Remember that icebreaker game, Three Truths and a Lie? You give 4 facts about yourself and the group guesses which one is the lie? I am a horrible liar (good news for those of you who are my clients!) and my life is so boring it’s a tough game for me to play. Today,…
We are into the misery of winter now. Short, cold days, runny noses, and lumpy sweaters make you long for a beach vacation. But what if you could put that vacation money to use in your investments? What kind of companies profit from cold weather? Remember, this blog is not investment advice, but some…
After being stuck in the Senate for over 6 months (thanks, as usual, Ted Cruz!), the Setting Every Citizen Up for Retirement Security, aka the SECURE act, was finally signed into law at the end of 2019. What does it mean for you? Here is a very quick summary with bonus snarky commentary:…
Yes, a recent blog was just making fun of New Year’s Resolutions. But the new year does feel like a good time to embark on fresh starts, be it health, relationships, or money. I can only help with one. Resolution #1 Ignore all economic forecasts, prognostications, tea leaf reading, crystal ball predictions and financial…
Just a quick reminder for those of you aged 70 ½ and over who are also charitably inclined: There is no better way to gift from a tax standpoint than directly out of your Traditional IRA. Why? Money that comes straight from your IRA to a 501©(3) charity never hits your income for taxes. This…
What, a home cooked meal that’s easy and cheap and can save your sanity during the crazy holiday season? That’s right, your trusty financial planner to the rescue. Vegans need not read further. Main dish: (courtesy of Catherine Tidd at Social Seed Marketing): Take 1 can each of Campbell’s French Onion Soup and…
An important part of financial planning is anticipating how you will adapt to the impact of aging or disability. In 2008 the CDC estimated that 13.7% of all adults live with a mobility disability, defined as a serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs. Retrofitting one’s home with adaptive equipment or features can be expensive.…
The gender pay gap. Ugh, will we never stop talking about it? Hopefully the answer is NO until the gap no longer exists. In 2019, women made $.79 for every $1.00 made by a man (a 21% gap). Oh, and women of color, you are even worse off at 26% less earnings on average…
Congratulations! You’ve landed your first grown-up J-O-B. I’m sure your parents are thrilled. Now what? There is a bewildering array of benefits to understand and lots of advice flying your way. Here is a little quick advice that may help streamline your decision making. Start saving! First priority is a savings account for…
Nine-to-Five jobs with desks and paid vacation and retirement benefits are not going away, contrary to what you read. However, more and more people are choosing to freelance or work several jobs instead of a more traditional career path. If this describes you, read on for two tips on securing your finances in the gig…
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