Often times our identity is so tangled up in what we do for a living that it’s difficult to imagine doing anything else. While some retirees may enjoy an empty schedule, you may be worried that you will fall into a trap of never ending boredom. What does my ideal week look like? … Read more »
Spending what they don’t have works for politicians at the national level (who don’t need to balance a budget). Cutting taxes and/or increasing spending brings home the bacon and provides job security. History is instructive in this regard. Ronald Reagan increased the national debt by 186% while in office, percentage wise higher than debt… Read more »
During your working years, financial incentives tend to make decisions for you. As you age toward retirement, you’re able to make decisions allowing your money to serve you, rather than continuing to be a servant for the money. Just as an unhealthy relationship may string you along with false promises and expectations, many employers… Read more »
Many retirees are surprised by the cost of health care during retirement. Although you have been paying into Medicare during your work career, many retirees fail to realize the limitations of Medicare coverage. You will likely need a supplemental insurance policy to cover the gaps in Medicare coverage. With that said, here are some tips… Read more »
Preparing your family for what will happen upon your passing is a crucial and often overlooked part of the estate planning process. Along with drafting your estate plan, you may have neglected an important part of the process- communicating your plans. It’s important to communicate your intentions to the implementers of your documents. Typically… Read more »
Back in 1996, my grandmother gave me 20 shares of Ameritech stock for my birthday. Ameritech was one of the seven Baby Bells that was formed following the breakup of AT&T. I was 12 years old and didn’t know what a stock was, or what Ameritech did. But I was absolutely fascinated when my grandmother… Read more »
Is a financial check-up on this year’s spring cleaning list? You’ve tidied the house and put the finishing touches on the landscaping, but don’t forget to review your finances. Add these five items to your list this year: Pay Yourself First Small adjustments can go a long way toward helping to build wealth…. Read more »
When I used to earn a living by teaching in public school, I could always tell when it was time for a teacher to retire. Certain experienced teachers began to complain about the kids. How the kids didn’t seem to annoy them years ago, but “today the kids are different.” I surmised that it wasn’t… Read more »
President Biden has just announced his proposal for increasing long-term capital gains tax rates (as part of his American Families Plan). The long-term capital gains rate applies to realized gains on stocks held for at least one year, and is currently lower than the tax rate for ordinary income (or wages). For instance, the… Read more »