The Latest Breaking News from The Free Financial Advisor

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…

A 401(k) is often one of the most valuable assets a person leaves behind, but inheriting one isn’t as simple as cashing a check. Many families are surprised to learn that certain circumstances can lead to additional tax bills after the account holder passes away. From federal income taxes to…

Parents often work hard to save for their children’s future, but some savings strategies can unintentionally reduce the chances of qualifying for financial aid. The type of account you choose can directly impact the amount of need-based aid your child receives. Certain assets are factored more heavily into financial aid…

Most people buy life insurance with the belief that it will automatically take care of their loved ones when they’re gone. While policies are designed to provide financial protection, the truth is that there are important details your insurer isn’t required to explain to your beneficiaries. Without knowing these rules,…

For years, many people assumed that passing down a Roth IRA to their heirs was a tax-friendly move that wouldn’t trigger hefty estate taxes. But as tax laws evolve, so does the answer to whether your Roth IRA is still protected from estate taxes in 2025. Roth IRAs remain attractive…

For many families, Medicaid is a lifeline that helps cover the staggering costs of long-term care, medical treatments, and essential services. But few realize that accepting Medicaid benefits may come with strings attached — strings that could affect the inheritance you hope to leave behind. In many states, there’s a…

Many people spend decades contributing to retirement accounts, believing they’ll be financially set when they stop working. Unfortunately, not all savings vehicles are built to handle the high price of extended medical or personal care in later years. Long-term care — such as nursing home stays, in-home assistance, or memory…

Planning for retirement feels overwhelming enough without worrying whether your tools are steering you wrong. Many people count on online retirement calculators to estimate how much they can safely withdraw from their savings each year. But are these calculators exaggerating safe withdrawal rates and giving people a false sense of…