Gifting with a Purpose: Practical Strategies to Positively Impact Your Next Generation
Because saving money early and often can be difficult, consider how you might help those closest to you to do more of it. Here are some scenarios and ideas.
The Two Most Important Questions to Answer When Choosing a Financial Advisor
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
In working with over a hundred prospective clients in the past five and a half years, I’ve found that these are the two most important questions you need to ask yourself...
Can You Ever Have Enough?
Category: Financial Planning » Retirement Planning
There is always more stuff to do or buy. There are always more “what if’s” for which to account. It’s a rare creature who has found contentment in what they already have, a person who no longer searches for the next thing or feels empty because of what they do not have.
What Does It Mean to Be an Investor? – Part One
For a minute, I want to think broadly about the question, “What does it mean to be an investor?”
Are You Checking Your Accounts Every Day? Stop it.
Does it help or harm the average long-term investor to peek at their own accounts or pay attention to the market every day?
What Does It Mean to Be an Investor? – Part Two
As you peek into the future – hopefully one with greater discretionary time and money – do you envision yourself increasing or decreasing your investment in the well-being of the people close to you and the world in general? Do you see yourself sticking close to the mess of the world or investing in ways that escape it?
Are You in the Bear Market Buyer’s Club?
For the person who is currently contributing to a portfolio and does not need to take distributions anytime soon, this is a gift. That’s right, a bear market is a gift to those investors. If you are contributing to an investment account right now, you are already in the Bear Market Buyer’s Club.
What to Do When the Market Is in a Bad Mood
When the going is good, we’re not all that concerned with asking or answering the question. It is when the going gets tough, like right now, that we find ourselves more interested in asking. So, “What should we do?”
Time to Revisit Your Cash Reserve Fund
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
Nearly four out of ten Americans lack enough money to cover an unexpected $400 expense? The statistics on this have remained consistent over the years. One of the first steps in building a strong financial foundation is creating an emergency fund. The idea is to prepare for the unexpected expenses of life.
Med School Grads, Do These Three Things First
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
As a recent medical school graduate, resident, or doctor early in your career, there are a few key things to consider for your financial well-being. The earlier you develop a strategy for these things, the greater the benefit.
Who Should Care About the CARES Act? You!
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
Early in the morning on Wednesday, March 25th, negotiators from both Congress and the Executive branch struck a deal spending nearly $2.2 Trillion to aid individuals and businesses.�
Kids These Days Aren’t Even Taught How to Balance a Checkbook
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
The truth is, there’s a huge need for all of us to help the people around us make wise decisions with regard to money.
Getting Rid of Debt Can Help You Save
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
At the end of 2021, outstanding consumer debt in the United States, including mortgages, student loans, auto loans, credit cards, etc., totaled $15.6 trillion, which equates to about $50,000 per American. Clearly, we are no strangers to debt. Ultimately, getting rid of consumeristic debt will help you save and accomplish your goals.
Leave the Gift of Giving as part of your Estate Plan
Category: Financial Planning » Charitable Giving
One of the best strategies for charitable giving is to open and fund a Donor Advised Fund (DAF).
3 Key Topics You Should Know from the Retirement Enhancement Act
Category: Financial Planning » Estate & Transfer Planning
While the News headlines the impasse with split government in Washington, the trade war, immigration, and the growing field of contenders for the White House, a substantial change in retirement plans is making its way through Congress.
SECURE Act Signed Into Law. How Will This Impact Your Plan?
Category: Financial Planning » Estate & Transfer Planning
In December 2019, President Trump signed the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act into law. Will it affect you?
IRS Allows for Reversal of 2020 RMDs
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
In late June, the IRS announced RMDs would be able to be reversed from any account requiring them through August 31st. Since the IRS is allowing this, it presents a potential tax planning opportunity.
Round Two: Stimulus Aid Arrives
Category: Financial Planning
The aid package was just one part of a larger funding bill, and it contained many provisions, most notably an additional round of direct payments to Americans.
More Stimulus Aid on the Horizon
Category: Financial Planning
On January 14th, President Biden presented his plan, titled the American Rescue Plan, for the next round of economic aid related to the ongoing pandemic.
American Rescue Plan: Aid Begins Hitting Accounts
Category: Financial Planning
Most notably, the bill included another round of direct payments to Americans, many of whom have already received the $1,400 (individually), plus per spouse and dependent/s.
Starting Off on the Right Foot
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
Starting off life after school on the right foot financially is important. A good financial advisor can make all the difference.