Blog — financial planning RSS

I realize it can be a challenge to save money in your twenties. Between how much school costs and the cost of living now, it seems impossible. But it can be done. If you are a recent or soon-to-be graduate from high school or college, this is for you. The perfect time to learn financial...

Investing in stocks can be simple. But it’s not necessarily easy. In fact, it can be completely overwhelming. It’s simple because today’s mutual fund offerings are low-cost, well-diversified, and tax-efficient. They make investing uncomplicated and straightforward. But the constant attention by mass media makes it difficult. 24/7 information access to prices via the internet or...

Many people in modern America fall deep into a debt hole. And it can take years to climb out of that hole. It would be nice to never have to borrow money, but it’s probably not practical for most of us. That being reality, it’s important to understand the difference between good debt and bad...

Buying lots of stuff and excess material goods really doesn’t make you happy. There might be a thrill when you buy something new, but it wears off quickly. If you want happiness, it is healthy financial habits that will get you there. The obvious value of healthy habits is the low stress of being financially...

Like many people, I have invested in the stock market for many years. Through all the ups and downs of the markets. But after 40 years in the workforce, my largest pool of investment money isn’t in stocks in my personal portfolio. It’s in my IRA and 401(k). This is true for most people who...