Retirement planning involves much more than choosing investments and saving enough money. Financial Advisor David Gearhart highlights five common retirement mistakes—from waiting too long to plan and overlooking taxes to taking too much investment risk or making emotional decisions—and explains how thoughtful planning can help reduce financial stress.

For self-employed individuals, a SEP IRA may be the first retirement plan that comes to mind—but it isn’t the only option. Nick Allen explains how a Solo 401(k) can offer higher contribution potential, Roth savings, and added flexibility for sole proprietors, LLC owners, S-corp owners, and 1099 workers.

Thinking about a backdoor Roth IRA contribution? The IRS pro rata rule could create an unexpected tax bill if you have pre-tax money in a Traditional, SEP, or SIMPLE IRA. Ben Allen breaks down how the rule works, why it matters, and what to consider before making a conversion.

After 40 years of marriage, Joe Mains and his wife, Tammi, have learned that building wealth is about more than choosing the right investments—it’s about working together, staying consistent, and being willing to change. In this personal story, Joe shares how discovering Dave Ramsey transformed their marriage and finances and the wealth-building principles that helped them reach their retirement goals.

Retirement planning doesn't have to be complicated, but it does require intentionality and consistency. From setting retirement goals and saving 15% of your income to managing debt, preparing for healthcare costs, and creating an estate plan, these nine steps can help you build a stronger financial foundation for the future.

2022 was a historic year for bonds, challenging the long-held assumption that fixed income would always provide a reliable buffer against stock market volatility. Associate Financial Advisor Clay Reynolds examines what caused the bond market's unprecedented decline, how rapidly rising interest rates affected bond prices, and what investors can learn when building a resilient portfolio.

Treasury yields have climbed to their highest levels in years, creating both opportunities and challenges for investors. In this edition of Investment Corner, Co-Chief Investment Officer & Chief Operating Officer Summit Puri explains what rising interest rates and real yields mean for stocks, bonds, inflation, and why maintaining a balanced portfolio is more important than ever.

Is there a magic number for retirement? Not exactly. In this article, Associate Financial Advisor Ethan Barry explains why a successful retirement is about more than reaching a savings milestone—it's about creating a personalized income strategy that aligns with your goals, lifestyle, and long-term financial needs.

New tax rules for 2026 could create additional opportunities for taxpayers who make charitable cash contributions—even if they take the standard deduction. In this article, Financial Advisor Andrew Young explains how the updated deduction works, who qualifies, and how thoughtful charitable planning can maximize both your generosity and your tax savings.

Market volatility can make investors feel like they need to act—but sometimes the wisest decision is to stay the course. In this article, Financial Advisor Nick Allen explains why patience, discipline, and a long-term investment strategy can help investors avoid costly emotional decisions during uncertain markets.

The first half of 2026 reminded investors that headlines don't always dictate market performance. Despite inflation, geopolitical tensions, and ongoing uncertainty, diversified portfolios continued to benefit from staying invested and focused on long-term goals.

Beginning in 2026, higher-income employees will face new rules for 401(k) catch-up contributions under SECURE Act 2.0. In this article, Associate Financial Advisor Mica Dauch explains who is affected, why the change was made, and what it means for your retirement savings strategy.

Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is proud to announce that John-Mark Young, CFP®, has been named to AdvisorHub's 2026 Advisors to Watch ranking for the fourth consecutive year. The recognition highlights his commitment to comprehensive financial planning, tax-aware strategies, client service, and sustained practice growth.

Many people avoid looking closely at their finances because they don't know where to start or fear what they might find. In this practical guide, Associate Financial Advisor Drew Hodgson explains how taking a simple snapshot of your income and expenses can turn financial stress into clarity and help you build a plan for moving forward with confidence.

More than 30 years ago, Joe Mains and his wife discovered Dave Ramsey's teachings on a clearance rack cassette tape, a moment that forever changed their finances, marriage, and future. In this personal story, Joe shares how the same principles that helped him win with money recently inspired a life-changing health transformation and why lasting change begins when you're truly "sick and tired of being sick and tired."

Deciding when to claim Social Security is one of the most important retirement decisions you'll make. In this article, Associate Financial Advisor Mica Dauch explains the advantages of delaying benefits, important earnings limits to understand, special considerations for married couples, and how the breakeven age can help guide your claiming strategy.

Market volatility can tempt investors into making emotional decisions at exactly the wrong time. In this article, Financial Advisor Nick Allen explains why staying disciplined, trusting your long-term plan, and resisting the urge to react during downturns can often lead to better financial outcomes.

An Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) can become one of your greatest retirement assets—or one of your biggest risks if left unmanaged. In this article, Associate Financial Advisor Joseph Browning explains the three critical phases of ESOP planning: understanding your plan, diversifying strategically, and creating a tax-aware retirement income strategy.

The Thrift Savings Plan now allows in-plan Roth conversions, giving federal employees and military members new flexibility in managing retirement taxes. But while this strategy can unlock tax-free growth, it also comes with important rules, timing considerations, and potential pitfalls that require careful planning.

Most people rely on home and auto insurance to protect their assets—but what happens when those limits aren’t enough? Umbrella insurance provides an added layer of liability coverage that helps safeguard your savings, investments, and future income from unexpected claims or lawsuits.