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Plain-English answers on planning, tax, estate and the markets.
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Five topics run across everything MCF publishes: Company News, Investment Markets, Financial Planning, Tax Planning and Estate Planning. Narrow by who you are or by format, or search.
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Individuals & FamiliesInvestment Markets
August 2026 Market Commentary
Markets mostly advanced in August as strong corporate earnings, continued artificial-intelligence investment, and resilient business activity outweighed softer labor and consumer data. The S&P 500 gained 2.7%, International Developed equities gained 2.5%, and Emerging Market…
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Individuals & FamiliesInvestment Markets
July 2026 Monthly Market Commentary
Markets finished July with mixed results as strong corporate earnings and continued investment in artificial intelligence were offset by slower economic growth, renewed energy-price pressure, and a more divided Federal Reserve. The S&P 500 was approximately flat for the month…
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Individuals & FamiliesInvestment Markets
2026 Mid-Year Review & Outlook
The first half of 2026 was a good reminder that successful investing requires distinguishing between sensational headlines and the long-term forces that drive portfolio returns. At the beginning of the year, investors questioned whether the U.S. economy could avoid recession…
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ParticipantsFinancial Planning
AI Used Widely (Though Not Always Wisely) For Retirement Planning
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly popular tool for retirement planning, with many Americans using it for budgeting, investing, and retirement savings guidance. While AI offers convenient financial education and planning support, users should verify…
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ParticipantsFinancial Planning
Benefits of Joining a Retirement Plan
Learn why your employer-sponsored retirement plan may be one of your most valuable benefits and how it can help you build long-term financial security.
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ParticipantsFinancial Planning
Knowledge Gap Drives Retirement Plan Nonparticipation
Automatic enrollment has helped increase participation in employer-sponsored retirement plans, but many employees still opt out due to a lack of understanding or concerns about affordability. Providing clear retirement plan education, enrollment support, and ongoing…
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ParticipantsFinancial Planning
Retirement Expectations vs. Reality: What Workers May be Getting Wrong
Many Americans have a clear vision of when they'll retire and how they'll fund life after work—but the reality often looks very different. According to the 2026 Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) and Greenwald Research Retirement Confidence Survey, significant gaps…
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ParticipantsFinancial Planning
Retirement Plan Portability
Learn what retirement plan portability is and explore your options when changing jobs, including rollovers, IRAs, and employer plans. Discover how to avoid taxes and penalties, preserve your retirement savings, and make informed decisions that support your long-term financial…
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ParticipantsInvestment Markets
The Importance of Staying Invested Through Volatility
Learn how to navigate market volatility with confidence. Discover why staying invested during market downturns and maintaining a long-term investment strategy can help support your financial future.
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Individuals & FamiliesEstate Planning
Preparing Heirs for Wealth: The Missing Piece of Estate Planning
Many families spend decades building wealth with the goal of creating financial security and opportunity for future generations. They work diligently to save, invest, and develop thoughtful estate plans designed to transfer assets efficiently.
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Individuals & FamiliesTax Planning
The Hidden Tax Risks in Your Retirement and Estate Plan
Many investors spend years diligently saving and investing for retirement. Yet one of the biggest threats to long-term wealth isn’t market volatility—it’s taxes. Over time, successful savers often accumulate substantial balances in retirement accounts, taxable investment…
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Individuals & FamiliesCompany News
MCF Advisors Expands Presence in Northern Kentucky with Acquisition of Hoff Bujnoch & Associates
Acquisition underscores MCF’s dedication to building lasting advisor partnerships rooted in culture and community LEXINGTON, Ky. — May 8, 2026 — MCF Advisors, LLC (“MCF”), a Kentucky-based registered investment adviser (“RIA”) serving families, business owners, and retirement…
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Plan SponsorsFinancial Planning
How Are Plan Sponsors Measuring Participant Success?
The ultimate proof of retirement plan participant success is in the results: whether the participant achieves a financially secure retirement. In the meantime, plan sponsors can look at a variety of metrics to help evaluate and track plan outcomes. The 2025 PLANSPONSOR Defined…
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ParticipantsFinancial Planning
401(k) Check-ins Can Help You Stay on Track
In many ways, saving through your employer-sponsored retirement plan has never been more convenient. Automatic enrollment, auto-escalating contributions, and target date funds can make saving feel almost effortless by quietly adjusting your contributions and investments over…
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ParticipantsFinancial Planning
The Advantages and Disadvantages of AI in Personal Finance
As the use of Artificial Intelligence becomes more prevalent in our digital age, it is important to consider and evaluate the benefits and risks of relying on AI when it comes to making personal financial decisions. AI can be a great tool when it comes to efficiency, education…
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Individuals & FamiliesCompany News
MCF Advisors Named One of the 2026 Best Places to Work in Kentucky for Eighth Consecutive Year
MCF Advisors is proud to announce that it has been named a winner in the 2026 Best Places to Work in Kentucky program, presented by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. This marks the eighth consecutive year MCF Advisors has received this recognition.
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Plan SponsorsFinancial Planning
The Unique Retirement Planning Considerations of “Single Savers”
It’s been widely reported that the marriage rate among Americans has declined sharply in recent decades. According to the Census Bureau, 60.8% of households were headed by married couples in 1980. By 2024, that figure had fallen to 47.1%.
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Individuals & FamiliesCompany News
MCF Advisors Welcomes Kristen Kirkwood as Director of Compliance
MCF Advisors is pleased to welcome Kristen Kirkwood, J.D., as Director of Compliance. Kristen will be based out of the firm’s Covington office and will play a key role in supporting and strengthening MCF’s Compliance Department.
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ParticipantsFinancial Planning
Sticky Saving Goals to Suit Your Personality
The start of a new year is a natural time to set fresh financial resolutions, but unfortunately most don’t last past February. One reason may be that our money goals often don’t align with the way we naturally think or how we stay motivated once the initial enthusiasm fades. A…
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Individuals & FamiliesInvestment Markets
Geopolitical Update: United States, Israel, and Iran
Tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran have escalated following coordinated U.S.–Israel military strikes on Iranian strategic infrastructure, military compounds, and political leaders. While the situation remains fluid, the primary market implications center on…
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Individuals & FamiliesCompany News
MCF Advisors Expands Presence in Greater Cincinnati with Acquisition of Wealth Planning Corporation
Acquisition reflects MCF Advisors’ intentional, culture-led approach to long-term advisor growth Lexington, Ky.— March 3, 2026 — MCF Advisors (“MCF”), a Kentucky-based registered investment adviser (“RIA”) serving families, business owners, and retirement plan sponsors…
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ParticipantsFinancial Planning
How to Fit Your Student Loan Payments Back in Your Budget
After a multi-year pause during the pandemic, federal student loan payments resumed in October 2023. For many borrowers, this meant reintroducing a significant monthly expense. Even a few years later, those payments may still be putting pressure on your budget. Here are some…
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Plan SponsorsFinancial Planning
Savings Inertia: Moving Beyond the Default
New research has revealed some telling patterns in employee retirement plan contribution rates. According to PLANSPONSOR’s 2025 Participant Survey, nearly 4 in 10 participants said that when choosing their rate they simply stayed with the plan’s default setting. What this means…
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ParticipantsFinancial Planning
You Can Now Save More in Your 401(k). See Why That Matters
Most people don’t look forward to annual IRS announcements the same way they do the next season of their favorite Netflix show, but this one’s worth a look. Higher retirement plan contribution limits have been announced for 2026, and even a modest bump in your savings rate can…
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Investment Insights
Preparation, not prediction.
Commentary on what moved the markets and what it means for a long-term plan, alongside the guides on investing that hold up in any cycle. Videos and downloadable pieces are marked on the card.
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Evergreen guides
Older pieces kept in the library because the lesson does not date.
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