If your certificate of deposit (CD) has recently matured—or will in the coming weeks—it’s time to make a strategic move. Across West Michigan, from Grand Rapids to Holland, Muskegon, Lansing, and Kalamazoo, many savers are discovering that Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIAs) and Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGAs) can offer better yields, stronger guarantees, and valuable tax advantages compared to renewing a CD at today’s lower rates. Whether you’re planning for retirement or simply trying to make your savings work harder, understanding your post-CD options can help you protect what you’ve earned while setting yourself up for more predictable growth. Why Now Is the Time to Re-Evaluate Your CD Strategy When your CD matures, your bank gives you only a short grace period—typically about 7 to 10 days—to decide what to do next. If you don’t act, it often renews automatically, sometimes at a much lower interest rate than before. As interest

The job market in West Michigan is undergoing a significant transition. Across Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Holland, Zeeland, and Kalamazoo, companies are announcing layoffs in manufacturing, finance, and media. While each case is unique, the broader picture reveals a region adapting to automation, inflation, and changing global demand. Layoffs Impacting Key Industries in West Michigan Manufacturing and Furniture Production Manufacturing — long the backbone of West Michigan’s economy—has been hit hard. Companies such as Howard Miller, MillerKnoll, and Marshall Excelsior have announced facility closures or staff reductions, together affecting hundreds of employees across Ottawa and Allegan Counties. Source: Here Detroit MI Professional Services and Office Jobs Beyond manufacturing, white-collar roles in finance, accounting, and administration are being downsized as companies adopt AI-driven tools to streamline operations. Analysts from Grand Valley State University estimate that recent regional layoffs could remove $20–30 million in annual local spending, reducing demand for retail, housing, and

Navigating Medicare enrollment in West Michigan is one of the most important steps in preparing for a successful retirement. With multiple enrollment periods, different plan types, and dozens of coverage options, it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin. At Jacobs Financial Services, we love helping our clients succeed in retirement—not just with investments and financial strategies, but also by connecting them with trusted professionals who can guide them through healthcare decisions like Medicare. One of the advisors we proudly recommend is Lauri Veneman, Independent Advisor with Pathway Advising, who specializes in Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage Plans. Her personal, no-fee approach gives clients confidence that they’ve found the right plan for their needs. Understanding Medicare Basics Medicare is the federal health insurance program primarily for people age 65 and older, though certain individuals with disabilities may qualify earlier. It is divided into four main parts: Part A (Hospital

Protect your Income with the Me-First Rule of Retirement Spending Retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy the rewards of your hard work. But one common concern for many retirees is: What if I run out of money? Market fluctuations, rising costs, and longer life expectancies can make even a well-planned retirement feel uncertain. To address these concerns, focusing on guaranteed retirement income can provide security and peace of mind. The Me-First rule of retirement spending, also called the flooring method, is a practical way to reduce that worry. This strategy focuses on guaranteed retirement income for essential expenses, ensuring your guaranteed retirement income covers all necessary costs before spending on discretionary items. By putting your essentials first, you can enjoy retirement with confidence and peace of mind. (Kiplinger, 2025) What Is the Me-First Method in Retirement? The Me-First method ensures that your must-have expenses — housing, healthcare,