Historically, prenuptial agreements have carried a bit of cultural baggage. They’ve often been associated with solutions to problems only the ultra-wealthy face. And there are plenty of TV shows and movies that paint prenups as a clear sign that one partner doesn’t trust the other or isn’t fully committed to the marriage. Even outside of scripted dramas, discussing the possibility of divorce while planning a wedding could feel unnecessarily pessimistic and decidedly unromantic.
That perception appears to be changing, and perhaps for good reason.
Recent reporting suggests that younger couples—particularly millennials and Gen Z—are embracing prenups at higher rates than previous generations. Several factors are driving the trend. Divorce no longer carries the stigma it once did, people are marrying later in life with more established careers and assets, and many couples value the transparency and clearly defined expectations that a written agreement can provide.
Prenuptial agreements aren't necessary for everyone, but they offer several benefits worth considering. Whether you're getting married for the first time or tying the knot again, it's worth considering how a prenup might fit into your broader financial plan.
What is a Prenuptial Agreement and How Does it Work?
A prenuptial agreement is a legal contract couples sign before getting married. It spells out how certain financial matters will be handled during the marriage and what happens to assets and debts if the marriage ends in divorce or death.
Trump Accounts: A New Way to Save for the Next Generation
One of the newest additions to the financial planning landscape is the Trump Account (or 530A Account)—a retirement savings account created specifically for children.
As with many new financial products, the headlines have generated plenty of discussion. But regardless of the name, the more important question for families is a practical one:
How do these accounts work, and when might they make sense? The answer depends largely on what you're trying to accomplish.
A Retirement Account for Kids
Unlike a traditional IRA, a Trump Account does not require a child to have earned income before contributions can be made.
Instead, parents, grandparents and others may contribute on a child's behalf while the child is under age 18. During those years, the account is designed exclusively for long-term growth. No withdrawals are permitted, and investment options are limited to low-cost U.S. stock index funds.
Once the beneficiary reaches the year they turn 18, the account begins to resemble a traditional IRA. They gain control of the account and can keep it as a Trump Account, roll it into a Traditional IRA, convert it to a Roth IRA or begin taking withdrawals, subject to the applicable tax rules.
Where the Money Comes From
Families can make direct contributions of up to $5,000 annually. Employers may also contribute, although employer and direct contributions share the same overall annual limit.
In addition, some beneficiaries may qualify for funding from charitable organizations or government programs. Children born between 2025 and 2028 may also be eligible for a one-time $1,000 pilot contribution.
This July 4 marked the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence—a milestone big enough that it’s earned the tongue-twisting name semiquincentennial.
To mark the occasion, we thought it fitting to revisit the financial wisdom of one of the document’s own drafters and signers: Benjamin Franklin.
Franklin wore many hats, including writer, scientist, statesman, diplomat, economist and publisher of both "The Pennsylvania Gazette" and "Poor Richard's Almanac."
It was in these publications that he wrote some of his most enduring, oft-quoted and practical insights on money.
Much has changed over the past 250 years. We’re in an economic environment that now includes things like the New York Stock Exchange, a federal income tax and a central bank, none of which existed at the nation’s founding. Even so, Franklin’s advice still rings remarkably true.
The Alchemy of Budgeting
“If you know how to spend less than you get, you have the Philosopher’s Stone.”
The Philosopher’s Stone is a legendary alchemical substance said to transform ordinary metals like lead into gold. Alchemists believed that the path to transformation required patience, strong method and discipline. And according to Franklin, budgeting, which follows a similar path, is just as powerful.
Carefully tracking how your money is used, spending less than you earn and harnessing your resources to meet future goals helps you transform dollars and cents into a rich and fulfilling life.
On Watching the Little Things
“Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship.”
Do You Have These Four Key Legal Documents in Place?
No one likes to imagine a time when they might be sick or unable to make decisions for themselves. It ranks alongside cleaning out the garage or scheduling a long-overdue physical—important, but all too easy to postpone. Yet planning for these possibilities can make all the difference.
Without a clear plan in place, the state might step in and appoint a guardian to make financial and medical decisions on your behalf. Someone you didn’t choose could end up deciding where you live, how your money is managed or what medical treatments you receive. That's not a situation any of us wants to be in.
Incapacity exists on a spectrum. It could look like cognitive decline from Alzheimer’s or dementia, physical incapacity after an injury or illness, a sudden event such as a stroke or a gradual decline over time. It can also happen at any age in life, and all legally aged adults should be prepared. That includes adult kids aged 18 plus.
Because these scenarios unfold differently—and at different life stages—you’ll need four key documents to address them: a durable power of attorney, health care proxy, living will and a will or trust.
You may have one or two of these documents already, but comprehensive planning requires all four. Together, these documents create a coordinated safety net. Without one, gaps can appear. It’s a bit like living near a river and buying homeowner’s insurance but skipping flood coverage. You’re mostly protected…until you’re not.
Today, we’re focusing on women and wealth. Our goal is not to generalize, but to explore research and experience related to how women build, acquire, and manage personal wealth. What strengths often emerge? What challenges may arise? And how can each person leverage their unique talents while setting aside unhelpful stereotypes?
Financial Best Practices for All
To be clear, many financial best practices apply to anyone seeking to secure their own and their family’s financial well-being, regardless of gender or background. We believe you are best served by building a solid foundation:
Establishing personal goals and timelines, and crafting a financial plan for achieving them.
Building and maintaining a low-cost, globally diversified investment portfolio accordingly.
Sticking to your plans and portfolio over time, ignoring the mid-pursuit distractions and noise of the media.
Blending in wealth management as needed to address risks, legacy goals, and more.
We also want to be careful about making broad generalizations about any group of people, including men and women. No group is uniform, and we often find that individuals within any category can differ significantly from one another.
