Happy President’s Day Pop quiz: Who was our nation’s first president? Now go ask someone else in your home. If you answered, “George Washington,” then congratulations! You clearly paid attention in grade school. Unfortunately, you’re wrong. Sort of. Think back to your history books. The United States declared independence in 1776. The…
I am asked regularly why an Annuity can pay a higher rate than a CD if all interest rates are similar. This short Kiplinger article shares that banks and credit unions make their money on loans: personal loans, commercial loans and mortgages. Interest rates on these loans are very, very low currently. Banks also…
What You Need To Know One of the trickiest—and most critical—Social Security planning strategies applies to widows and widowers who are between the ages of 60 and 70. If this isn’t you, please forward this to someone you know who may find it useful. If you (I am using one gender here but…
Questions You Were Afraid To Ask I recently started a new series of posts called “Questions You Were Afraid to Ask.” We will look at a common question that many investors have but feel uncomfortable asking. Because, after all, when it comes to your finances, there’s no such thing as a bad question! …
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years while working with people, it’s that it’s never too late to dream a new dream…or achieve one, either. Our collective Covid experience has changed so many lives; hopes, jobs, family, relationships, activity, etc. It’s opened up possibilities that would not have previously been considered. Recently, I…
Seven Deadly Estate Mistakes to Avoid It’s that time of year when good intentions and New Year’s resolutions lead to forgotten intentions and go by the wayside in the busyness of life. If you have not taken care of your Estate documents (Will, Trust, Power of Attorney, Living Will) or reviewed them in…
It’s real. It’s more than a now-common headline—the Great Resignation is real. The millennials call it the Big Quit. Workers are leaving their jobs at record pace. Could this be you in 2022? I’ve talked to many in 2021 who made all kinds of work ‘transitions.’ Some voluntarily, others involuntarily. Hundreds of…
Social Security is more confusing than ever. With 5,000+ claiming strategies it’s hard to know what to do. Some are sure they want it at 62 and others at 70. What’s best? Of course, the answer to that question depends on many factors. Some of those are: Age Health Marital status Spouse’s age Spouse’s health…
Have You Planned for The Stealth Tax? We looked back on the emails from this year, and I’ve written or mentioned inflation 4 times this year. More than any other year I’ve been writing. Most of you have been to Disney more than once. I have been probably 4-5 times. I have friends that have…
Are You Prepared? The statistic hasn’t changed for years. More than 67 percent of people over age 65 will require some form of long-term care. Where will you get the money? Where will you receive care? Who will provide care? Nursing homes continue to close reducing available beds. 140 million people will be turning 65…