The midpoint of the year can be a good time to step back and assess your financial goals to make sure you're still on track and given any changes in the economy and markets as well as your personal situation.

With the failure of Congressional Republicans to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, tax reform is now thrust to the front of the line as the White House and Congressional Republicans look for their first major legislative policy win.

Making decisions with your spouse or partner can be tough sometimes, but even more so when it involves money and your relationship is undergoing change. Studies show that money is the #1 source of stress for U.S. adults (higher than work or family responsibilities) and the top source of stress for couples. And even for couples who don’t squabble, it can be a difficult conversation because each person comes to the discussion with a unique viewpoint based on his or her own experiences and emotional needs.

A 529 plan is an investment vehicle created to help pay for the rising cost of college tuition. Currently, 35 states offer 529 college savings plans or pre-paid tuition plans. Contributions to a 529 plan are considered gifts for tax purposes. These plans allow for a 2016 annual exclusion gift of up to $14,000 per year per beneficiary ($28,000 for couples filing jointly) on an after-tax basis while allowing for tax-free growth of those assets as long as the assets are used...