Today, we’re diving into an important and often misunderstood topic:
the Social Security lump sum option.

A client recently asked me whether taking this lump sum made sense—and the answer isn’t always straightforward.

Let’s break it down.

It’s been an interesting month in the stock market, to say the least, following the start of the Iran War, which began on February 28, 2026.

Since the start of the conflict, the S&P 500 has declined roughly 6%, largely due to the sharp increase in oil prices. Rising oil prices can impact nearly every part of the global economy because oil affects transportation, manufacturing, shipping, and production costs for countless goods and services.

This week we’re talking about probate and how adding a Transfer on Death (TOD) beneficiary designation to certain assets can help those assets avoid probate. This can speed up and simplify the process of settling your estate — but it may also create unintended consequences if not planned properly.

It’s officially tax season—and while many people are preparing to file their returns, others may need more time. Filing a tax extension can be a smart move, especially if you:

• Have a complex financial situation

• Own a business

• Are waiting on important tax documents

• Want to avoid rushing and making mistakes

But here’s the key: a tax extension is often misunderstood—and if handled incorrectly, it can lead to penalties, interest, and unnecessary stress. In this guide, we’ll break down the 4 most common tax extension mistakes and how to avoid them.

Tax season is here, and for many people that means gathering documents, organizing receipts, and preparing to file a tax return. Whether you work with a tax preparer or file your taxes yourself, there are several common mistakes that can cost you money, delay your refund, or even trigger penalties from the IRS.

In this article, we’ll review seven of the most common tax filing mistakes I frequently see from both tax preparers and individuals who file their own returns. Avoiding these mistakes can help ensure your return is processed smoothly and that you pay only the taxes you actually owe.

If you watched President Trump’s recent State of the Union address, one of the biggest takeaways was the announcement and promotion of what are now being referred to as “Trump Accounts.” Applications are officially open, and millions have already signed up.

If you have children and would prefer to help them financially now — rather than waiting until you’re gone — this guide is for you.

More parents today are choosing to gift assets during their lifetime. With strong market performance, rising real estate values, and growing estate sizes, many families are in a position to transfer wealth earlier. Some estimates suggest that over $124 trillion will change hands by 2048.

But before writing a large check or transferring appreciated assets, there are important financial and tax considerations.

You can begin collecting Social Security as early as age 62. But if you plan to continue working while collecting benefits, there are several critical mistakes you need to avoid.

In this article, we’ll walk through four common (and costly) mistakes people make when collecting Social Security while still employed — and we’ll use a real-life example to show how these issues play out.

This week, we’re switching gears to something just as important as investment performance: protecting your accounts from cybercrime.

Specifically, we’re talking about recent security alerts issued by Charles Schwab and covered by major news outlets involving a growing threat known as a RAT attack.

And no—this isn’t about rodents in New York City subway tunnels. It’s far more serious.

The most common way Americans save for retirement today is through an employer-sponsored retirement plan, most often a 401(k). But what happens when you change jobs or retire?

In many cases, you’re left with an old 401(k) from a previous employer—and a decision to make.

Should you leave it where it is, move it to a new employer’s plan, cash it out, or roll it over into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA)?

In this article, we’ll walk through five key reasons why rolling over an old 401(k) into an IRA may make sense, along with the options you have when leaving an employer.

If you’re looking to grow your money in 2026—beyond what CDs and traditional bonds can offer—you’re going to need to accept some level of market volatility. Historically, meaningful long-term growth has required exposure to stocks. The key is doing it intentionally, with a plan that balances growth, diversification, and risk management.

In this article, we’ll break down five exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that can play a powerful role in a growth-oriented portfolio in 2026 and beyond. These are the same types of investments I use with clients and in my own portfolio.

If you’re a do-it-yourself investor, a retiree, or someone approaching retirement, one of the most common questions you’re probably asking is:

“Where can I put my money to keep it safe, earn a reasonable return, and avoid unnecessary risk?”

In this article, we’ll walk through seven conservative investment options designed to help preserve principal while still earning steady interest in 2026. These strategies are especially relevant if you’re holding excess cash in a low-yield bank account and want your money to work a little harder—without taking on stock market volatility.

As we kick off a new year, it’s natural to reflect on where we’ve been and think about where we’re headed. For many people, that includes taking a hard look at their financial life and asking an important question:

Am I truly prepared for retirement?

As we press on into 2026, I want to take some time to reflect on the most common financial and retirement questions I received in 2025 from both clients, readers of my blog, and podcast listeners.

This past year has been a bittersweet one for me personally. I lost my mom early in 2025, which was incredibly difficult for my family and me. At the same time, I’m deeply grateful that 2025 was also a strong year professionally. The podcast continued to grow, our listener base expanded, and Morrissey Wealth Management had the opportunity to help more families plan for and navigate retirement.

As we discussed last week, when it comes to hiring a financial advisor, there are three main types of services to consider: financial planning, investment management, or a combination of both.

While some firms, like mine, offer both services as a comprehensive package, other advisors focus on just one of these offerings. The type of service you choose depends on your goals and needs, and it will ultimately shape the kind of relationship you'll have with your advisor.

In this post, I'll walk you through the first type of service—financial planning—so that you have a clear understanding of what to expect if you decide to go down this route.

In this blog, I’m talking about the growing threat of smishing, a type of phishing scam where fraudulent text messages try to trick you into revealing personal information like your social security number, bank account details, or credit card information. I’ll explain how these scams are targeting individuals like you and share some important tips on how to protect your phone and investment accounts from being compromised. It's crucial to stay informed and secure, and I’m here to help you navigate these risks.

Contributing to a 529 savings plan can offer powerful benefits for your child, grandchild — and in some cases, even yourself. As we approach the end of the year, it’s an especially good time to review the tax advantages of these plans and highlight several important updates made under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed in 2025.

Interest rates have been steadily increasing in recent months and, in some instances, have prevented people from being able to afford to buy the home they dreamed of. Mortgage lenders are using some creative ways to allow people to buy a home in an environment where interest rates are soaring. One way is a mortgage rate buydown. Mortgage buydown products have been around for a while but are typically only used when the situation of need arises. There are a few different buydown options which I will explain in detail, so you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Tax season is here, and for many, that means a tax refund is on the way. While it’s nice to get a check from the government, you might want to take a step back and think about why you’re getting that refund in the first place.

Some people like the idea of a refund because it feels like a nice bonus at the end of the year, but in reality, it’s not the best use of your money. After all, it’s essentially an interest-free loan you’ve given to the government.

When it comes to retirement planning, one strategy that often comes up for those with highly appreciated company stock in their 401(k) is Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA). While this option may sound appealing, it’s essential to weigh its benefits against the potential drawbacks. In this blog post, we’ll explore whether NUA is truly worth it by looking at examples from Raytheon and Aetna stocks—two companies that have experienced notable stock growth over the years. By diving into what NUA is, how it works, different rules, and important considerations, and then applying it to these two companies, you can better understand if this strategy is a smart move for you