Comprehensive Financial Planning

When most people hear "budget," they picture spreadsheets and strict limits. But at its best, budgeting goes beyond the numbers to align your money with what matters most. Referred to as values-based budgeting, this strategy shifts the focus from where to spend less to how to invest in the things most important to you. Instead of cutting expenses for the sake of it, you make every dollar a tool to build the life you want. In this blog, we’ll explore how values-driven budgeting and financial planning can help you make confident decisions, stay connected to your goals, and design a Read More

Finding your person is just the beginning. Building a life together — and a future you both feel excited about — means figuring out how to manage money as a team. Whether you’re celebrating a new engagement, settling into married life, or navigating years of partnership, financial planning for couples goes far beyond splitting the monthly bills or covering date night. You need a strategy that fits your personality, aligns with your values, and fuels the dreams you share. At Ironwood Wealth Management, we help couples design smart, sustainable financial plans that support their goals and bring clarity to life’s Read More

April: A Time to Reflect on Financial Literacy and Investing Discipline The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) designates April as National Financial Literacy Month—a time to highlight the importance of increasing consumer knowledge and skills to build and maintain sound financial choices. For stock market investors, April 2025 has been a true emotional rollercoaster, with dramatic shifts between fear and euphoria occurring within just days. In the spirit of National Financial Literacy Month - and considering recent market turbulence - Ironwood Wealth Management encourages investors to stay focused on the fundamentals and adhere to a disciplined investment Read More

Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your wealth and provide for your family’s future. And with major changes to estate tax laws on the horizon, now is the time to review your strategy and take advantage of current opportunities. Whether it’s using today’s higher exemptions before they drop, making smart gifting moves, or adjusting your retirement plans, taking action this year can save you and your family a lot of hassle, and money, down the road. Let’s explore some key strategies to ensure your estate is structured for long-term success. 1. The Read More

It’s a question that most professionals ask as they advance in their careers: “Am I saving enough for retirement?”  While no two retirement journeys are the same, there are clear benchmarks, financial tools, and strategies that can help determine whether you’re on pace to meet your long-term goals. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to assess where you stand today, identify potential gaps, and make smart, strategic adjustments to help ensure the future you’re planning for becomes a reality. 1. Consider Retirement Savings Benchmarks  A simple starting point is comparing your current savings to general benchmarks based on Read More

Being self-employed comes with incredible benefits — freedom, flexibility, and control over your financial future. But when it comes to retirement planning, the responsibility falls entirely on you. Unlike traditional employees with 401(k)s and pensions, self-employed individuals must create their own savings strategy. If you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer, or small business owner, you may already have a plan in place. But is it still the best fit for your long-term goals? This guide explores the most effective retirement options for self-employed individuals, their tax advantages, and key considerations to help you maximize your savings. Choosing the Right Plan for Read More

Big changes are coming to retirement planning in 2025, and they could have a major impact on your financial future. With tax laws shifting, Social Security rules evolving, and contribution limits increasing, now is the time to take a closer look at how these updates might affect you. Whether you're nearing retirement or fine-tuning your long-term financial plan, staying informed will help you make the most of new opportunities and sidestep unexpected challenges. In this article, we’ll break down the key changes taking effect in 2025, explore their potential impact on your retirement savings, and outline actionable strategies to help Read More

As February comes to a close, many people are gearing up for April’s tax deadline. But while tax season itself may be an annual event, the financial decisions you make throughout the year can greatly influence your financial well-being. Without ongoing planning, you might miss saving opportunities and face unnecessary stress when April rolls around. Year-round tax planning shifts the focus from simply filing returns to strategically optimizing your tax situation throughout the year. By taking a proactive approach, you can minimize liabilities, maximize deductions, and ensure you’re making the most of your hard-earned wealth. Tax Preparation vs Tax Read More

When it comes to retirement planning, one of the most commonly cited guidelines is the 4% rule. It’s been used for decades as a straightforward way to gauge how much you can safely withdraw each year without running out of money prematurely. But is this “one-size-fits-all” rule still effective in today’s economic environment? The short answer: It depends. With longer life expectancies, rising living costs, and unpredictable market conditions, sticking rigidly to the 4% rule may not be the best approach anymore. Here, we’ll break down the 4% rule, why it may need rethinking, and alternative strategies to build Read More