Your parents taught you a lot more about money than they or you might realize. It’s important to understand that. Why? Because what you learned from them is the foundation for most of the financial decisions you make today. My parents never said a word to me about money. But they gave me the equivalent […]
Is It Smart To File And Suspend Social Security Benefits?
There are many ways to skin a cat when it comes to maximizing retirement benefits. One strategy is to file and suspend social security benefits. First let’s decipher what this means and then we’ll determine if it’s a good strategy for you. What Does File And Suspend Social Security Mean? This is a strategy you […]
What is a Variable Annuity?
A variable annuity is a deposit with an insurance company like a regular annuity. The big difference is that you decide how to invest the money and you have many choices (including growth mutual funds). As long as you keep your money with the insurance company, you don’t have to pay tax on any growth. […]
How Investments Returns Jeopardize Your Financial Future
If you give in to the urge to focus too narrowly on your investment returns, you are looking for trouble. This point was brought home to me yesterday when I spoke to Caroline. Caroline is 37 and Jim is 35. They have 3 kids and after speaking with them for a few minutes, it seemed […]
What To Do With Money You Might Not Need Immediately
You already know how to invest your very short-term money. Stick in the bank and don’t worry about the low return – the liquidity and safety are what you need. And you know what to do with long-term money too. Use a long-term growth strategy that matches your goals and comfort level. But what do […]
Who Is Going To Spend Your Beneficiaries’ Money?
Please explain to me why most people work so hard to accumulate wealth and spend so little time protecting it for their family? It makes no sense. I mean think about it. By the time you leave this world either you’ll be broke or you’ll leave assets – one or the other. If you die […]