We’ve all got them. People in our lives who live in a chronic state of financial mess. When it comes to money, they habitually make poor choices. There’s the friend who overspends. Despite his big salary, he’s got even bigger debt. There’s the parent who under-saves. The sibling who comes to you annually for “just […]

“I wish I had all the money I’ve paid into Social Security. I’d be rich.” Over the years, I’ve had one or two (hundred) folks say something like that to me.  Recently I got so curious, I decided to run the numbers. On myself. (By the way, did you know you can go to the […]

What exactly do you want out of retirement?  (I ask because when it comes to this topic most folks focus mostly on tools—pensions, 401(k) plans, Social Security, etc. Only a few think about goals.)  Many answer by saying they want be able to sleep till 10 or not have to dress up every day. I […]

Long-term care is expensive. And sometimes it costs a lot of money too. There may not be a great deal of cash changing hands as a result of someone’s gradually increasing need for long-term care, but that doesn’t mean a steep price is not paid.  And often, that price is paid by the healthy spouse.  […]

“Money can’t buy happiness…but it can buy cows. And cows make milk, and milk makes ice cream, and ice cream makes you happy.” This is the sort of wisdom you pick up in a Colorado bookshop while on vacation. Maybe it was the thinner air, but after I chuckled, I thought, “Wait a minute…that’s really […]

Ask a friend. That’s what we typically do when we’re trying to make decisions in life. Need a new doctor? Ask a friend. Better accountant? Ask a friend. Romantic vacation spot? Ask a friend. New school for the kids? Ask a friend. Why do we do this? Do we honestly think our assorted friends are […]