MORE THAN FINANCES: THE BENEFITS OF HOLISTIC ADVICE FROM FINANCIAL PROFESSIONALS

November, National Care at Home Month shines a light on a truth thatfamilies across the country already know: healing and comfort are bestdelivered where people feel most at ease at home. At Avow, thisbelief guides us as we have built a continuum of care that supportspatients and families through lifes most important transitions.Our care journey begins with home health. For those recovering fromsurgery or in need of skilled services like advanced wound care orphysical therapy, our home health team is there to provide support.Healing at home, surrounded by familiar routines, can make all thedifference in recovery. A quicker return to strength means individualsare able to resume the activities and daily life that matter most.For individuals facing chronic or serious illnesses, palliative care brings relief, dignity, and guidance.Whether its an adult living with cancer, heart or lung disease, dementia, or kidney failure or achild coping with a serious diagnosis our palliative care team helps ease symptoms, reduceemotional distress, and navigate complex medical decisions. Care can be delivered in ouroutpatient clinic on the Avow campus, at one of our satellite clinics, or directly in the patientshome, always tailored to each persons goals and values. All while working with each patient'sphysicians, providers, and other disease specific treatment and therapeutic professionals.When the time comes for lifes final journey, hospice care ensures patients and families are neveralone. Hospice is not about giving up it is about living fully and meaningfully, wherever someonecalls home: a private residence, nursing facility, or assisted living community. Avow provides musicand massage therapy, pet therapy, spiritual support, and individualized services based on eachpersons needs and interests. Volunteers sit vigil, honor Veterans, and offer presence andcompanionship. Our teams walk beside patients and families, helping them find peace andcomfort in their final days together.And because loss and grief touch every family differently, Avow offers specialized grief supportprograms for children, teens, and adults. These services, provided at no cost thanks to communitygenerosity, help families process grief and discover resilience long after a loss.This is the future of healthcare: a model that walks with people through every stage of life fromrecovery to serious illness, to end of life, and providing grief and healing for loved ones. It is carethat meets people where they are and honors their choices while easing the weight families andcaregivers often carry.National Care at Home Month is not only about celebrating providers and volunteers though theyare heroes every day. It is also about recognizing the immense value of keeping care close,personal, and human. At Avow, we believe care at home is not just healthcare. It is the promise to stand with individuals and families through every phase of lifes journey.

Fear and greed are hard to overcome. Why do we let these emotions control our decision-making process when it comes to our financial well-being? Do we fear that when there is a market correction it is a sign of impending global doom? As a part of our emotional make-up, we have a tendency to linearly extrapolate. When things are going bad, they will only get worse, and when things are going well, they will only get better. We know that our past experiences tell us neither scenario is true, but we continue to fall into the same trap time and time again.At some point we have to come to the realization that market movements are part of the investment process, and the only way to prosper long-term is to eliminate the emotions that will make us buy high and sell low. The way to control emotions is to have a disciplined approach. Discipline puts us in control, not our emotions.Controlling our emotions helps us in all facets of life, and is a key element in understanding the Psychology of Investing. Investment decisions are similar to decisions regarding friends and family. Dont try to resolve an issue when emotional, BE DISCIPLINED. The Psychology of Investing is nothing more than an understanding of the emotions that influence our decisions. Buying high and selling low is not the inverse of buying low and selling high, but is an actualization of our emotions. Be disciplined in your decision making. Use fact and reason to the best of your ability and endeavor to understand, and by understanding, control your emotions. The Psychology of Investing is the first chapter in a book titled The Ten Commandments of Investing, a book that offers a unique perspective on investing by Al Weber, Senior Vice President at Raymond James. It is available in electronic format, at no charge, by requesting it at Katie.Burr@RaymondJames.com. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Erin Weber, CFP. Erin is a Financial Advisor with the Weber Group of Raymond James. She may be reached at 878.208.1285 or Erin.Weber@RaymondJames.com.Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC800 Cranberry Woods Drive, Suite 200, Cranberry Township, PA 16066Any opinions are those of Erin Weber and not necessarily those of Raymond James. This material is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See ad on page 112.  

For many retirees, Social Security is the cornerstone of income. With the new changes retirees are experiencing a mix of routine program adjustments and sweeping policy changes. Here are some highlights of the most important updates to Social Security, as well as how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) reshapes the retirement landscape.Social Security Adjustments in 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA): Benefits rose by 2.5%, raising the average retired workers benefit to about $1,976 per month. Earnings Limits Increased: Retirees working before full retirement age can now earn up to $23,400 without full benefit reductions; those reaching full retirement age in 2025 face a higher limit of $62,160 before penalties. Taxable Wage Base Expanded: Wages subject to Social Security payroll tax rose to $176,100, ensuring higher-income workers contribute more. Repeal of WEP & GPO: The Social Security Fairness Act eliminated offsets that reduced benefits for public-sector retirees with non-covered pensions, granting higher or newly accessible benefits to many.How The One Big Beautiful Bill Act affects Social Security for Retirees The One Big Beautiful Bill Act delivers new tax relief for seniors: retirees aged 65 and older may deduct up to $6,000 per person (20252028), shielding much of their Social Security from taxation. For roughly 88% of beneficiaries, this eliminates federal taxes on benefits.The rules and regulations regarding Social Security and taxes can be complex and may change. Therefore, being informed about benefits and taxation is vital! Despite the complexity of Social Security and taxes, learning about these new changes are crucial to retirement income and tax planning.Managing finances in retirement involves more than simply drawing from savings. To secure stability and confidence, retirees must understand how income sources, Social Security benefits, and taxes interact. A coordinated strategy ensures resources last throughout later life stages.Consulting with financial and tax professionals may mitigate unexpected tax implications when receiving Social Security benefits and drawing down retirement savings assets.