Blog
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...
Why America is Still a Safe Bet
Blog“Why America is Still a Safe Bet" Over the past few years I regularly get asked if I think that America is in a downward spiral and whether investing in our future is still a safe bet. While I understand the question, and I don’t think you can argue that 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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...
What to Expect from Healthcare in Retirement
“What to Expect from Healthcare in Retirement"Many people decide if they are on track for retirement based on how much they expect to spend each year once they retire. For some people, this will work. However, for the majority of Americans who will face some sort of...
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 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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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