“The secret of success is constancy of purpose.” – Benjamin Disraeli As a new parent, I am routinely reminded that patience and rational decision making, combined with preparation for a variety of outcomes, are critical ingredients in creating a palatable recipe for all involved. On a recent family road trip, my husband and I packed … Continued
Big, expensive, “full-service” health care policies may seem like the first choice for affluent individuals who may feel that they can afford such a policy. After all, why not pay for the most coverage available? With careful exploration, comparative analysis, and a fresh view of all overall out-of-pocket medical expenses, the choice worth considering might … Continued
As financial advisors to a broad variety of clients, it is common for us to work with clients with all levels of career experience who are earning income as freelance or self-employed workers. While many of us are familiar with company-sponsored 401(k) plans and traditional IRAs, fewer of us are familiar with individual (or solo) … Continued
For those who want to pursue inter-generational transfers of wealth to assist their family while they are still living, two rather simple techniques stand out for their general ease and effectiveness; annual exclusion gifts and 529 plan contributions. Both offer significant help to children and grandchildren, and provide meaningful estate planning opportunities. Direct gifting may … Continued
I recently came across an article discussing an interesting question: If you could give your college-self one piece of advice, what would it be? Surprising or not, results came back almost 100% centered around finances, covering topics like compounding interest, budgeting, and the little to no ROI on a round of shots — all excellent … Continued
This is the year I became “middle aged.” Please send as many jokes on “middle age” as you can find because some humor around the event helps my perspective! According to the PEW Research Center, I join a generation in which nearly half (47%) of adults in their 40s and 50s have a parent age … Continued
Home ownership has long been a cornerstone of the American dream. Owning a home says you’ve “made it.” More than that, a home is a place to nest, raise your children and make memories. Understandably, these factors then make it difficult to think about moving to a retirement community and the dream to “age in … Continued
In the beloved 1956 musical My Fair Lady, Alfred Doolittle, the father of Eliza Doolittle, has one last spree before his own wedding. The familiar tune “Get Me to the Church on Time” is a plea to his friends not to let his merriment get in the way of his good intentions! Few things are … Continued
Over the last seven years, many investors have been hard pressed to find a single investment option with a relatively safe and consistent return. The long running backdrop of low interest rates, the real estate market slide of 2007, and Great Recession of 2009 have left conservative investors anxious for certainty and security. The … Continued
One of the biggest challenges facing retirees is the rising cost of healthcare and how they’ll pay for it. Medicare, the country’s health insurance plan for Americans age 65 and older, helps to make health care affordable; however, the enrollment process and decisions of when and how to file can be complicated and stressful. If … Continued