Don't read this! It's summer. Your brain would prefer it if you just stop reading. This is why you need to unplug instead. Consider this: Your mental health is as important as your personal bottom line. Let's face it. Without a clear brain and good mental health, how important is it really if you have a fat bottom line? But you’re reading this, aren’t you? Well, thanks, but here are some ... Read More
Personal Finances
Don’t Let Your Money Take a Vacation
It’s summer. But don’t let your money take a vacation. During summer the last thing you want to think about are your finances. It’s more fun to think about beaches, BBQs, and hammocking. Yes, hammocking. But while you may be relaxing in summer-mode, make sure your money is still working hard. Although it's summer, don't let your money take a vacation. And since we’re just over the mid-year ... Read More
Is Monthly Income from Divorce Taxable?
As part of my divorce planning practice, I often work with clients to help them chart out their cash flows and projected tax issues to help reduce surprises. Sometimes folks can be confused about what is taxable income. A common question: Is monthly income from divorce taxable? In one case, a woman asked if the monthly benefit she received from her ex-spouse’s military pension was taxable since ... Read More
Avoid Costly Mistakes When Buying Real Estate in Retirement
You're ready to retire and tackle your bucket list. On your list is buying that dream home in retirement. But how do you pay for it? You should avoid these costly mistakes when buying real estate in retirement. Whether you want to buy your dream home by the lake or the ocean of somewhere more exotic, you're probably wondering how to make this dream a reality so you can cross it off your ... Read More
Why Women Are Better Investors Than Men
Anything you can invest, they can invest better and science backs this up. According to a recent study, women are better investors than men. Guys, take notes here. If you want to invest like Warren Buffet, you may want to invest like a girl because he does. Read on for the secret to why women are better investors than men. The world of finance is thought to be a man’s world: Cigars. Receding ... Read More
How Much Should You Have at Your Age? This Could Hurt
How much money should you have at your age? (This could hurt) People don’t often talk about how much money they have. It’s just not something that’s shared during dinner conversations or at lunch with co-workers. So, it’s really hard to know how well you’re doing because there’s no benchmark. Also, everyone makes and spends different amounts, so it’s hard to compare. But many people want ... Read More
You Sold Your Business. Now What?
You've worked hard. And now you want to enjoy your rewards after having invested blood, sweat and tears building your business. If you're lucky you get someone or some company to buy you out. Before you pop the cork off that champagne bottle, you better get your ducks lined up. You sold your business. Now what? You Sold Your Business. Now What? Most every business owner and entrepreneur has one ... Read More
Why Is Paying Off Debt Biggest Priority to Advisors?
One reader recently asked a group of financial planners, "Why is paying off debt the biggest priority to advisors?" So what is it about debt? Why such a big deal? Why do financial planners always seem to be so obsessed with telling clients to pay off debt? I don't know about other advisors, but in my case, you'd trace it back to Mr. Jennings and Mrs. Hirschfield, my high school English ... Read More
How to Buy a Home and Secure Your Financial Future at the Same Time
Too often people make life-changing money moves without considering the Big Picture. One of the biggest money moves for any family is buying a home or investment property. If you really want to secure your financial future, owning real estate can help. Buy you'll need to have a plan. Instead of just visiting Open Houses or scrolling through online listings, you need to have a team working with you ... Read More
3 Key Pieces of Advice for Career Starters
You're a recent college grad starting off on your career journey. What's next? What's the top 3 key pieces of advice for career starters? Check this out. 3 Key Pieces of Financial Advice for Career Starters A recent 22-year-old college graduate asked me what's the most critical piece of personal finance advice I could share. For someone with her own self-described lofty expectations for herself ... Read More
