If you’re age 50 or older, you’ve probably heard of “catch-up contributions.” It’s the IRS saying, “You are making more money, maybe those expensive kids are launched, go ahead and pile on the retirement savings. We’ll let ya.” Up until this year, you could also protect those extra contributions from current income taxes. But, as…
What is the trickiest part of being a financial planner? Is it outsmarting the markets? Knowing the “best” investments to recommend to clients? Figuring out someone’s lost crypto-wallet password? None of the above! At least not for me. The hardest part of financial planning is helping people determine that just-right amount of retirement spending. That…
Health Savings Accounts are fantastic. What other account has triple-tax benefits? Tax-deferred on the way in, tax-free growth, AND tax-free withdrawals when used for qualified medical expenses. Ah, but there is the rub. What can this magical tax-free money pay for? And what obvious medical costs are not reimbursable? Here are examples of surprising things…
Here it is – yet another financial advisor blog shaking its finger at you about not timing the market. Sorry folks, as long as people keep buying high and selling low, you are going to get this message from my BFFs (Best Financial Friends) and me. And for those of you who believe Crypto is…
Yep, we’ve all heard the expression. You may vaguely sense that it’s a caution against jumping out of your investments when headlines are scary – and you are right. But, what does this even mean? Origin Story – Every good superhero needs one. It is thought the expression started in the 1950s to depict a…
Any of my clients know that I am a non-fan of mountain property as an investment. I always encourage season-rentals over the constant financial drag of owning a second home. Especially in a location that is increasingly difficult and expensive to get home owners insurance. Yes, it’s totally disingenuous for me to make these pronouncements. …
A nuance of estate planning that I learned about recently is the complications of transferring guns of a decedent. It’s not like designating your Grammy’s parrot brooch to the most fashionable grandchild. Here to explain more is attorney Chris Hornbaker. Thanks to Chris for answering these basic questions of mine. If You Own Firearms,…
It may sound like something out of Ocean’s 12, but motion detection technology is becoming a quiet safety net for older adults who want to age in place, especially those living alone. These systems use discreet sensors to learn daily patterns and flag changes that might signal a fall, illness, or confusion, allowing families or…
After a strong year for international stocks in 2025, I’m getting more client questions about increasing the percentage of International in their portfolios. Many foreign stock funds saw double-digit returns, and the financial media (who are paid to get you riled up, not be a better investor!) is abuzz about “the comeback of international investing.”…
These days, Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia would have more options than ever for housing that offers community and financial savings. Senior cohousing Think of senior cohousing as the real‑life Golden Girls reboot. Everyone has a private home, but there are shared kitchens, gardens, and common houses where the coffee (and gossip) are…
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