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What Should You Do With Your Old Employer 401(k)?
Changing jobs is a big moment in your career, but it often brings an important financial question: What should you do with your old employer 401(k)? Many people leave behind […]
Disaster Relief and Your Retirement Plan: What to Know About SECURE 2.0
When disaster strikes, the last thing anyone wants to worry about is how to cover expenses. The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 added new, ongoing disaster relief rules that make […]
Changes to Catch-Up Contributions: What They Mean for Your Retirement Plan
If you are over 50, you may already be using catch-up contributions to put extra money into your retirement accounts each year. These additional contributions can make a big difference […]
Can an Annuity Strengthen Your Retirement Plan?
What is an Annuity? An annuity is a financial contract between an individual and an insurance company. In exchange for one or more premium payments, the insurer agrees to provide […]
Understanding the Proposed “No Tax on Tips” Deduction
The U.S. Department of the Treasury and IRS recently released new details about President Donald Trump’s proposed “No Tax on Tips” deduction, a provision that could change how millions of […]
College Funding Strategies: Comparing Cash Value Life Insurance and 529 Plans
For many families, helping a child or grandchild pay for college is one of the most meaningful financial goals they’ll ever set. The earlier you begin saving, the more time […]
Building Wealth
The Quiet Signals of True Financial Control
It’s not uncommon to spend 30–40 years working before you save enough to fully retire. This doesn’t mean you must spend all that time worrying about money. Small habits and […]
From Transition to Triumph: Smart Financial Tactics in Career Changes
Embarking on a career transition, whether it’s a job change, a promotion, or venturing into a new field, comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. A critical component […]
Qualities to Look for When Choosing a Financial Advisor
Navigating the world of finance can be daunting, but a skilled financial advisor can help make the journey smoother. With numerous options available, selecting the right advisor involves evaluating certain […]
Homeownership: A Powerful Wealth-Building Tool
When most people think about buying a home, they focus on mortgage rates, down payments, and finding the right property. Homeownership is more than a place to live — depending […]
The Simplicity of Warren Buffett’s Investment Strategy: A Lesson for All Investors
Warren Buffett, a legendary investor worth $150 billion at 94, has been picking stocks since he was 11. In a 1985 interview, he explained that his simple investment strategy is […]
Bulls, Bears, and Bounce-Backs: The Power of Staying Invested
As stock indexes fall, many investors are feeling pessimistic, but downturns can present valuable opportunities. History has shown the market’s remarkable ability to recover. For instance, after the dot-com bubble […]
Taxes, Policy & Market Insights
Economy of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is more than just heart-shaped chocolates and romantic dinners. Each year, Americans open their wallets for gifts, experiences, and treats, energizing the nation’s economy and providing a major […]
Scarcity and Speculation: What Designer Toys and Taylor Swift Merch Reveal About Modern Markets
How Manufactured Scarcity Drives Modern Markets Limited-release collectibles are no longer just kids’ toys or pop-culture merchandise. In today’s marketplace, they represent the powerful forces shaping speculative asset classes, consumer […]
Market Outlook 2026: Navigating Volatility and Opportunity
Market Outlook 2026: Navigating Volatility and Opportunity As we turn the page on 2025, it’s clear that the year was marked by dramatic headlines, market swings, and policy shifts. Yet, […]
What is an HSA? Understanding Health Savings Accounts and How They Differ From FSAs
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are a useful tool for individuals looking to manage healthcare expenses and save on taxes. Unlike some other employee benefit accounts, HSAs offer long-term flexibility and […]
Understanding FSAs: Use It or Lose It Before Year-End?
As December arrives, many people start reviewing their financial and health benefit options. One important year-end consideration is your Flexible Spending Account, or FSA. Understanding how FSAs work, and what […]
Should You Consider Deferring Income for Year-End Tax Planning?
As the end of the year approaches, many individuals and small business owners start to evaluate options for managing their tax liability. One technique to consider is deferring income into […]
401(k) & IRAs
What Should You Do With Your Old Employer 401(k)?
Changing jobs is a big moment in your career, but it often brings an important financial question: What should you do with your old employer 401(k)? Many people leave behind […]
Can You Grow an IRA to Millions or Even Billions?
How to Grow Your IRA: A Strategic Guide An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) can be a powerful tool for building wealth for retirement. With the right strategies, it’s possible to […]
What taxes are due on a Roth IRA conversion?
Retirement account do-overs are a rarity, but transitioning from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA is feasible. Be mindful of taxes, as the allure of tax-free withdrawals in retirement […]
What To Know About The Roth Solo 401(k) In 2024?
You could maximize your tax-free retirement income with a Roth Solo 401(k), a strategic choice for savvy business owners. This unique retirement account allows both you and your spouse to […]
Planning For Retirement
Working in Retirement: Is It the Right Move for You?
At Gregory Ricks & Associates, we’re seeing more people approach retirement with a flexible mindset. Retirement is no longer always a hard stop, it can also mean shifting into a […]
Building a Fulfilling Life After Retirement
“Retirement is not about the end of the road, but rather the beginning of a new path.”- Gregory Ricks, Retirement Deserves a Helpful Hand: A Guide to the Destination […]
Retirement Withdrawals and Giving Back: A Look at Qualified Charitable Distributions
What Are Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)? Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are the minimum amounts that individuals must begin withdrawing annually from certain retirement accounts, starting at a specific age. These […]
Risk in Retirement: What’s the Right Level for You?
While it’s comforting when things trend upwards, the reality is that recessions are inevitable. In retirement, the stakes are higher, making understanding and managing different types of risks crucial. Ready […]
Women need different financial plans – Here are 4 key steps to take
Women face unique financial challenges, from the gender pay gap to career interruptions for caregiving, which can impact retirement savings and Social Security benefits. However, with the right tools and […]
Ease on Down the Road to Retirement
Transitioning to retirement can be challenging, especially if you love your job. Phasing into retirement by working part-time can offer a balanced approach and can help enhance financial confidence. Over […]
Social Security
How Spousal and Survivor Benefits Can Impact Your Social Security
For married couples, divorced individuals, and widows or widowers, spousal and survivor benefits can play a significant role in retirement income planning. Understanding how these benefits work is one piece […]
Why October Matters for Retirees: Key Social Security Updates
For retirees and those nearing retirement, October is one of the most important months of the year. That’s when the Social Security Administration (SSA) releases the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) […]
Social Security Changes in 2025: What You Need to Know
In 2025 changes to Social Security may impact retirement planning. Understanding these adjustments is crucial for making informed decisions about when to claim benefits. Full Retirement Age (FRA) Adjustments Starting […]
Family & Legacy Planning
Celebrating AA Financial Trailblazers
Celebrating African American Financial Trailblazers February and Black History Month offer an opportunity to honor African Americans who have transformed the finance industry. Figures like Maggie Lena Walker, Reginald F. […]
Secret to Happiness and Health
What 80 Years of Harvard Research Reveals About Living a Happy and Healthy Life How can we live longer, healthier, and happier lives? While modern society may tell us that […]
College Funding Strategies: Comparing Cash Value Life Insurance and 529 Plans
For many families, helping a child or grandchild pay for college is one of the most meaningful financial goals they’ll ever set. The earlier you begin saving, the more time […]
The True Cost of Do-It-Yourself Estate Planning
Estate planning is one of those tasks many people put off until the last possible moment. When the decision finally arrives, it is tempting to save money by downloading a […]
Teaching Kids and Grandkids the Value of Saving
When it comes to leaving a legacy, the dollars we pass down are only part of the story. The real gift is in the lessons—especially when it comes to money. […]
Are You Financially Prepared for the Loss of a Loved One? Here’s What You Need to Know
Losing someone you love is one of life’s most difficult moments. But amidst the grief and emotional toll, many families are hit with another challenge they didn’t expect—financial turmoil. A […]
Medicare & Annuities
Key Changes to Medicare in 2026: What Beneficiaries Need to Know
Medicare enrollees can expect notable changes in 2026, impacting costs, coverage, and benefits. These updates are driven by new federal regulations aimed at improving affordability, access, and service quality. 1. […]
How Guaranteed Lifetime Income Supports Retirees in Louisiana and Mississippi
Planning for retirement in Louisiana or Mississippi often means navigating financial questions that don’t get asked the same way in other regions. Rising insurance premiums, unpredictable hurricane seasons, differences in […]
Can an Annuity Strengthen Your Retirement Plan?
What is an Annuity? An annuity is a financial contract between an individual and an insurance company. In exchange for one or more premium payments, the insurer agrees to provide […]
5 Common Annuity Mistakes You Should Avoid
Choosing the right annuity can be crucial for your financial future. With four main types available, understanding their individual purposes and advantages can be essential. Before making a decision, educate […]
What Does Medicare Not Cover? Seven Things You Should Know
Medicare Part A and Part B, or Original Medicare, cover many medical expenses once you turn 65. Part A includes hospital stays and hospice care, while Part B covers doctor […]
Is an Annuity Right for You? Here’s What You Should Know
The decision to incorporate an annuity into your retirement plan sparks varying opinions on its effectiveness. While some, including knowledgeable financial advisers, believe annuities can be crucial for shoring up […]
Budgeting
A Financial Reset for the New Year
The new year is a natural time to step back, take a clear look at your finances, and decide where you want to improve. A financial reset can mean […]
How to Start a Budget (Without Stress)
For many people, the word “budget” brings up anxiety. It can feel like a set of tight constraints or a reminder of every dollar you think you are spending “wrong.” […]
The First Million: How Couples Can Team Up to Build Wealth
Building wealth as a couple is easier with the right guidance. If you are ready to start mapping out your financial journey, schedule a free, no-obligation 15-minute consultation with […]
Budgeting for Wellness: Navigating the Future of Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs are climbing, and this trend could impact your financial wellness down the line. Understanding where these costs are headed and planning accordingly can give you and your family […]
Invest Time, Not Just Money: A Mindset Shift for Reaching Your Financial Goals
This is a companion blog related to the Ask Gregory Podcast 113: Shifting Your Mindset to Build Stronger Financial Habits. With rising costs, economic uncertainty, and financial stress weighing on […]
A Psychiatrist Tried to Quit Gambling. Betting Apps Kept Her Hooked.
Kavita Fischer’s fortune took a surprising turn when a $750 investment led to a remarkable $500,000 winning streak in just six days last summer. Despite her background as a mental-health […]
Fraud Prevention
Social Media and Investing
Should Young Adults Trust Social Media Investing Tips? A Closer Look at the Trend Social media has become a powerful force in shaping the views and habits of young adults, […]
How to Avoid Financial Scams
At Gregory Ricks & Associates, protecting your wealth is about more than managing investments—it’s also about staying informed and prepared for the risks that can arise outside of the market. […]
The Top 5 Financial Scams Targeting Older Adults
Financial scams targeting older adults are on the rise, resulting in significant losses. According to the FBI, in 2022 alone, there were over 88,000 complaints from individuals aged 60 and […]
Fraud Prevention: Ways to help protect yourself and your finances
Fraud affects everyone, regardless of age or income. Learn about common scams like phishing and identity theft, and discover ways to help protect yourself and your finances. Stay informed—read this […]
Feds say ‘grandparent scam’ targeted older Americans out of millions. Here are some ways to help protect yourself and your loved ones.
Sixteen people have been charged in a “grandparent scam” that defrauded older Americans out of millions, federal prosecutors announced. The group allegedly ran call centers in the Dominican Republic, targeting […]
‘Fraud is at a crisis level,’ says expert: 5 financial scams to watch out for in 2024
Advanced technology and artificial intelligence are heightening the challenge for consumers to detect scams. Fraud costs in the U.S. exceeded $7 billion in the first three quarters of 2023, up […]