Evershore Financial Group

Before the dorm is decorated and the laptop is packed, it’s worth pausing for a few honest money conversations. Sending a child to college is a huge emotional milestone—and an equally significant financial one. Talking through a few key topics ahead of time might help manage stress and build confidence for the road ahead. Here are a few conversations to consider: 📚 Budgeting basics: Walk through a realistic monthly budget, including things like food, books, transportation, and the unexpected expenses that always come up. 💳 Credit cards: Talk about how interest works, the pros and cons of paying only the minimum, and what responsible use might look like. 🍟 Needs vs. wants: College is full of spending temptations. Helping students define what’s essential can help set the tone for better long-term habits. 📁 Student loans and debt: Even if you’re not borrowing now, talk about what student debt means and how the payment process works. 💼 Earning while learning: Discuss whether part-time work is on the table and how it could help with both money management and confidence. These conversations aren’t just about numbers—they’re about helping your student feel equipped, supported, and ready to make smart choices on their own. #CollegeBound #MoneySkills #FinancialWellness #BudgetingBasics #SmartStarts

It’s National Intern Day—and we’re all in! 🙌 Giving the next generation of professionals an internship is more than just a summer job. Internships are a chance to explore, contribute, and grow—and we’ve seen firsthand how much talent and fresh thinking interns can bring to the table. To all the interns out there hustling, learning, and making an impact (yes, we see you), and to the teams who take the time to mentor and support them, thank you! 🙌 #NationalInternDay #NextGenTalent #MentorshipMatters

Would you rather have stock options or restricted stock units? If you’re not sure how to answer that, you’re not alone! Here’s a quick breakdown of their differences: 💡 Stock Options ⚬ Right to buy shares of the company you work for at a set “strike price” ⚬ Only valuable if the stock price > the strike price ⚬ Typically vests over several years (e.g., 25% annually) ⚬ Might be taxed at exercise (NSOs) and again at sale ⚬ Liquidity depends on a market to sell shares and often requires an IPO or acquisition if the company is private 📊 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) ⚬ Shares of the company you work for that are delivered at vesting — no purchase needed ⚬ Vest based on time or performance ⚬ Taxed as ordinary income at vesting; any gain after is taxed as capital gains ⚬ In private companies, shares often can’t be sold until a liquidity event Each has distinct tax and liquidity considerations. Understanding how they work can help you better align your compensation with your financial strategy. If you have an equity comp or are evaluating a new offer, we’re happy to review your package and discuss how it fits into your overall financial strategy. After some initial work, a tax, legal, or accounting professional can help you better understand any future tax implications. #EquityCompensation #StockOptions #RSUs DISCLOSURE: The return and principal value of stocks fluctuate with changes in market conditions. Shares when sold may be worth more or less than their original cost. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC exclusively provides investment products and services through its representatives. Although Cetera does not provide tax or legal advice, or supervise tax, accounting or legal services, Cetera representatives may offer these services through their independent outside business. This information is not intended as tax or legal advice.

🌟If you have or know a young person earning money this summer, you should share this with them! For young adults, a Roth IRA can be a powerful retirement savings tool, but most don't understand how it works. Here are 6 things to know: 1️⃣ You contribute after-tax dollars, and your money grows tax-free! 2️⃣ You don’t need a full-time job. Any earned income — even from a part-time or freelance job qualifies you to contribute. 3️⃣ Contribution limits are separate from your 401(k). In 2025, you can contribute up to $7,000 to a Roth IRA even if you’re also contributing to a 401(k). 4️⃣ You can withdraw contributions anytime. Unlike many retirement accounts, you can pull out the money you put in (not earnings) without taxes or penalties. 5️⃣ You can start small. Even $50 a month can make a big difference over time. 6️⃣ You could consider helping them get started by offering to “match” some of their money if they are interested in opening an account. Key takeaways: ✅ Starting a Roth IRA early can give young investors a massive head start, offering flexibility, growth, and tax advantages few other accounts match. ✅ Once you turn 73, you must take the required minimum distribution from your 401(k). Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income and may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty if taken before age 59½. ✅ With a Roth IRA, to qualify for the tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal of earnings, Roth IRA distributions must meet a five-year holding requirement and occur after age 59½. Tax-free and penalty-free withdrawals can also be taken under certain other circumstances. The original Roth IRA owner is not required to take minimum annual withdrawals. With a Roth 401(k), employer matching with pre-tax dollars is not distributed tax-free during retirement. #RothIRA #YoungInvestors #RetirementSavings DISCLOSURE: Some IRA’s have contribution limitations and tax consequences for early withdrawals. For complete details, consult your tax advisor or attorney.

Would you be able to tell if a scammer faked your loved one’s voice? Thanks to AI, think again... Scammers can now clone a voice using just a few seconds of audio from something like your voicemail message! Here are ways we suggest you protect yourself: 👉 Don’t believe caller ID. Scammers can spoof numbers to make them appear to be from a loved one. 👉 Set a family “safe word” 👉 Always call the person back on a known number 👉 Report it. If you do receive a scam call, consider reporting it to the Federal Trade Commission and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. AI voice scams are becoming increasingly common. If you have older adults in your family, be sure to warn them and share these tips before it happens to them! #AIFraud #VoiceScams #IdentityProtection

How much do you really know about 529 college savings plans? There are a lot of misconceptions about how they work. Here are some common 529 plan questions answered: 1️⃣ Can I use 529 funds for K-12 education? Yes, up to $10,000 a year for tuition at private elementary or secondary schools. 2️⃣ What if the child doesn’t go to college? You can change the beneficiary or withdraw funds (taxed and penalized only on the earnings portion). 3️⃣ Can I use a 529 for apprenticeship programs? Yes — if they're registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. 4️⃣ Can I pay off student loans with a 529? Up to $10,000 can be used toward qualified student loans. 5️⃣ Can grandparents open a 529? Yes, and recent rule changes make it easier for some to avoid hurting financial aid eligibility. 6️⃣ What if I move states? You can roll your 529 into another state's plan, but check for tax implications. 7️⃣ Are 529 plans only for college? No — they can also be used for trade schools, graduate programs, and some continuing education programs. ✅ 529 plans are great, but the rules are nuanced. Before funding a plan, check with a financial professional who understands the latest regulations and can show you how they apply to your specific situation. 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. #CollegeSavings #529Plans #EducationFunding DISCLOSURE: Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses associated with municipal fund securities before investing. This information is found in the issuer's official statement and should be read carefully before investing. Investors should also consider whether the investor’s or beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other benefits available only from that state’s529 Plan. Any state-based benefit should be one of many appropriately weighted factors in making an investment decision. The investor should consult their financial or tax advisor before investment in any state's 529 Plan.

Freedom, fireworks, and a little perspective. 🎇 The Fourth of July is always a good reminder of how lucky we are to have the freedom to live life on our own terms and the responsibility that comes with that freedom. Whether you’re at the beach, grilling in the backyard, or just taking a break, we hope you get a chance to slow down and enjoy it. Wishing you and your family a safe, happy Independence Day. #FourthOfJuly #IndependenceDay #Freedom

“The four most dangerous words in investing are: ‘This time, it’s different.’” – Sir John Templeton It’s normal to feel uneasy during periods of market volatility—especially when uncertainty around policies, the economy, or tariffs adds to the noise. Nevertheless, history offers some perspectives that are hard to ignore. Here’s what the data shows: ▪️ Missing just the 10 best days in the market over the last 30 years cuts your return in half. ▪️ Past performance does not guarantee future results. ▪️ Missing the 30 best days in the market cuts your total return by 83%. ▪️ Stocks are represented by the Standard & Poor’s Composite Index. However, index performance does not necessarily reflect the past performance of any particular investment. ▪️ Here’s the kicker: 78% of those “best days” happen during bear markets or within the first two months of a recovery. Markets move fast. Reacting to short-term headlines might feel like playing defense—but over time, investors with a disciplined approach often come out ahead. We help clients maintain perspective, manage risk thoughtfully, and focus on what’s within their control. Remember, however, that the return and principal value of stock prices will fluctuate as market conditions change. Moreover, shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. If you’re wondering whether your investment strategy is built for times like these, let’s talk. #MarketPerspective #LongTermInvesting #StayInvested Disclosure: Investors cannot invest directly in indexes. The performance of any index is not indicative of the performance of any investment and does not take into account the effects of inflation and the fees and expenses associated with investing.

Unemployment claims dipped to 245,000 last week, keeping levels near historic lows. But economists are watching more than just that headline number. The four-week average has crept to its highest level since 2023, and hiring has cooled compared to previous years. On average, employers are adding fewer jobs per month, and uncertainty around trade policy and interest rates may be holding businesses back. Some analysts believe companies are “hoarding” talent rather than hiring aggressively or cutting staff, waiting to see where things land. Even in a healthy labor market, momentum matters. #JobsReport #HiringTrends #EconomicOutlook https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/eXCPrg6y

Nearly half a million Americans were victims of tax identity theft in 2024. Could you be next? Here’s how it happens: A scammer uses your personal info—like your Social Security number—to file a fake tax return and claim a refund. When you file your real return, it’s rejected. Then comes the paperwork, delays, and frustration. The good news: according to a 2025 report in “The Wall Street Journal”, there’s a simple way to protect yourself. ✅ The IRS offers a six-digit Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) designed to prevent fraud. If a return is filed without the proper IP PIN, it’s automatically rejected. ✅This PIN is unique, is changed annually, and can even be issued for your dependents. ✅ It also helps manage delays caused by “false positives”—returns that are flagged incorrectly for fraud. If you filed an extension and plan to submit your return by October, now’s the time to take action. Taking this small step now could help you avoid a major headache later. This post is not a substitute for professional advice. If you have more questions, we encourage you to consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional. #OctoberFiling #IdentityTheft #IRS