ABLE Act accounts started with a parent. It was Stephen E. Beck, Jr., vice chairman of the National Down Syndrome Society and the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia Board of Directors who proposed a plan to help his daughter, who has Down syndrome, save money. His plan is what became the basis for the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act.

In 2014, the ABLE Act was signed into law by President Obama and in June 2016, ABLE programs were launched in Ohio, Tennessee and Nebraska. In Ohio, for example, these accounts are called STABLE accounts.  

If you’re a parent raising a child with special needs, you know there are unique circumstances when it comes to managing your family’s finances. In a previous blog post, we outlined eight simple steps for parents to take to establish financial stability for their child. This blog takes a closer and more in-depth look at ABLE Act accounts and answers some frequently asked questions.

By definition, ABLE accounts are investment accounts for eligible individuals with disabilities that allow them to save and invest money while retaining eligibility for public benefits programs (like Medicaid, SSI for example). These accounts share similarities with regular bank accounts, but they function more like 529 college savings accounts.

The word fiduciary has evolved from some obscure financial terminology rarely uttered at the neighborhood cocktail party to the in-vogue standard. If your financial person doesn’t meet the standard, you might be deemed a rube.

The term fiduciary seems so commonplace that you might be tempted to take it for granted. Surely, your advisor wouldn’t stoop to anything less than being a fiduciary: a professional who always strives to work in your best interest, even after you are invested. You can check that box. Right?

This article was originally published in October 2021 and has been updated in February 2026 to reflect current information.

We’ve always been told that the only certainties in life are death and taxes. Fair enough. But when it comes to retirement, most people would prefer a little more clarity, especially around income.

Financial planning tools can help estimate future income, but retirement is still built on assumptions. Longevity, health, inflation, and policy changes all play a role. No one knows exactly how long income will be needed or how markets will behave over a 20 to 30 year retirement.

Because of that uncertainty, most retirees rely on multiple income sources working together.

Here is a look at the most common options, along with additional ways some people choose to supplement their income.

Originally published in September 2021. Updated in February 2026 with added resources.

Did you know that 90 percent of high net-worth households give to charity according to the National Philanthropic Trust? It’s an impactful way to ensure your wealth goes to good use. Nonprofit and charitable organizations are fueled by individuals who support their services. Currently, there are about 1.54 million charitable organizations in the U.S., and in 2019, 69 percent of charitable giving came from individuals.

In our first post in this series on living with wealth, we discussed giving to family. In this post, we concentrate on charitable giving. Outside of playing a pivotal role in helping a nonprofit organization thrive, charitable giving boasts a number of benefits for donors. Making a donation to a qualified 501(c)(3) makes you eligible for tax deductions, and giving a considerable amount can benefit your overall estate planning.

Take a closer look at how you can position yourself for sustainable charitable giving and, in addition, leave an enduring legacy after your death.

Recently, Carnegie Investment Counsel Portfolio Manager/Regional Director Scott Inglis was a guest of Behind the Numbers, which is a podcast about the “real stories” behind business performance and valuation. Inglis talked with the host, valuation expert and bestselling author Dave Bookbinder. Scott provided detailed insights around demystifying noise in the market place”. Here’s an overview of the conversation.

Your relationship with your financial advisor is important. The knowledge and guidance your advisor provides has an immense and measurable impact on your life, family, and legacy. Like all relationships, contact with your advisor may ebb and flow over time. But when your wealth is on the line, a partnership that’s anything but solid should be non-negotiable.

There are several reasons why people part ways with their financial advisors. Sometimes the most optimal solution for both parties is to close the chapter and begin a new one. If you find yourself in any of the following scenarios, it might be time to find a new financial advisor.

As we progress through life, we arrive at various well-defined markers along the way, termed as life events or major milestones. These events might include earning a college education, entering the workforce, marrying, raising a family, advancing in your career and retiring. There are obviously many others you might experience during your life’s journey.

In this article, we address the financial stages of life. We look to define those phases and help you properly prepare for each stage. Goal setting is a key component of this process. Better preparation today will lead to a more beneficial outcome once you reach your retirement years.

This article was originally published in July 2021 and updated in February 2026 to reflect current information.

It’s highly common for our clients with children, grandchildren, and other family members to direct their assets to things or activities that will help those family members financially. Allocating portions of your legacy and offering financial assistance can make a lifelong impact on your loved ones. So, how and when should you get started, and what do you need to consider?

One of the most important aspects of responsible financial planning is risk management. A proper understanding of risk can help you anticipate losses and gains and create an investment strategy with your financial planner as you build wealth. Assessing your risk tolerance can guide you in your investment decisions. Armed with this knowledge, you can start to see the risk of avoiding risk.

It is important to identify your financial goals, what it will take to reach those goals and understand the level of risk you are willing to take to get there. Your goals and behavior must be aligned.

Note: This article was originally published on May 27, 2021 and updated on June 17, 2026 to reflect current information.

Your nonprofit exists to serve a mission. Strong financial management is one of the things that can help to make that mission sustainable. Not just this year, but for the long term.

For many nonprofit organizations, partnering with a qualified financial advisor can provide meaningful support across investment management, fiduciary governance, and donor development. Here's a look at some of the key benefits.