Financial Planning

Financial Planning

Life Insurance Beneficiary Mistakes

Life insurance has long been recognized as a useful way to provide for your heirs and loved ones when you die. While naming your policy's beneficiaries should be a relatively simple task, some situations can easily lead to unintended and adverse consequences. ...
Read more 0

Own Your Finances, Don’t Let Them Own You

Money has this funny way of running the show. One minute you’re feeling in control, and the next it’s dictating your decisions. Paycheck to paycheck, bills piling up, that nagging feeling that you’ll never truly get ahead… it’s easy to feel like your finances have the upper hand. But it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s time to flip the script, take the reins, and make your money work for you. Let’s explore how to break free from financial overwhelm and start building a future where you’re the boss.

Budgeting Isn’t a Dirty Word

Think of a budget as a roadmap for your money. It shows you where every dollar is going and helps you steer it towards your goals. And no, it doesn’t mean cutting all the fun out of life. A good budget is like that friend who encourages healthy choices while still making room for the occasional cheat day. Here’s why you need a budget ASAP:

  • Know Where Your Money Goes: Without tracking your spending, you could be losing money without even realizing it. Little drips turn into leaks really fast.
  • Reach Your Goals Faster: Whether it’s a dream vacation, a down payment on a house, or early retirement, having a budget lets you save purposefully.
  • Stress Less: Financial uncertainty breeds anxiety. Seeing your plan on paper brings a sense of control and puts those worries to rest.

Master Your Debt Monster

Debt can feel like an anchor dragging you down. Those high-interest rates are constantly sucking money away from your future. It’s time to turn the tables and attack that debt with a vengeance. Here are a couple of powerful strategies:

  • Debt Snowball: Focus on paying off your smallest debt first, regardless of interest rate. Small wins provide powerful motivation to keep going.
  • Debt Avalanche: Prioritize paying off the debt with the highest interest rate.
...
Read more 0

Saving Money as a Caregiver

While the financial cost of caregiving is often substantial, several strategies can help you save money as a caregiver. ...
Read more 0

Inheritance Talks with Your Family

My dad and my in-laws are 90 years old and unicorns. They don't want gifts, although my dad always appreciates a good book and a restaurant gift card. Instead, they're the ones who have given us, their children, gifts: the inheritance talk. That makes them unicorns, based on conversations with friends whose parents have never discussed their estate plans with them. ...
Read more 0

Retirement and Tax Changes for 2024

Did you know the IRS makes cost-of-living adjustments that affect your contribution limits for retirement plans and tax deductions that should be of special interest to those of us approaching retirement age? ...
Read more 0

What Does ‘Incapacitated’ Mean in Elder Law & Estate Planning?

What does 'incapacitated' mean and why should you care? An attorney explains the implications and how it factors into your financial and estate plans. ...
Read more 0

Will You Work After Retirement?

If you expect to continue working during your 60s, 70s, or beyond, consider the advantages and disadvantages carefully. Although working can enhance your retirement years in many ways, you may also face unexpected consequences, particularly when it comes to Social Security. ...
Read more 0

Tax-Plan Now to Save for Later

You don't want to pay more federal income tax than you have to. One way to save is to postpone your income to minimize current income tax liability. When you eventually report the income, you may be in a lower income tax bracket. ...
Read more 0