Technology has a way of making life easier and harder at the same time. Take investing, for example. Should you go it alone? Hire an adviser? Or use one of the many new digital investing platforms? Well, the rise of robo investing is here with new ways to handle digital investing. It doesn't have to be an 'either/or' proposition. Forward-thinking investors and advisers can harness technology to ... Read More
financial planning
Financial Planning Money Moves When a Spouse Dies
Ask the Money Coach - Financial Planning: Question from Michael about financial planning after a parent's death: My father recently passed and the attorney who drew up the trust recommended a financial planner to my mother. He made a couple of the recommendations during the initial appointment and I'm a bit concerned about the type of advice being given. One recommendation was for her to move ... Read More
Fidelity Survey Says Most People Think Financial Advisors Add Value
A recent survey by Fidelity of investors was highlighted in the December 2012 issue of Financial Advisor magazine. In the survey, more than half of those polled indicated that financial advisors add value. This is great news not just for for those of us working to help individuals create order from the chaos of their financial lives. It is a real testament to the changing views of the ... Read More
Planning Tools for College, Taxes and More
Financial planning is like life: A Journey, not a Destination. These resources are here to provide useful guides and maps along the way. These are just tools. A hammer and chisel are just tools. But handled well and in the hands of a craftsman, they can create masterpieces. If you need help crafting your personal masterpiece, we welcome being a part of your team. Useful Guides from ... Read More
Buckle Up and Hold On: Investment Roller-Coaster Ahead
When you're on an airplane and hit turbulence or rough weather, the flight crew tells you to stay seated and buckled. Unfortunately, when the markets hit bad weather, there is rarely such a warning. You might want to call it "Black Thursday." Yesterday, the markets around the world went into a tailspin reacting almost violently to the ongoing drumbeat of dour economic news. On the radar, we've ... Read More
Ask the Adviser – Should I Rollover a 401(k) from My Old Job?
This is a common question from many folks. There are many valid reasons to consider a 401k rollover. While changing jobs can be stressful and life can otherwise get in the way, you really should not neglect this. Oftentimes, out of sight is out of mind and you could be losing money and not even know it. Costs While it may not seem like it, you are paying for your funds to stay with your old ... Read More
Most Common Investor Mistakes and How to Avoid Them: Mistake #1
Investing Mistake #1: Treating Investments Like a Part-Time Job and Not a Business. "When a man tells you that he got rich through hard work, ask him: Whose?" Don Marquis While you may be investing for a child's education, a vacation home or retirement, the common ingredient for success really is the process, approach and mindset you bring to making investing a success. Take it seriously and you ... Read More
How I Made My Fortune
The entrepreneur was being interviewed after a long life. He had made it through the Great Depression and was looking back. As he warmly reflected, he straightened up and with a twinkle in his eye told the world the secret of his success. "It was really quite simple. I bought an apple for five cents, spent the evening polishing it, and sold it the next day for 10 cents. With this I bought two ... Read More
Money Moves to Ring in the New Year
“Sometimes all it takes to change your life massively for the better is a small action and a small success, “ says David Bach, a noted author on money matters. Consolidate Your Accounts: Don’t wait for spring cleaning to roll around. Make it easier on yourself by combining old 401(k) or IRA balances from your various old jobs. This can help cut down on the amount of paper you receive and ... Read More
‘Tis the Season:Tax Gifts for Real Estate Owners
Is real estate still a good investment? As a landlord dealing with sometimes rowdy tenants or unexpected repairs, you may wonder whether or not it's still worth it. Despite these headaches and the ongoing doom and gloom reported about real estate prices, owning investment real estate continues to provide a number of benefits. Buying a property offers a number of favorable tax benefits, a way to ... Read More
