when reviewing your own insurance coverage....

What if you’re saving as much as you can, but still feel that your retirement savings goal is out of reach? As with many of life’s toughest challenges, it may help to focus less on the big picture and more on the details.

There are such things as good and bad retirement accounts, but which is which often depends on your situation. Take traditional and Roth IRAs, for example. They’re similar in a lot of ways, but one of them is probably going to...

One of the questions we often get, particularly from newer investors or people who are moving into another stage of their investment lives, is “how can I gauge my risk tolerance?” Risk tolerance is an investment term...

The 20s are a wild decade. One moment you’re graduating college, without a worry (just a bit of student debt) in the world, the next, you are hitting the big 3-0. There are two types of people in the world — those who get...

There are a lot of articles aimed at people who realize as they grow closer to retirement, they will not be able to generate enough income in retirement to meet their needs. They include tips like: Delay retirement: 65 is just a...

The Covid-19 pandemic exposed how financially vulnerable many people are and forced us to rethink everything we once knew about money management. The impact of the coronavirus revealed the harsh truth of how unpredictable the future...

When your local weather forecaster tells you that it's going to rain, what do you do? That's easy--you reach for your umbrella. So why not purchase an umbrella that can protect you in stormy financial weather? Umbrella liability...

Your teen is becoming more independent, but still needs plenty of advice from you. With more money to spend and more opportunities to spend it, your teen can easily get into financial trouble. So before money burns a hole in your...

Employer-sponsored qualified retirement plans such as 401(k)s are some of the most powerful retirement savings tools available. If your employer offers such a plan and you're not participating in it, you should be. Once you're...

Your need for life insurance changes as your life changes. When you're young, you typically have less need for life insurance, but that changes as you take on more responsibility and your family grows. Then, as your responsibilities...

You may have heard that IRAs and employer-sponsored plans [e.g., 401(k)s] are the best ways to invest for retirement. That's true for many people, but what if you've maxed out your contributions to those accounts and want to save more?...

Retirement healthcare planning is the process of strategizing and securing healthcare coverage and funds for medical expenses during retirement. It’s crucial because healthcare costs tend to rise with age, and without proper...

The holiday season should be a time of joy and celebration, but for many it includes added financial stress. The pressure to find the perfect gift, coupled with enticing holiday deals and effective marketing campaigns, could lead to...

Do you picture yourself owning a new home, starting a business, or retiring comfortably? These are a few of the financial goals that may be important to you, and each comes with a price tag attached.  That's where financial...

When developing your estate plan, you can do well by doing good. Leaving money to charity rewards you in many ways. It gives you a sense of personal satisfaction, and it can save you money in estate taxes.  A few words about...

You're about to receive a distribution from your 401(k) plan, and you're considering a rollover to a traditional IRA. While these transactions are normally straightforward and trouble-free, there are some pitfalls you'll want to avoid...

Financial literacy may seem like a no-brainer, but statistics say otherwise. According to Annuity.org, more than 30% of Americans said they are just getting by in terms of their finances. This means that debt management, investment,...

The longer you live, the greater the chances you'll need some form of long-term care. If you're concerned about protecting your assets and maintaining your financial independence in your later years, long-term care insurance (LTCI) may...

Navigating the holiday season while keeping your finances intact is quite the challenge. Exploring these effective tips may go a long way to helping save you money during this festive period. From thoughtful gift-giving to strategic...

Caring for your aging parents is something you hope you can handle when the time comes, but it's the last thing you want to think about. Whether the time is now or somewhere down the road, there are steps that you can take to make your...

It’s the holiday season and there’s nothing more festive than fraudsters and scam artists coming out of their holes to steal money from you. But we’ve got you covered. The more you know about these potential holiday...

Since the beginning of our existence, humans have associated long life as a gift, a stroke of luck, or the result of good genetics. With advancements in technology that help enable medical breakthroughs and the increasing knowledge on...

Medicare is a healthcare program offering coverage to eligible individuals aged 65 and older and those with certain disabilities. It operates as a federal health insurance program, primarily funded through payroll taxes, providing...

Open enrollment is the annual designated period where employees review, adjust, or select coverage plans to accommodate their evolving needs. This year's timeframe begins from November 1, 2023, to January 15, 2024.

Getting married is exciting, but it brings many challenges. One such challenge that you and your spouse will have to face is how to merge your finances. Planning carefully and communicating clearly are important, because the financial...

Selecting beneficiaries for retirement benefits is different from choosing beneficiaries for other assets such as life insurance. With retirement benefits, you need to know the impact of income tax and estate tax laws in order to...