Caring for aging parents is a challenge many Americans are facing. Consider these factors to ensure your loved ones are well taken care of mentally, physically, legally and financially.

The 2024 presidential election is set to be a repeat of the Biden versus Trump contest of 2020. With both houses of Congress up for grabs, the stakes are high for either party, so it is understandable for the U.S. public to be nervous. Regardless of how the election plays out, political tensions will likely remain elevated throughout the next president's term, adding to an already contentious global political climate.

Your financial plan should have the same philosophy as the rest of your life. Your values—or what matters most to you—drive every decision you make in life, including the hobbies or activities you participate in, the causes you support and the people you spend your time with. So, let's look at the ways an advisor can build a financial plan based on your values, throughout different areas of financial planning.

When building a financial plan, a wide range of potential outcomes must be considered, with investors being willing and able to accept the downside risks. Here are the top 10 lessons for investors.

While taxes may be the last thing on your mind during the holiday season, small steps you take now may result in big savings on your 2023 tax bill.

As the 2024 increase is set to be less than that announced for 2023, retirees may be wondering what impact the Social Security adjustment will have on their Medicare costs next year. Here are some commonly asked questions about the changes coming, as well as tips to keep your Medicare costs lower, regardless of how much your Social Security benefits rise.

Whether you're expecting a life-changing inheritance, a modest inheritance or maybe not anything, it's an important situation to think about. Although everyone's situation will be different, there are steps you can take to make sure the transfer of wealth goes smoothly.

Northwest Financial Corp. has been awarded a 2023 Top Workplaces honor by the Des Moines Register.

Depending on your medical needs and those of your family, you may have enrolled in a high-deductible health plan that allows you to pay for medical expenses using a health savings account (HSA). Because contributions go into an HSA pre-tax, grow tax-deferred and are distributed tax-free when used for qualifying costs, this option has gained popularity over the last several years.

As many committed couples are choosing to forgo marriage, it's becoming more common for wealth advisors to receive questions on the financial planning implications.

As the investment landscape has evolved, here's why alternatives could play a beneficial role in your portfolio.

Annuities are a popular way to supplement retirement income, provide tax-deferred growth and assist in legacy planning. But what are your options when an annuity no longer serves you?

Let's not sugarcoat it. If you're buying a home this year, you'll probably face some serious competition. Homes are going under contract almost as soon as they're hitting the market, and with very little inventory to choose from, they're also selling well above list price.

PICTURE THIS: Your sales pipeline is full of hot prospects, referrals are pouring in, and you're on target to meet or exceed your goals for the quarter. It sounds like a dream come true, but what about the flip side? When business is thriving, you're likely also faced with an overflowing email inbox, a jam-packed calendar, long hours, and an overall higher demand on your time and energy.

While mortgage interest rates remain near historic lows, they've started creeping up this year. As the economy continues to recover from the effects of the pandemic, experts are predicting that rates could continue to rise. So, what does this mean if you're planning to buy a home?

Homeownership is good for you. It helps you put down roots in a community, provides a sense of stability, is an excellent investment, and can even help you save on your taxes. Let's explore how owning a home can mean more cash in your pocket at tax time.

Northwest Bank is named a Top Mortgage Lender in 2020. The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) recently announced its 2020 top mortgage lenders. The awards were given to the lending institutions and loan originators who assisted the most homebuyers through IFA programs in 2020.

Over the past century, the typical American home has been a picture of independence and self-reliance. An emphasis on the nuclear family in the post-war era led to homes that were designed for privacy and seclusion — as opposed to communal living with extended family — which largely represents the housing landscape today.

If you know exactly what your home should look like, where it should be, and every feature it must have, but you can't seem to find it anywhere, then it could be time to build your own. This quarter in Waypoints, we're sharing insights into new-home construction, from market trends to homebuilding ideas and considerations.

In the business jungle, we can take a note or two from the tiger's book. In today's competitive environment, companies that don't develop their own unique stripes are at risk of getting lost in the herd. Finding your competitive advantage — that unique something that only you can offer — will differentiate you from your rivals and provide a clear and compelling reason for customers to do business with you.