Financial Planning

Have you ever wondered how to choose the right financial advisor? Whether you’re looking to work with a financial advisor for the first time, or you are looking to change advisors, the looming question in your mind might be:... Continue Reading

Today I want to talk about using Kaizen to become a 1%er. I’m not talking about those that fall in the higher earning bracket…. Although that may be a goal for some… And, I’m not talking about that particular... Continue Reading

Federal Student Loan payments are scheduled to begin on October 1, 2023. After more than three years of extensions, delays, an executive order, and a pending Supreme Court hearing, you may be wondering what to expect. A few things... Continue Reading

If you're considering buying a house vs renting, here are several important considerations based on the seven key areas of financial planning. Even with mortgage interest rates at a higher level, buying a house can still be an opportunity.... Continue Reading

What services do you expect from your financial advisor? What are you actually getting? Think about it. Is there a gap between your advisory expectations and the reality? Research from SpectremGroup among wealthy investors shows there’s a massive advice gap in... Continue Reading

Changing jobs and wondering what to do with your 401(k)? You have four options available for your 401(k) plan when changing jobs. Yet, almost half of job changers cash out. A Harvard Business Review study found that approx. 41%... Continue Reading

Making better financial decisions requires an effective and structured process. Consistently following such a process can be challenging, especially when emotions come into play. Emotions can cloud our judgment and steer us away from the logical path. This generally... Continue Reading

The fiduciary standard is one of the more misunderstood and misquoted obligations in financial services. Many financial advisors would say they take on a fiduciary duty. At the same time, many advisors are not truly bound by the standard.... Continue Reading

Who should do financial planning? What is the point of financial planning, especially if you've already been investing for some time? In this video, I provide a visual aide for how your financial life and your investments work best... Continue Reading

Big changes are coming in 2024 to 529 plans and Roth IRAs. More importantly, for the first time ever these two savings vehicles will soon have a direct link. Here's a brief overview of what to expect in planning... Continue Reading

I'm here to tell you the end is near. No, this isn't a conspiracy theory. The end of the year is coming fast and there's nothing you can do to stop it from happening. You can, however, take steps... Continue Reading

Since 2010 the federal government has allowed people to complete Roth conversions, which is simply moving money from a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Because of contribution limits and income phaseout requirements, some tax payers simply don't qualify... Continue Reading

Are you eligible for a Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction? If you expect to earn business income of less than $170,050 single or $340,100 married filing jointly, you may qualify. Your type of business and source of income received... Continue Reading

The Biden Administration released a relief program, including the forgiveness of up to $10,000 federal student loan debt for most borrowers. How will the program work? What's included in the package? How will this impact the economy? What about... Continue Reading

I've been thinking of this concept that, for lack of better marketing, I'll call "the now vs the not yet." Or, for ease of common terminology, living now vs. waiting for retirement. Here's how the concept works - Grab... Continue Reading

One of the most common questions advisors ask prospective clients is: "what are your financial goals?" Financial services firms market a goal-centric approach to the general public. With this question, advisors are communicating that you need to have specific... Continue Reading

Think financial planning is only for people planning to build wealth? What if you already have wealth? I've written about how financial planning helps build and protect wealth; in this article I'll speak to wealth management for those who... Continue Reading

"I'm tired of these constant emails and meetings. I'm tired of the stress. I want out of this corporate job!" If you've ever said these words... or even have thought them in quiet desperation, you are not alone. In... Continue Reading

Many businesses begin with a well-crafted business plan including the product/service, pricing, supply chain, customer demographics, and marketing ideas. A sound business plan may also include a defined exit strategy, including selling your business. With good fortune and hard... Continue Reading

Here's the definition of financial planning, as expressed in the CFP Board’s updated Code and Standards published in October 2019: "Financial Planning is a collaborative process that helps maximize a Client’s potential for meeting life goals through Financial Advice... Continue Reading