Blog

If America Has Plenty of Oil, Why Are Gas Prices Still Rising?It’s a fair question—and one I’ve heard a lot lately:“If the U.S. produces more than enough oil and is even a net exporter, why are we...

Let’s stop pretending everything is fine.You’ve probably seen the headlines: the Social Security trust fund is projected to face shortfalls in the next decade. If nothing changes, benefits could be...

Do You Pay Taxes on Social Security in Alabama and Florida?Short answer:No—Alabama and Florida do not tax Social Security benefits at the state level. However, you may still owe federal taxes...

You’ve seen the ads.“Join us for a complimentary dinner and learn the 5 secrets to a successful retirement.”“Discover the 3 biggest mistakes retirees make—and how to avoid them.”It sounds helpful....

Why Working with a Fiduciary RIA Can Mean Lower Fees and Better Investment Outcomes When it comes to building long-term wealth, two variables matter more than almost anything else: costs and...

Many investors assume that mutual funds appear on investment platforms simply because they are the best available options. However, in many cases mutual fund companies pay distribution fees to...

Why Our ADV-2 Has So Few Disclosures — And Why That’s a Good ThingWhen prospective clients review an advisor’s Form ADV-2, they often expect to see a long list of disclosures. In many cases, those...

When investors review their account statements, they usually see management fees or trading activity. But what many people don’t realize is that some investment costs never appear clearly on their...

Few topics generate more confusion—or concern—than Social Security. One question we hear frequently from retirees and pre-retirees is:“Did the government take money from Social Security?”You’ve...

One of the most common questions people ask when they begin thinking seriously about retirement is: “How much should I have saved by now?” Whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, or early 60s, it’s...

One of the most common financial questions young professionals ask is: Should I invest in a Traditional 401(k) or a Roth account? The answer depends largely on your current income and tax bracket...

I’ll be honest: when I started thinking about filing for my Social Security benefits, I braced myself. You know the drill—long forms, confusing instructions, mysterious delays, and at least one...

As someone who has helped clients navigate Social Security decisions for years, I always assumed I would wait until age 70 to file.After all, that’s what the math often says.Delaying benefits can...

Is Your Advisor Really a Fiduciary?Over the weekend, I read a 225-page book explaining how individual investors can determine whether their financial advisor is truly a fiduciary. It was well...

There’s a trend in the financial world that’s become hard to ignore. In an effort to educate and explain their methodology, many advisors drift into long discussions about how money makes you feel....

The Tax and Investment Mistakes That Catch Retirees Off GuardCentral Florida continues to attract retirees and near-retirees for good reason: warm weather, no state income tax, and a lower...

I was watching the newest season of Penn & Teller: Fool Us the other night. If you haven’t seen it, the premise is simple: magicians perform an act, and if they can fool Penn & Teller—two guys who...

IntroductionThe financial services industry is full of titles, designations, and confusing terminology. “Financial advisor,” “wealth manager,” “planner,” “broker”—they often sound the same on the...

In an era where quick fixes and instant solutions are enticing, it's easy to see why retirement workshops and dinner seminars have gained popularity. They promise easy insights and solutions, often...

Portfolio rebalancing is essential for maintaining a disciplined investment strategy. However, the timing of rebalancing—when you actually make those adjustments—can significantly influence...

The "One Big, Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA) introduces a mix of permanent and temporary tax changes that could significantly impact your financial strategy. This legislation is more than just a...

In recent weeks, regulators have sharpened their focus on the fees and commissions investors pay—starting with small-dollar transactions. This review, first reported in CityWire RIA by Sam Bojarski...

If you’ve ever been invited to a free dinner seminar, you know the pitch. A nice meal, a polished speaker, and promises of retirement made simple. It feels a little like the days of Tupperware...

1. Insider trading definitionInsider trading is illegal when someone trades a security based on material, nonpublic information (MNPI) in violation of a duty of trust or confidence. For corporate...

Legislative changes can be overwhelming, especially for seniors dealing with finances, healthcare, or long-term care decisions. Enter the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) – a sweeping law...

The “bucket strategy” has become a popular retirement planning approach in recent years. On the surface, it’s simple and appealing: divide your retirement savings into separate “buckets” based on...

The Issue of Conflict of InterestActing as a Power of Attorney (POA) for a client places Investment Adviser Representatives (IARs) in a conflict of interest. Typically, an IAR is entrusted with...

Redefining Retirement SuccessWhen envisioning a successful retirement, many focus solely on the amount saved in their retirement accounts. However, truly savvy individuals understand that the...

Understanding the DistinctionDeciding when to retire and when to claim Social Security benefits are two of the most significant financial decisions you will make. However, it's important to...

Understanding the Current Retirement Landscape in HuntsvilleIn Huntsville, Alabama, the retirement landscape is heavily influenced by a significant population of federal employees and Department of...

Understanding AI in Stock PickingThe allure of artificial intelligence (AI) in the realm of stock picking is undeniable, presenting a vision of machines analyzing data at lightning speeds to...

Economic jargon can often feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to make informed decisions about your financial future. Market updates and policy discussions frequently mention terms...

Understanding the Core DistinctionsAs a financial advisor operating your own registered investment advisory (RIA) firm, it is crucial to comprehend the nuances between managing an RIA and a general...

Understanding the HFCAAIn December 2020, the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (HFCAA) was enacted to enhance transparency for foreign companies listed on U.S. exchanges. The legislation...

Understanding Retirement Savings: No One-Size-Fits-AllRetirement planning is like navigating a vast sea with countless routes and variables. While traditional wisdom may suggest saving a certain...

Understanding Fiduciary ResponsibilityIn the financial advisory industry, the term "fiduciary" acts as a badge of trust. Advisors holding Series 65 or 66 licenses can legally call themselves...

Understanding the AppealMoving to a state with lower income tax rates is an enticing prospect for many Americans seeking to maximize their disposable income. With promises of significant savings,...

Understanding Portfolio RebalancingPortfolio rebalancing is a crucial yet often overlooked task among do-it-yourself investors. It involves realigning the weightings of assets in a portfolio by...

Understanding the Impact of Fear on Retirement PlanningRetirement planning can often feel daunting and overwhelming. A common hurdle many face when planning for their golden years is FEAR. The fear...

The Temptation of Using Excel for Retirement PlanningMany individuals find comfort in using Excel spreadsheets for charting out their retirement plans. It's almost a monthly ritual for people to...

The Importance of Retirement PlanningAt CochranMickels Retirement Specialists, we have always recognized the profound significance of financial and retirement planning. Ensuring a comfortable and...

The Changing Face of RetirementRetirement has long been seen as a predictable chapter in life's journey: a period of rest and reflection following decades of hard work. However, the landscape of...

Balancing Opportunity and Potential LossUnderstanding your risk tolerance is crucial in making informed investment decisions. Risk, by nature, is dual-faceted—it’s both an opportunity for gains and...

What are CRS and ADV-2?The CRS (Client Relationship Summary) and ADV-2 (Part of the Form ADV) are critical documents that financial advisors must provide to clients. These documents offer in-depth...

Empowering Advisors: Constructing Tailored Portfolios for ClientsFor financial advisors, the art of portfolio construction is not just about picking stocks or allocating assets; it's about crafting...

Static Financial Planning:Fixed Assumptions: Relies on unchanging assumptions regarding income, expenses, growth rates, and other variables.Set Timeframe: Designed for specific periods (e.g.,...

Investing in mutual funds can be an excellent way to grow your wealth, but it’s essential to understand the various expenses associated with these investment vehicles. Mutual fund expenses can...

Millions of Americans have long faced financial challenges due to outdated provisions in the Social Security system. However, hope arrives in the form of the Social Security Fairness Act, signed...

As we enter 2025, the discussion around retirement strategies has never been more vital. With over 10,000 Americans turning 65 each day, planning for retirement is on the minds of many. This age...

If you have spent any time on social media lately, you've likely encountered the buzz around ROTH conversions. But before jumping on the bandwagon, it's crucial to understand the complexities...

Market Recap Week of Nov. 11 through Nov. 15, 2024 The S&P 500 index fell 2.1% this week as stronger-than-expected retail sales and comments by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell led to...

If you participate in a 401(k), ESOP, or other qualified retirement plan that includes ownership in your employer's stock, you need to know about net unrealized appreciation.When you make a...