What’s the magic number? Forgive me if I’m like the drunk at a party and I’ve already said this to you before. But it’s come up in a bunch of client meetings lately, so I’m going to tell you again. And again. And again. Americans really like to compete when it comes to…
When Credit.com asked Kristi her advice on how to determine how much rent someone can afford, she offered this advice: Consider your expenses. If you’re like many Americans, you have debt. This is especially prevalent among young college grads. That has to be a factor in deciding what you can afford in housing costs. “The…
Have you saved for 2016? April 15th looms and for those of you who haven’t saved for 2016, time is running out. As if that pressure isn’t enough, you have to decide what kind of retirement account to use. Roth IRA Roth IRAs allow you to put up to $5,500/year in ($6,500 if…
Want to sell your business for $1billion? At the heart of the small business owner is the hope that someone will come along and buy his business for exactly the right amount of money to retire to the Caribbean. Just in case that doesn’t pan out, how you will support yourself when your business…
Kristi helps the Financial Planning Association figure out when it’s the right time to hire a professional financial planner. 15 Signs You Need a Financial Planner You wouldn’t depart for an important trip without a clear idea of how to get to your destination — or at least without a GPS or map to…
The Reverse Mortgage Chances are high that when I mention the idea of a reverse mortgage to clients, I’ll be met with a very sour expression. I think this is because of the impression that these instruments are expensive and that you give up ownership of your home to use them. Now, I…
Do you find it hard to understand financial experts? I don’t blame you! That’s why I helped U.S. News and World Report decode the terms you might hear. Say what? “Meeting with a financial professional can be key to getting your finances on track. But one thing that doesn’t make it easier: When your…
If you are an active mom on Facebook, this is old news. If you are like me and employ someone to be active for you on Facebook (I’m talking to you Social Seed Marketing), you won’t have heard of this yet. If your kid gets in trouble, there are fewer ways of dealing with…
This one came out around Christmas from Fox Business, but it’s a concept worth thinking about whenever gift-giving opportunities arise. While it’s long been possible to hand out cash, buy stock or contribute to college savings plans, financial institutions and retailers are making it easier to bestow a gift with lasting value. Among them…
Who was interviewed by Liz Weston with the Associated Press? Me, that’s who! Financial planners and credit counselors see plenty of examples. The grown son who lost a job, moved home and stopped looking for work. The daughter who constantly mismanaged her checking account — and turned to payday lenders when parents stopped covering…
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