Michael Lyubinsky - Financial Advisor

Here’s a question for everyone…

What makes for a truly happy retirement?

For many, retirement starts with financial preparation—but the happiest retirees go beyond the numbers. Finding fulfillment, purpose, and joy in this next chapter is just as important as funding it.

According to MassMutual’s 2024 Retirement Happiness Study, the retirees who report the greatest satisfaction are:

• Spending quality time with loved ones (76%)
• Staying active with regular exercise (70%)
• Pursuing meaningful hobbies (63%)
• Embracing travel opportunities (62%)

The transition into retirement isn’t just about having enough—it’s about knowing how to enjoy it to the fullest.

Last week, equity and bond markets experienced a rally as the U.S. administration softened its stance on trade. Be sure to check out this week’s market perspective for key insights across market segments, asset classes and more. https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.contentres.com/media/documents/602e3f6e-5053-4b68-8ede-be178fbd76be.pdf

College acceptances are rolling in!

But what’s the true cost of higher education? It goes far beyond tuition.

Many families don’t realize that room and board, travel, books, and ad hoc expenses (think ride-shares and late-night food delivery) can add $10- $20k!

Here are some things we suggest our clients look out for:

• Financial Aid Isn’t Always Clear – Award letters vary, making comparisons tricky. Knowing how to analyze and appeal aid can make a big difference.

• Not All Loans Are Equal – Federal loans can have lower rates (6.53% for undergrads in 2024-25). Parent PLUS Loans come with 9.08% interest and are the parent's responsibility. Understanding the options is key.

• 529 Plans Require Smart Withdrawals – Timing matters. Missteps can lead to unexpected taxes and penalties.

A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged college savings plan. Before choosing a plan, it's important to consider not only the state tax treatment but also any associated fees and expenses. Availability of a state tax deduction will depend on your state of residence, as state tax laws and treatment may vary from federal tax laws. If you make nonqualified distributions, earnings will be subject to income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax.

• College Rankings Aren’t Everything – Prestige fades, but career success can ultimately depend more on a student’s major, experience, and skill set than the name on the diploma.

If you’d like to review your college saving strategy, feel free to message us.

Heightened volatility persisted last week, this time to both the up and downside as markets reacted to the news of pausing reciprocal tariffs. Read this week’s market perspective for more highlights about the fixed income, equity, and alternative markets.https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.contentres.com/media/documents/b7632be0-e3a8-46c1-8e87-49a03533cd2c.pdf