Blog
A History of the Federal Funds Rate
Blog“A History of the Federal Funds Rate" There is a lot of talk about the Federal Funds rate recently and whether or not the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates in 2024. I thought this recent article from Yahoo Finance did a good job explaining the history of...
Is the AI Fever Too Hot?
Blog“Is the AI Fever Too Hot?" I get a lot of questions about Artificial Intelligence and whether clients think we should be investing more heavily in some of these companies. While the growth has certainly been eye-catching, it’s important to not get caught up in the...
SECURE Act Impact on Retirement
“What the SECURE Act Means for My Retirement" If you are still following the end-of-year political activity in Washington, you may know that Congress is voting on a spending bill to avoid yet another government shutdown. The House has already passed the bill and the...
Year End Financial Considerations
“Year End Financial Considerations" It’s crazy to think we are 3 weeks from the end of 2019 but that is reality. Amidst the Thanksgiving hangover, staying focused at work, and getting Christmas shopping completed, it can be easy to let other areas of your life take a...
When Should I Re-Finance My Mortgage?
“When Should I Re-Finance My Mortgage?" Everybody loves to save money, and since we are in a period of unprecedentedly low interest rates, the shiny object of refinancing can be an attractive proposition. But how do you know whether refinancing makes sense for your...
3 Weeks of Thankfulness: Week 3
“3 Weeks of Thankfulness - Week 3" If you follow along with our blog on a weekly basis you will know that we have been focusing on the idea of Thankfulness and how it can impact our financial situation. If you haven’t had a chance to follow along, then check out week...
3 Weeks of Thankfulness: Week 2
“3 Weeks of Thankfulness - Week 2" We are in week 2 of our 3-week series on Thankfulness as we lead into the Thanksgiving holiday. If you recall in Week 1 we focused on how thankfulness can produce patience, which is a great trait when it comes to our personal...
3 Weeks of Thankfulness; Week 1
“3 Weeks of Thankfulness - Week 1" As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday in the USA, what better way to lead into it than to talk about thankfulness and personal finance! If that doesn’t get your engine revving, then I don’t know what will. Ok, so maybe there is a...
Roth IRA Conversions for High-Income Earners
“Roth IRA Conversions for High-Income Earners"Firstly, I’m amazed we are already in November! It seems like 2019 just started, but alas we are only 2 months away from entering an entirely new decade. As we think about how quickly time flies, it’s good to appreciate...
Does It Matter When Booms and Busts Occur?
“Does it Matter when Booms and Busts Occur?"For my grandparents it was the Great Depression and then an economic boom from the second World War. For my parents it was the savings and loan crisis and the subsequent tech growth and dot-com bubble. For me it has been...
New Credit Cards for Student Loan Borrowers
“New Credit Cards for Student Loan Borrowers"This past week, Sallie Mae (a student loan lender and servicer) came to market with three new credit cards geared toward college students and recent graduates. Yes, you read that correctly. People already saddled with eye...
What the Released Navient Memo Means
“What the Released Navient Memo Means"For those that don’t know, Navient is one of the nations largest student loan servicers and currently manages over $300 Billion in in student loans for more than 12 million borrowers. In June 2010 there was an internal memo that...
Uncertainty is the Only Certainty
“Uncertainty is the Only Certainty"If you keep up with the news on a daily basis, it’s hard not to notice the constant fluctuation and turmoil on a geopolitical and financial front. Whether it is escalating trade tensions, Brexit, decreasing interest rates, or...
Whatever You Do, Talk to Someone
“Whatever You Do, Talk to Someone"In an April 2019 study conducted by TransAmerica Center for Retirement Studies, the comfort level of retirement conversations across three generations was surveyed. What was found is that retirement is a family matter that calls for...
What to Consider when Buying a House
“What to Consider when Buying a House"It’s the American Dream, right? Buying a home seems to be a rite of passage in the United States. A move that will take you from pretending to be an adult to actually being one. At least, that is what so many have perpetrated...
How is my Credit Score Calculated?
“How is my Credit Score Calculated?"Many people live and die by their credit score and do everything humanly possible to improve it. Others take a more passive approach and just try to ensure they pay off their credit card every month and trust they will be viewed in...
You are that Person
“You are that Person"Several years ago, I was walking near Times Square in New York City. As I walked down the street, I noticed an older man standing on the corner. He was well dressed, suit and tie, long coat, and holding a brown paper bag. As people would pass by...
Retirement Survey Across Generations
“Retirement Survey Across Generations"The definition of retirement is changing. Baby Boomers are starting a new trend that says retirement might not mean sitting around and doing nothing. In fact, for most, it is an opportunity to simply have more of a say on how...
A Week in Atlanta, GA on a $57,000 Salary
“A Week in Atlanta, GA on a $57,000 Salary"I’ve been interested in personal finance blogs and money diaries for some time now, but I find what Refinery29 does particularly insightful and helpful. On a consistent basis, their readership volunteers to send in what...
The Intersection of Minimalism and Finance
“The Intersection of Minimalism and Finance"The idea of minimalism seems to have gained momentum over the past decade. From personal experience, I can say it has been a rewarding and interesting journey for our family and I can see why the “movement” has gained so...
New Under-The-Radar Retirement Account
“New Under-The-Radar Retirement Account"For years, the term “Roth” was held just for Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA’s). However, the 401K and Roth IRA have birthed a beautiful child called the “Roth 401K” that a lot of companies are starting to offer to their...
The Rise of Coffee Shaming for Millennials
“The Rise of Coffee Shaming for Millennials"Frankly, as a millennial myself, I’m tired of hearing about how our $5 coffees are the sole culprit that is putting us behind the eight ball for purchasing a home, saving for our kids college, or being set up for...
Your Goals > Stock Market Movements
“Your Goals > Stock Market Movements"Let’s face it, the stock market can be a very scary place. Even if the market is moving up, there seems to be constant headlines about when our next recession will be or what events will lead to a “major correction”. On top of...
Robo Advisor vs. Financial Advisor
“Robo Advisor vs. Financial Advisor"There has been a lot of debate, especially over the last 10 years of a bull market, about the real “value” that a real-life financial advisor brings to a client. During this time, the massive growth of robo advisors such as...
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