Bedel Financial Consulting

How do you talk with your family about financial issues? By fostering open dialogue and establishing intentional planning practices, you can help your family build confidence, reduce uncertainty, and prepare for life's financial decisions together. Break the Ice Start by having family conversations about money. Approaching this topic in a relaxed and informal setting reduces the anxiety and emotional stress that can come with financial conversations.

Last month, one of the most anticipated financial events of the decade unfolded: the long-awaited SpaceX IPO. Driven by massive demand, the stock rapidly vaulted past a $2 trillion valuation before pulling back. While watching a high-profile stock skyrocket and then drop can be unnerving, historical data shows that this volatile behavior is entirely normal.

As of mid-year 2026, Truemed reported that HSA assets reached $159 billion. Can you invest the funds in your HSA? Yes—but so far only a small fraction of HSA accounts are using investments. First, a quick refresher on health savings accounts is in order. HSAs are only available to those covered by a qualified high-deductible health plan (HDHP). The minimum deductible amounts are set by the IRS, and for 2026 they are $1,700 for self-only plans and $3,400 for family plans.

Paying tuition doesn't have to be complicated. Here are practical tips to make your first bill, and the ones coming after, as smooth as possible. Payment Due Dates For most colleges, tuition bills for the fall semester are due in August, and those for the spring semester are due in December. Keep in mind that deadlines vary by school, and some use rolling deadlines or different semester schedules. Bills are typically issued a few weeks before the due date, giving time to arrange for payment.

As of mid-year 2026, Truemed reported that HSA assets reached $159 billion. Can you invest the funds in your HSA? Yes—but so far only a small fraction of HSA accounts are using investments. First, a quick refresher on health savings accounts is in order. HSAs are only available to those covered by a qualified high-deductible health plan (HDHP). The minimum deductible amounts are set by the IRS, and for 2026 they are $1,700 for self-only plans and $3,400 for family plans.

The combination of higher down payments and higher monthly payments has made it much more difficult to purchase a home. In fact, the average age of first-time home buyers is now between the ages of 35 and 40. Some parents see this challenge for their children and want to step in to help. Down Payment Assistance As housing prices have increased, the down payment amounts have increased as well.

Few things in life are certain. Uncertainty can feel especially unsettling when the outcome could significantly affect our lives. At the same time, uncertainty can create opportunities for positive change. The challenge is finding the right balance, keeping enough stability to stay on course while remaining flexible enough to adapt when needed. We face uncertainty every day and often take steps to reduce it.

Somewhere between the graduation parties and the first day of work comes a realization every graduate eventually faces: Welcome to the real world! The new graduate might find themselves fully financially responsible for the first time in their life. No meal plan, no pre-arranged housing, and no reminders that bills are due. Now come paychecks, employee benefits, rent, insurance, taxes, student loans, and lots of decisions.

The selection and confirmation of a new Federal Reserve chair matters for your investment portfolio, your mortgage, and the broader Indiana economy. What should investors understand about Kevin Warsh, and how might his leadership shape interest rates and the broader financial landscape? Who is Kevin Warsh? The appointment of Kevin Warsh comes at a critical time, just two weeks after inflation data showed prices rising at 3.8% annually - the highest level in months.

The Great Wealth Transfer has commenced, and tens of trillions of dollars are set to be transferred between generations over the next two decades. However, for some heirs it feels more like a burden than an inheritance. Proper asset location can help lift that burden while maximizing your legacy. What is Asset Location? Asset location refers to the strategy of pairing investments with proper account types to ensure maximum tax efficiency.