Blog
The Life Satisfaction Smile
Blog"The Life Satisfaction Smile" I heard the concept on a podcast recently that was talking about what makes people truly happy. It’s an age old question and one that I would guess we aren’t going to have a universal answer for or “solve” anytime soon. That being...
Proof of Wealth
Blog"Proof of Wealth" I often enjoy reading other thoughts and posts from financial experts in the field, and a recent post by Nick Maggiulli really hit home. It’s great if someone has a financial windfall or even wins the lottery but there is also something to be...
Financial Tips for Newlyweds
“Financial Tips for Newlyweds" Discussing finances is hardly a romantic idea for newly married couples but it is essential for any serious relationship. So many couples stick with their own individual way of managing money, which may or may not mesh with how their...
Showing Your Money Love on Valentine’s Day
“Showing your Money Love on Valentine's Day" I know what you’re thinking: “What a romantic topic for Valentine’s Day!” However, there is good reason to talk about finances on a day normally dedicated to romance and that’s because money matters are one of the main...
Best Advice Received by Financial Advisors
“Best Advice Received by Financial Advisors" As financial advisors and/or wealth managers we tend to focus the attention on providing advice and guidance to our clients without have the spotlight ever turned back on us. Much like a doctor or physician, when we have...
Client Headlines NOT News Headlines
“Client Headlines NOT News Headlines" We recently met with a fund manager who has over 25 years’ experience in the industry and we asked him what his outlook was for 2020. He proceeded to rattle off a number of global factors that could impact markets and the economy...
Term Life or Whole Life Insurance
“Term Life or Whole Life Insurance" When it comes to life insurance, most people know they should have something in place, but get confused with all of the different options in front of them. Life insurance? Eh, we will think about that once we hit that certain age....
9 Simple Tips for Financial Success
“9 Simple Tips for Financial Success" Having success with finances doesn’t have to be complicated or chalked up to some mystery that only ultra-wealthy individuals know. Success also isn’t necessarily about being smarter or working harder than everyone else. Most of...
The Importance of Zero-Based Budgeting
“The Importance of Zero-Based Budgeting" Budgeting isn’t the most exciting topic, but it is the nuts and bolts of someone’s financial picture and is a snapshot into what they value when it comes to money. While saving and investing are important parts of someone’s...
Setting Financial Goals for 2020
“Setting Financial Goals for 2020" The thought of new year’s resolutions makes some people cringe. I don’t think that resolutions are inherently bad, but I have found that they tend to be hopeful statements of achievement rather than clearly defined written down...
2010’s, A Decade in Review
“2010's, A Decade in Review" As the 2010’s decade draws to a close we thought it important to pause and take a look back at how the financial landscape has changed from 2010 through 2019. Remember how bleak things looked in 2010 as investors had just come off the...
SECURE Act Impact on Retirement
“What the SECURE Act Means for My Retirement" If you are still following the end-of-year political activity in Washington, you may know that Congress is voting on a spending bill to avoid yet another government shutdown. The House has already passed the bill and the...
Year End Financial Considerations
“Year End Financial Considerations" It’s crazy to think we are 3 weeks from the end of 2019 but that is reality. Amidst the Thanksgiving hangover, staying focused at work, and getting Christmas shopping completed, it can be easy to let other areas of your life take a...
When Should I Re-Finance My Mortgage?
“When Should I Re-Finance My Mortgage?" Everybody loves to save money, and since we are in a period of unprecedentedly low interest rates, the shiny object of refinancing can be an attractive proposition. But how do you know whether refinancing makes sense for your...
3 Weeks of Thankfulness: Week 3
“3 Weeks of Thankfulness - Week 3" If you follow along with our blog on a weekly basis you will know that we have been focusing on the idea of Thankfulness and how it can impact our financial situation. If you haven’t had a chance to follow along, then check out week...
3 Weeks of Thankfulness: Week 2
“3 Weeks of Thankfulness - Week 2" We are in week 2 of our 3-week series on Thankfulness as we lead into the Thanksgiving holiday. If you recall in Week 1 we focused on how thankfulness can produce patience, which is a great trait when it comes to our personal...
3 Weeks of Thankfulness; Week 1
“3 Weeks of Thankfulness - Week 1" As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday in the USA, what better way to lead into it than to talk about thankfulness and personal finance! If that doesn’t get your engine revving, then I don’t know what will. Ok, so maybe there is a...
Roth IRA Conversions for High-Income Earners
“Roth IRA Conversions for High-Income Earners"Firstly, I’m amazed we are already in November! It seems like 2019 just started, but alas we are only 2 months away from entering an entirely new decade. As we think about how quickly time flies, it’s good to appreciate...
Does It Matter When Booms and Busts Occur?
“Does it Matter when Booms and Busts Occur?"For my grandparents it was the Great Depression and then an economic boom from the second World War. For my parents it was the savings and loan crisis and the subsequent tech growth and dot-com bubble. For me it has been...
New Credit Cards for Student Loan Borrowers
“New Credit Cards for Student Loan Borrowers"This past week, Sallie Mae (a student loan lender and servicer) came to market with three new credit cards geared toward college students and recent graduates. Yes, you read that correctly. People already saddled with eye...
What the Released Navient Memo Means
“What the Released Navient Memo Means"For those that don’t know, Navient is one of the nations largest student loan servicers and currently manages over $300 Billion in in student loans for more than 12 million borrowers. In June 2010 there was an internal memo that...
Uncertainty is the Only Certainty
“Uncertainty is the Only Certainty"If you keep up with the news on a daily basis, it’s hard not to notice the constant fluctuation and turmoil on a geopolitical and financial front. Whether it is escalating trade tensions, Brexit, decreasing interest rates, or...
Whatever You Do, Talk to Someone
“Whatever You Do, Talk to Someone"In an April 2019 study conducted by TransAmerica Center for Retirement Studies, the comfort level of retirement conversations across three generations was surveyed. What was found is that retirement is a family matter that calls for...
What to Consider when Buying a House
“What to Consider when Buying a House"It’s the American Dream, right? Buying a home seems to be a rite of passage in the United States. A move that will take you from pretending to be an adult to actually being one. At least, that is what so many have perpetrated...
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