A Sample Fiduciary Pledge
Seldom have I read a blog post that I wish I could share with the entire world, but Tara Siegel Bernard, writing on ‘Bucks’ over at the New York Times just laid one down that I have to share with you. Her post titled ‘Will You Be My Fiduciary‘ and the article that she wrote to […]
Your Monthly Budget Is Already Garbage
Throw away your useless May 2016 monthly budget and just start over. Seriously, 99% of us have not stuck completely to the plan, and that’s expected. But that doesn’t mean you should go and spend as you please, it just means it’s time to start over. Reconstructing your budget around the middle of the month is […]
Your Home is a Nice Place to Live
Too many times I see folks counting on the appreciation of the home to help with their retirement goals. A big part of the problem with the real estate bubble of 2007-08 is that people used their homes like a piggy bank with HELOC loans they could not afford when real estate prices headed south. […]
You Only Need to Succeed Today
Trying to reach your long term financial goals can be a bit overwhelming at times. Sticking to your budget can be onerous. Do your long-term goals include action you can take today? If they don’t, then you’re probably not going to get there. If they do, then that’s the only thing you really need to […]
Yellow Cars
It’s amazing how many yellow cars are on the road, or at least it seems that way if you have just bought or are contemplating buying a yellow car. The truth is there are not suddenly more yellow cars on the road today than there was yesterday, all that has changed is your awareness of […]
Year-End Tax Planning
The holidays may be on your mind now, but taking steps to reduce your income tax bill for 2017 could make for a merrier April. If you wait until the start of the New Year to think about income taxes, you will be too late. To help us understand the steps we should be considering, […]
Year End Tax Planning
With the end of the year approaching, now is the time to look for opportunities to save on income taxes. Here are some items you should look for: Determine whether bunching deductions into 2019 or 2020 will enable you to itemize. Maximize the $15,000 per donee annual gift tax exclusion if estate taxes are a concern […]
Will You Be My Fiduciary?
NAPFA – the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors has a straightforward look at accepting the mantle of a fiduciary advisor. This pledge applies to all members. How about your advisor? The advisor shall exercise his/her best efforts to act in good faith and in the best interests of the client. The advisor shall provide […]
Why that $3 Billion Figure for Wasted Cancer Drugs is Wrong
There is a story making its way around the internet about the supposed waste of high tech cancer drugs each year. A new study published Monday by a research team at New York’s Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, estimates the drugs left over after patients receive a cancer treatment to be worth $3 Billion The problem with the study is the […]
Why Own Bonds?
You have heard of the importance of owning a diversified portfolio. For those who do not manage money professionally, the mantra to diversify by investment class is pounded into their heads by the consumer finance media and is rarely questioned. The reason bonds are included in a balanced portfolio is usually to reduce the overall […]
