News & Information

Brought to us by Rich Kellogg and Future Focus Gift Planning LLC

Market Strategies: Three Ways to Play Defense in Your Stock Portfolio
Defensive investment strategies have a goal in common — to help a portfolio better weather an economic downturn and/or bouts of market volatility. But there are some key differences in the details, including the specific criteria by which particular stocks are selected. If you are nearing retirement or just have a more conservative risk tolerance, one of these defensive strategies may help you manage risk without giving up exposure to the growth potential of stocks as an asset class.

Ignore unexpected calls about loans you didn’t apply for
A voicemail from an unknown caller reminding you about a $52,000 loan that you didn’t apply for can throw you off balance. Which explains why scammers send them — hoping you’ll respond first and think later. You might already know how to spot phone scams, but in case you need a refresher, here’s how to spot this one.

Finish the Year Strong by Considering These Tax Moves
As 2025 comes to a close, now may be the ideal time to review your tax strategy and find potential opportunities. The steps you take before the end of the year might help you reduce your tax bill. Here are some ideas to consider.

Advisors warn college athletes of fraud
NIL (name, image, and likeness) deals, media revenue shares and pay-to-play schemes: College athletes are cashing in, so much so that Donald Trump recently signed an executive order to rein in some of the excess. Advisors say more needs to be done to protect young players from bad advice and financial predators. Last week, President Donald Trump signed an executive order targeting what the White House called the “chaotic environment” around lucrative financial deals available to some college athletes, particularly in high-revenue sports like football and basketball. The order would limit the kind of deals that resulted in what former Alabama coach Nick Saban has called an “arms race” between colleges to woo top teenage prospects. 

Inflation-Fighting TIPS for today’s uncertain times
One way to increase the return on bonds over the long run is to use inflation-adjusted bond instruments. 
The most common inflation-adjusted bonds are called TIPS (Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities), which came on the scene in the late 1990s. TIPS are used to enhance Treasury yields in times of high inflation. Like traditional bonds, TIPS have a fixed coupon rate that the bond pays until maturity. 

Are extended warranties worth it?
When you purchase a vehicle, a major appliance, a laptop, or other big-ticket item, chances are you’ll be asked to buy an extended warranty or service contract. Extended warranties are offered by retailers for an additional cost and cover product repairs for a specific period of time under certain conditions.
Selling extended warranties may be quite profitable for retailers because they keep a percentage of what they charge for these contracts. But are they a good deal for you? Here are some questions to consider before you pull out your wallet.

Many of us come to estate planning too late. Here’s what finally pushed me to do it
(The author was afraid that if she slipped on the ice and hit her head, her young children could be left penniless.) The winter of 2015 was harsh in New York — snow, freezing rain, black ice — and I was afraid of slipping and hitting my head. This is why I got an estate plan. I was worrying what would happen if I fell and hurt myself in some awful, life-altering way. It was a worst-case scenario for me: My ex-husband would take over care of our young children, and, as they were the beneficiaries of my life insurance and the legal inheritors of my house and financial accounts, he’d be in control of all their money. I could no longer sleep at night. This is how it all jelled for me.

How smart high yield investments can benefit portfolios
Today’s economic environment is creating dispersion across bond sectors, introducing various levels of opportunity.
In the last several months, movements within the bond market have left investors with questions about whether they’ve missed the chance to move out of cash and lock in attractive long-term yields. The short answer is no—

What your estate plan may be missing
Although a will is crucial to making sure your assets go where you want them when you die, you are likely to need something else, too: designated beneficiaries. The hard part wasn’t figuring out the sale of her house and what to do with her valuables. The more complicated part was distributing the money in her individual retirement accounts, which had been placed within the trust — but without designated beneficiaries.

Going solo: how to plan for retirement when you’re on your own
Solo aging — people growing older without reliable support from adult children or other relatives — has become increasingly common, largely because baby boomers and Gen Xers, by choice or circumstance, are childless at about twice the rate of previous generations. More Americans are entering their later years without people they can automatically turn to for assistance with their health and finances. Here’s how to start.

Taking the guesswork out of gigs
Say you’re looking for ways to make extra cash and see an ad for a gig doing lawn or handy work, house cleaning, or assembling furniture. What they promise you’ll make per hour sounds good. When you complete the work, you expect to make what you saw advertised, right? But the FTC says that’s not what happened for most people who signed up for gigs on the Handy Technologies platform. Read further for tips on evaluating an opportunity.

You heard that correctly: Scammers are committing hospice fraud
Did someone reach out and offer free, in-home perks like cooking and cleaning in exchange for your Medicare number? Don’t give it. That could be a scammer trying to commit hospice fraud. Scammers are targeting older adults – with calls, texts, emails, fake ads, and even door-to-door visits – claiming they’ll set you up with services like free cooking, cleaning, and home health care. What they likely won’t tell you is how: They want to commit fraud by signing you up for Medicare hospice – that’s right, hospice – care. Then, they can bill Medicare for all kinds of services in your name.

Six Items that Could Trigger an IRS Audit
While there are many honest reasons someone might omit or forget some income received, those instances rarely border on criminal or wrongful intent. But illegal practices, such as fabricating documents, taking deductions that aren’t allowed or making up different types of expenses that didn’t occur, can spell trouble. Here are six items that could draw the IRS’ attention:

Three market-moving economic indicators to watch
Among all of the economic indicators released each month, three reports in particular can move the market: the Employment Situation, gross domestic product, and Personal Income and Outlays.

People think $1 million is the magic number to start estate planning – but it’s much lower
If you ask an expert, they’ll say the ideal time to start your estate-planning journey is when you turn 18 – regardless of your wealth, health status or life path. At the very least, you need to designate someone to have power of attorney for you, lest your car registration need to be updated while you are away at college or your parents need to help you with a medical situation. Most Americans don’t heed this advice, surveys and data show: At any given time, some 60% to 70% don’t have a will or other estate-planning documents. What finally prompts people to start thinking about these things? A new survey from Charles Schwab indicates that reaching a savings level of $1 million is what gets the majority of people thinking about how they are going to protect their assets during their lifetime – and how they want to pass them on after they die.

If you don’t have a will yet, why not?
A will is a fundamental estate planning document. It outlines how you wish your property to be distributed, who should handle matters related to settling your estate, and who you want to care for your children after you pass, among other things. If you don’t yet have a will, you’re not alone. According to a recent survey by Caring.com, 64% of Americans think having a will is important, but only 32% have one. There are many reasons people put off drafting a will – here are four that you might relate to.

What will the world Look like in 2120?
If we could fast-forward a century, here’s a look at how the world will work as predicted by our future-focused experts. In 2120, what will it be like to travel? Work? Recycle? The megatrends say that industries will be transformed by artificial intelligence, machine learning and data. The next 100 years could see quantum computing revolutionizing chemistry, materials science and many other fields. Used as a tool for development, quantum computers will likely enable the discovery of new drugs, chemicals and materials, lowering the cost of production and improving quality of life. Here is how seven industries will transform.

Do you have these key estate planning documents?
Estate planning is the process of managing and preserving your assets while you are alive, and conserving and controlling their distribution after your death. There are four key estate planning documents almost everyone should have regardless of age, health, or wealth. They are -a durable power of attorney, advance medical directive(s), a will, and a letter of instruction. Life is unpredictable. So take steps now, while you can, to have the proper documents in place to ensure that your wishes are carried out. Percentage of Americans with a will, by age group (55+ equals only 46%).

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy – here’s why everyone should do it
Though estate planning isn’t the most enjoyable aspect of personal finances, it’s one of the most crucial. Getting your affairs in order ensures your loved ones aren’t left scrambling over your assets or debts when you pass away. There are a lot of misconceptions about estate planning – like, that it’s only for the wealthy or that you don’t need to worry about it until later in life. Everyone should make their wishes clear – and the earlier you can start, the better. CNBC Select looks into what estate planning includes and how you can get started on the process.

August 2025

How does the additional senior deduction compare to no tax on Social Security?
During the 2024 election campaign, President Trump promised that he would eliminate
all income taxes on Social Security. The recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act
(OBBBA) does not include this provision, but provides a new additional standard
deduction for seniors. While both policies would increase the deficit and generate little
economic growth relative to their costs, they have differing impacts on taxpayers
depending on where their incomes reside in the income distribution. The taxation of
Social Security benefits is a somewhat recent phenomenon. It was introduced as part of
the 1983 amendments to shore up the Social Security trust fund, which at the time was
facing insolvency, much like today.

Advisors warn college athletes of fraud
NIL deals, media revenue shares and pay-to-play schemes: College athletes are cashing in, so much so that Donald Trump recently signed an executive order to rein in some of the excess. Advisors say more needs to be done to protect young players from bad advice and financial predators. Last week, President Donald Trump signed an executive order targeting what the White House called the “chaotic environment” around lucrative financial deals available to some college athletes, particularly in high-revenue sports like football and basketball. The order would limit the kind of deals that resulted in what former Alabama coach Nick Saban has called an “arms race” between colleges to woo top teenage prospects. 

Inflation-Fighting TIPS for today’s uncertain times
One way to increase the return on bonds over the long run is to use inflation-adjusted bond instruments. 
The most common inflation-adjusted bonds are called TIPS (Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities), which came on the scene in the late 1990s. TIPS are used to enhance Treasury yields in times of high inflation. Like traditional bonds, TIPS have a fixed coupon rate that the bond pays until maturity. 

Are extended warranties worth it?
When you purchase a vehicle, a major appliance, a laptop, or other big-ticket item, chances are you’ll be asked to buy an extended warranty or service contract. Extended warranties are offered by retailers for an additional cost and cover product repairs for a specific period of time under certain conditions.
Selling extended warranties may be quite profitable for retailers because they keep a percentage of what they charge for these contracts. But are they a good deal for you? Here are some questions to consider before you pull out your wallet.

June / July 2025

What your estate plan may be missing
Although a will is crucial to making sure your assets go where you want them when you die, you are likely to need something else, too: designated beneficiaries. The hard part wasn’t figuring out the sale of her house and what to do with her valuables. The more complicated part was distributing the money in her individual retirement accounts, which had been placed within the trust — but without designated beneficiaries.

Going solo: how to plan for retirement when you’re on your own
Solo aging — people growing older without reliable support from adult children or other relatives — has become increasingly common, largely because baby boomers and Gen Xers, by choice or circumstance, are childless at about twice the rate of previous generations. More Americans are entering their later years without people they can automatically turn to for assistance with their health and finances. Here’s how to start.

Taking the guesswork out of gigs
Say you’re looking for ways to make extra cash and see an ad for a gig doing lawn or handy work, house cleaning, or assembling furniture. What they promise you’ll make per hour sounds good. When you complete the work, you expect to make what you saw advertised, right? But the FTC says that’s not what happened for most people who signed up for gigs on the Handy Technologies platform. Read further for tips on evaluating an opportunity.

You heard that correctly: Scammers are committing hospice fraud
Did someone reach out and offer free, in-home perks like cooking and cleaning in exchange for your Medicare number? Don’t give it. That could be a scammer trying to commit hospice fraud. Scammers are targeting older adults – with calls, texts, emails, fake ads, and even door-to-door visits – claiming they’ll set you up with services like free cooking, cleaning, and home health care. What they likely won’t tell you is how: They want to commit fraud by signing you up for Medicare hospice – that’s right, hospice – care. Then, they can bill Medicare for all kinds of services in your name.

Six Items that Could Trigger an IRS Audit
While there are many honest reasons someone might omit or forget some income received, those instances rarely border on criminal or wrongful intent. But illegal practices, such as fabricating documents, taking deductions that aren’t allowed or making up different types of expenses that didn’t occur, can spell trouble. Here are six items that could draw the IRS’ attention:

Three market-moving economic indicators to watch
Among all of the economic indicators released each month, three reports in particular can move the market: the Employment Situation, gross domestic product, and Personal Income and Outlays.

People think $1 million is the magic number to start estate planning – but it’s much lower
If you ask an expert, they’ll say the ideal time to start your estate-planning journey is when you turn 18 – regardless of your wealth, health status or life path. At the very least, you need to designate someone to have power of attorney for you, lest your car registration need to be updated while you are away at college or your parents need to help you with a medical situation. Most Americans don’t heed this advice, surveys and data show: At any given time, some 60% to 70% don’t have a will or other estate-planning documents. What finally prompts people to start thinking about these things? A new survey from Charles Schwab indicates that reaching a savings level of $1 million is what gets the majority of people thinking about how they are going to protect their assets during their lifetime – and how they want to pass them on after they die.

Step-Transaction and Reciprocal Trust Doctrines: Planning Before 2026, or Earlier if Laws Change
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 is scheduled to sunset December 31, 2025, as a matter of current law, potentially resulting in significant changes to the estate and gift tax laws. One of the most relevant changes for estate planning practitioners is the reduction of the estate and gift tax exemption, which is slated to be reduced by half from $10 million inflation-adjusted ($13,610,000 in 2024[2]) to $5 million inflation-adjusted, estimated to be approximately $7,000,000 in 2026. Commentators have long been suggesting that practitioners advise their clients of the need to plan for the upcoming change.

The Top 5 Issues Facing High-Net-Worth Individuals in 2025
As we approach 2025, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs – Taxpayers with total assets exceeding $1 million) are encountering a rapidly evolving financial landscape shaped by shifting tax laws, market volatility, and an ever-increasing emphasis on wealth protection. The challenges on the horizon are complex, but they can be mitigated with foresight and careful planning. Here, we explore the top five issues likely to affect HNWIs in 2025 and the strategies they should consider to stay ahead.

An Overview of Trump’s Projected Tax Changes
During his first term, President Donald Trump focused heavily on taxes. Will that hold true for term two? Taxwise, Trump’s second presidency will likely look much like his first. This is largely due to the upcoming sunsets of numerous aspects of one of the keystones of Trump’s first term, The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. But what about income tax rates, S.A.L.T., mortgage rates, estate and gift tax exemption, and more. Read the full article in Wealth Management.

If You Don’t Have a Will Yet, Why Not?
A will is a fundamental estate planning document. It outlines how you wish your property to be distributed, who should handle matters related to settling your estate, and who you want to care for your children after you pass, among other things. If you don’t yet have a will, you’re not alone. According to a recent survey by Caring.com, 64% of Americans think having a will is important, but only 32% have one. There are many reasons people put off drafting a will – here are four that you might relate to.

What Will The World Look Like In 2120?
If we could fast-forward a century, here’s a look at how the world will work as predicted by our future-focused experts. In 2120, what will it be like to travel? Work? Recycle? The megatrends say that industries will be transformed by artificial intelligence, machine learning and data. The next 100 years could see quantum computing revolutionizing chemistry, materials science and many other fields. Used as a tool for development, quantum computers will likely enable the discovery of new drugs, chemicals and materials, lowering the cost of production and improving quality of life. Here is how seven industries will transform.

Do You Have These Key Estate Planning Documents?
Estate planning is the process of managing and preserving your assets while you are alive, and conserving and controlling their distribution after your death. There are four key estate planning documents almost everyone should have regardless of age, health, or wealth. They are -a durable power of attorney, advance medical directive(s), a will, and a letter of instruction. Life is unpredictable. So take steps now, while you can, to have the proper documents in place to ensure that your wishes are carried out. Percentage of Americans with a will, by age group (55+ equals only 46%).

Playing Fair: New Consumer Protections for Airline Passengers
There’s no doubt about it, airline travel can be stressful. Thanks to a new federal law and rules issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation, airline passengers could have extra consumer protections, some in time for the holiday travel season.

Estate Planning Isn’t Just For The Wealthy – here’s why everyone should do it
Though estate planning isn’t the most enjoyable aspect of personal finances, it’s one of the most crucial. Getting your affairs in order ensures your loved ones aren’t left scrambling over your assets or debts when you pass away. There are a lot of misconceptions about estate planning – like, that it’s only for the wealthy or that you don’t need to worry about it until later in life. Everyone should make their wishes clear – and the earlier you can start, the better. CNBC Select looks into what estate planning includes and how you can get started on the process.

March 2025

You heard that correctly: Scammers are committing hospice fraud
Did someone reach out and offer free, in-home perks like cooking and cleaning in exchange for your Medicare number? Don’t give it. That could be a scammer trying to commit hospice fraud. Scammers are targeting older adults – with calls, texts, emails, fake ads, and even door-to-door visits – claiming they’ll set you up with services like free cooking, cleaning, and home health care. What they likely won’t tell you is how: They want to commit fraud by signing you up for Medicare hospice – that’s right, hospice – care. Then, they can bill Medicare for all kinds of services in your name.

Six Items that Could Trigger an IRS Audit
While there are many honest reasons someone might omit or forget some income received, those instances rarely border on criminal or wrongful intent. But illegal practices, such as fabricating documents, taking deductions that aren’t allowed or making up different types of expenses that didn’t occur, can spell trouble. Here are six items that could draw the IRS’ attention:

Three market-moving economic indicators to watch
Among all of the economic indicators released each month, three reports in particular can move the market: the Employment Situation, gross domestic product, and Personal Income and Outlays.

People think $1 million is the magic number to start estate planning – but it’s much lower
If you ask an expert, they’ll say the ideal time to start your estate-planning journey is when you turn 18 – regardless of your wealth, health status or life path. At the very least, you need to designate someone to have power of attorney for you, lest your car registration need to be updated while you are away at college or your parents need to help you with a medical situation. Most Americans don’t heed this advice, surveys and data show: At any given time, some 60% to 70% don’t have a will or other estate-planning documents. What finally prompts people to start thinking about these things? A new survey from Charles Schwab indicates that reaching a savings level of $1 million is what gets the majority of people thinking about how they are going to protect their assets during their lifetime – and how they want to pass them on after they die.

Step-Transaction and Reciprocal Trust Doctrines: Planning Before 2026, or Earlier if Laws Change
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 is scheduled to sunset December 31, 2025, as a matter of current law, potentially resulting in significant changes to the estate and gift tax laws. One of the most relevant changes for estate planning practitioners is the reduction of the estate and gift tax exemption, which is slated to be reduced by half from $10 million inflation-adjusted ($13,610,000 in 2024[2]) to $5 million inflation-adjusted, estimated to be approximately $7,000,000 in 2026. Commentators have long been suggesting that practitioners advise their clients of the need to plan for the upcoming change.

The Top 5 Issues Facing High-Net-Worth Individuals in 2025
As we approach 2025, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs – Taxpayers with total assets exceeding $1 million) are encountering a rapidly evolving financial landscape shaped by shifting tax laws, market volatility, and an ever-increasing emphasis on wealth protection. The challenges on the horizon are complex, but they can be mitigated with foresight and careful planning. Here, we explore the top five issues likely to affect HNWIs in 2025 and the strategies they should consider to stay ahead.

An Overview of Trump’s Projected Tax Changes
During his first term, President Donald Trump focused heavily on taxes. Will that hold true for term two? Taxwise, Trump’s second presidency will likely look much like his first. This is largely due to the upcoming sunsets of numerous aspects of one of the keystones of Trump’s first term, The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. But what about income tax rates, S.A.L.T., mortgage rates, estate and gift tax exemption, and more. Read the full article in Wealth Management.

If You Don’t Have a Will Yet, Why Not?
A will is a fundamental estate planning document. It outlines how you wish your property to be distributed, who should handle matters related to settling your estate, and who you want to care for your children after you pass, among other things. If you don’t yet have a will, you’re not alone. According to a recent survey by Caring.com, 64% of Americans think having a will is important, but only 32% have one. There are many reasons people put off drafting a will – here are four that you might relate to.

What Will The World Look Like In 2120?
If we could fast-forward a century, here’s a look at how the world will work as predicted by our future-focused experts. In 2120, what will it be like to travel? Work? Recycle? The megatrends say that industries will be transformed by artificial intelligence, machine learning and data. The next 100 years could see quantum computing revolutionizing chemistry, materials science and many other fields. Used as a tool for development, quantum computers will likely enable the discovery of new drugs, chemicals and materials, lowering the cost of production and improving quality of life. Here is how seven industries will transform.

Do You Have These Key Estate Planning Documents?
Estate planning is the process of managing and preserving your assets while you are alive, and conserving and controlling their distribution after your death. There are four key estate planning documents almost everyone should have regardless of age, health, or wealth. They are -a durable power of attorney, advance medical directive(s), a will, and a letter of instruction. Life is unpredictable. So take steps now, while you can, to have the proper documents in place to ensure that your wishes are carried out. Percentage of Americans with a will, by age group (55+ equals only 46%).

Playing Fair: New Consumer Protections for Airline Passengers
There’s no doubt about it, airline travel can be stressful. Thanks to a new federal law and rules issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation, airline passengers could have extra consumer protections, some in time for the holiday travel season.

Estate Planning Isn’t Just For The Wealthy – here’s why everyone should do it
Though estate planning isn’t the most enjoyable aspect of personal finances, it’s one of the most crucial. Getting your affairs in order ensures your loved ones aren’t left scrambling over your assets or debts when you pass away. There are a lot of misconceptions about estate planning – like, that it’s only for the wealthy or that you don’t need to worry about it until later in life. Everyone should make their wishes clear – and the earlier you can start, the better. CNBC Select looks into what estate planning includes and how you can get started on the process.

January 2025

Six Items that Could Trigger an IRS Audit
While there are many honest reasons someone might omit or forget some income received, those instances rarely border on criminal or wrongful intent. But illegal practices, such as fabricating documents, taking deductions that aren’t allowed or making up different types of expenses that didn’t occur, can spell trouble. Here are six items that could draw the IRS’ attention:

Three market-moving economic indicators to watch
Among all of the economic indicators released each month, three reports in particular can move the market: the Employment Situation, gross domestic product, and Personal Income and Outlays.

People think $1 million is the magic number to start estate planning – but it’s much lower
If you ask an expert, they’ll say the ideal time to start your estate-planning journey is when you turn 18 – regardless of your wealth, health status or life path. At the very least, you need to designate someone to have power of attorney for you, lest your car registration need to be updated while you are away at college or your parents need to help you with a medical situation. Most Americans don’t heed this advice, surveys and data show: At any given time, some 60% to 70% don’t have a will or other estate-planning documents. What finally prompts people to start thinking about these things? A new survey from Charles Schwab indicates that reaching a savings level of $1 million is what gets the majority of people thinking about how they are going to protect their assets during their lifetime – and how they want to pass them on after they die.

Step-Transaction and Reciprocal Trust Doctrines: Planning Before 2026, or Earlier if Laws Change
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 is scheduled to sunset December 31, 2025, as a matter of current law, potentially resulting in significant changes to the estate and gift tax laws. One of the most relevant changes for estate planning practitioners is the reduction of the estate and gift tax exemption, which is slated to be reduced by half from $10 million inflation-adjusted ($13,610,000 in 2024[2]) to $5 million inflation-adjusted, estimated to be approximately $7,000,000 in 2026. Commentators have long been suggesting that practitioners advise their clients of the need to plan for the upcoming change.

The Top 5 Issues Facing High-Net-Worth Individuals in 2025
As we approach 2025, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs – Taxpayers with total assets exceeding $1 million) are encountering a rapidly evolving financial landscape shaped by shifting tax laws, market volatility, and an ever-increasing emphasis on wealth protection. The challenges on the horizon are complex, but they can be mitigated with foresight and careful planning. Here, we explore the top five issues likely to affect HNWIs in 2025 and the strategies they should consider to stay ahead.

If You Don’t Have a Will Yet, Why Not?
A will is a fundamental estate planning document. It outlines how you wish your property to be distributed, who should handle matters related to settling your estate, and who you want to care for your children after you pass, among other things. If you don’t yet have a will, you’re not alone. According to a recent survey by Caring.com, 64% of Americans think having a will is important, but only 32% have one. There are many reasons people put off drafting a will – here are four that you might relate to.

What Will The World Look Like In 2120?
If we could fast-forward a century, here’s a look at how the world will work as predicted by our future-focused experts. In 2120, what will it be like to travel? Work? Recycle? The megatrends say that industries will be transformed by artificial intelligence, machine learning and data. The next 100 years could see quantum computing revolutionizing chemistry, materials science and many other fields. Used as a tool for development, quantum computers will likely enable the discovery of new drugs, chemicals and materials, lowering the cost of production and improving quality of life. Here is how seven industries will transform.

Do You Have These Key Estate Planning Documents?
Estate planning is the process of managing and preserving your assets while you are alive, and conserving and controlling their distribution after your death. There are four key estate planning documents almost everyone should have regardless of age, health, or wealth. They are -a durable power of attorney, advance medical directive(s), a will, and a letter of instruction. Life is unpredictable. So take steps now, while you can, to have the proper documents in place to ensure that your wishes are carried out. Percentage of Americans with a will, by age group (55+ equals only 46%).

Playing Fair: New Consumer Protections for Airline Passengers
There’s no doubt about it, airline travel can be stressful. Thanks to a new federal law and rules issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation, airline passengers could have extra consumer protections, some in time for the holiday travel season.

Estate Planning Isn’t Just For The Wealthy – here’s why everyone should do it
Though estate planning isn’t the most enjoyable aspect of personal finances, it’s one of the most crucial. Getting your affairs in order ensures your loved ones aren’t left scrambling over your assets or debts when you pass away. There are a lot of misconceptions about estate planning – like, that it’s only for the wealthy or that you don’t need to worry about it until later in life. Everyone should make their wishes clear – and the earlier you can start, the better. CNBC Select looks into what estate planning includes and how you can get started on the process.