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The thought of early retirement is appealing to many people. Perhaps we are too easily enticed by the pull of idealized visions of leaving the workforce early: walking leisurely on a white-sand beach, enjoying a sunset at some far-off destination, spending time with family and friends. These romanticized depictions of early retirement can be appealing even to those who still get great fulfillment from their avocations. It’s no surprise, then, that early retirement in some form can be a common goal.

Life is a journey filled with the certainty of uncertainties. Despite what is often our best intentions and efforts, it’s the rare occasion when the path from Point A to Point B is a straight line. Frequently, the route more closely resembles the loops and curls of a plate of spaghetti.

BlueSky Wealth Advisor, Stephen Fletcher, CFP® Professional, MBA is located in our New Bern office. When I first began my career, I got a very helpful piece of advice from my first boss; he was a perfectionist and reviewed even the most minute detail of the work I turned in to him. He told me that, as good as someone is at their job, you must assume at the outset of your experience with them that they are terrible at it.

David Blain, CFA is the guest speaker for Wharton Business Radio show "Your Money". Saving for college tuition, planning for retirement or doing your taxes? Should you look into an IRA? Get practical advice on your personal finances and find out what today’s headlines mean for your pocket.

I’ve always been a “do-it-yourself” (DIY) person. In fact, if you have heard the story of BlueSky you know that I started the firm out of frustration when I tried to find financial and tax advice for myself as I was starting out in my investing endeavors. Unsuccessful at finding highly skilled people I could trust, I decided to teach myself. Eventually, I turned my DIY chore into my lifelong passion.

The S&P 500 Index recorded 62 new closing highs in 2017. 2018 started off similarly with 10 new record closing highs in the first three weeks. Since early 2016 we have not seen a correction of any sort, let alone more than 5%.

Earlier this month, CFA Institute filed a letter with the SEC in response to the SEC’s request for information on standards of conduct for investment advisers and broker-dealers. As a member of both NAPFA and the CFA Institute I am proud to stand behind this call to action issued. Since 1999, our firm has upheld this standard, and for almost 20 years we have been fighting for our clients by standing up against Wall Street. It is encouraging to see the CFA Institute map out the steps the SEC should be taking to protect the investor, and hopefully this will help lead the way for more support of others who believe in fee-only advice, flat fee structures, and full transparency. Below you can read the blog written by the CFA Institute and a link to the letter filed to the SEC. -David Blain, CFA

If you are in the military, your family probably makes frequent moves between states and even countries. These moves can impose financial challenges to military members and their families, however, it could also generate great tax saving opportunities. With the recent GOP tax reform limiting the state tax deduction to $10,000, strategic tax planning could save military members significantly on their taxes.