Someone recently said to me, “Your columns and emails haven’t been very upbeat lately. You turning pessimistic on us?” Me, pessimistic? Never! The word “pessimism” comes from a Latin root meaning “worst.” Seeing things in the “worst” possible light doesn’t do anyone any good. The mantra for pessimists is “Why even try? Nothing ever works […]
Pessimistic, Optimistic, or Realistic? Read More »
Susan’s getting close to retirement. She has money in two mutual funds and in a traditional IRA. Susan loved the tax break she got annually on her IRA contributions while she was working. But now she’s realizing she’ll have to pay taxes on that money when she starts withdrawing it. Consequently, as she plans for
Thinking About Taxes and Retirement Read More »
Someone recently asked, “If I’m already retirement age, is it too late—and too pricey—to consider long-term care insurance? What I thought was, “It depends. How lucky do you feel?” What I said was, “I recommend you plan like a pessimist so you can live like an optimist.” Here’s why I answered that way: When we
When is It Too Late to Buy Long-Term Care Insurance? Read More »
Visit a small town coffeeshop one morning this week. Listen in on the conversation. It won’t be long before someone starts grousing about financial institutions. “Can you believe we’re bailing out banks AGAIN? Why are we giving money to a bunch of billionaire bankers! You ask me…I’m ready to do away with ALL financial institutions!”
Can We Trust the Big Financial Institutions? 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 »
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 »
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 »
Most businesses in the U.S.—in the world, for that matter—are family businesses. Small, family-owned businesses are the engine of growth and job creation in this country. Therefore, it’s in everyone’s best interest to see them thrive. Unfortunately, about 70% not only don’t thrive—they don’t survive past the first generation! Fully 95% fail to make it
How to Ensure Your Family Business Survives Read More »
No, I’m not a prophet. But since people regularly ask me, “Will Social Security and Medicare still be around when I retire?” let’s explore that question. One of my clients lives abroad. I only see him about once a year. At our last visit, I was shocked at how much he’d trimmed down. “You’re not
Are Social Security and Medicare Running Out of Money? Read More »
A man once said to me, “My friends are always talking about their financial plans, but the idea that I could create such a thing feels impossible. I’m terrible with money!” I told him, “I understand that feeling. But the truth is you could create a smart financial plan. It really is possible.” (That’s a
How to Do Anything You Can Do Read More »
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