Saving with a 529 College Plan

As the excitement builds for National 529 Day later this month on 5/29 [clever, eh?], it seems only appropriate to help our clients and readers to gain a better understanding of this type of college savings account. First, and foremost, you should know it’s generally unwise to fund your child/ren’s college with a 529 – as the sole account to meet college expenses. Depending upon a family’s situation, there are other types of college savings accounts that can meet your objectives or work in concert with a 529 account to [...]

By |2024-05-01T12:30:49-04:00May 1, 2024|College Planning, Financial Planning|

How Much is Enough Life Insurance?

Last year, we published a newsletter discussing Long-Term Care insurance and some food for thought around the common question “Should I consider Long-Term Care insurance?”  In keeping with this theme, I (Russell) would like to similarly address another common insurance question, “How much life insurance should I have?”  Although the short answer to a question like this is “it depends”, I think it is important to understand some fundamental guidelines.  However, before we can begin to look into this problem, just like addressing Long-Term Care, we must first understand the [...]

By |2024-05-01T10:29:33-04:00May 1, 2024|Estate Planning, Financial Planning, Insurance|

Estate Planning 101

By definition, estate planning is a process designed to help you manage and preserve your assets while you are alive, and to conserve and control their distribution after your death according to your goals and objectives. But what estate planning means to you specifically depends on who you are. Your age, health, wealth, lifestyle, life stage, goals, and many other factors determine your particular estate planning needs. For example, you may have a small estate and may be concerned only that certain people receive particular things. A simple will is [...]

Unveiling the Winning Game Plan for Personal Finances

In the world of sports and personal finance, success is not arbitrary; it's the result of strategic planning, disciplined execution, and a commitment to long-term goals. Drawing parallels between successful football teams and financial triumphs can offer valuable insights into managing our money effectively. Join us as we explore the playbook for financial success inspired by the victories of football powerhouses. Establishing a Solid Foundation: Strong Defense Wins Championships -  In football, a strong defense is often the backbone of a successful team. Similarly, in personal finance, establishing a [...]

By |2024-02-05T14:19:01-05:00January 24, 2024|Financial Planning|

Financial Resolutions: A Guide to Starting Off the New Year Right

As the calendar turns to a new year, many of us reflect on the past and set goals for the future. One area that deserves careful consideration is our financial well-being. Whether you're looking to save more, invest wisely, or pay down debt, the beginning of the year is an excellent time to set the stage for a financially successful year ahead. In this blog, we'll explore practical steps to help you start off the new year on the right foot financially. Reflect on the Past Year: Before setting new [...]

By |2024-01-30T18:14:02-05:00January 4, 2024|Financial Planning|

Reflections & Resolutions: Navigating the Year-End Fiscal Landscape

Introduction: As the year draws to a close, it's an opportune moment to reflect on your financial journey and lay the groundwork for a prosperous new year. The year-end is not only a time for festive celebrations but also a crucial period to assess your financial health, set goals, and make strategic decisions. In this article, we'll explore key considerations for wrapping up the year on a strong financial note and planning for a financially sound future. Review Your Financial Goals: Start by revisiting the financial goals you set at [...]

By |2024-01-30T18:14:26-05:00December 27, 2023|Financial Planning|

Preparing for the New 529 Plan

Education is a significant investment in a child's future, and responsible financial planning is crucial to ensure the availability of funds when the time comes. 529 Plans have long been a popular saving choice for higher education expenses, its origin dating back to 1996 when this prepaid college savings account first was added to the IRS tax code. And over the years, there have been changes and improvements to the Plan to make it a more attractive savings vehicle for a family’s college planning needs. Though now, it appears that [...]

By |2024-05-01T10:53:52-04:00December 1, 2023|College Planning, Financial Planning, Retirement Planning|

A Thanksgiving Conversation with the Family CFO

As we approach Thanksgiving, a time of gratitude and togetherness, it's fitting to acknowledge the unsung hero of the household – the one who manages the family finances. Often referred to as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the family, this individual plays a vital role in steering the family ship through the financial seas. In the spirit of the season, let's explore the importance of effective communication, collaboration, and planning in managing a family's finances. Setting the Thanksgiving Table: Budgeting for Financial Success Just as a well-set Thanksgiving table [...]

By |2024-01-30T18:16:00-05:00November 21, 2023|Financial Planning|

Holiday Financial Planning

The holiday season is a joyful time, but it can also bring about financial stress if not properly managed. As Financial Advisors, we understand the importance of effective financial planning. Here are some essential tips to help you prepare financially for the holiday season: Set a Budget: Start by creating a holiday budget that includes all your expenses – gifts, decorations, travel, and special events. Stick to it to avoid overspending. Save in Advance: Ideally, you should start saving for the holidays throughout the year. However, if you haven't, it's [...]

By |2024-01-30T18:16:49-05:00November 13, 2023|Financial Planning|

Guarding Your Finances Against Halloween Horrors

Halloween is here, and while the spooky season is all about costumes and candy, it is also an excellent time to reflect on the scarier aspects of our lives. Financial scares can be just as bone-chilling as any ghost story, and it is crucial to ward them off. So, grab your favorite Halloween treat, and let us dive into how to keep those money woes at bay. The Phantom Expenses Picture this: You're going about your daily life when, out of nowhere, an unexpected expense creeps up. It is like [...]

By |2024-01-30T18:22:59-05:00October 31, 2023|Financial Planning|
Go to Top