Capping off the first week of September, right after Labor Day, is a lesser-known holiday that deserves greater recognition from planners, advisors, and savers alike: National 401(k) Day. While overall economic confidence has dipped in recent years, many Americans remain cautiously optimistic about their retirement savings. Yet, that optimism doesn’t always align with the reality of their 401(k) balances. National 401(k) Day offers the perfect reminder for clients to reassess their retirement strategies and confirm that their plans are keeping pace with their goals—both for themselves and for their families.

Happy National Stepfamily Day to all who celebrate! As family structures and demographics continue to evolve, chances are you have clients who are part of a stepfamily marking this day on September 16. National Stepfamily Day honors fresh beginnings and the resilience it takes to blend households, build new relationships, and embrace change. But the challenges of stepfamily life often go beyond creating harmony at home—they can also surface in financial and legal planning. This holiday is a timely reminder that preparing for the future requires just as much thoughtfulness and sensitivity as nurturing the family bonds themselves.

The number of Americans who are 100 years old or older has nearly tripled over the past three decades and is expected to quadruple over the next 30 years. Though an aging population is a public policy challenge, reaching age 100 (and beyond) is also a personal milestone that more Americans than ever are celebrating. Read more to learn about how financial and estate plans will need to keep pace with that new reality.

A revocable living trust can only fulfill its purpose if it’s properly funded. All too often, clients create a trust but neglect to retitle accounts or transfer property, leaving assets vulnerable to probate despite their careful planning. Advisors are key in working alongside estate planning counsel to confirm that assets, from real estate to investment accounts, are titled correctly. This coordination helps ensure the trust operates as intended and that the client’s wishes are carried out privately.

Trust provisions that made sense when a child was young can become outdated as they reach adulthood. A rigid trust structure may leave beneficiaries exposed to avoidable risks, such as financial missteps, creditor claims, or divorce. Advisors can guide clients in periodically reviewing and updating trust terms, keeping them flexible tools that foster financial responsibility, safeguard against life’s uncertainties, and adapt to each child’s changing needs and goals.

This information is for educational purposes only and cannot be considered legal advice, nor does the receipt of this newsletter create an attorney client relationship.

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