Certified Financial Planners (CFP) can stand out from a rather crowded field of financial professionals for a variety of reasons. One of the most important reasons is that Certified Financial Planners are mandated to act as a fiduciary, meaning that they are required to put their client’s interests and needs ahead of his or her own. Another reason why CFPs stand out are the requirements necessary to become a CFP, including a Bachelor’s degree and...
As of December 2018, more than 43.7 million retired Americans collected Social Security, with more than 8 million disabled workers collecting benefits as well. But Social Security is much more than retirement income. Along with providing a small income to millions of seniors, Social Security also provides life insurance as well as survivor benefits. If you’re nearing retirement age and still have a lot of questions about Social Security, here are a few facts for...
In recent weeks, you may have heard the word recession a lot. You may even have a vague understanding of what a recession is, but would like a better understanding of what a recession really is. What the Dow Jones Industrial Average? You probably hear that every night on the news and you know that it has something to do with the stock market, but aren't sure of the details. Here are some common terms...
Do you really know how much it will cost you to sell your home? Here is a breakdown of some of those costs. Agent Commission While everyone who has ever sold a home is aware of the cost of their listing agent, many people never sit down to figure out exactly what their real estate agent is owed when their house sells. For instance, if you currently owe $200,000 on your mortgage, and your home...
Whether you’re earning a six-figure salary or just out of college, creating and maintaining a budget is a must. Having a budget that you actually use can help keep spending under control, bolster your savings account, adequately plan for retirement, and keep debt at a manageable level. Creating the budget is actually the easy part. But how do you create a budget that you’ll actually use? One of the keys is your mindset. Stop looking...
Buying a house is one of the biggest, if not the biggest purchase you’ll make in your lifetime. Here are some tips and tricks for ensuring that the entire process is as stress-free as possible. Prior to starting your search, make sure you know how much house you can afford. It’s so easy to fall in love with a particular home, only to find out that you simply cannot afford the mortgage. To buy a...
*This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information provided is not written or intended as tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for purposes of avoiding any Federal tax penalties. Individuals are encouraged to seek advice from their own tax or legal counsel. Individuals involved in the estate planning process should work with an estate planning team, including their own personal legal or tax counsel. Neither...
There are many ways that we support our favorite charitable causes. However, one of the most beneficial ways to support a favorite charity now and into perpetuity is through planned giving. While almost any larger nonprofit organization has an active planned giving program, it may come as a surprise that many smaller nonprofits are also eager to work with their donors on planned giving options. Before you make a commitment, be sure to check with...
Being financially literate in today’s economic climate is more important than ever. Understanding finances can help you make better money management decisions, budget your money properly, adequately save for college, and be financially prepared for retirement. While it may sound daunting, financial literacy starts with a budget. Today, only one third of Americans have a budget that they actively use when making financial decisions, although 75% of Americans believe you should have a budget. With...
Creating a financial plan may seem overwhelming to those that have never completed one, but taking the first steps to creating a plan is much easier than you may think. Even if you plan on hiring a professional financial planner down the road, creating a rudimentary plan can go a long way towards sharpening your goals, making your meeting with a financial planner much more useful when it does occur. If you’re not sure where...
Most nonprofit organizations today offer a variety of planned giving options that supporters can take advantage of. If you’re committed to supporting an organization into perpetuity, planned giving provides you with the option to do so. While consulting with your tax or financial advisor is recommended before making any planned giving decisions, it can be helpful to gain some understand about the various options that are available, and which of these options are more likely...
Retirement can sneak up on you. At one time, it seemed like a lifetime away, now it may be just around the corner. At one time you planned on working forever, but now you can admit that the thought of retiring has its benefits. Perhaps you’ve found yourself daydreaming about a little cabin on a lake, or a small home in the mountains. You may have even entertained the notion of becoming an expatriate and...
