It feels unoriginal, but what kind of financial planner would I be to not even acknowledge the latest tax bill? There is a LOT going on with the bill (remember, it’s Big), so I’m going to focus very narrowly on the items that affect my clients’ financial plans: Social Security, tax rates, and estate provisions.…
You know who stresses less about stock market volatility? People who have a financial plan. According to the Goldman Sachs 2024 Retirement Survey and Insights: 40% of people with a financial plan feel comfortable managing their savings and investments, compared to just 16% of those without a plan. 80% of individuals with a financial plan…
Bonnie Parker, of Bonnie and Clyde steal-and-murder infamy was asked why she robbed banks. She reportedly replied, “I rob banks because that’s where the money is.” And so it goes with scammers and retirees. Older people are a great target for scams because they have saved money and have assets to steal. Here are 3…
Nope, that is not the name of a delicious new candy bar with chocolate, Rice Krispies, pretzels, salted caramel, and almonds. I wish, and if anybody decides to manufacture this terrific idea, please let me know where to buy them. Times are tough for tens of millions of student loan payers. Over 5 million payers…
Part of the insanity of the early 2025 investment scene is the wild ride of bonds. Yes, even the stalwart US Treasury options have seen big moves due to the tariff situation. There is a ton of money in money market funds these days because they were yielding up to 5% at one point. What’s…
I’ll get straight to the point: I believe that MOST homeowners should have a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). Why? First, let’s start with the What: A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a revolving line of credit secured by your home, allowing you to borrow against the equity you’ve built up. Basically,…
With the current uncertainty about every single thing happening with the federal government, a question I get asked a lot is what I think will happen to Social Security. While I do believe reducing Social Security would be difficult to enact unilaterally (and SO unpopular that no sane politician would try it), there is the…
Ever since the Global Financial Crisis of 2008, the US Federal Reserve kept interest rates at nearly 0% to stimulate the economy. As a result, safe money (cash you held for emergency funds or short-term needs) earned no interest whether that money was in a checking account, savings account, or money market fund. For so…
This month, I’m pleased to feature the expertise of my friend and Realtor, Renee Cohen. Renee and I started our businesses around the same time, and I’ve always enjoyed exchanging ideas about growing our firms, serving clients, and the state of the economy. Recently, Renee added a certification to help divorcing clients with their real…
‘Tis the season to be scrambling around at the last minute to make your charitable donations. In 2024, you may have benefited from a big increase in your investments and would like to use appreciated stocks or mutual fund shares to donate to charity and get a nice tax break. But what if you don’t…
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