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 […]
Is your cash flow flowing?
Seventy-eight percent of full time workers say they live paycheck-to-paycheck. One of the biggest concerns I hear expressed by my clients is the fear of running out of money between paychecks. No matter your income level, this cash flow squeeze is also often the cause of rising credit card debt or falling behind on utility […]
Your Finances in Divorce
If you are contemplating divorce, it is important to understand the process. Separating is stressful, but this can be minimized if you know what’s coming. There are professionals who can help guide you, ease the process, and protect your interests. The most important thing to know is that you are not alone. In my work […]
