Blog

Jim and Diane Graham A Family of Educators

Drew K. Stratton, CFP^®

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Jim and Diane Graham have been retired for a few years now and have been working with Drew Stratton through comprehensive financial planning since 2013.

The end of summer signals a shift for many households as vacations wind down, kids return to school, and routines slowly settle back into place. But one area often left in chaos after summer’s relaxed spending? Your budget.

Back-to-school expenses have been steadily increasing over the years. From 2018 to 2023, the average household back-to-school budget rose by 30%, reaching $890 in 2023.

By fostering open communication, empathy, and shared goals, couples can navigate financial discussions more effectively, leading to a healthier and more harmonious relationship.

In today's economic climate, financial stress is a pervasive issue affecting millions. Understanding its prevalence, impact, and actionable solutions is crucial for fostering both financial stability and mental wellness.

The markets are in a period of heightened volatility, and whether you're a new investor or a seasoned one, this kind of uncertainty can be unsettling.

Drew Stratton Honored in the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors for 2025

Drew K. Stratton, CFP®

Thursday, April 17, 2025

“I am pleased to have been named to this prestigious list—a recognition that, to us, speaks to our firm’s commitment to our clients,”

Instead of spending it impulsively, a strategic approach can help you build a stronger economic future.

Graduation marks an exciting transition from student life to the professional world. Establishing a solid financial foundation is crucial as you embark on this new journey. Crafting a post-graduation budget can help you manage expenses.

Love can make us overlook aspects of our relationships; in fact, many couples enter marriage without fully understanding their partner’s financial habits, goals, or standing. This can lead to surprises and conflicts later.

Juniper Helps

Steven R. Larson CFP®, CRPC®, CDFA®

Monday, January 6, 2025

Julie and Todd McDonald have been clients of Steve Larson, Managing Partner at Larson, Potter, Stratton, and Cote Financial, for over 20 years. Learn More about the Juniper Outreach Program!

As we step into 2025, preparing for financial market volatility is more critical than ever. Whether the markets thrive or experience downturns, having a proactive strategy can help you navigate uncertainty and work toward your...

Let's explore ideal donation options to charitable organizations before the end of the year in 2024.

Pillows From Heaven

Drew K. Stratton, CFP®

Friday, November 8, 2024

Get to know LPSC client Heidi Musser and the causes that she values.

We’ve discussed Tax Loss Harvesting in the past as a possible strategy for investors with depreciating assets. Let’s explore more options for dealing with taxable assets.

Navigating the financial aspects of college can be overwhelming for both parents planning for their children’s education and students managing their own finances.

TV pundits will point to any of the economic downturns and suggest that it is the sign of a larger recession. A recession can be influenced by a litany of economic challenges which, according to TD, includes reduced consumer spending...

Can you believe we’re already more than halfway through 2024? It’s the perfect time to take a pause and check in on your financial health. Reviewing financials throughout the year can help you stay on track with your goals.

Navigating healthcare in 2024 can be complicated. Add Medicare and Supplemental (Medigap) policies to that journey, and making informed decisions is even more crucial. 

Let’s explore key considerations and strategies for effectively managing the wealth of aging parents.

With careful planning and disciplined saving, you can make your summer travel dreams a reality.

Divorce is undeniably one of life's most emotionally and financially taxing experiences.

As tax season approaches, individuals are presented with a unique opportunity to optimize their financial portfolios through strategic IRA contributions, also known as your Individual Retirement Account...

Last year, adjustments were announced across conventional contribution limits for employees. In the United States. These various investment options should be taken into consideration for your financial health.  Funds you may...

At LPSC Financial, safeguarding your hard-earned money is crucial to building wealth for generations. In today's interconnected world, financial scams are becoming more and more prevalent, with scammers targeting vulnerable individuals...

Client Highlight: Scott Musser

Drew K. Stratton, CFP®

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

W. Scott Musser (Scott), has been a client of LPSC Financial Managing Partner, Drew Stratton since he retired from Merck in 2013. He and his wife Heidi have been enjoying the retired life for the past decade and have an active...

There’s no denying it: the holiday season is here. It seems like earlier and earlier, stores are stocking up for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hannukah, and more. But when you’re seeing stockings on the shelf in...

It’s hard to imagine too many regrets when considering retirement. After 30-40 years in the workplace and saving diligently, there shouldn’t be too much left to do besides kick back, relax, and enjoy your golden years. Now,...

For many, credit cards are a tool designed exclusively to improve credit scores; proper credit card utilization is a helpful way to establish your ability to pay off debts month-to-month. There are many perks to credit cards as well...

Charity feels good — the undeniable sense of contributing to something important drives most of us.    According to Define Financial: 60% of American Households participate in some kind of charity each year 2020 saw a...

College is an exciting time filled with new experiences, but it can also be financially challenging for many students. However, with the right strategies and a little creativity, you can make your college years more affordable without...

Millennials and Gen Z, take note: good habits make for healthy finances. In college, you likely had a couple of friends who left on lavish trips EVERY spring break. Those trips don’t come cheap. According to Lending Tree, 1 in 5...

If you’ve tuned into any finance news lately, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who isn’t talking about the state of the banking industry. The big buzzwords on everyone’s mind? Silicon Valley Bank. Collapse....

Are you familiar with the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act?   Signed into law in 2019, the legislation altered retirement savings plans in the first major way since the Pension Protection Act of 2006...

We’re coming up on the busiest time of the year: tax season.    While it’s important to start filing your taxes as soon as you receive your W2, there are other considerations to ensure that you receive the best...

Harsh but true:  It might seem far in the future, but your retirement years can last for decades. Yes, decades.  According to a 2021 article from Experian, the average retirement age is 62. A similar article from 2018 by the...

What does a tax strategy entail? A tax strategy looks closely at the tax implications of your individual, investment, and business decisions, and investigates ways to minimize your liability. This requires an in-depth understanding of...

Everyone’s situation is different, but it’s a universal truth that we can’t do everything all at once. So how do you make the choice between debt and domestic? Here are some tips to help to start the process of...