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Who is the accidental investor? It’s the tech genius who moves from company to company, participating in 401(k)’s, which he forgets once he moves on to the next opportunity. Or perhaps it’s the self-employed entrepreneur whose CPA told her to set up a retirement account at year end. Or maybe it’s the working Mom who recently inherited a small next egg she would like to use to fund her kid’s education. READ MORE
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Category Archives: Blog
Saving money on Rx – my wallet is feeling better already
What’s better than saving money on a $1,000 purchase? Saving on a $1,000 purchase you make year after year. For me, and most likely, a good portion of our aging population, prescription drugs is just such an expense, so I was especially excited to hear that there are websites that will tell me what local pharmacy has the lowest price for a prescription. READ MORE
In search of a pot of gold or maybe just a savings account that pays interest
When I think of cash for emergency funds, I think of “parking” the funds somewhere accessible and out of mind. I want those funds to be a line item on the investment statement that reminds my clients — on those occasions when they review their investment statements — that if they lose their job tomorrow, or become sick, they would be able to pay their bills in the short term. READ MORE
How to prevent your own fiscal cliff
While our representatives in Washington attempt to come up with a plan to avoid a national financial cliff, many of my clients are attempting to deal with the uncertainty that abounds. My advice is to focus on what you know, and what you can control.
Here’s a short list of the more significant tax changes scheduled for January:
- In California, sales tax will increase by .25%.
- Medical deductions on your Federal return will have to exceed 10%, and not 7.5% of Adjusted Gross Income.
- Flexible spending account deductions will be reduced. READ MORE
Give it NOW if you’ve got it, or pay Uncle Sam when you pass in the big way
That’s right. I am talking about estate taxes. Your heirs are in great luck if you die in 2010, with a zero estate tax rate, but if you die in 2011, and if changes in tax legislation remain unresolved, the portion of your estate which will avoids estate tax will drop back down to $1.0 million, as compared to $3.5 million in 2009. My guess is that for many of you that your net worth could exceed the $1.0 limit in 2011, especially if you own real estate. So while estate tax planning was once only for the “fat cats,” it’s not any more. READ MORE
Long term care needs – the wild card of financial planning
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Five reasons women need a financial plan, even more than men
| Everyone should have a financial plan, but, if you ask me, nobody needs a financial plan more than a woman. Why? Here are five good reasons: READ MORE |
When is a financial planner not a financial planner? More often than you might think.
You’ve decided to hire a “Financial Planner.” That’s the easy part. Now comes the hard part — should that person be an investment advisor, realtor, CPA, or insurance sales person?Frankly, it’s not immediately obvious who you should choose. READ MORE
When’s the right time to refinance your mortgage?
That seems like a question with an obvious answer, right? You refinance when the interest rate on the new loan is lower than your rate on the current loan. But how much lower? And is it really as simple as subtracting one rate from another and signing on the dotted line? READ MORE
What a difference a retirement plan and a reverse mortgage can make!
“I can’t afford to retire!” That’s the fear expressed by many of my new clients. In fact, it’s often the reason that my clients come to me in the first place.
While I can’t wave a magic wand to create the necessary retirement savings, I can help you to stretch the savings you already have.
Let me give you an example. READ MORE