Potential clients often come to me in one of two predicaments. Some people feel stuck in their current financial situation, unable to see how they could possibly change things. Others have a lot of ideas, but they can’t tell good from bad and they don’t know what to focus on first. Whichever end of the ... Read More.
Archives for 2018
Taking the Bite out of Budgeting
“Budgeting” has earned itself a negative reputation. People hear the word and think of strict limits, a spartan existence, and the guilt that comes from overspending.
There’s also the idea that your budget should look like other people’s budgets. I regularly get asked what’s a “normal” amount to spending on groceries or rent, or what’s a “normal” amount of savings. And while I understand where the question is coming from, it’s honestly frustrating for me to hear. ... Read More.
7 Factors to Consider as You Contemplate Early Retirement
Early retirement is a topic that’s generated a lot of buzz over the past few years. More than ever, people are talking about not just retiring a few years early, but actually retiring as early as their 30s and 40s.
It’s an exciting prospect and it is possible with a little bit of luck and a lot of careful planning. There are a number of things to consider before you make the leap and this post will help you get started. ... Read More.
Charitable Giving for Anyone
We’ve all heard the stories of people like Warren Buffett, Oprah Winfrey, and Bill Gates giving millions, and even billions, to charitable causes.
And while that’s certainly admirable, it’s hard to relate when you’re trying to balance supporting your family, paying off debt, saving for retirement, and all your other financial responsibilities.
I work with a lot of clients who want to support the causes they believe in, but don’t always have a lot of extra money to spare. And the good news is that there are plenty of ways to give, no matter how much money you have.
Here are six ways to support charitable causes, even on a tight budget. ... Read More.
How the New Tax Law Might Affect Your Personal Financial Situation
However you feel about the politics of tax reform, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is now law and 2018 is the first year you will be dealing with the majority of those changes.
While it's rarely a good idea to make financial decisions solely based on taxes, it is smart to be aware of the tax consequences of your decisions so that you can avoid any unnecessary costs and take advantage of potential tax savings available to you.
With that in mind, here's a quick rundown of some of the major changes included in this new law and how those changes might affect your personal financial situation. ... Read More.