Full Circle Financial Planning

Most people are familiar with CDs at the bank. You deposit money, earn a fixed interest rate for a set period, and get your money back at maturity.

What many people don't realize is that there is a similar option offered through insurance companies called a Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity (MYGA).

Like a CD, a MYGA offers a guaranteed interest rate for a specified period. One key difference is that earnings inside a MYGA grow tax-deferred, meaning you don't pay taxes on the interest each year as you would with a non-retirement CD.

That doesn't mean a MYGA is always better—each has its pros and cons—but it's a tool that often flies under the radar when people are evaluating options for cash they don't need immediate access to.

I came across this article that does a nice job explaining some of the differences. If you're comparing CDs, savings accounts, or other conservative options, it's worth a quick read.

Have you heard of a MYGA before?

Fixed Annuities vs. CDs - Comparing Two Safe Options MYGAs are insurance products intended to generate income, while CDs are bank savings products that generally offer lower interest rates.

As we celebrate Pride Month, we reaffirm a core belief that’s guided Full Circle from the beginning: everyone—and every family—deserves the chance to plan for a future that honors their unique story.

Love is love. Family is family. And we’re proud to be an ally on your journey.

Over the last week, we’ve had a couple clients reach out after reading about the “widow penalty” and how surviving spouses can sometimes face higher taxes and Medicare premiums.

Something to be aware of? Absolutely.
Something to panic over? Usually not.

Things to consider:
• Tax brackets shrink after a spouse passes
• Medicare IRMAA thresholds tighten
• RMDs may stay relatively high
• Planning ahead can help reduce surprises

Every situation is different, especially depending on pensions, Social Security, and retirement account balances.

If you have questions about what your future tax situation could look like, let’s talk.

Losing a spouse is hard enough, but US tax laws add salt to the wound Surviving spouses often face a 'widow's penalty' in taxes, leading to higher bills and lower deductions. Learn how to mitigate it.

If you’re in your 40s or early 50s, read this.

You’ve probably done a great job saving for retirement.

401(k)? ✔
Roth IRA? ✔

But everything else still feels… tight.

That’s usually not a savings problem.
It’s a structure problem.

If retirement is on track, the next step is building flexibility for everything happening before it.

https://www.fullcirclefp.com/post/how-much-is-too-much-in-retirement

Who do you have winning it all?

THE BEST TWO DAYS OF BASKETBALL 🙌

For anyone who needs this 🤝

Just watched the Oscar-nominated short film Retirement Plan and it stuck with me.

It’s about an older gentleman finally retiring and talking about all the things he’ll do now. It’s heartwarming but also a little sobering.

As a financial planner, I believe in saving for the future. But I also believe some experiences shouldn’t wait. Climbing the Coliseum stairs is easier at 45 than 67. Taking the trip with your kids hits differently when they’re still young.

Planning isn’t about delaying life. It’s about aligning money with what's important to you.

Highly recommend watching it.

The Dream of Finishing One’s To-Do List | “Retirement Plan” (2026 Oscar Nominee) | The New Yorker In John Kelly’s animated short film, nothing’s off limits when it comes to thinking about the future—particularly when there’s so much left to do.

AI is changing the conversation about work and the future.

This opinion piece reflects on why uncertainty is not new and why planning still matters.

When the Richest Man in the World Tells You to Stop Saving for Retirement I recently came across a few headlines about Elon Musk suggesting that saving for retirement may not even matter anymore because of artificial intelligence.I will admit, I found that a little ironic. The richest person in the world telling everyone else to stop saving for the future.That observation...

🌟 Celebrating Black History Month 🌟

This month, we honor the rich legacy, resilience, and contributions of Black leaders, innovators, and changemakers who have shaped history and continue to inspire progress.

At Full Circle Financial Planning, we are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion—ensuring that every voice is heard, valued, and empowered. Financial planning should be accessible to everyone, and we’re here to help build a future where opportunity knows no boundaries.

Why the falling U.S. dollar matters to everyday investors

The dollar recently hit its lowest level in four years. Over time, currency shifts like this can affect everything from international investment returns to inflation and purchasing power. It’s one reason long-term financial planning focuses on diversification and resilience rather than short-term predictions.

US dollar sinks to its lowest level in four years Dollar drops against basket of currencies after Donald Trump brushed off concerns over slide

Today, we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a beacon of unity, love, and acceptance. At Full Circle Financial Planning, we strive to reflect these same values in everything we do—fostering trust, inclusivity, and care in our relationships.

Let’s continue his work by embracing compassion, seeking justice, and building a world where everyone is valued for who they are. Together, we can turn his dream into a reality.