With back-to-school season in full swing, I bet you are thinking, “Wow, I don’t miss those days of studying and tests.” Not so fast! In honor of Fall, I present to you a quiz on your financial progress over the past year. Question 1: Over the past 12 months, I have done the following (check…
A very common topic with my financial planning clients is how to pay for a big home renovation. Whether it’s finishing a basement, relandscaping, or adding a second floor, home improvement is a big wish for many people. And then the quotes start rolling in. Sticker shock often has homeowners saying, “Is the brown shag…
If you’ve ever looked at your paycheck and thought, “Why is the state taking enough money to sponsor a small yacht?” the idea of moving to a no-income-tax state can sound magical. States like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee market themselves like financial paradise: sunshine, freedom, and no state income tax. But before packing the moving…
For your favorite financial advisor (I’m assuming that’s me), the life lessons keep on coming. First, it was parenting. “How hard can it be to keep your kids out of trouble/drugs/therapy?” thought I. “HA hahaahaha,” replied the universe. The latest has been my experience downsizing. I knew I needed to get out of my big…
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…
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. …
Brrr, feeling chilly INSIDE of your house? This week I’m excited to offer a little education on a home improvement investment many think about but feel too intimidated to make: new windows. Yes, it feels like an big ticket item, but with the right guidance, this may be a worthwhile investment in your comfort and…
Sure, sure, we all want to save more money in 2026. But, as the iconic Cyndi Lauper sings, girls (and guys) just wanna have fun! What’s good for your pocket and the environment? Keeping used gear in the hands (and on the feet) of people instead of in landfills. Read on, Intrepid Adventurer, for resources:…
Curious about what your friends and neighbors are thinking about when it comes to money? Look no further than the top internet searches to take the public temperature about money worries. Inflation and cost of living questions Budgeting, saving, and “how to manage money” Credit cards, debt payoff, and loans Student loans. 4million Google searches…
How inconvenient that so many tax deadlines occur at year-end. What you really want to be doing is shopping, egg-nogging, New-Year’s-Eve-smooching, and wearing ugly holiday sweaters while watching football. So, what are some things you can do now, to avoid the crunch of December 31st money tasks? Execute your charitable gifting plans. There is no…
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