Cautious Investor
A New Normal in Estate Planning – The Digital Estate
We live in the digital age, and the world is going paperless. Many people pay their bills online, use online-only savings accounts or software like Turbo Tax. But what happens to your online world when you pass away? Technology has made having an online presence a convenient and important component of many Americans’ lives. It…
Read MorePlanning for Peace in the New Year
If you’ve ever had that unpleasant money conversation with your spouse, significant other, or even children about how much things costs and where money is getting spent, you’re not alone. Budgeting can be incredibly uncomfortable for all if it involves accusations, criticisms and finger-wielding for past spending decisions. But what if budgeting didn’t need to…
Read MoreTax Advantaged Holiday Gift Ideas for Grandchildren
Shopping for grandkids can be difficult. Clothes and gift cards are usually boring and toys are only exciting for a day or two, but there’s another solution: financial gifts. While a financial gift might not be fully appreciated by kids or teens when they’re young, they will get far more from it than the momentary…
Read MoreMr. and Mrs. Unlucky – Understanding Sequence of Return Risk
Since March 9th of 2009, the U.S. stock market has taken off. Some have labeled this the longest bull market in history although FINRA technically gives that title to the 12 ½ years from October 1987 – March 2000. Many investors have reaped the benefits from strong equity markets over the last 9 years, but…
Read MoreFiling the FAFSA for Divorced or Separated Parents
If you’re a dependent student filing the FAFSA, and your parents are separated and/or divorced, applying for financial aid is not difficult. However, there are a few steps you’ll need to take and additional paperwork you may need depending on several factors. Contrary to what is sometimes assumed, parents “not living together” means that the…
Read MoreBaby Boomers, Know Thy Self
Many Boomers have saved their hard-earned money for years with plans of being able to retire. Some have faced job loss and various circumstances that have led them to not be able to retire – or at least not when planned. For those who do have plans to retire soon or already are retired, having…
Read MoreThe Health Care Conundrum
Retirement is supposed to be glorious, a time to cross off items on your bucket list. One problem however, is that rising health care costs are tipping the buckets over on many retirees. According to HealthView Services, health care expenses are projected to increase at a rate of 5.47% per year. This is more than…
Read MoreYour Money or Your Life?
Older adults who lose their life savings may also lose years from their life, a new Journal of American Medical Association* study suggests. Looking at more than 8,700 Americans ages 51-61, researchers found that those who lost 75% or more of their net worth within a two-year period were more likely to die over the…
Read MoreMarital Money Mishaps
When you think of a wedding, golden rings, bells, and buffets may come to mind – but what about after the celebration is over and the happy couple have said their “I-do’s”? For those who don’t have serious and continuous discussions about finances, the future could spell trouble, and even divorce, for 36.7% of marriages.…
Read More3 Missteps Too Many Investors Learn with Hindsight
Sometimes being an investor feels like driving on a congested freeway. Changing lanes when you’re stuck in a traffic jam never works out – the lane you choose always slows down and the lane you left speeds up after you change. Patience pays off just as it does when you invest. Sometimes investments may look…
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