There’s a lesson hidden in this stack
“An expert is a person who avoids small error as he sweeps on to the grand fallacy.”–Benjamin Stollberg
When I first got out of college, I rebelled against the system. For four ...(more)
How much salary should you defer into a retirement plan? Ultimately, the answer is “however much your budget allows you to contribute”. The big-picture question, however, is whether you need to contribute more to your ...(more)
inancial planning is a serious business, requiring deep relationships and trust to be successful.
Money matters are very personal, and the goals and accomplishments tend to be guarded secrets shared only with a select ...(more)
The monthly family budget discussion
“I don’t fear death because I don’t fear anything I don’t understand. When I start to think about it, I order a massage and it goes away.”–Hedy Lamarr
Boo. Budgets. Boring, right? ...(more)
The monthly family budget discussion
“I don’t fear death because I don’t fear anything I don’t understand. When I start to think about it, I order a massage and it goes away.”–Hedy Lamarr
Boo. Budgets. Boring, right? ...(more)
You stand at your window and look across the street. “Nice house,” you think. Nice landscaping, nice sports car, nice driveway, new bikes for the kids. Wow, your neighbors are really well off. If only you had that kind ...(more)
The Bush-era tax cuts could sunset in 2013, and this possibility has prompted some traditional IRA owners to think about Roth conversions.
If tax rates go up, going Roth may be smart. The key word in that last ...(more)
While it may seem obvious to some, the idea of working with a financial planner is often misunderstood.
Saying, “Those are just for rich people,” is like saying you’ll ride a bike because you cannot afford a Mercedes. ...(more)
Is this my social responsibility?
“The lack of money is the root of all evil.”–Mark Twain
Back during World War II, U.S. citizens were encouraged to buy war bonds – to save 10% of their paychecks for the war effort. ...(more)
A lot of people ask me the question, “What is a holistic advice?”
The term is referring to comprehensive advice that is big picture in nature. There are a ton of different places competing for a consumer’s investment, ...(more)
Contrary to popular belief, classic pension plans have not disappeared.
Corporations mostly have jettisoned them, but highly profitable small businesses are giving them a second look, deciding to adopt old school, ...(more)
Heyyy, Richie…maybe my advice is good after all!
“I’m willing to admit that I may not always be right, but I am never wrong.”–Samuel Goldwyn
When I started out in financial planning, I had a pretty solid line about ...(more)
Successful golfing and successful investing are similar. The key to both is determining how much risk is appropriate to accomplish your goals and when it is not.
Watching the different styles of the golfers at the ...(more)
Joey: “So, Ross. If you had a million dollars, what's the first thing you'd buy?”
Ross: “I'd probably get some municipal bonds, and then put the rest of the money in the bank and live off the interest.”
Joey: “Well, ...(more)
Another Georgia Tech blowout in progress
“All I ask is the chance to prove that money can’t make me happy.”–Spike Milligan
I am a fan of college sports. Unfortunately, my two favorite teams, Army and Georgia Tech, ...(more)
What Are Health Savings Accounts?
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As health care costs continue to rise, consumers must find ways to ensure that they have the funds to pay for medical expenses not covered through their ...(more)
Classifying Stocks
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Understanding investing -- particularly investing in the stock market -- requires an understanding of the ways stocks are identified and classified. This article explains the ...(more)
In Volatile Markets, Investors May Find Comfort in Dividends
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As uncertainty at home and abroad roils the financial markets, income-minded investors seeking protection from the bumpy road ahead may find ...(more)
Understanding the Fees Associated With Your Retirement Plan
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While employees typically aren't charged any out-of-pocket costs to participate in their plans, participants do pay expenses, many of ...(more)
Consume before investing
“Soup is just a way of screwing you out of a meal.”–Jay Leno
“The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook.”–Julia Child
Judge Joseph Wapner was the ...(more)
