What Do You Want?
Tragically, we humans are, to put it bluntly, awful at wanting the things that will create the most meaning and satisfaction in our lives.
Gifting with a Purpose: Practical Strategies to Positively Impact Your Next Generation
Category: Financial Planning
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.
Saving More Is Easy If You Eliminate Obstacles
Category: Financial Planning
I listened to a great show on the Hidden Brain podcast a couple months ago: Work 2.0 – The Obstacles You Don’t See. The big takeaway was that often the path to success is not about more motivation but removing obstacles. I think the podcast has had a big impact on my life already. Let me explain.
Accountability: The Key to Unlocking Financial Independence
Category: Financial Planning
For more than 20 years, I ran competitively. Last year, I spent three to four months training consistently and failed to reach one of my goals.
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 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?
Financial Risks That Are Not in the News
Stock market risk is the primary focus of the financial news. The reason is simple. The scarier the headline, the more eyes are attracted to it.
Every Investor’s Real Question: “Am I Going to Be Okay?”
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
In my time working with clients, there is one question asked more than any other, “Am I going to be okay?”
The Ins and Outs of Paying Student Loan Debt
Category: Financial Planning
Whether you are working on paying down student debt yourself, or have children looking to do so, below are some questions to consider.
SECURE Act Signed Into Law. How Will This Impact Your Plan?
Category: Financial Planning
In December 2019, President Trump signed the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act into law. Will it affect you?
Med School Grads, Do These Three Things First
Category: Financial Planning
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
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.�
IRS Allows for Reversal of 2020 RMDs
Category: Financial Planning
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.
Getting Rid of Debt Can Help You Save
Category: Financial Planning
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.
Speeding Tickets & Investing
Recently, I received a gift from the Iowa State Patrol in the form of a speeding ticket. In reflecting on this experience, it occurred to me that I took an unnecessary risk to attain something I didn’t need and ended up sacrificing money I didn’t have to lose.
How to Plan Your Digital Legacy
Category: Financial Planning
Currently, a single solution to preserve or pass on ownership of digital assets doesn’t exist. This is where it becomes important to think about all of your digital assets and develop a plan for each. Here’s how to go about it.
Leave the Gift of Giving as part of your Estate Plan
Category: Financial Planning
One of the best strategies for charitable giving is to open and fund a Donor Advised Fund (DAF).