As 2018 starts winding to a close, and the holidays start racing toward us, it’s a good time to stop and take stock of how you’ve set yourself up for the 2018 tax season—and if there’s any way you can help maximize your potential tax savings for the year. (And if making any changes in […]
Getting familiar with your credit card statement
Many of us have credit cards, but some of us never open our credit card statements. It’s easy to see your due date and pay online—and not look at the nitty gritty. And seeing a long list of monthly purchases can be overwhelming. But there’s some very worthwhile information in those pages and pages of […]
ARMs vs. fixed-rate mortgages: Which is right for you?
The process of buying a home is full of decisions: fun decisions, exciting decisions … often stressful decisions. It’s a good idea to go into the process knowing the answers to as many of the big details as possible, like how much you’re comfortable spending and how long you think you’ll stay in the home. […]
Disability Insurance and You
Disability Insurance and You Many Americans are living paycheck to paycheck — a staggering 78 percent of us, according to a recent study by Career Builder. That creates a very delicate financial situation that could be thrown off kilter by an accident, unexpected illness, or a big family emergency. It’s not something anyone wants to […]
What’s a Cash-out Refi and Why Do It?
If you’re a homeowner who’s experienced a significant increase in equity (thanks, crazy real estate market!) or has made some strides in paying off your mortgage, you might consider cash-out refinancing to help meet some of your other goals. A cash-out “refi” lets you refinance your mortgage for more than your existing mortgage, and then […]
Where to stash your extra cash
Where to stash your extra cash It’s a dream scenario: You wake up one day, and a windfall enters your life. That tax refund lands, an inheritance shows up at your doorstep … or maybe you’ve finally scored that promotion you’ve been working for — or have found a nice side hustle that will boost […]
Credit card offers with 0% APR: What’s it really mean?
I bet you see 0% credit card offers frequently. They come in our mail, email, and sometimes when we buy a pair of $4.00 socks at a retail store. Do you find yourself contemplating whether or not to open one or take advantage of it on a card you already have? I know I do, […]
Financial Planning on a Tight Budget
Just because you are on a “tight budget” doesn’t mean that you cannot have a financial plan to reach your goals. Begin with looking at your own spending each day, week or month. Having a tight budget might be because you have high fixed expenses. Or, it might indicate overspending. When was the last time […]
Beyond Resolutions: What’s your Theme for 2018?
One year ago I was thoughtful about setting goals and making resolutions for the New Year. But it surprised me, pleasantly, that I ended up with three themes. I used post-it notes and a dry erase board for daily reminders of these themes. It changed my thinking and brought me to a place of living […]
A Thirty-second Thirty-something Guide to Financial Planning
If you are a typical young professional in your mid-30s you probably have a good idea where your career is headed, you are saving the maximum in your employer retirement plan, and you have at least one or two retirement accounts from previous employment. In short you have made some good financial decisions. However, you […]
