Yesterday, the Wall Street Journal reported that hackers had gained access to some of the systems of Equifax Inc., one of the largest three credit reporting companies, potentially compromising the personal information of 143 million U.S. consumers. The systems they gained access to contained customers’ names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, and addresses. These four…
This past weekend my family has made the move into a new home, which needless to say, has been a chaotic process. It really got me thinking, though, about real estate/home ownership and how it fits into client portfolios and their financial plans. The mantra of the middle class is buy a home. But is…
Do you remember the scene from the movie Matilda when Harry (Danny DeVito) shows his son his dodgy-car salesmanship? While highly over exaggerated in the film for the sake of comedy, it is true that whenever you buy something from a salesman, you should ask… what’s in it for them? It’s safe to say that…
Personal finance. Don’t underestimate the adjective. In today’s world, the rise of “robo advisors” have led some to (incorrectly) conclude that managing investment portfolios is simple. As far as they are concerned, as long as you have a software program, you’re set. Within minutes, a computer system can analyze your risk tolerance, determine the best…
When you think of your financial advisor or financial plan, how do you feel? Gratified? Anxious? Indifferent? How much would you say your advisor has contributed to your sense of emotional and financial well being? Most of us probably don’t ask ourselves those questions and yet, according to a 2016 Morningstar study, When More Is…
For many parents, the Spring months are full of happy news, as high school seniors announce their college choices. For parents of younger children, however, those happy announcements may make them wonder if they are being savvy about starting to save for college. One thing any parent will tell you is that time flies. Before…
You’ve made the commitment to start “adult-ing,” a very important first step. Don’t start to build from the roof down, though: make sure that you’re laying a strong financial foundation. In our last post we talked about 8 Financial Mistakes to Avoid in Your 20s and 30s. Here are five more money mistakes to watch…
Your 20s and 30s are an exciting time. You’re starting to build the life you envision for yourself, or perhaps you’re still seeking out new experiences to learn more about yourself and your goals. These are years when we expect to learn and grow by exploring jobs and careers, cultural experiences, social experiences and other…
Financial differences rank among the leading causes of divorce among couples, both young and old. The statistics are alarming, but perhaps not surprising. How we handle money is not usually a topic of that comes up while we are dating. As a result most couples don’t discuss financial compatibility before saying “I do”. When the…
Time for a New Financial Plan? The market’s wild ride after the presidential election might have you wondering if a change in leadership should mean a change in your financial strategy. While no one can ever predict with certainty what will happen to the market – or even on Twitter these days – there are…