As a financial advisor, I hear these complaints all the time: All of these comments reflect a faulty mindset. They are looking at the “savings problem” from the wrong end of things. You see, it’s all but impossible to cut back when you see everything you buy as “essential.” You can waste a lot of […]
Don’t Confuse Symbolism with Substance When Trying to Save Money Read More »
If you had invested $100 in an S&P 500 index fund on January 1, 2020, it would have been worth… Which raises the question: Is this kind of volatility normal? Maybe we need to define “normal.” One wag has suggested that the only normal people are the ones you don’t know very well yet. The
Why the Stock Market Goes Up Read More »
I get this sort of question often: “A friend introduced me to a very nice Christian man who is recommending I put my money into some kind of annuity or bonds or something like that. I’m not a stock market person. I don’t understand finances, but I really like this young man. He seems so
The Person Behind the Plan Read More »
When people find out I’m a financial planner, they: (a) ask a lot of fiscal questions; and (b) make a lot of money confessions. One admission I hear a lot? “I’m constantly stressed about money!” Maybe you can relate? (Especially in the current economic climate.) If so, let me give you two reminders and five
What To Do With My Money Stress Read More »
This is for the person who feels financially “gloomy.” Keep reading only if: (a) you’re convinced the economy will be bad for a while; and (b) because of that belief, you’ve put a halt to investing and all other financial moves. I understand why you feel cautious. I get wanting to be safe and watch
What to Do in (Financially) Gloomy Times Read More »
At exit 332, the Millers and Jacksons find themselves in a “culinary crisis.” They have multiple dining options, but they can’t agree on where to eat. Margie Miller is feeling adventurous—she’d really like a cauliflower taco and a fish taco from a food truck with stellar Google Reviews. Her best friend Amanda thinks the truck
What Food Trucks and Retirement Income Plan Have in Common Read More »
Most people I know have taken at least one of these famous “personality tests”: It could be that you’re a “high D” or an INTJ or an Enneagram 3. Whatever the case, these assorted assessments (and all the others like them) are a fascinating reminder of just how differently we’re wired. And it’s not just
What’s Your Retirement Income ‘Personality’? Read More »
An exasperated client told me,“My wife keeps saying we need to get our wills updated. I tell her, “Why? We already have wills, which is more than most folks can say. We’ve covered all the big stuff! Why fuss over the details?” There’s a lot to like about the mindset that says, “Don’t sweat the
When Small Stuff Becomes a Big Deal Read More »
Should you be part of a large investment group and guarantee a large loan for a business deal? It depends on a number of factors: Remember, when farmer Brown comes into the barnyard with a hatchet in his hand, not all the chickens are at risk…just the fat ones. Consider the case of Mark Brunell.
Before You Invest in that Sweet Deal … Read More »
Remember Tee-ball? It was mostly about having fun. You could hit the ball three whole feet, run the wrong direction, and still get plenty of high fives—and a shiny trophy at the end of the season. Compare that to professional baseball. In the big leagues, nobody cares that your dad is one of the coaches,
Three Secrets for Finding the Career You Want Read More »
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