Wants vs. Needs & My Brainwashed Wife
Two nights ago my wife Ann and I were talking about cars and spending habits (seriously, this is what a financial planner and his wife talk about after a great date of beer and burgers) and I asked her...
View ArticleWhen Should You Collect Social Security?
When should you begin collecting Social Security? The answer depends in part on how long you think you’ll be around to collect it. A growing number of Americans have been forced to delay their...
View ArticlePost-Election Insights: Helpful Links
We are in the heat of election season and you may be wondering….what happens next? Here is a link to a helpful research document from Eaton Vance that discusses the Fiscal Cliff. I am not advocating...
View ArticlePay It Forward: Carson Glore Foundation
I am so proud to have an opportunity to use my $1,000 Pay It Forward money from Bell State Bank & Trust to support the Carson Glore Foundation. If you would like to learn more about the Carson...
View ArticleHow Much Health Insurance Do I Need?
Many consumers need enough to ensure that if they (or a covered family member) get sick or injured, their household is not footing the entire medical bill. Options for coverage that are available to...
View ArticleOver 1,000 in less than 4 Months!
Thank you to my readers! In my amateur start to blogging financialplanning.areavoices.com has exceeded 1,000 views in less than four months! Here are the top 10 entries: Wants vs. Needs & My...
View ArticleCredit Report 101
Your credit history can have an impact on many things in your life including your job, home, and insurance. Those with little to no credit can find the process of building credit daunting. However, it...
View Article‘Tis the Season for Giving
During the holiday season, you may want to give to a charitable organization that’s important to you. Giving to a charity can consist of volunteering your time, writing a check, or donating through...
View ArticleThe Gift of Giving: Planning for Charitable Donations and Gifting
Advice on Establishing a Plan for More Meaningful Gifting This Holiday Season Washington, D.C., December 14, 2012 – As consumers scramble to buy the perfect holiday gifts for those they care about,...
View ArticleFinancial planners: How to survive fiscal cliff
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) As Congress struggles to avert the fiscal cliff and its tax increases, financial planners are being peppered with questions from confused, worried or angry clients. Their...
View ArticleShould You Be Worried About Cyprus?
Ah Cyprus, you little island country in the Mediterranean. Why are you putting up such a fuss? Not all headlines matter to your portfolio. To give you some perspective, the GDP of Cyprus is...
View ArticleAre Safe Withdrawal Rates Still Relevant?
Check out the presentation by Michael Kitces on whether or not safe withdrawal rates are still relevant in today’s low rate/return environment (you will need to click on the Live Webinar Link to...
View ArticleTarget Date Funds…What I Call a Target Rich Environment
The Pension Protection Act of 2006 approved the use of Target Date funds as a default option for retirement plan sponsors and since that time, we have seen an explosion of popularity in its offering...
View ArticleMaturing Financial Goals: Change Can Be Good
Today’s post shares insights about goal setting and how those goals change as you mature and priorities shift. Carl Richards, author of “The Behavior Gap” shares his thoughts about this cycle of ever...
View ArticleMinnesota 2013 “Snowbird Tax”& Legislative Update
Recently, questions have been raised over proposed Minnesota tax increases, specifically a “snowbird tax”. According to The Wall Street Journal, “Details are sketchy, but the idea is to tax these...
View ArticleWant to Know What the Frack is Going on?
What to learn more about fracturing (fracking)? Hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” is a process used to stimulate the production of oil and natural gas by forcing pressurized water and sand mixed...
View ArticleYour First College Assignment: Think About Your Finances
Your First College Assignment: Think About Your Finances Paul Jarvis, CFP® Encourages College Students to Start Planning for the Future Washington, D.C., August 16, 2013 – With back-to-school season...
View ArticleMake Philanthropy an Important Part of Your Estate Plan
As an estate planning tool, charitable gifts can be used to manage taxes, shift assets, and transfer wealth. This article explains how. How will you choose to allocate your accumulated wealth...
View ArticleSecurity Checks: Tips for Securing Your Online Transactions
What steps can you take to secure your valuable personal and financial data when banking online? Consider the following tips as important baseline checks. What steps can you take to better secure...
View ArticlePersonal Finance Pillow Talk: Seven Financial Ways to Say “I Love You
CFP Board Consumer Advocate Offers Financial Advice for Couples Washington, D.C., February 14, 2014 – Too often, couples avoid talking about personal finances, dismissing the topic as unromantic...
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