LifePlan Group values sharing financial information across local and national platforms to help you prepare for and enjoy retirement.

Find our many news interviews and features below!

As Seen On

Holiday Budgeting | WRAL

The holiday shopping season is right around the corner! Alex chatted with WRAL about how inflation is changing the way we shop and why preparing early will help save you in the long run. | Holiday Shipping Deadlines

Holiday Budget Tips | Spectrum News

It’s the season of giving! As people look for ways to spread holiday cheer to family and friends, it’s important to stay on budget. Alex joined Spectrum News with tips to keep your spending in check this holiday season.  Access the Holiday Budget Worksheet

Black Friday Shopping & Inflation | WRAL

Don’t let Black Friday bargains bust your budget! Alex talked with WRAL to share four tips for financially navigating the holiday gift-giving season. | Access the Holiday Budget Worksheet | Watch the Interview

COLA Increase on Social Security | Spectrum News

Social Security recipients will see an 8.7% increase in their monthly benefits in 2023. Alex met with Spectrum News to discuss the latest cost-of-living adjustment and offer strategies to maximize your Social Security benefits. | Access the Future Benefits Calculator | Access the Benefits Planner at Full Retirement Age | Watch the Interview

Dealing with Rising Inflation | Spectrum News

Inflation is still high, and many people worry about keeping their finances on track as costs continue to rise. Alex spoke with Spectrum News about money-saving strategies to help combat inflation. | Access the Spending Plan Worksheet | Watch the Interview

Ongoing Inflation Issues | WRAL

Inflation remains high, leaving many wondering how to cope with rising prices. Alex met with WRAL to discuss the current economy and share strategies to better deal with inflation. | Access the Spending Plan Worksheet |  Watch the Interview

Federal Loan Forgiveness | Spectrum News

President Joe Biden has announced his student loan forgiveness plan. Alex talked with Spectrum News about what this means for borrowers and shared tips for paying off student loans. | Access the Federal Student Aid Website | Watch the Interview

Summer Spending Spree Recovery | WRAL

Summertime is expensive! When all the summer fun winds down, you may be in for some sticker shock. Alex talked with WRAL about how to recover from overspending. | See the Spending Plan Worksheet | Watch the Interview

Ways to Combat Inflation | WRAL

Inflation rose yet again in the latest CPI report, leaving many wondering how to cope with high prices. Alex met with WRAL to discuss the current economy and share strategies to better deal with inflation. | Access the Budget Worksheet | Watch the Interview

Staying on Budget for Back-to-School | Spectrum News

With inflation driving the price of supplies up, back-to-school shopping could get expensive. Alex talked with Spectrum News about the strategies families can use to stay within budget. | Watch the Interview

Summer Spending Spree | Spectrum News

The busy summer months could lead to out-of-control spending habits. Alex talked with Spectrum News about ways to stay on track while still having fun this summer. | Access the Retirement Calculator | Watch the Interview

Financial Independence | WRAL

This Fourth of July, start prioritizing your financial independence by taking control of your finances. Alex joined WRAL with four tips to achieve financial freedom. | Access the Budget Worksheet | Watch the Interview

Un-Retirement | Spectrum News

“Un-retirement” has become a growing trend as retirees rejoin the workforce to take advantage of increased pay and benefits. Alex spoke with Spectrum News about what to keep in mind before going back to work. Watch the Interview

Why Some Retirees Are Getting Back in the Game | Spectrum News

It's being called the Great Resignation, a time when many are being forced or are choosing to quit their jobs. And as employers seek new hires to fill those empty positions, some retirees are answering the call. Alex weighed in with Caroline Blair. Read the Full Article

Creative Ways to Save for College | Spectrum News

The cost of college is on the rise. If you have kids, it’s important to start planning for it now! Alex talked to Spectrum News with strategies for helping your child afford college without either of you being saddled with enormous debt. | Access the Student Aid Website | Watch the Interview

Social Security Scams | WRAL

Watch out! Social Security scammers are out to steal from retirees. Alex spoke with WRAL about the scams people should be aware of and shared tips for protecting personal information. Watch the Interview

Last Minute Tax Tips | Spectrum News

Heads up! The deadline for filing taxes is April 18th. Alex joined Spectrum News to share advice for last-minute filers looking to avoid costly mistakes. Watch the Interview

Dealing with Inflation | Spectrum News

As the economy recovers post-pandemic, many are concerned about the rate of inflation. Alex talked with Spectrum News about tips to help you worry less about the impact of inflation on your wallet. | Acccess the Emergency Fund Calculator | Watch the Interview

The Ukraine-Russia Conflict & the Stock Market | WRAL

Conflict between Russia and Ukraine is undoubtedly affecting the stock market, but you don’t want to start making emotional trades or decisions. Alex shared some advice with WRAL to help you navigate market volatility and protect your investments. | Watch the Interview

Tax Changes 2022 | Spectrum News

Tax season is here, and there’s some important changes to be mindful of. Alex spoke with Spectrum News about the new tax changes that might affect your returns. | Watch the Interview

Financial Compatibility | Spectrum News

Tax season is here, and there’s some important changes to be mindful of. Alex spoke with Spectrum News about the new tax changes that might affect your returns. | Watch the Interview

Financial Compatibility | FOX 50

On Monday, February 7th Alex will be on FOX 50 talking about Financial Compatability in relationships.  Take the Financial Compatability Quiz to see where you and your partner stand! | Take the Financial Compatability Quiz | Watch the Interview

New Year, New Rules | Spectrum News

Making financial resolutions is easy - sticking to them is the hard part. Alex spoke with Spectrum News 1 about how you can stay on track and achieve your money goals in 2022. | Access the Goal Setting Worksheet | Watch the Interview

Financial Plan 2021 | FOX 50

Before the ball drops on 2021, there are a few year-end money moves you can make. Alex recently joined FOX 50 to make sure you don’t drop the ball on your finances. | Watch the Interview

Holiday Movie Lessons 2021 | Spectrum News

Holiday films like Christmas Vacation & The Grinch are on repeat this time of year. Alex spoke with Spectrum News 1 about the money lessons we can learn from some of our favorite movies. | Watch the Interview

Turkey Talk 2021 | FOX 50

Discussing the financial needs of aging parents can be a difficult conversation to get started. Alex spoke with FOX 50 about why Thanksgiving can be one of the best times to discuss your family estate plan. | Watch the Interview

The Great Resignation 2021- Financially Preparing for a Job Transition | Spectrum News 1

Americans are leaving the workforce in record numbers. Alex spoke with Spectrum News 1 about how to financially prepare for a job transition. | Watch the Interview

Financial Planning for College 2021 | FOX 50

Applying to college can be an overwhelming and complex process. Alex spoke with FOX 50 and shared helpful tips about saving and paying for college. Watch the Interview

Inflation Concerns | Spectrum News

Rising prices are starting to generate more headlines – and more worries. Alex spoke with Spectrum News about how to protect your money from rising costs. Access the Emergency Fund Calculator | Watch the Interview

Preparing for Inflation | FOX 50

Rising inflation is not good for investors. Alex spoke with FOX 50 about the steps you can take to protect your finances. Access the Emergency Fund Calculator | Watch the Interview

How to Save Money During Summer Vacation | FOX 50

Many of us haven’t had a summer vacation since 2019, so we’re ready to travel! Alex spoke with FOX 50 about ways to protect your finances so you can focus on creating lasting memories.  Watch the Interview

Last Minute Tax Tips | WRAL

Tax day has been extended to May 17th. Alex joined FOX 50 to discuss the upcoming deadline and how last-minute deductions can help us save for retirement.  Watch the Interview

COVID Crash Anniversary | FOX 50

When the pandemic hit last spring, stocks fell. Recently, we’ve seen record highs. Alex spoke with FOX50 about what we can do with our money moving forward. Watch the Interview

Anniversary of COVID Market Crash | News 14

March marks one year since the coronavirus stock market crash. Alex joined News 14 to share what we can learn from the 2020 Coronavirus crash and how we can prioritize our retirement savings. Access the Retirement Calculator | Watch the Interview

Debt-Free New Year | FOX 50

Many people are starting the year off still struggling to manage their debt due to the pandemic.  Alex spoke with FOX 50 about ways to become debt-free in 2021! Access the Debt Worksheet | Access the Budget Worksheet | Watch the Interview

Marking Financial Dates on Your Calendar | FOX 50

From anniversaries to vacations, we all have certain dates we like circling on our calendars. Alex talked with FOX 50 about four key dates to pay attention to in 2021. Access the IRS Required Minimum Distribution Sheet | Watch the Interview

Financial Resolution Reboot | FOX 50

How are your New Year’s resolutions going?  Alex joined FOX 50 to discuss the mistakes we make when setting money resolutions and how to create an action plan to stay on track. Access the Goal Setting Worksheet | Watch the Interview

When Can You Expect Your 2nd Stimulus Check? | FOX 50

Many Americans are still waiting for their second stimulus check. Alex talked with FOX 50 about when you can expect to receive your check. Access the Stimulus Check Locator | Watch the Interview

Spending Your Stimulus Check | WRAL

A second round of stimulus checks is on the way to millions of Americans. Alex joined WRAL  to share how you can spend this money wisely. Access the Retirement Calculator | Watch the Interview

Spending Your Stimulus Check | News 14

After months of negotiations, lawmakers have agreed on a second COVID-19 relief bill. Alex talked with News 14 about what the measure entails and who will be getting another stimulus check. Access the Retirement Calculator | Watch the Interview

Coronavirus Vaccines & the Stock Market

Hopes of a COVID-19 vaccine are boosting stocks. Alex joined Spectrum News to discuss how the markets impact the economy and why a plan is key to making your dreams a reality. Watch the Interview

College COVID Checklist | Spectrum News

College can be a stressful time.  Alex joined News 14 with a financial checklist for students and parents to prepare for the school year. Watch the Interview

Enhanced Unemployment Benefits & A Possible 2nd Stimulus Check | News 14

The coronavirus pandemic is leaving many households with financial uncertainty, and a budget is more important than ever. Alex will talk with News 14 about how to plan for the unexpected. Access our budget worksheet | Watch the Interview

Easing Your Tax Burden for 2020 & Beyond | News 14

Tax season is over but our work isn’t done!  Alex spoke with News 14 about tax planning tips for the future on July 20! Access the IRS Witholding Calculator | Watch the Interview

College Financial Crisis | News 14

Planning for the cost of college isn’t always easy, and it’s especially difficult during a pandemic. Alex spoke with News 14 about ways parents and students can prepare for the semester ahead. Watch the Interview

The US Economy & Coronavirus | News 14

Many consumers are nervous about their financial future as the Coronavirus continues to pose a serious threat to the community.  Alex talked with News 14 about how the economy is impacting our finances and what steps we can take to protect our money. Watch the Interview

Credit Card Debt & Stimulus Checks | News 14

Stimulus checks are hitting the bank accounts of millions of Americans. Alex chatted with Caroline Blair at News 14 about four ways you can use this money wisely during the coronavirus pandemic.  Access the credit card calculator here | Watch the Interview

Coronavirus Stimulus Checks | FOX 50

Millions of Americans are receiving their stimulus checks. Alex talked with FOX 50 about what you need to know and how to protect your money.  Click here to calculate your stimulus check. Watch the Interview

Coronavirus Impact on Retirement Plans | FOX 50

The Coronavirus could impact your retirement plans. Alex spoke with FOX 50 about how to take the first step toward a secure financial future. Watch the Interview

Stock Market Drop & Coronavirus | News 14

With all of the volatility we've seen on Wall Street, emotions are driving the market.  Alex talked with News 14 about why a plan can ease fear and greed. Watch the Interview

Money Summit | News 14

It’s crucial for couples to be on the same page when it comes to money. Alex talked with News 14 about how to get the conversation started and what important topics you should be discussing. | Watch the Interview

Couples & Money | FOX 50

Love and money go hand-in-hand. Alex stopped by FOX 50 to discuss how couples can find common ground when discussing their finances. | Access the Goal Setting Worksheet | Watch the Interview

Stock Market Investing | ABC 11

Investing in the stock market doesn’t have to be complicated. Alex shared some helpful tips with ABC 11 about how to start investing and why it’s important for your financial future. Watch the Interview

Important Financial Dates | WRAL

Four important financial dates could put more cash in your pocket! Alex stopped by WRAL to share which days to pencil in and how they impact your finances! Access the IRS Minimum Distribution Worksheets | Watch the Interview

Money Mindset 2020 | ABC 11

What’s your money mindset for 2020? Alex talked with ABC 11 about how you can shift your thinking and improve your finances! Check Out Mint.com | Watch the Interview

Holiday Headaches | News 14

If you got carried away with your holiday shopping, now is the time to get back on track. Alex sat down with News 14 to discuss how to tackle debt. | Access the Budget Worksheet | Watch the Interview

Financial Lessons From Our Favorite Holiday Films | FOX 50

Our favorite holiday films provide more than entertainment - We can also learn lessons about our finances! Alex talked with FOX 50 about four money lessons we can learn from some of the most popular holiday flicks! Check out the budget worksheet to stay on top of your holiday finances! | Access the Budget Worksheet |     Watch the Video

How Social Security & Medicare Work Together | US News & World Report

Alex was recently quoted in an article about how Social Security and Medicare work together on US News and World Report. Check it out! | Read the Article

Turkey Talk | FOX 50

Many families are uncomfortable talking about money. Alex sat down with FOX 50 to share ways to get the conversation started and what topics families should be discussing. Watch the Interview

The Nickel Challenge | ABC 11

A new year gives us new opportunities to improve our financial situation. Alex sat down with ABC 11 to discuss how you can achieve financial growth with the "Nickel Challenge." Watch the Interview

401k Matching | ABC 11

Saving for retirement is something we all know we should be doing, but there’s one mistake you could be making! Alex Sutherland talked with ABC 11 about what to be mindful of when it comes to your 401k plan. Watch the Interview

Holiday Spending with Budget Resource | Spectrum News

Holiday spending could be putting your finances in danger all year round. Alex talked with ABC 11 about four ways to keep our holiday splurging in check! Access the Holiday Budget Worksheet | Access Information on 529 Plans | Watch the Interview

Scary Financial Habits | FOX 50

This Halloween the scariest thing you see may not be a witch or a ghost! It could be your savings account. Financial professional Alex Sutherland stopped by FOX 50 to share how you can overcome the worst habits haunting our finances. Watch the Interview

Saving Up for College | ABC 11

Paying for college isn’t easy. Alex sat down with ABC 11 to share ways parents and students can save money and stay out of debt! Watch the Interview

Paying Off Credit Card Debt | ABC 11

Access the debt worksheet | Credit cards are easy to swipe, but hard to pay off. Financial professional Alex Sutherland sat down with ABC 11 to discuss ways to get out of debt! Watch the Interview

Medicare Open Enrollment | News 14

Enrolling in Medicare can be a confusing time for retirees. Alex Sutherland sat down with News 14 to discuss common Medicare misconceptions and how to avoid making costly mistakes. Watch the Interview

Holiday Spending | ABC 11

Make a list and check it twice! Alex sits down with ABC 11 to discuss ways to stay within your budget this coming holiday season. Watch the Interview

Baby Bump Budgeting with Life Insurance Calculator Resource | FOX 50

Access the Life Insurance Calculator | If you’re thinking of starting a family, you may be in for some sticker shock! On average, parents are spending over $230,000 from birth to age 18! Alex stopped by FOX 50 to share their financial tips for soon-to-be moms and dads.  Watch the Interview

Make-A-Will Month with Estate Planning Resource | News 14

Access our Estate Planning Checklist  |  Celebrities are guilty of making mistakes just like the rest of us. Since we often know the details of their bad decisions, let’s learn something! Financial professional Alex Sutherland stopped by News 14 to talk about what we can learn from celebrities who died without updating or writing a will. Watch the interview

Summer Spending Hangover with Budget Tool | FOX 50

Access the Budget Tool  |  Lazy days and fun getaways are the hallmarks of summer. But unfortunately, our summer spending often leaves our wallets empty come fall. Financial professional Alex Sutherland stopped by FOX 50 to share four quick ways to detox your spending and reboot your budget. Watch the interview

Financial Vows | WRAL

Alex Sutherland of the Lifeplan Group joined the newscast at WRAL Channel 5 to talk about important financial vows that couples should make. Watch the interview

National Splurge Day | WRAL

We all deserve to treat ourselves once in a while. June 18th is National Splurge Day, a day set aside to satisfy your urge to splurge. Financial professional Alex Sutherland talked with WRAL about the questions to ask yourself before considering a spending splurge. Watch the interview

Breaking Financial Rules

There are financial rules we’ve all heard - Save 10% of your income or pay off your mortgage before saving for retirement. But these rules might not work for everyone. Alex Sutherland sat down with News 14 to discuss rules we might want to consider breaking. Watch the interview

Refund Refresh 2019

Do you know how you’re going to spend your tax refund this year? Financial professional Alex Sutherland stopped by News 14 with four ways to give your refund a refresh. Watch the interview

How to Close a Retirement Age Gap With Investing

Alex Sutherland, says one mistake age-difference couples make is approaching retirement planning like everyone else. “They invest the same way and follow the same rules of thumb,” Sutherland says. “The reality is each spouse needs a customized plan.” He says these individual plans should accommodate both partners’ risk tolerance, time horizon and income needs when they retire.   Read the article

Being Mindful of Our Money in the New Year

The new year is here and many of us are making resolutions to get in shape, sleep a little more, eat healthier or maybe even save some extra cash. Financial planners say being mindful with our money, can easily help other aspects of our daily lives. Alex Sutherland, Investment Advisor and President of LifePlan Group, breaks down the four easy ways we can stay “Mindful with our Money in 2019”. Watch the interview

Open Enrollment 2018

Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act is underway and the questions are rolling in. We sit down with LifePlan Group President and Investment Advisory Alex Sutherland to discuss details around open enrollment.  Watch the interview

Financial Cramming for College

Alex Sutherland sits down with Tar Heel Talk to cover the importance of financial discussions for families as students transition to college to make sure students graduate off to a good financial start.  Watch the interview

Anyone Who Owns Anything Needs a Will

Death is a hard subject to not only think about, but plan for. And when it comes to writing a will, we tend to use every excuse in the book to put it off. But we're throwing those excuses out the window right now because August is "Make a Will" month. Spectrum News anchor Caroline Blair sat down with investment adviser and LifePlan Group President Alex Sutherland, for some useful tips on how to wisely plan for the future. Watch the interview

How to Create a Legacy Plan

“Legacy planning” may sound like something reserved for the very wealthy, but Sutherland says that’s not necessarily true. “Everyone should consider legacy planning. It’s not just for those with high net worth. It’s for anyone who wants their resources to have a purpose when they are gone,” he says. “The question to be asking yourself is: When things are all said and done, what about your money is important to you?” Read the article

What is the Future of Social Security?

The long term future of social security is up in the air and is sure to impact your retirement. Spectrum News anchor Caroline Blair sat down with Ken Sutherland, the founder and investment adviser for LifePlan Group. According to Sutherland, the Social Security Administration said, if nothing is done, money in our country will run out by 2034. However, he said at that time, the fund will collect enough in taxes to earn just under 80 percent of benefits. That’s why Sutherland tells his clients it’s important to have a solid financial plan.   Watch the interview

Retirement Planning

A generation ago, retirement was fairly predictable; but today, not so much. We take a look at how planning for our future has changed and how important it is that we take control to prepare for retirement with financial professional Alex Sutherland. Watch the interview

College Graduate Financial Tips

Receiving a college degree is the first major step in entering the professional world, but the cost of attaining that degree can set back new grads considerably. LifePlan President and Advisor Alex Sutherland joins us to discuss what new graduates can do to breakdown obstacles. Watch the interview

Tips for Last-Minute Tax Filers as Deadline Looms

A lot of tax experts recommended waiting to file this year because of so much tax reform in play, but it is now officially last minute. Alex Sutherland, with Raleigh financial planner Lifeplan Group, said there are two ways people can get in trouble. "The first is if you don't file or if you're late to file," Sutherland said. "So, even if you're not ready to file your taxes by April 17, at least file an extension, and that gives you all the way to Oct. 15 to complete your tax return. Watch the interview

Equal Pay Day

The gender pay gap is something we hear about all the time and it's important issue. LifePlan President and Advisor Alex Sutherland discusses this issue and the bigger impact it has. Watch the interview

The "Great Transition" Into Retirement

For many people looking to retire, they've been in the workforce for 30, 40, or maybe even 50 years. During that time, they've received paychecks and have saved a portion of that pay for retirement. For their entire adult life, they've been practicing a very successful habit - saving! Now, for the first time - maybe ever - retirement calls for them to spend their savings. We're breaking what we've always known to be a good habit and that is scary! Read the article
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