Navigating the Noise: A Reality Check on Fearful Headlines
Sometimes headlines are right, but remember they are created to get your attention, not necessarily to provide you with helpful information.
Thermostats and Peanut Butter Jars
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
“Scrape the bottom of the peanut butter jar,” in order to set yourself, your family, and others up for future happiness.
The Seesaw of Finance
There are parallels between concepts in finance and concepts in physics. Let's take a look.
The Once a Year Approach to Looking at Investments
Last year was a very up and down year in the market. That’s not abnormal. In fact, it’s what happens most years. December 12 was the only time last year that I looked at the numbers. In not looking at the numbers throughout the year, I not only minimized worry, but also created the opportunity for a happy surprise.
Should I Invest in Bitcoin?
Category: Investing » Alternative Investments
Investing is a deliberate act, guided by the overarching principles of enhancing expected returns or mitigating portfolio risk. Let’s look at Bitcoin to see how cryptocurrency might look like an investment opportunity.
How Should an Investor Position Their Overall Investment Portfolio Now and in the Future?
Category: Investing » Asset Allocation
Right after, “What will the stock market do next?” the positioning question may be the most asked and re-asked question by investors of all types.
Hiking Through the Financial Wilderness
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
I used to laugh at the TV commercial years ago that stated, “Most people spend more time planning their vacation than their retirement.” It’s funny how your perspective can change with time. Now, I gladly note all details of a personal trip, perhaps as a parallel of my work.
Chart of the Month – Sept 2023
The current state of the housing market has left many puzzled. In a scenario where interest rates are soaring, one would naturally anticipate a decline in housing prices. Surprisingly, this anticipated correction has yet to occur.
Financial Mechanic’s Toolbox: DIY or Expert Help?
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
I’d love to be the person who can tell you why a car squeaks when you drive it and who could fix it. But as time goes by and I haven’t developed those skills, I’m coming to grips with the fact that it probably just isn’t in my wheelhouse. It’s not that I couldn’t learn, it’s that I’d rather focus on and learn about other things. There comes a point with your personal finances when you need to decide what you’ll do and what you’ll pay someone else to do.
What do you need to know about Property & Casualty Insurance?
Category: Financial Planning
Insurance is one of the few things you buy which you never hope to benefit from, because that typically means something bad has happened. I encourage you to take a few minutes to confirm items that could make a massive impact on your financial situation if an accident were to happen.
What is your Legacy?
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
We create a legacy through a long series of intentional choices. Discussing things that are more important than investment returns and account allocations, leaning into the heart of things that really matter and put together a plan to achieve those things.
Prioritize Your Financial Goals
The best way to accomplish your financial goals is by being intentional with the money that comes in. Identify the priorities you have for your money. You could break those priorities into four categories: Due, Extend, Gift, and Spend.
The Gift of Financial Success
Category: Financial Planning » Charitable Giving
Time is the greatest money-making asset you can possess. The earlier you start investing, the easier it is to ensure a lifetime of financial success. Parents and grandparents, there may be an opportunity to give the gift of financial success to your young adult family members while also enjoying estate and tax planning benefits for yourselves.
Chart of the Month – Aug 2023
Increasing interest rates have many effects, not only on the economy, but also on stocks. Given the recent rally, we wanted to highlight that rising rates do not always mean that stocks will go down. While the stock market is not making new all-time highs just yet, the market has been resilient to a regime thought to be a drag on the markets.
Embrace Uncertainty and Teamwork – Insights from the Men’s College World Series
Category: Financial Planning
Expect uncertainty and embrace the power of teamwork. We counsel clients to focus on the things they can control, like how much they are spending, saving, and investing rather than letting uncertainty shred their peace of mind.
Fitch Downgrade – A Closer Look
Category: Investing » Diversification
Fitch, downgraded US government debt from its pristine AAA rating to one notch lower at AA+. The Fitch downgrade serves as a reminder of the necessity of diversification, as no investment is entirely risk-free.
Fantasy Football and Financial Planning: What is your strategy?
Making good decisions and ultimately avoiding costly mistakes can be life-changing. Note that it does not start and end with picking the best player or hot stock but rather goals and a plan.
Key Considerations as Payments Resume on Student Loans in 2023
Student loans for millions of Americans are set to resume in September, with payments due in October of 2023. If you have student loans that have been impacted, now is a great time to look them over and review options moving forward. This blog outlines just a few things to consider as payments resume.