If you follow my blogs, you will have gone through an exercise to set both short-term and long-term financial goals. (See my blogs: Set Your Investment GPS, The Battle of Needs vs Wants, and Choices.) Saving is what is meant when you set aside funds for short-term goals, those goals with timeframes shorter than 5-7 …
The “R” word is appearing in news stories more and more and carries with it a sense of dread. Does talk of a recession make you afraid? Should you be afraid? What is a recession? The definition of recession is a period of temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activity are reduced, generally …
At least once a week I receive an email or cell phone message that sounds like a scam and I bet you do, too. Despite television announcements, magazine and newspaper articles, and warnings posted in public places, scams and other fraudulent schemes take a toll. Investment Scams When I was an advisor in a brokerage …
Yesterday I spent most of the day raking leaves in our yard. The yard did not really need raking, but it was the first day warm enough to be outside and enjoy it, and I wanted the exercise. Iowa The birds are back! We regularly see chickadees, crows, and wrens but they have recently been …
My blog, Traditional or Roth IRAs, covered the basics of contributions to and withdrawals from both Traditional and Roth IRAs. Those are the accounts that you as an individual can use to save for retirement, in addition to any company sponsored retirement plan accounts. There are different rules for Roth IRAs than there are for …
If you have spent any time on my website or are a regular reader of my blogs, you know that financial literacy is my passion. I mean PASSION! Throughout my career and in my life, the question I ask myself is: What is the best way I can help others? My book, How to Dress …
One of my family members recently talked with me about a will and other documents that are necessary for not only a smooth transition of her property at her death but also to appoint others to take care of important matters if she was incapacitated in some way. An incapacitating injury or disease may mean …
This is a story about a bed. You probably have a similar story. Let’s see …… Newlywed I was married between my junior and senior year in college. We were totally oblivious to the material needs and costs of life together. We did not own a car. My husband had a motorcycle, and I had …
It’s tax season and you may be wondering if it makes sense for you to contribute to an IRA, an Individual Retirement Account. Good question, especially with the option to make a standard deduction, versus itemizing your deductions. Before we talk about the potential for a tax deduction, however, let’s look at your IRA choices. …
During Women’s History Month we celebrate the accomplishments and contributions women have made to make life better for others. It causes me to reflect on my heritage and the women whose lives influenced mine, especially before I was born. My story is probably like yours. There are key players and others that have come and gone …