The Latest Breaking News from The Free Financial Advisor

Most people think updating their will covers everything important — but in today’s world, that’s rarely the case. If you have online bank accounts, cryptocurrency, social media profiles, or even valuable digital files, you need more than a traditional will to keep them secure and accessible to your loved ones.…

Retirement planning is never a simple task, but when you add stepchildren, multiple marriages, and complex family dynamics into the mix, the process can become far more challenging. Many people underestimate how blended families complicate retirement planning more than you think until they’re faced with tough decisions about assets, inheritance,…

Losing a spouse is an emotionally overwhelming experience, and the last thing you want to face during that time is financial confusion. Unfortunately, creditors may still come calling, leaving you to wonder: is your spouse’s debt still legally tied to you after death? The answer depends on the type of…

Few things create more anxiety than receiving unexpected mail from the IRS. Even if you are confident your tax return was accurate and submitted on time, certain notices can indicate potential problems. These letters often require a timely response and may involve additional documentation, payments, or explanations. Knowing the meaning…

Trusts are designed to protect assets, carry out a person’s wishes, and provide for loved ones long after the trust creator is gone. But one overlooked detail in the trust language can have devastating results. The clause in a trust that can accidentally disinherit an entire side of the family…

Annuities have long been a staple in retirement planning, offering guaranteed income streams and a sense of security for investors. Yet behind the scenes, a shift is underway — some brokers are pulling back from selling them, and in certain cases, leaving the annuity business altogether. If you have an…

Owning property jointly with a non-spouse can seem like a practical and cost-effective solution. Whether it’s splitting the cost of a vacation home with a sibling, co-investing in rental property with a friend, or buying a house with a partner you’re not married to, joint ownership can make big purchases…

Thinking about retirement home upgrades can be exciting. After all, making your home safer, more comfortable, or more accessible is a smart move when planning for your future. But before you start knocking down walls or calling contractors, it’s important to know that some upgrades come with hidden fees. These…

Most people think they have a handle on their monthly spending, yet their bank account tells a different story. Even with the best intentions, tiny cracks in your household budget can quietly sap your savings. These leaks are often overlooked, hiding in plain sight among routine expenses. Over time, small…

Long-term care funding is a topic most people want to avoid until it’s too late. The costs of assisted living, nursing homes, or in-home care can wipe out years of savings. While financial planners offer traditional solutions, some clients look for alternative tactics that might raise an eyebrow—or spark outright…

Identity scammers are getting smarter every year, and their latest tricks can hit you where you least expect: your handwritten signature. In today’s digital world, more documents are signed, sent, and stored online than ever before. That convenience comes with a risk—identity scammers can now copy your signature remotely using…