Wait, is Kristi telling me I shouldn’t donate money to help others? Never! I love charitable gifting and helping clients feel comfortable donating to non-profits. However, often writing a check is the least beneficial to the donor for tax savings. Consider these methods first: Donating Long-Term Appreciated Assets Gifts of long-term appreciated stocks, bonds, or…
When I have a captive audience of young adults, I like to ask them what concerns them about their personal financial situation. The number one answer (consider this unscientific anec-data) is how to afford a first time home purchase. First, the problem (hint, it’s NOT avocado toast) High home prices and elevated interest rates Incomes…
I am a fan of (at least considering using) reverse mortgages. Although there is some controversy from the old days where the product lacked current consumer protection, the new world of reverse mortgage is worth looking at. Nationwide data indicates that home equity can account for 50% or more of total net worth for many households…
Tariffs, world unrest, inflation, politics, actual ticks – things are going to happen, but people still want to finish their basements. A common question that comes up in financial plans is, “How can I pay for my house improvements without derailing my retirement/college goals?” Here are a few ideas: Savings: Using your own cash is…
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…
Times are stressful with rising prices, crazy stock markets, and general world instability. While you can’t control people starting a trade war, you can control how the fallout affects your bottom line. Here are some ideas on how to lower your household inflation rate – even as prices rise. Plan your Purchases and Research…
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,…
Sometimes it’s nice to just revisit the basics of good #personalfinance. This could be a refresher for you or something to talk to your kids about. This is a quick list of what to do (in order) if you have a windfall of money. Like, maybe, a tax refund. Pay off credit card debt…
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…
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