SUM Financial Services Group

Health insurance premiums are climbing at rates not seen in over a decade, according to an October 2024 report in The Wall Street Journal. Here’s what the numbers looked like for 2024 for average Family Healthcare Coverage: Total Premium: $25,500 😮😮 Employer Share: $19,276 👈👈 Employee Share: $6,296 ‼️ What's Changed? Premium costs have increased 7% for the second year running. Although the Wall Street Journal reported that employers have absorbed much of this increase, deductibles continue to rise, especially impacting smaller businesses. What's Different This Time? Unlike other sectors where price increases are cooling, healthcare costs remain elevated due to the following: ✅ Multi-year contract structures ✅ Higher hospital operating costs ✅ Increased labor expenses ✅ Market pressures Looking ahead: As the landscape evolves, keeping an eye on these changes and being open to new strategies will be key to your financial well-being. #Healthcare #Benefits #Economy #Business #EmployeeBenefits

🎉 Did you know only 30% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions? Most resolutions fade fast, but when it comes to personal finance, a thoughtful approach can make all the difference. Here are three practical strategies to kick off your financial year: 1️⃣ 12 Mini-Resolutions: Break down big goals into manageable monthly tasks. January might be the time to review retirement contributions, and February might be the time to update your beneficiaries. Tackling one thing at a time makes it more achievable. 2️⃣ Reverse Resolutions: Focus on what to stop doing. Maybe it’s cutting impulse buys or ending procrastination on certain decisions. Stopping the right habits can be a game–changer. 3️⃣ Risk Management Focus: Consider reviewing your insurance coverage every year. Also, you might want to take a look at extended care options, especially as you approach retirement. Here’s to a year of financial progress and lasting success! #FinancialGoals #Money2025 #WealthBuilding

🎉 Happy New Year! Wishing you a year filled with good health, exciting opportunities, and meaningful moments with those who matter the most. May 2025 be a year of growth, happiness, and fulfillment for you and your loved ones. ✨ #HappyNewYear #NewBeginnings #2025Goals #HealthAndHappiness

🚨Attention Business Owners: Did you know the Supreme Court has taken away a popular succession tactic? 🚨 On June 6, 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that life insurance proceeds used to buy a deceased shareholder's stock MUST be included when valuing a corporation for estate tax purposes. 😱 What does this mean for business owners? 1️⃣ Your estate could owe more in taxes 2️⃣ Common succession strategies may be in question Don't let this ruling catch you off guard! Here's what you need to do: ✅ Meet with your financial professional, estate attorney, and tax professional ASAP ✅ Review and update your corporate agreements ✅ Get a professional valuation The landscape has changed, but opportunities for your business and legacy remain. If you’re a business owner or know someone who is, make sure they speak to professionals who can help navigate these new changes. Remember, several factors affect the cost and availability of life insurance, including age, health, and the type and amount of insurance purchased. Any guarantees associated with a policy are dependent on the ability of the issuing insurance company to continue making claim payments. So, there is much to consider when it’s part of your succession approach. #BusinessOwners #Estate #SupremeCourt #TaxStrategy #Financial

🕯️ As Kwanzaa begins, it invites us to embrace the values that strengthen our communities. This celebration is a beautiful reminder of the power of community, resilience, and the importance of lifting each other up. 🌟 Whether you observe Kwanzaa or simply appreciate its meaning, its spirit of unity, purpose, and growth can guide us as we enter the new year. Wishing a meaningful Kwanzaa to all who celebrate. 🕯️ #KwanzaaSpirit #UnityInDiversity #NewYearNewPurpose

🕎 This Festival of Lights celebrates perseverance, hope, and the strength of community. It is a beautiful reminder of the power of faith, resilience, and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs. 🌟 Whether you observe Hanukkah or simply appreciate its meaning, the spirit of dedication, miracles, and family can inspire us as we approach the new year. Wishing eight nights of joy and light to all those who celebrate! 🎉 #HanukkahSpirit #LightInDarkness #MiraclesAndHope

🎄Merry Christmas to you and your families! For many, this evening marks the anticipation of Christ's birth–a cornerstone of faith. 🙏 For others, it's about the warmth of family gatherings and the joy of giving. 🎁 Christmas blends profound religious meaning with cherished family traditions–from nativity scenes to festive lights in our neighborhoods, it brings us together in shared celebration. 🎄🏠 Whatever Christmas means to you, may this evening and Christmas day be filled with the warmth of family, whether near or far. #ChristmasEve #HolidaySpirit

Move over axolotls—capybaras are having their moment this holiday season! These adorable South American rodents are taking over everything from plush toys to home goods, showing up on products from slippers to phone cases. 🎁 The rise of these friendly creatures tells an interesting story about retail trends: Social media is now the driving force behind which animals become the next big thing. In fact, plush toy sales have soared 115% compared to pre-pandemic levels, while the trend cycle moves faster than ever. It's interesting to see how consumer trends evolve. Who knows which creature will capture our hearts next year? Maybe it'll be the water bear! 🔍 #Consumer #Trends #HolidayShopping #Retail #Capybara #Marketing https://lnkd.in/g6yS9jzG

The Federal Reserve cut rates by 0.25%, bringing the target range to 4.25-4.5%. While markets anticipated this move, what's particularly interesting is the Fed's signal of fewer rate cuts ahead than previously expected. A few key takeaways from Chair Powell's announcement: - The Fed has now reduced rates by a full percentage point from peak levels - Economic growth projections for the year were actually raised to 2.5% - Only two more cuts are expected in 2025, half of what was projected in September As we look ahead to 2025, the Fed's cautious approach to future rate reductions suggests a continued focus on balanced economic growth and price stability. 💫 #FederalReserve #Economy #Financial #Investing https://lnkd.in/ed_WjZ8J

Happy Holidays to you and your family! During this festive season, we cherish our most meaningful connections and spread joy throughout our communities. Whatever traditions you celebrate, may your holidays be filled with happiness, laughter, and time spent with those who matter the most. Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season and a bright start to the New Year. 🌟 #HappyHolidays #SeasonOfJoy #CommunitySpirit