Are you hearing about “Trump Accounts” and wondering if they’re meant to replace 529 plans and other savings tools, or if they’re simply another option to consider for a child’s education and future? The short answer is that Trump Accounts are not a one-for-one...
By Marc C. Shaffer Dust off your Derby hats and mark your calendars. The Third Annual Run for the Roses benefiting Growing Futures Early Education Center will take place Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. at Hallbrook Country Club. This Kentucky Derby themed...
By Marc C. Shaffer As a financial planner, I’ve read countless books about money, investing, and building wealth. Few have resonated as deeply as Carl Richards’ Your Money: Reimagining Wealth in 101 Simple Sketches. The beauty of Carl’s work lies in its simplicity, as...
Paying for college can be a challenge, but the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation (GKCCF) is helping to ease that burden for students in and around Kansas City. Their robust scholarship program offers hundreds of opportunities for students and matches...
By Marc C. Shaffer As parents, it can feel like the years fly by. One day, your child is starting kindergarten, and the next, you are talking about college visits, applications, and financial aid. For many families, the process of preparing for college can feel...
By Marc C. Shaffer The moment a high school graduate steps onto a college campus, they’re stepping into one of the most exciting, and potentially financially challenging, chapters of their life. As a committee member of the Wabash Cannonball, I was reminded of this...
By Jessica Kmetty My first grandbaby arrived this year. To say I’m excited is an understatement. Aside from the fresh newborn smell and cuddles and coos, I look at this baby and see a whole world of potential and a future of possibility. And because I lead a financial...
By John C. Fales For families of affluence, transferring wealth to the next generation is about much more than numbers and legal documents. It’s about values, legacy, and responsibility. Without thoughtful preparation, wealth can do more harm than good, leading to...
By Marc Shaffer National Infertility Awareness Month and National Infertility Awareness Week are a time to share stories, provide support, and bring awareness to the realities of infertility - both the emotional and financial toll it takes. My wife, Bridgette, and I...
Many parents wonder how their own finances will change as their children become independent. Where should you draw the line with your children? What level of involvement and/or support should you maintain with your children? What are some planning points that you, as...