SML Planning Minute

Security Mutual Life Advanced Markets Team
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SML Planning Minute shares concise and entertaining financial ideas, for individuals, families, and business owners.

  1. 2D AGO

    Are My Retirement Savings on Track?

    Are My Retirement Savings on Track? Episode 370 – It’s an age-old question that seems like everybody asks: am I saving enough for retirement? It’s never going to yield an easy answer. There are so many variables: age, future savings rates, rate of return, lifestyle, etc. Where do you even begin? Fortunately, there are benchmarks available at every age that can give you a sense of whether you’re on track. More SML Planning Minute Podcast Episodes Transcript of Podcast Episode 370 Hello, this is Bill Rainaldi, with another edition of Security Mutual’s SML Planning Minute. In today’s episode: are my retirement savings on track? It’s an age-old question. Am I saving enough for retirement? There’s never going to be an easy answer, especially if you’re young. There are so many variables: age, future savings rates, rate of return, lifestyle, taxes, etc. Where do you even begin? There are plenty of opinions to be found. Global asset management giant T. Rowe Price has done some notable research on this topic. They’ve published a series of benchmarks at every age that can give you a sense of where you stand as of today. The benchmarks are based on current income. For example, if you’re 30 years old, they suggest that your total savings should be one half of your annual income or more. They suggest 100 percent of your income if you’re age 35, twice your income at age 40, three times at age 45, and five times at age 50. The multiplier goes to seven times at age 55, nine times at age 60, and eleven times at age 65.[1] Note that these figures include contributions, both by you and your employer, to a workplace retirement plan such as a 401(k). As you can probably tell, these are just ballpark estimates. To come up with these estimates, they assume that your household income goes up by five percent per year until age 45, and three percent thereafter. They assume an inflation rate of three percent. They also assume a seven percent return before taxes, and that everyone retires at age 65. Upon retirement, the assumed withdrawal rate is four percent. As with anything else, the individual situation you’re in will vary over time, so it’s safe to say that these benchmarks have their limitations. Also, they assume you’re relying only on personal savings and Social Security for retirement income. If you have other sources, such as a pension, your personal benchmark might be lower. Also, remember that Social Security benefits—assuming they’ll still be there for younger Americans—are progressive in nature. That is, for Americans with higher earnings, Social Security benefits will represent a smaller percentage of their retirement income. So, in most cases, people with higher earnings will have to rely more heavily on personal savings to meet their retirement needs. How can you meet these suggested goals? T. Rowe Price says that, as a general rule, most people should probably save at least 15 percent of their income if they wish to keep up with the benchmarks, more than that if you’ve already fallen behind.[2] So, what do you do if you’re below the benchmark? With discipline, some people can start increasing their savings rate right away, and that would be the ideal solution. But it’s very difficult for most people. You might be able to make your increased savings rate automatic, simply by having your employer increase the contribution rate that is withheld from your paycheck. In other words, pay yourself first! Either way, if your employer has a 401(k) with an employer match, make sure you at least take full advantage of it if you’re not already doing so. If you’re getting on in years and you don’t have enough in savings, one alternative might be to slowly transition into retirement with part-time employment. It’s not ideal. After all, you’ll be fully retiring later than you would prefer, but it could make a significant difference, including the possibility of health insurance benefits which can be costly in retirement. One final question. Is it possible to save too much for retirement? We talked about this back in episode 296. The answer is yes. As important as it is to save as much money as you can as early as possible, you have to balance that against your current lifestyle. If you’re younger, you could easily overextend yourself if you fully fund your 401(k). This could result in maxing out your credit cards to meet your monthly expenses.[3] That could end up costing you more than the savings are worth. It’s also important to understand the role of taxes. Just remember that withdrawals from a traditional IRA or 401(k) are 100 percent taxable. Once you get into your seventies, you may be subject to Required Minimum Distributions or RMDs. This means that you have to withdraw money from your IRA or 401(k) and pay tax on it, whether you need the money for your expenses or not. Also, many experts believe that future tax brackets will eventually be higher than they are today. If that does in fact happen, it could minimize the advantages of a 401(k) or IRA, because you were in a lower bracket when you took the deduction than you were when you had to pay the tax. This would minimize whatever advantage you might have had. [1]T. Rowe Price Insights on Retirement. “Are My Retirement Savings on Track?” Troweprice.com. https://www.troweprice.com/content/dam/workplace/SVRI_Retirement%20Perspective%20Savings%20Benchmark.pdf (accessed January 23, 2026). [2] Id. [3] Schrager, Allison. “Yes, Clients Can Save Too Much For Retirement.” fa-mag.com. https://www.fa-mag.com/news/yes–you-can-save-too-much-for-retirement-78828.html?section=68 (accessed August 6, 2024). More SML Planning Minute Podcast Episodes This podcast is brought to you by Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, The Company That Cares®. The content provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Information is provided in good faith. However, the Company makes no representation or warranty of any kind regarding the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information. The information presented is designed to provide general information regarding the subject matter covered. It is not to serve as legal, tax or other financial advice related to individual situations, because each individual’s legal, tax and financial situation is different. Specific advice needs to be tailored to your situation. Therefore, please consult with your own attorney, tax professional and/or other advisors regarding your specific situation. To help reach your goals, you need a skilled professional by your side. Contact your local Security Mutual life insurance advisor today. As part of the planning process, he or she will coordinate with your other advisors as needed to help you achieve your financial goals and objectives. For more information, visit us at SMLNY.com/SMLPodcast. If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, tell your friends about it. And be sure to give us a five-star review. And check us out on LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter. Thanks for listening, and we’ll talk to you next time. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. The information presented is based on current interpretation of the laws. Neither Security Mutual nor its agents are permitted to provide tax or legal advice. The applicability of any strategy discussed is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances. Results may vary, and products and services discussed may not be appropriate for all situations. Each person’s needs, objectives and financial circumstances are different, and must be reviewed and analyzed independently. We encourage individuals to seek personalized advice from a qualified Security Mutual life insurance advisor regarding their personal needs, objectives, and financial circumstances. Insurance products are issued by Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, Binghamton, New York. Product availability and features may vary by state.​ SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyAndroidPandoraBlubrryby EmailTuneInDeezerRSSMore Subscribe Options

    8 min

  2. FEB 3

    Are You Ready for the Great Wealth Transfer?

    Are You Ready for the Great Wealth Transfer? Episode 369 – Are you ready for the “Great Wealth Transfer”? It’s not that far off. The sooner you start your planning, the better. More SML Planning Minute Podcast Episodes Transcript of Podcast Episode 369 Hello, this is Bill Rainaldi, with another edition of Security Mutual’s SML Planning Minute. In today’s episode: are you ready for the “Great Wealth Transfer”? We’ve seen it coming for decades. The baby boomer generation is perhaps the wealthiest in American history. But now they’re all 60-plus years old. The long-predicted Great Wealth transfer is just getting started, and the numbers are extraordinary. By the year 2048, an estimated total of $124 trillion will be transferred. Among those amounts, approximately $105 trillion is expected to flow to heirs from baby boomers (and older) to future generations.[1] You know it’s going to happen eventually. And if you’re one of those baby boomers, you need to get to work now if you haven’t done so already. Where do you even start? If you’re the boomer, the first thing you need to recognize is that open communication is critical. But it’s a tough conversation to initiate. According to a recent survey, only 39 percent of baby boomers have provided some direction to their heirs by explaining their intentions. At the other end, just over half of the next generation feels prepared to receive their inheritance.[2] It’s probably a good idea for you and your spouse to have your plan in place before you talk it out with your heirs.[3] If you start talking before you have a concrete plan, it may lead to arguments, undue pressure on you, or unrealistic expectations. That would make it harder for you to make important decisions based exclusively on what you really want. Once everything is fully documented, you can share the details with confidence. That way, you’ll know that your estate plan reflects your true intentions without being swayed before you’ve finished setting it up. When you do have a plan in place, it’s usually best to start explaining it as soon as you can, then provide updates as needed. And it helps to be as transparent and inclusive as possible. You’ll need to make sure you share the values that are important to you, along with the reasoning behind your decisions. But don’t think it’s going to be easy. It has the potential to be an uncomfortable and challenging conversation, so make sure you choose the best time and place. Also, remember that different people will react differently to what you tell them. You should be ready to listen to them and address whatever concerns they may have. When talking things over, it helps to show some empathy for their situation, whatever it is. It may not be what you expected. You also need to make sure your heirs understand how important family unity is, both now and after you’re gone. It’s generally a good idea to talk to your family about this while there’s still time, or at least have a letter with your documents that everyone can read or hear, explaining your non-financial wishes. Also, set some realistic expectations. Many adult heirs are surprised—sometimes pleasantly and sometimes unpleasantly—by the size of their inheritance.[4] You can also build in some protections to make sure the children don’t squander their inheritance. If you’re a parent with concerns about where the money will go, there are always trust options that can provide additional security. Your estate planning attorney will likely have some ideas on this and be able to guide you. But keep in mind that some heirs may see this as a sign of mistrust and may be resentful because you did this. The challenges are many, but it can be even more difficult—and it likely requires even more work—if you’re a business owner. The sobering truth is that less than a third of family businesses successfully transition to the next generation.[5] The failure rate jumps to 90 percent by the third generation.[6] Even worse, an unsuccessful transition could potentially destroy the family relationship. It’s important that your heirs understand that you have completed the required documents, but they also have to know where to find them. An “in the event of my death” folder should be easily accessible. The folder would include information on online accounts, professional advisors, estate planning documents, and insurance information. It’s helpful to have a single person identified who can begin the process. If you’re the recipient, it might seem awkward and presumptuous to start the conversation about inheritance, but it’s OK if you approach it the right way. One thing you can do is make sure you center the discussion around your family dynamics.[7] For example, you can start by asking your parent(s) for advice on your own estate situation and let the conversation evolve from there. And, it’s best to have these conversations while everyone is of sound mind and body. As with many things in life, financial literacy can be a tremendous asset for you in this process. Make sure to educate yourself if you feel you need to. And one final thought: regardless of your financial situation, the process is likely to be complicated and time-consuming. You may need the help of an estate planning attorney to guide the process and fill in important and required details. Either way, the sooner you get started, the better. [1] Cerulli Asoociates. “Cerulli Anticipates $124 Trillion in Wealth Will Transfer Through 2048.” Cerulli.com. https://www.cerulli.com/press-releases/cerulli-anticipates-124-trillion-in-wealth-will-transfer-through-2048 (accessed January 7, 2026). [2] RBC Wealth Management. “RBC Wealth Management survey: A generational look at the Great Wealth Transfer shows financial advisors to play a pivotal role in a smooth transition.” Rbcwealthmanagement.com. https://www.rbcwealthmanagement.com/en-us/newsroom/2025-05-08/rbc-wealth-management-survey-a-generational-look-at-the-great-wealth-transfer-shows-financial-advisors-to-play-a-pivotal-role-in-a-smooth-transition (accessed January 7, 2026). [3] Wolinsky, Jacob. “Six Ways to Make Talking With Family About Estate Planning Easier.” Kiplinger.com. https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/estate-planning/how-to-discuss-estate-planning-with-your-family (accessed January 13, 2026). [4] Id. [5] The Williams Group. “Succession Planning.” Thewilliamsgroup.org. https://www.thewilliamsgroup.org/services/succession-planning/ (accessed January 9, 2026). [6] Lee, Medora. “The Great Wealth Transfer’s begun. Are heirs-to-be ready to receive it? How to prepare.” USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2025/09/18/great-wealth-transfer-heirs-how-to-prepare/86040974007/ (accessed January 9, 2026). [7] Id. More SML Planning Minute Podcast Episodes This podcast is brought to you by Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, The Company That Cares®. The content provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Information is provided in good faith. However, the Company makes no representation or warranty of any kind regarding the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information. The information presented is designed to provide general information regarding the subject matter covered. It is not to serve as legal, tax or other financial advice related to individual situations, because each individual’s legal, tax and financial situation is different. Specific advice needs to be tailored to your situation. Therefore, please consult with your own attorney, tax professional and/or other advisors regarding your specific situation. To help reach your goals, you need a skilled professional by your side. Contact your local Security Mutual life insurance advisor today. As part of the planning process, he or she will coordinate with your other advisors as needed to help you achieve your financial goals and objectives. For more information, visit us at SMLNY.com/SMLPodcast. If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, tell your friends about it. And be sure to give us a five-star review. And check us out on LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter. Thanks for listening, and we’ll talk to you next time. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. The information presented is based on current interpretation of the laws. Neither Security Mutual nor its agents are permitted to provide tax or legal advice. The applicability of any strategy discussed is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances. Results may vary, and products and services discussed may not be appropriate for all situations. Each person’s needs, objectives and financial circumstances are different, and must be reviewed and analyzed independently. We encourage individuals to seek personalized advice from a qualified Security Mutual life insurance advisor regarding their personal needs, objectives, and financial circumstances. Insurance products are issued by Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, Binghamton, New York. Product availability and features may vary by state.​ SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyAndroidPandoraBlubrryby EmailTuneInDeezerRSSMore Subscribe Options

    8 min

  3. JAN 27

    Does “Buy Term and Invest the Difference” Really Work?

    Does “Buy Term and Invest the Difference” Really Work? Episode 368 – “Buy term and invest the difference” sounds like a great idea on paper. But does it actually work? More SML Planning Minute Podcast Episodes Transcript of Podcast Episode 368 Hello, this is Bill Rainaldi, with another edition of Security Mutual’s SML Planning Minute. In today’s episode: does “buy term and invest the difference” really work? For those who are unfamiliar, there are two basic types of life insurance: term and permanent. Term life insurance is pretty basic: you make a simple payment in exchange for a death benefit. The good news is you pay a specific premium for a specific number of years, say 20. Your premium purchases the specific death benefit you need, say $1 million. That’s it. There is no cash value, however Return of Premium options may exist, which would likely increase the premium. The bad news is that you must die to collect the death benefit for the benefit of your heirs. The premium can be relatively inexpensive. For example if you’re 30 years old and in good health, you might only pay $600 or so per year for your coverage under a 20-year term policy. If you survive the year, you typically pay the same amount the following year and each year thereafter until the 20-year term is complete. But the problem with term insurance is that it only covers you for the period you’ve chosen. What happens at the end of the 20 year period? You may need to start over, except now you’re 50 years old, and the cost to insure your life will be much higher, say somewhere around $2,300 per year. And this assumes that 20 years later, your health is still good enough to qualify for coverage, and at the most economical rates. On the other hand, various types of permanent life insurance exist, are generally more complex, and involve higher initial premiums. In the case of our 30-year old, the premiums may be three-to-four times the cost of term, or more. But if structured properly and premiums are paid on time, these types of policies can provide lifetime coverage, not just for a period of years. They also can potentially provide a cash value, which is the amount you would receive if you surrendered the policy for cash. You might also be able to borrow against, or withdraw some of the cash value later on. But some people are scared off by high permanent life insurance premiums compared to term. The difference is that permanent life insurance is designed to cover you for your entire life, not just a specific term. So, what do you do if you don’t want to—or can’t afford to—pay that much? Keep in mind that there are numerous ways to structure a permanent policy, and some of those can be considerably more affordable than others. There’s also an old adage in the insurance industry that you may have heard: “buy term and invest the difference.” In other words, you could buy the term policy, figure out what the premium difference is between the term and permanent policies, and invest that amount in some other place, like the stock market. The theory goes that if you’re disciplined and invest well, you’ll be better off in the long run. But does it actually work? The concept seems to make sense. You buy a term policy to cover your insurance needs temporarily and invest the difference in premium into a diversified portfolio. By the time your term policy expires, your new account may have accumulated enough money that you can now, essentially, self-insure for your permanent life insurance needs. The theory may work on paper, especially when you consider that so many of your liabilities, such as your home mortgage or a future college education for your child, are expected to be paid off in the future. But it’s not that simple. For one thing, you must commit to investing the difference every year. More on that in a minute. In addition it’s important to consider any tax advantages that permanent life insurance may offer. We spoke earlier about the cash value that a permanent policy can provide. That cash value typically grows on a tax-deferred basis. And if you structure the policy properly, cash withdrawals and loans may also receive favorable tax treatment. Then there’s the so-called “sequence of returns” risk. It’s a concept that many people—including some well-known-financial pundits—fail to consider. Sequence of returns risk is normally thought of in the context of retirement planning. It’s the issue faced when there is a market downturn late in your working years or early in your retirement years. When this happens, it could have a much bigger impact on your planned retirement income, simply because you don’t have the time you need to recover.[1] And it applies equally to “buy term and invest the difference.” Permanent life insurance, paired with another option such as guaranteed income from an annuity, can help protect against sequence of returns risk.[2] But perhaps most importantly, and we touched on this briefly a minute ago, “buy term and invest the difference” requires consistency and discipline over many years. Needs change significantly over time. The real world can be expected to throw a curve at you from time to time and even one missed investment can adversely affect the process. For example, what happens if you have a major medical emergency or other adverse financial development during one of those interim years? For many, the tendency is to skip your planned investments when money is tight, or the market is down. The entire “buy term and invest the difference” plan could crumble as a result. Is that worth the risk? Are there times when it makes sense? Absolutely. But remember that term insurance is designed for a temporary need. The simple truth is that permanent coverage can work better when the need is permanent. Confused as to which options are the best for you? A Security Mutual Life insurance agent can help. Your trusted life insurance agent will discuss and assess your needs and objectives, coordinating with you, your attorney and tax professional to review your situation and to determine the insurance plan that will best suit your needs and objectives. [1] U.S. Bank. “How sequence of returns risk can impact when to retire.” USBank.com. https://www.usbank.com/retirement-planning/financial-perspectives/sequence-of-returns-risk-impact-when-to-retire.html (accessed January 7, 2026). [2] Garcia, Gonzalo. “Why “Buy Term and Invest the Difference” No Longer Holds Up.” Linkedin.com. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-buy-term-invest-difference-longer-holds-up-gonzalo-m-garcia-clu-fuwhe/ (accessed January 7, 2026). More SML Planning Minute Podcast Episodes This podcast is brought to you by Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, The Company That Cares®. The content provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Information is provided in good faith. However, the Company makes no representation or warranty of any kind regarding the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information. The information presented is designed to provide general information regarding the subject matter covered. It is not to serve as legal, tax or other financial advice related to individual situations, because each individual’s legal, tax and financial situation is different. Specific advice needs to be tailored to your situation. Therefore, please consult with your own attorney, tax professional and/or other advisors regarding your specific situation. To help reach your goals, you need a skilled professional by your side. Contact your local Security Mutual life insurance advisor today. As part of the planning process, he or she will coordinate with your other advisors as needed to help you achieve your financial goals and objectives. For more information, visit us at SMLNY.com/SMLPodcast. If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, tell your friends about it. And be sure to give us a five-star review. And check us out on LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter. Thanks for listening, and we’ll talk to you next time. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. The information presented is based on current interpretation of the laws. Neither Security Mutual nor its agents are permitted to provide tax or legal advice. The applicability of any strategy discussed is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances. Results may vary, and products and services discussed may not be appropriate for all situations. Each person’s needs, objectives and financial circumstances are different, and must be reviewed and analyzed independently. We encourage individuals to seek personalized advice from a qualified Security Mutual life insurance advisor regarding their personal needs, objectives, and financial circumstances. Insurance products are issued by Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, Binghamton, New York. Product availability and features may vary by state.​ SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyAndroidPandoraBlubrryby EmailTuneInDeezerRSSMore Subscribe Options

    9 min

  4. JAN 20

    Being a Millionaire Ain’t What It Used to Be

    Being a Millionaire Ain’t What It Used to Be Episode 367 – It wasn’t that long ago that Regis Philbin drew massive viewers with his TV program Who Wants to be a Millionaire. Never mind the fact that the top prize was $1 million before taxes, which is considerably less than $1 million after taxes. But in today’s economy, being a millionaire does not necessarily project the same status it once did. Or does it? More SML Planning Minute Podcast Episodes Transcript of Podcast Episode 367 Hello, this is Bill Rainaldi, with another edition of Security Mutual’s SML Planning Minute. In today’s episode, being a millionaire ain’t what it used to be. It wasn’t that long ago that Regis Philbin drew massive viewers with his TV program Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Never mind the fact that the top prize was $1 million before taxes, which is considerably less than $1 million after taxes. And while it’s much more noticeable today, even during Y2K, being a millionaire did not give the same status that it once did. Yet it’s an achievement many of us are shooting for. According to a new study, almost half of all workers (48 percent) have set $1 million as their retirement benchmark. That number was only 37 percent in 2024. But people aren’t necessarily optimistic about reaching that milestone. In fact, a mere 27 percent actually expect to get there.[1] Another recent study provides more information on this. An analysis of government survey data done by Bloomberg indicates that there are more than 24 million millionaire households, or almost one in five. But a lot of that wealth is sealed into 401(k)s, IRAs and home equity, none of which is easily accessible. This is especially true for households in the lower end of the millionaire spectrum, with a net worth between $1 million and $2 million, which on average, have 66 percent of their wealth locked into these types of assets.[2] It’s important not to minimize what so many people have accomplished. $1 million is a great emotional milestone. And it’s still a lot of money. The median household net worth is considerably less: about $193,000.[3] But nowadays, you might not be able to live off $1 million. It could end up lasting you a long time, but it all depends on where you live (which you can control), your health and longevity (which you might not be able to control), and how much you spend on things like housing, health care and other expenses. Every situation is different, of course. The cost of living varies widely throughout the United States. According to research by Forbes magazine, the average cost of living, defined as “housing costs, transportation, health care, food and income taxes,” is the highest in Hawaii at $55,491. Mississippi comes in the lowest with an average of $32,336. Of course, this is just for the essentials. The figures don’t include entertainment, travel or anything else.[4] When it comes to longevity, average life expectancy has some quirks to it. For one thing, each year you age, your remaining life expectancy goes down, but not by a full year. This is a statistical oddity due to the fact that you’re still here, but a few of your peers are not. For example, if you are a male age 60, your remaining life expectancy is 23.3 years, or to age 83.3. But if you make it to age 65, your new life expectancy is 19.3 years, or to age 84.3.[5] There are gender differences as well. For people age 65, females, on average, outlive males by approximately 2.7 years.[6] These are all just averages, of course. But the resulting life expectancies are often longer than people might anticipate. Here’s another unique statistic: For a married couple age 60, there is approximately a 60 percent chance that at least one of the two will live past age 90.[7] That may or may not be you, but the longer you expect to live, the more concerned you will be about whether your $1 million is enough. How long will it last, and will you still be around when it runs out? Here are three hypotheticals compiled by SmartAsset. In the first one, assume you start with $1 million and get a 6 percent return. Also assume you are in a 24 percent tax bracket and you spend $5,000 per month. In that scenario, your $1 million should last you 30 years. But in the second scenario, assuming your return goes down to 5 percent, the well would run dry in 26 years. In the third scenario, your return goes up to 7 percent. But your tax bracket is also higher: 32 percent, and your withdrawal goes up to $6,000 per month. With those assumptions, your savings would only last 23 years.[8] Keep in mind that these examples do not include other sources of income such as Social Security. The maximum amount of Social Security you can collect is $5,181[9] per month before tax and Medicare charges, but that assumes you paid in the maximum and collect at age 70, which less than 10 percent of people do.[10] The average benefit is approximately $1,959 per month.[11] But when it comes to retirement income, the one huge advantage Social Security has is that it is indexed for inflation, although the Cost of Living Adjustment (or COLA) increases don’t always keep up. So, how much you can accumulate for retirement is important, but it’s not everything. Perhaps some of us are focusing on the wrong thing. Maybe it’s just as important to have an income plan as it is to have an accumulation plan.[12] In other words, no matter how much you save, it’s still only the first half of the journey. [1] Randall, Steve. “Nearly half of workers peg retirement target at $1M as anxiety climbs.” Investmentnews.com. https://www.investmentnews.com/retirement-planning/nearly-half-of-workers-peg-retirement-target-at-1m-as-anxiety-climbs/263546 (accessed December 15, 2025). [2] Steverman, Ben, Tartar, Andre and Davidson, Stephanie. “America Is Minting Lots Of Cash-Strapped Millionaires.” Fa-mag.com. https://www.fa-mag.com/news/america-is-minting-lots-of-cash-strapped-millionaires-84395.html (accessed December 12, 2025). [3] Kane, Libby. “The net worth it takes at every age to be richer than most people you know.” Businessinsider.com https://www.businessinsider.com/net-worth-data-american-wealth-age-2025-4 (accessed December 12, 2025). [4] Rothstein, Robin. “Examining The Cost Of Living By State.” Forbes.com. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/cost-of-living-by-state/ (accessed December 15, 2025). [5] Social Security Administration. “Retirement & Survivors Benefits: Life Expectancy Calculator.” Ssa.gov. https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/population/longevity.html (accessed December 15, 2025). [6] The Global Statistics. “Life Expectancy by Age in the US 2025 | Stats & Facts.” Theglobalstatistics.com. https://www.theglobalstatistics.com/life-expectancy-by-age/ (accessed December 15, 2025). [7] Social Security Administration. “Longevity Visualizer.” SSA.gov. https://www.ssa.gov/policy/tools/longevity-visualizer/index.html (accessed December 15, 2025). [8] Smartasset.com. “Is $1M Enough to Retire Comfortably in 2025? Replace Guesswork With a Fiduciary-Built Plan.” Insights.smartasset.com. https://insights.smartasset.com/sem/how-long-will-1m-last-in-retirement?utm (accessed December 15, 2025). [9] Social Security Administration. “Worker with steady earnings at the maximum level since age 22.” Ssa.gov. https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/COLA/examplemax.html (accessed December 15, 2025). [10] Royal, James. “What age do most Americans take Social Security?” Bankrate.com. https://www.bankrate.com/retirement/when-do-most-americans-take-social-security/ (accessed December 15, 2025). [11] Horton, Cassidy. “What’s the average Social Security check in Dec. 2025?” Aol.com. https://www.aol.com/finance/retirement-planning/article/average-social-security-benefit-payment-december-2025-195039610.html (accessed December 15, 2025). [12] LaPonsie, Maryalene. “Can You Retire on $1 Million? Here’s How Far It Will Go in 2025.” USNews.com. https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/articles/can-you-retire-on-one-million (accessed December 15, 2025). More SML Planning Minute Podcast Episodes This podcast is brought to you by Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, The Company That Cares®. The content provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Information is provided in good faith. However, the Company makes no representation or warranty of any kind regarding the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information. The information presented is designed to provide general information regarding the subject matter covered. It is not to serve as legal, tax or other financial advice related to individual situations, because each individual’s legal, tax and financial situation is different. Specific advice needs to be tailored to your situation. Therefore, please consult with your own attorney, tax professional and/or other advisors regarding your specific situation. To help reach your goals, you need a skilled professional by your side. Contact your local Security Mutual life insurance advisor today. As part of the planning process, he or she will coordinate with your other advisors as needed to help you achieve your financial goals and objectives. For more information, visit us at SMLNY.com/SMLPodcast. If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, tell your friends about it. And be sure to give us a five-star review. And check us out on LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter. Thanks for listening, and we’ll talk to you next time. Tax law

    9 min

  5. JAN 13

    Going Paperless: To Be or Not to Be?

    Going Paperless: To Be or Not to Be? Episode 366 – Over the years, it seems that each of us—whether by choice or not– has been moving gradually from paper statements and checks to digital. Is it time to cut the cord completely? More SML Planning Minute Podcast Episodes Transcript of Podcast Episode 366 Hello, this is Bill Rainaldi, with another edition of Security Mutual’s SML Planning Minute. In today’s episode, is it time to go paperless? Like many people, I tend to save stuff: like credit card bills, bank statements, paper receipts, etc. I throw them into an empty file drawer until the end of the year. Then, on an annual basis, I’ll sort through this giant pile of paper, organize everything and place it into a series of folders, which take up space in my filing cabinet. It all leads to one inevitable question: Why? What’s the point of spending all this time organizing all this paperwork that, likely, I’m never going to look at again. Certainly, some items, such as cards and notes from family members, are worth saving. But what about the other 95 percent? For many of us, it’s simply the force of habit. Going digital has its advantages. For one thing, you may find that once you’re used to it, digital documents can be easier to organize and access, and you’ll save time in the process. Not to mention the space you can save in your house, and the overall environmental impact. Has the time come for most of us to go fully paperless? If so, where do we even begin? The process often starts with a few small steps such as getting some of your statements by email or paying some of your bills using a direct transfer rather than a paper check. But there’s still a lot of paper. What’s the next phase if you want to get more organized? Here are a few steps you can take: Switch to online billing and statements. Using online tools with financial institutions and service providers, such as your cellular company, can make a big dent in your paper clutter. The truth is, if you need to look up one of your old statements, it’ll probably take less time to find it online than if you had to dig through your paperwork. Pay bills online. You can schedule your online payments through your bank. They can make your payments automatically every month, or if you don’t want to go that far, they can automatically remind you when a payment is due.   When was the last time you sent a check somewhere, only to have it lost in the mail? This is one way to avoid such a hassle. Plus, in most cases, by paying online you can decide exactly what day the other party receives the funds.   There are limits, of course. Your landlord may still want a paper check. Same thing with certain vendors, like your landscaper or cleaning service if you have one. So at least for now, no matter how far you want to take this, you’re still going to be writing a few checks. Digital note-taking. If you take a lot of notes during meetings, whether for business or personal reasons, a digital note-taking platform can help. And not just with the process itself, but also with providing easy access later on. Some of the most well-known platforms are Evernote, Microsoft OneNote, and Notion.[1] Your to-do list. Most smartphones have a “to-do” app which can help organize your essential work and/or personal tasks. They make it very hard to forget your priority items. Taking advantage of digital signatures. Digital signature tools eliminate the need to print and physically sign important documents. It’s a good way to save your time and resources. Among the most popular of these tools are Adobe Acrobat Sign and Docusign.[2] Storing your digital information. You’ll need to select a place to keep your data safe and organized. Some of the most popular are Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive and Dropbox.[3] One more tip: It might be best to start a project like this on a going-forward basis. That is, try not to think much about the big pile of paperwork you already have. There’s no need to feel overwhelmed by that backlog. You’ll get to it someday. And when you do, you might consider purchasing a quality paper shredder to help you through your pile. There are also shredding services you can contract that will pick up any documents you set aside for disposal. For now, it’s more important just to get started with something. But also note that there are limits to how far you can go. Not many people ever truly achieve a 100 percent digital lifestyle. There are some items that you’ll still need to keep a paper copy of, such as wills, birth certificates, title deeds and stock certificates. You might also want to keep a paper printout of your most important online account data, perhaps in a safe. It could save time and money for your family should something happen to you. But more than that, there are likely some paper items that you will never be able to replace. I received a birthday card from my grandmother in 1976 with a crisp new $5 bill in it. It still sits on my desk with the $5 intact. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. [1] Erdem. “How to Go Paperless: A Step-by-Step Guide.” Clinked.com. https://www.clinked.com/blog/go-paperless (accessed December 31, 2025). [2] Id. [3] Duffy, Jill. “7 Easy Tips to Finally Go Paperless.” PCMag.com. https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/7-easy-tips-to-finally-go-paperless (accessed December 31, 2025). More SML Planning Minute Podcast Episodes This podcast is brought to you by Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, The Company That Cares®. The content provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Information is provided in good faith. However, the Company makes no representation or warranty of any kind regarding the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information. The information presented is designed to provide general information regarding the subject matter covered. It is not to serve as legal, tax or other financial advice related to individual situations, because each individual’s legal, tax and financial situation is different. Specific advice needs to be tailored to your situation. Therefore, please consult with your own attorney, tax professional and/or other advisors regarding your specific situation. To help reach your goals, you need a skilled professional by your side. Contact your local Security Mutual life insurance advisor today. As part of the planning process, he or she will coordinate with your other advisors as needed to help you achieve your financial goals and objectives. For more information, visit us at SMLNY.com/SMLPodcast. If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, tell your friends about it. And be sure to give us a five-star review. And check us out on LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter. Thanks for listening, and we’ll talk to you next time. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. The information presented is based on current interpretation of the laws. Neither Security Mutual nor its agents are permitted to provide tax or legal advice. The applicability of any strategy discussed is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances. Results may vary, and products and services discussed may not be appropriate for all situations. Each person’s needs, objectives and financial circumstances are different, and must be reviewed and analyzed independently. We encourage individuals to seek personalized advice from a qualified Security Mutual life insurance advisor regarding their personal needs, objectives, and financial circumstances. Insurance products are issued by Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, Binghamton, New York. Product availability and features may vary by state.​ SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyAndroidPandoraBlubrryby EmailTuneInDeezerRSSMore Subscribe Options

    8 min

  6. JAN 6

    Important Tax Considerations for Newlyweds

    Important Tax Considerations for Newlyweds Episode 365 – Have you gotten married recently? The next steps are considerably less exciting. There are some important financial steps you need to take. More SML Planning Minute Podcast Episodes Transcript of Podcast Episode 365 Hello, this is Bill Rainaldi, with another edition of Security Mutual’s SML Planning Minute. In today’s episode, some important tax considerations for newlyweds. So, congrats on your recent marriage. If you’re like most people, your wedding probably involved a significant amount of planning and detail: where, when, who to invite, who not to invite, where to seat everybody, etc. You may be glad you to get through such an important life-changing event, and you’re ready to move on with the rest of your life. But you’re not done quite yet. There are a number of financial details you may need to address. Here are just a few of them: Name change. If there is a name change involved, you’ll need to report it to the Social Security Administration (SSA). When you file your next tax return, the name on that return needs to match what the SSA has on file. The Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, recommends that you file a new Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, which is available at SSA.gov.[1] Update your address. Make sure you let the IRS, the Postal Service, and your employer know about any address change. Coordinate your benefits. You might now have access to a better—or cheaper—health insurance plan.[2] You’ll need to look things over with your new spouse. Decide on your new filing status. Once you’re married, you can choose to file jointly or separately each year. While the IRS says that filing jointly is usually less expensive, they recommend that you calculate it both ways before you decide. Also, it doesn’t really matter what day you got married. Even if it’s on New Year’s Eve, the rules state that for tax purposes, you’re considered married for the entire year.[3] Married filing separately. Once they’re married, few people elect to file their income taxes separately. This is because it usually results in the highest combined taxes. But some people do this anyway because the individual filing the return is the only one liable for any tax bills and errors on that return. It also happens when the two spouses decide, for whatever reason, that they would prefer to only be responsible for their own taxes.[4] Marriage penalty. The so-called “marriage penalty” occurs when a married couple ends up paying more income taxes than they would have had they remained single. This becomes more likely when both of you have high earnings and close to the same income. On the other hand, if you and your spouse are at different income levels, odds are that there will actually be a marriage bonus, that is, the tax on your joint income will be less than it would be had you filed separately.[5] Standard deduction. Nowadays, only about 10 percent of taxpayers itemize their deductions.[6] The rest use the standard deduction. For 2026, the standard deduction is $32,200 for married couples filing jointly, and $16,100 for single taxpayers. These figures were adjusted as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill passed in July of 2025. On some occasions, getting married can have an impact on whether you itemize or not. Previous debts. If your new spouse owes money for previous taxes or child support, any future joint tax refund could be reduced as a result.[7] Separate homes. If you own two separate houses, it’s likely that you’ll be selling one of them when you get married. And if you’re selling at a gain, you may get extra benefits from being married. Once you’re married, you get an addition to the amount of tax-free gain you can take. The amount is $250,000 for single taxpayers, but $500,000 for married taxpayers. The rules are a bit tricky, though, and you need to make sure you meet all the qualifications.[8] Beneficiary and Will Review. This one may or may not result in tax consequences, but it is important to note. When getting married, it’s critical for each spouse to review any existing wills, plans or benefits (such as life insurance) that assigned a beneficiary or beneficiaries. Unless restricted by a court order, it’s usually preferable for the new spouse to be assigned as beneficiary in each of those examples. So be sure not to overlook this step in the process and make any required changes when getting married. Getting married represents a big change for just about anybody, and not just in your personal life. Your financial life is also likely to be affected in a number of different ways. But as long as you know what to expect, the additional stress involved should be manageable. Let the fun begin! [1] Internal Revenue Service. “Newlyweds tax checklist.” IRS.gov. https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/newlyweds-tax-checklist (accessed December 4, 2025). [2] TurboTax Expert. “Getting Married: What Newlyweds Need to Know.” Intuit.com. https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/marriage/getting-married/L0DvEUlEC (accessed December 4, 2025). [3] Internal Revenue Service. “Essential tax tips for marriage status changes.” IRS.gov. https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/essential-tax-tips-for-marriage-status-changes#:~:text (accessed December 22, 2025) [4] Willetts, Jo. “Tax tips for newly married couples.” Jacksonhewitt.com. https://www.jacksonhewitt.com/tax-help/tax-tips-topics/family/tax-tips-for-newly-married-couples/ (accessed December 5, 2025). [5] Id. [6] Tax Policy Center. “What are itemized deductions and who claims them?” Taxpolicycenter.org.https://taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/what-are-itemized-deductions-and-who-claims-them (accessed December 4, 2025). [7] Manganaro, John. “9 Key Tax Considerations for Newlyweds.” ThinkAdvisor.com. https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/06/27/9-key-tax-considerations-for-newlyweds/ (accessed December 4, 2025). [8] TurboTax Expert. “Getting Married: What Newlyweds Need to Know.” Intuit.com. https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/marriage/getting-married/L0DvEUlEC (accessed December 4, 2025). More SML Planning Minute Podcast Episodes This podcast is brought to you by Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, The Company That Cares®. The content provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Information is provided in good faith. However, the Company makes no representation or warranty of any kind regarding the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information. The information presented is designed to provide general information regarding the subject matter covered. It is not to serve as legal, tax or other financial advice related to individual situations, because each individual’s legal, tax and financial situation is different. Specific advice needs to be tailored to your situation. Therefore, please consult with your own attorney, tax professional and/or other advisors regarding your specific situation. To help reach your goals, you need a skilled professional by your side. Contact your local Security Mutual life insurance advisor today. As part of the planning process, he or she will coordinate with your other advisors as needed to help you achieve your financial goals and objectives. For more information, visit us at SMLNY.com/SMLPodcast. If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, tell your friends about it. And be sure to give us a five-star review. And check us out on LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter. Thanks for listening, and we’ll talk to you next time. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. The information presented is based on current interpretation of the laws. Neither Security Mutual nor its agents are permitted to provide tax or legal advice. The applicability of any strategy discussed is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances. Results may vary, and products and services discussed may not be appropriate for all situations. Each person’s needs, objectives and financial circumstances are different, and must be reviewed and analyzed independently. We encourage individuals to seek personalized advice from a qualified Security Mutual life insurance advisor regarding their personal needs, objectives, and financial circumstances. Insurance products are issued by Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, Binghamton, New York. Product availability and features may vary by state.​ SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyAndroidPandoraBlubrryby EmailTuneInDeezerRSSMore Subscribe Options

    8 min

  7. 12/30/2025

    Six Ideas on How to Manage Debt Revisited

    Six Ideas on How to Manage Debt Revisited Episode 364 – According to an estimate by Experian, the average American adult holds $6,501 in credit card debt. Is there a way out? Here are six things that you might want to try. More SML Planning Minute Podcast Episodes Transcript of Podcast Episode 364 Hello this is Bill Rainaldi, with another edition of Security Mutual’s SML Planning Minute. In today’s episode, we take a look back at one of our favorite previous episodes, six ideas on how to manage debt. In today’s economy, you don’t have to be a big spender to feel overwhelmed by how much you owe. You’re certainly not alone. As of late last year, the average American adult held $6,501 in credit card debt, according to an estimate by Experian.[1] This is up 10 percent from the previous year. And credit card interest rates can be as much as 20 percent, or even higher. Once you’re saddled with a significant amount of debt, there is rarely an easy way out. But if you’re in that situation, here are six things that you might want to try. The idea is to get your debt under control before it has more serious consequences for your financial health. Audit your spending. Have you looked carefully at your car insurance or homeowners insurance? Are you taking advantage of all the available discounts? Would a higher deductible or a different insurer suit your needs? What about your discretionary spending on things like online subscriptions? If you look closely enough, you may find “holes” that you can fill, leaving you more money to pay down your debt. Pay off the high interest debts first. This is sometimes referred to as the “avalanche method,” although it could also be described as simple common sense.[2] The higher the interest rate, the more it will cost you in the long run. And with credit cards, if you pay less than you spend from one month to the next, the amount you owe can accumulate quickly and take a long time to pay off. So, it makes sense to pay off the higher interest debts as soon as you can. Consolidate your debts. Speaking of credit cards, there’s something you can do even if you can’t afford to pay them off right away. A debt consolidation loan could help ease some of that burden. There are two common ways to consolidate your debt: Personal loans and transferring your existing credit card balance to a new card with a lower—or zero—interest rate.[3] But remember that zero interest rate offers are for a limited time only, often 12 to 21 months.[4] Either a personal loan or a zero interest offer can save a lot of money, but you do have to qualify. The “snowball” technique. Another popular idea is to pay off the card with the smallest balance first. Once you’ve repaid the balance in full, you take the money you were paying on that debt and use it to help pay down the next smallest balance. Then just keep repeating the process. The idea is that when that first debt is wiped out, you have more resources available to address the next one. Thus, the rate at which you’re paying down your debts keeps growing, like a snowball getting larger as it rolls down a hill. Pay more than the minimum. This one should be obvious, but you might not realize how powerful it truly is. Let’s say you owe $5,000 on a credit card with a 20 percent interest rate. If you just pay $100 per month on that balance, it will take more than nine years to pay it off. But if you increase the payment to $200 per month, you’ll reduce the payback time to less than three years.[5] But that’s only half the battle, of course. You’ll also need to avoid accumulating more debt in the process. Sell things you no longer need. Baby boomers may remember what life was like before eBay. It’s a whole lot easier to get rid of stuff you don’t need—and bring in extra cash—than it was back in the 80s. Besides eBay, there are lots of other sites that can help you raise money by getting rid of items you no longer have any use for. One final note. Owing money to someone else is not always such a bad thing, and living debt-free is not always the best choice. You need to look at the details of the debt itself. For example, if you bought a house a few years ago with a 3 percent mortgage and tax-deductible interest, why would you hurry to pay it back? You may be able to get a better rate of return simply by keeping the extra money and investing it. [1] Horymski, Chris. “Average Credit Card Debt Increases 10% to $6,501 in 2023.” Experian.com. https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/state-of-credit-cards/ (accessed October 21, 2024) [2] Sherman, Emily. “6 Easy Ways to Pay Off Debt.” usnews.com. https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/debt/articles/easy-ways-to-pay-off-debt (accessed October 21, 2024) [3] Frankel, Robin Saks. “5 Steps To Take Now To Save More And Reduce Debt.” Forbes.com. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-finance/steps-to-take-to-save-more-and-reduce-debt/ (accessed October 18, 2024) [4] Coleman, Sara. “The pros and cons of 0% APR credit cards.” Bankrate.com. https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/zero-interest/pros-cons-of-zero-percent-apr-cards/?tpt=b (accessed October 21, 2024) [5] Sorter, Amy. “7 tips to help dig your way out of debt.” Bankrate.com. https://www.bankrate.com/personal-finance/debt/ways-to-get-out-of-debt/?tpt=b (accessed October 18, 2024) More SML Planning Minute Podcast Episodes This podcast is brought to you by Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, The Company That Cares®. The content provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Information is provided in good faith. However, the Company makes no representation or warranty of any kind regarding the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information. The information presented is designed to provide general information regarding the subject matter covered. It is not to serve as legal, tax or other financial advice related to individual situations, because each individual’s legal, tax and financial situation is different. Specific advice needs to be tailored to your situation. Therefore, please consult with your own attorney, tax professional and/or other advisors regarding your specific situation. To help reach your goals, you need a skilled professional by your side. Contact your local Security Mutual life insurance advisor today. As part of the planning process, he or she will coordinate with your other advisors as needed to help you achieve your financial goals and objectives. For more information, visit us at SMLNY.com/SMLPodcast. If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, tell your friends about it. And be sure to give us a five-star review. And check us out on LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter. Thanks for listening, and we’ll talk to you next time. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. The information presented is based on current interpretation of the laws. Neither Security Mutual nor its agents are permitted to provide tax or legal advice. The applicability of any strategy discussed is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances. Results may vary, and products and services discussed may not be appropriate for all situations. Each person’s needs, objectives and financial circumstances are different, and must be reviewed and analyzed independently. We encourage individuals to seek personalized advice from a qualified Security Mutual life insurance advisor regarding their personal needs, objectives, and financial circumstances. Insurance products are issued by Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, Binghamton, New York. Product availability and features may vary by state.​ SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyAndroidPandoraBlubrryby EmailTuneInDeezerRSSMore Subscribe Options

    7 min

  8. 12/23/2025

    Be Skeptical of Financial Advice on Social Media

    Be Skeptical of Financial Advice on Social Media Episode 363 – It is perhaps not surprising that a lot of the financial advice you get on social media is misleading. A recent study shows us just how bad the situation is. More SML Planning Minute Podcast Episodes Transcript of Podcast Episode 363 Hello, this is Bill Rainaldi, with another edition of Security Mutual’s SML Planning Minute. In today’s episode, be skeptical of financial advice on social media. Here’s a shocker: much of the financial advice you get on social media like TikTok or Facebook is bad. Overly simplified advice without proper disclosure can be misleading and is often inaccurate. One of the great things about the internet is that, unlike previous generations, we now have almost unlimited accessibility to information about anything we’re interested in, anytime or anywhere. We can get our hands on a vast amount of information with just a few clicks. But it comes with some serious danger. TikTok has become a leading social media platform for younger people, with over 150 million active users in the United States.[1] It is full of advice on all kinds of different subjects, and personal finance is no exception. It’s become so popular that it now has its own term for their form of financial advice: “FinTok videos.”[2] And there are lots of them out there, which often get shared to other social media platforms. But in some of the least surprising news of the past few years, an analysis done by DayTrader.com looked at ten viral videos on TikTok and concluded that, when it comes to financial content on TikTok, 7 of the 10 videos were “misleading” or worse.[3]  The reviewers evaluated the TikTok videos based on four criteria: accuracy, risk disclosure, oversimplification and educational value. They concluded, based on the standards they set, that a substantial portion of the content “failed to meet basic standards of financial advice.”[4] Let’s not forget that FinTok videos, like many social media postings, are generally designed to create revenue. Much of the material is, perhaps not surprisingly, focused on crypto and other digital assets, often presented without context or any risk disclosure.[5] You don’t need to be any sort of expert to post something on TikTok or any other social media platform. Any TikTok user can create a video on virtually any topic at their own whim. The TikTok user merely needs access to the platform. The democratic nature of social media may be good in some ways, but it can create real issues when it comes to FinTok videos. Does the speaker have any background or expertise in what they are talking about? Or are they trying to be provocative for the sake of clicks? There’s a noticeable generational gap when it comes to online financial advice. Younger people are significantly more likely to rely on social media for financial information.[6] According to a recent research report sponsored by the CFP Board, 61 percent of younger Americans (under age 45) make use of online financial resources at least once per week, while 48 percent of Americans age 46 and older do so.[7] These are significant percentages for both groups but greater for younger people. Regardless of where it comes from, misleading financial advice can cause serious harm. According to the CFP Board, some of the most common effects of relying on misleading financial advice include: Delaying major financial decisions Acting without professional input Incurring unnecessary fees, and Sharing inaccurate information with others[8] When someone acts on inaccurate, outdated or misleading information, it can have an enormous impact on their financial future, especially for younger people. The effects and aftershocks might still be felt decades later. So, younger people are the ones with the most at stake, but they also may be the most vulnerable. What’s the best way to deal with all this? Be skeptical. Before taking action, it might be a good idea to get your information from trained professionals who at least have some background in the financial areas where you need help. Your Security Mutual Life insurance agent can help. Your Security Mutual Life insurance agent will assemble your team and coordinate with your attorney and tax professional to review your situation and to determine the insurance plan that will best suit your needs and objectives. [1] Statista. “TikTok in the United States – statistics & facts.” Statista.com. https://www.statista.com/topics/13330/Tik Tok-in-the-united-states/#topicOverview (accessed November 10, 2025). [2] O’Brient, Samuel. “There’s a ton of investing advice on TikTok. Most of it is bad, a new study says.” msn.com. https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/savingandinvesting/there-s-a-ton-of-investing-advice-on-Tik Tok-most-of-it-is-bad-a-new-study-says/ar-AA1NshcU (accessed November 7, 2025). [3] Holmes, Samuel. “Finance TikTok Report Card: 70% of Viral Investing Videos Misleading.” Daytrader.com. https://www.daytrading.com/tiktok/report-card (accessed December 15, 2025). [4] Id. [5] O’Brient, Samuel. “There’s a ton of investing advice on TikTok. Most of it is bad, a new study says.” msn.com. https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/savingandinvesting/there-s-a-ton-of-investing-advice-on-Tik Tok-most-of-it-is-bad-a-new-study-says/ar-AA1NshcU (accessed November 7, 2025). [6] CFP Board of Standards. “Steering Clear of Financial Misinformation: A Survey of Americans.” CFP Board Center for Financial Planning. https://www.cfp.net/-/media/files/cfp-board/knowledge/reports-and-research/consumer-surveys/cfp-board-financial-misinformation-report-2025.pdf (accessed November 10, 2025). [7] Id. at 7. [8] Id. at 14. More SML Planning Minute Podcast Episodes This podcast is brought to you by Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, The Company That Cares®. The content provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Information is provided in good faith. However, the Company makes no representation or warranty of any kind regarding the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information. The information presented is designed to provide general information regarding the subject matter covered. It is not to serve as legal, tax or other financial advice related to individual situations, because each individual’s legal, tax and financial situation is different. Specific advice needs to be tailored to your situation. Therefore, please consult with your own attorney, tax professional and/or other advisors regarding your specific situation. To help reach your goals, you need a skilled professional by your side. Contact your local Security Mutual life insurance advisor today. As part of the planning process, he or she will coordinate with your other advisors as needed to help you achieve your financial goals and objectives. For more information, visit us at SMLNY.com/SMLPodcast. If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, tell your friends about it. And be sure to give us a five-star review. And check us out on LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter. Thanks for listening, and we’ll talk to you next time. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. The information presented is based on current interpretation of the laws. Neither Security Mutual nor its agents are permitted to provide tax or legal advice. The applicability of any strategy discussed is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances. Results may vary, and products and services discussed may not be appropriate for all situations. Each person’s needs, objectives and financial circumstances are different, and must be reviewed and analyzed independently. We encourage individuals to seek personalized advice from a qualified Security Mutual life insurance advisor regarding their personal needs, objectives, and financial circumstances. Insurance products are issued by Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, Binghamton, New York. Product availability and features may vary by state.​ SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyAndroidPandoraBlubrryby EmailTuneInDeezerRSSMore Subscribe Options

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About

SML Planning Minute shares concise and entertaining financial ideas, for individuals, families, and business owners.

Information

  • Creator
    Security Mutual Life Advanced Markets Team
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    150
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York • All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    SML Planning Minute

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