Most of us know someone who has achieved great financial success, yet still isn’t satisfied. Their life seems to prove the old maxim that “Money can’t buy happiness.” However, if we’re honest, most of us would still have our doubts. We’d like to experience wealth—even if only for a while. (Probably because we know that […]
The Formula for (Money) Happiness Read More »
It’s been said that the top three sources of marital conflict are money, sex, and in-laws (not necessarily in that order). As a financial planner, I’m only qualified to address one of those issues. So, last week we tackled the subject of “marital conflicts over money.” We identified four possible outcomes to such conflicts: Today,
Fighting Over Family Finances? (Part 2) Read More »
I’m not a marriage counselor or family therapist, but I know this: One of the biggest sources of tensions for couples is money. Finances have a way of triggering conflict or fueling old resentments. What can we do about this? Well, first, we need to understand the different ways we tend to deal with conflict
Fighting Over Family Finances? Read More »
Social Security is facing a big problem. In eight years, the program will have only enough funds to send recipients 76% of their promised benefits. Imagine a retiree currently receiving $1,000 in monthly benefits suddenly getting just $760 per month. That 24% cut in income would be devastating to many. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La) believes
Bill Cassidy’s “Big Idea” Read More »
A couple I know is downsizing. Though this new house has “good bones,” it needs some renovating and a great deal of updating. The wife wants a to-the-penny budget in advance. The husband maintains that since they can’t predict everything they might need or want to do until they get into the project, any budget
Four Smart Money Tips for Your Home Improvement Project Read More »
Every now and then, I meet someone who tells me, “I love my work. And because of that, I’m not wild about the idea of ‘retirement.’ To me, that sounds like punishment, not paradise. Yet every time I go see my financial planner, retirement is all he talks about! Tell me: If I’m NOT planning
“Get to Work” vs. “Gotta Work” Read More »
Your spouse found a renovated lake house. The property’s beautiful, and the price is nice. But when you mention current interest rates and the risk of taking on more debt, you hear, “Babe, c’mon! Life is short. This is our chance to build some memories with the kids. Besides, if we don’t pull the trigger—and
Today’s Choices Shape Tomorrow’s Opportunities Read More »
Someone once told me: “I went to see my financial guy about retiring and all we talked about was my mutual fund’s performance! I know that’s important, but don’t I also need to be talking to an attorney about revising my will? And what about long-term care?” Not to wax nostalgic, but things used to
In a World of Specialists, You May Need a Generalist Read More »
You’re in your 50s, and you plan to retire within the next ten to fifteen years. What should you expect with regard to future healthcare costs? Expect to pay more. In 2022, overall health spending in the U.S. was $13,493 per capita, or a staggering $4.5 trillion (that’s “trillion” with a T). And healthcare costs—as
Don’t Let Health Costs Lead to Wealth Loss Read More »
Here’s a question I got a while back… “My parents have asked me to oversee the estate planning process for our family. It could be a little tricky. You see, I have four siblings. Most of us have kids, but not all. We’ve always gotten along as a family, but I’m a little worried that
Estate Planning Strategies for Avoiding Conflict Read More »
Speak with an Advisor