Things to check and double-check before you leave this world. Estate planning is a task that people tend to put off, as any discussion of “the end” tends to be off-putting. However, those who leave this world without their financial affairs in good order risk leaving...
5 Common errors to avoid + 2 big factors to consider. Most families that start 529 college savings plans have done their “homework” about these programs. Missteps are made, though, often with the distribution of 529 plan assets. Here are some of the major gaffes, and...
Many myths surround these popular estate planning tools. Living trusts are created with a clearly defined objective: to avoid probate. Misconceptions about living trusts have spread to the point where people think they can accomplish much more than they really do. Here is a realistic assessment...
A financial checklist for the most difficult of times. The passing of a loved one irrevocably alters family life. After a death, there is so much to attend to that addressing financial matters related to a family member’s passing may be put on hold. This should...
WEEKLY QUOTE“It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.” - George Washington WEEKLY TIP In a divorce, a 50-50 split of marital assets is not always “fair”. One spouse may have much greater income potential than the other, and that should be considered...
After you leave work, what will your life look like? How do you picture your future? If you are like many baby boomers, your view of retirement is likely pragmatic compared to that of your parents. That doesn’t mean you have to have a “plain vanilla”...
Are we seeing the early signs of a dollar bull run? What happened to the weak buck? In recent years, stock market gains have been associated with a weak dollar (among other factors). This latest rally on Wall Street seems to be an exception: years of...
WEEKLY QUOTE“One must shy away from questionable undertakings, even when they bear a high-sounding name.” - Albert Einstein WEEKLY TIP Collaboration among investment, legal and accounting professionals may make a big difference in the scope and execution of a financial strategy. WEEKLY RIDDLE Which positive whole number can...
MONTHLY QUOTE“Rumor travels faster, but it doesn’t stay put as long as truth.” – Will Rogers MONTHLY TIP Having a baby? Be sure to double-check your health coverage to see if it covers prenatal care, various delivery options, nursery costs and more. MONTHLY RIDDLE A woman has 5 daughters and...
Does it signal anything more than bullish sentiment? Next stop, 15,000? As the Dow Jones Industrial Average settled at a new all-time high of 14,253.77 on March 5, the psychological lift on Wall Street was undeniable – the market was finally back to where it was...