In the realm of retirement planning, discussions often gravitate toward financial stability, investment portfolios, and long-term care insurance. However, one frequently overlooked essential aspect is cognitive health. At TriaGen Wealth Management, we believe cognitive health is not just an asset but an investment that we should be talking about for a fulfilling retirement.   The Value of Cognitive Health in Retirement Cognitive health is arguably the most valuable asset for those looking forward to enjoying their retirement years. A sharp and healthy mind opens doors to actively engaging ..read more

In the world of investment, the allure of stocks like NVIDIA, with their impressive 200% gain over the last year, often leaves investors wondering, “Why didn’t we focus on Nvidia the last few years?” This semiconductor giant, powering the forefront of AI technology, epitomizes the potential highs of the stock market. However, the broader landscape of stock investment is riddled with complexities that extend beyond the surface-level success stories. A Study in Stocks: “Do Stocks Outperform Treasury Bills?” In Hendrick Bessembinder’s paper “Do Stocks Outperform Treasury Bills?” we learn somethin ..read more

As we navigate into an election year, we find ourselves amidst a whirlwind of emotions and uncertainties, a common sentiment when politics take center stage. Our aim isn’t to delve into political discourse; rather, it’s to emphasize that prudent investing hinges on maintaining proper investment behavior. It’s a familiar refrain: the belief that if one’s preferred candidate triumphs, prosperity will ensue for the economy and the markets. Conversely, the defeat of one’s candidate is often seen as a harbinger of doom. While these sentiments may appear extreme, they underscore the emotive power of ..read more

In a world swirling with uncertainty, one thing we can take charge of is our healthcare coverage. With open enrollment upon us, it’s the ideal time to reassess your healthcare plan. Whether you’re enrolled in Medicare or exploring other options, ensuring your plan aligns with your health needs and financial goals is crucial for maximizing savings.   Medicare Plans: Key Considerations For those on Medicare or Medicare Advantage, open enrollment is your opportunity to review and adjust your coverage. It’s essential to ensure that your plan accommodates any changes in your health status or m ..read more

As the year winds down, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by everything you see or hear about in the news, from market fluctuations to political uncertainties. But while these factors are out of your control, the good thing is, there are plenty of things you can control to support your financial wellness. Here are some ways to set yourself up for financial success as the year comes to a close: Take care of Your RMDs If you’re a retiree, it’s crucial to address your Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) before the year ends. Neglecting to take your RMD could result in a tax penalty and make your fi ..read more

Bonds Are Back: The Return Of Positive Real Yields The investment landscape is experiencing a significant shift. For the first time since 2009, we’re seeing positive real yields in the bond market. That means the interest one receives on a bond is sufficient to match inflation plus provide additional returns. Inflation has dropped to around 3%, and bonds are paying 5%—meaning the real return stands at approximately 2% in the U.S. This shift provides investors an alternative growth channel they didn’t have before: bonds that keep up with inflation. And that’s a pretty big deal. “So… should I be ..read more

The cost of college tuition has risen a mind-boggling 160 percent since 1980.1 And with it, of course, student debt has also increased. With that information in mind, you might wonder, “Does it still make sense for my child to attend college?” For the most part, the answer is yes.  A bachelor’s degree can increase a person’s lifetime earnings by nearly 60 percent when compared to having only a high school diploma. This means that even with the rapid rise in tuition rates, education is still a valuable and worthwhile expense.  Let’s take a look at the long-term impact of student loan ..read more

Artificial intelligence sounds like a phrase from the future, but in reality, AI has become so ingrained in our day-to-day lives—many of us don’t even realize we’re using it. Think about the last time you booked a flight. The airline’s booking platform used AI to decide your price. Or, look back on the last time you applied for a loan. Whether it was a mortgage, auto loan, HELOC, personal loan, or even a credit card, the lender used AI to help determine your eligibility and interest rate. AI is all around us, and its impact is becoming more visible by the day. Self-driving cars are popping up ..read more

The federal government is allowed to borrow money to spend on things like Social Security, Medicare, defense programs, etc. The catch is, there’s a limit to how much the government can borrow, and that limit is called the debt ceiling. Congress authorizes how much debt the federal government can take on. If the government is going to exceed this limit, then Congress must approve raising the debt ceiling. If you’ve been following the news, you may have heard that the debt ceiling (currently around $31.4 trillion) has already been reached. As we wait and see how Congress will respond, here’s a l ..read more

If you follow financial news, you’ve likely seen some alarming reports regarding the state of social security in the coming years. The most alarming headlines proclaim that social security could run out by 2035. This is a bold claim and one that could be easily misunderstood. Taken out of context, this news might have you scrambling to take out your funds post-haste. Fortunately, things aren’t quite as dire as they seem, and withdrawing social security early isn’t the best option for most. The History of Social Security Social security comes from trust funds known as the OASI&nb ..read more