Avoiding Extremes in Financial Planning (and in General!)
Years ago, a speaker at our church encouraged us to “avoid extremes.” Right away my mind went to sadness or anger and he addressed that. The part I didn’t see coming was to avoid extreme happiness or being extremely prideful.
How to Create a Healthy Relationship With Money in 6 Steps
When thinking about money – do you feel stressed, tense, controlling, confused, like you have an abundance of it or a lack thereof? If you relate to any of these questions, you have an unhealthy relationship with your money.
4 Big Changes for Retirees after the SECURE Act
Dail Meikle The big news in year-end legislation is the long-anticipated SECURE Act was passed and will take effect on January 1st of 2020. The Act includes sweeping changes in several areas, including to Required Minimum Distributions, or RMDs, which affects many of you. Let’s looking at a …
How to Plan For College and Keep Expenses Down in the Age of the Student Debt Crisis
For most students, experts say it remains financially worth it to go to college, despite rising tuition and opportunity costs in relation to increasing wages for workers holding only a high school diploma. The average rate of return (net gain or loss on college investment across a career) is 14%.
In the SECURE Act Era, You’ll Need a New Retirement Strategy. Roth Conversions Could Be It.
But when the SECURE Act goes into effect – expected on Jan. 1, 2020 – beneficiaries will have to fully distribute taxable accounts within 10 years of the account holder’s death. That could push your loved ones into a higher tax bracket.
What Is the Yield Curve and What Does It Tell Us?
If you’ve paid attention to market prognostications over the last year, you’ve likely heard the term “yield curve.” The yield curve has become the center of attention for explaining the economy and markets, which is why our financial advisors always seem to be answering one question: What i …
Compounding Wealth (and Wisdom)
No single strategy works forever, but you also don’t want to change your approach every time the markets shift slightly. How does investing work – not just for a season or a year or two, but for a lifetime? Time is a major factor when it comes to successful investing.
Politics and the Markets: How to Invest in Politically Challenging Times
When presenting to individual investors, what I worry about the most is offending an audience member’s political views, especially when there’s a Q&A to follow. As our political discussions grow more contentious, it’s more challenging to avoid stepping on toes.
7 Smart Money Moves You Can Make Today
Life is treating you well. Success shows in your promotions at work. The kids graduated from college, and they are out on their own. The nest is empty and you realize it’s high time you focused on your financial health – finally!
How to Buy a Car Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Wallet)
Having to buy a car is like having a sliver stuck under my fingernail. It’s painful and annoying, I know I have to deal with it, but it’s going to take forever. Might as well pack a lunch too, because the second you decide you want to test drive something they have you trapped.