Building a Financial Planning Tower may seem like a lot of work. Any time you are building something, you want it to be strong so it will last. The top layers need to stand on a sturdy foundation so it won’t topple or break. This is equally true for financial planning. Let’s explore how to build a financial planning tower … Read More
How to Get Organized in 2021
2020 was a hot mess. Given that, you may be thinking about getting better organized in the new year. Your money is no different. Organizing your finances now will set you on the right track for the rest of the year. How do you decide when and where to spend your money? Do you use a rational, well thought-out process? … Read More
How to Get the Most out of Your 401(k) or 403(b) Plan
Your 401(k) or 403(b) accounts are a smart place to store your retirement money — there’s no disputing that. However, simply directing a percentage of your paycheck into it every month and expecting the culmination of funds to support you through your golden years is not enough. You need to understand how your investments, the plan’s fees, and any employer … Read More
You May Have a Will, But Do You Have a Digital Executor
Having a digital executor to manager all your online accounts when you pass can make life simpler for your family. Let’s find out how. Mary, a mother of four and grandmother of nine, passed away. She thought she had all her estate planning in order. She had created her health care and power of attorney documentation, so her family was … Read More
COVID and the CARES Act – What Working Families Need to Know
Every day my morning starts with a news update followed by targeted financial headlines and then financial planning updates. Information is moving so fast, it’s hard to keep up. Most recently, the government has passed multiple legislative acts to help American workers and small businesses during this unprecedented time. With that in mind, here is an overview of the relief … Read More
3 Smart Ideas for Your Tax Refund
In 2019, the average tax return was a little over $3,000 — which, no matter your income level — is nothing to sneeze at. I mean, an extra $3,000 added to your budget could cover a lot of shoes, that Peloton bike you’ve been eyeing, or even a weekend getaway that your family so desperately needs. But before you go … Read More
How to KonMari Your Budget in 2020
As a planner, I like being organized. So, when I saw the Netflix show Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, like many of you — it became my new guilty pleasure. For those unfamiliar, Marie Kondo is a superstar in the world of organizing who has completely revolutionized the art of decluttering with her trademarked “KonMari Method”. Her philosophy is simple: … Read More
Why Nancy Drew is Poor
How many of you read Nancy Drew mysteries under the covers with a flashlight when you were growing up? She was the greatest. She was clever and pretty, without being pretentious, and she always solved the mystery at hand, helping a great number of widows and orphans. Our childhood role models, however, don’t always cut it when we reach adulthood. … Read More
Financial Planning for the Modern Family
David and Karen are a typical busy family. David works for a mid-sized firm in the marketing department and earns a good income. Karen is the primary caregiver for their three kids and does some part-time work on the side. They haul the kids to soccer and dance classes. Both volunteer with their favorite charities. They spend time at the … Read More
How Much Income Will You Really Need in Retirement?
Have you spent any time envisioning what your retirement will look like? I have. Here’s our ideal plan. My husband retires from his company when our youngest heads off to college. Then we sell our home and move to the mountains. “The mountain home I don’t have,” as I call it, will be smaller than our current home, very energy … Read More
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