Let’s say you’ve recently completed or reviewed your estate planning documents – will, trust (if appropriate), powers of attorney for finances and medical decisions, and advance directives for your care – and updated the designated beneficiaries of your life insurance, retirement accounts, perhaps even your house and car. So many decisions. Toast yourself and the […]
YOUR HEIRS NEED TO KNOW Read More »
Are you retired or is retirement within sight? Congratulations! Now you can do all those things you have dreamed of doing in your leisure years – travel, spend time with family, volunteer, play more golf or pickleball, or try something new. Up to this point, you have probably focused on growing your wealth within comfortable
THE THREE BUCKET INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO Read More »
When you hear someone talk about the stock market, do you understand the terms they use— domestic markets, international markets, emerging markets, developed markets; small- mid- or large-cap stock; growth or value stock? Is the jargon confusing? Understanding these terms will help you navigate the world of stocks. This blog will cover broad market definitions.
ARE STOCK MARKET DESCRIPTIONS CONFUSING? Read More »
As a retired financial planner, I admit that my favorite clients were those whose goals included generous charitable giving. One couple comes to mind. Not only did they make generous donations to their alma mater and favorite non-profits, but they also invested in community efforts to improve blighted areas. Their life purpose was passed along
CHEERS FOR THE FUTURE OF CHARITABLE GIVING Read More »
Are you one of 63% of workers who cannot cover a $500 emergency expense? Effective January 1, 2024, help may come from your employer in the form of a PLESA which was created by the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022. What is a PLESA? PLESA stands for pension-linked emergency savings account. Your retirement plan sponsor
What’s the difference, you ask. Aren’t they the same? The answer is “no” and, depending on your situation, you may want to use one, the other, or both. Let’s take a deeper look. Money Market Account A money market account, sometimes called a money market deposit account, is a type of bank or credit union
MONEY MARKET ACCOUNT OR MONEY MARKET FUND? Read More »
One of my previous blogs covered saving for short-term goals. Now it is time to look at options for investing to reach your long-term goals. Remember that investing is only appropriate if your living expenses are covered, your debt is under control, and you have built an emergency fund. After that it may be time
WHERE CAN YOU INVEST? Read More »
Are you worried about having enough to retire, let alone having the lifestyle you want? You are not alone! According to U.S. Census Bureau data, 50% of women and 47% of men between the ages of 55 and 66 have no retirement savings.1 Women over age 65 are more likely to be poor than men,
SECURE YOUR FUTURE IN 2023 Read More »
With turmoil in the financial world – inflation, bank bankruptcies, recession concerns, etc. – you may have reached the point that you want to check in with a professional advisor. If nothing else, it may calm any anxiety about your future. Common questions I hear as I speak to audiences across the nation are: Am
SHOULD I HIRE A FINANCIAL ADVISOR? Read More »
Will you be 60, 61, 62, or 63 in 2025? Are you still employed and contributing to your company retirement plan? Then start planning now for the added contribution you may make starting in 2025. Catch-Up Contributions You may be aware that under current law, employees who reach age 50 are permitted to make catch-up
EXTRA RETIREMENT PLAN CATCH-UPS ARE COMING YOUR WAY Read More »