Thinking about retiring early? As part of the decision, you've got to calculate whether you'll have enough retirement income to meet your needs. While adding up the costs of customary living expenses, utilities, and an occasional vacation, don't forget to include another important retirement … [Read more...]
Do you need disability insurance?
Lack of long-term disability insurance is one of the most common issues I see in my practice. First, please note that I don't sell disability insurance. I'm a fee only financial planner, so I don't receive any commissions on insurance or other products I recommend. My interest is in helping my … [Read more...]
Free Financial Webinars
The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors is starting a new series of free webinars on various financial topics including Money 101, Kids & Money, Investing Basics, Protecting What you Have, and more. These sessions are designed to provide a convenient, accessible way to get … [Read more...]
Should You Consolidate Student Loans Now?
If you have a federal Stafford Loan or PLUS Loan issued on or after July 1, 1998 and before July 1, 2006, consider yourself lucky. Beginning July 1, 2009, the interest rates on these variable-rate loans are set to drop to the lowest rates in the history of the federal student loan program. These new … [Read more...]
401(k) options when you change jobs
If you've lost your job, or are changing jobs, you may be wondering what to do with your 401(k) plan account. It's important to understand your options. What will I be entitled to? If you leave your job (voluntarily or involuntarily), you'll be entitled to a distribution of your vested balance. … [Read more...]
July 2009 Newsletter
The July 2009 newsletter is now available online. It reviews some blog information on FDIC insurance limits, establishing an emergency fund, and down market estate planning opportunities. It also covers new information on whether or not you should refinance your mortgage and considerations in … [Read more...]
Estate Planning Opportunities in a Down Market
Most Americans are not subject to the federal estate tax at its current exemption levels. For 2009, each person can pass $3.5 million to heirs estate-tax free at their death. However, if your estate has the potential to be affected by the estate tax, you have some planning opportunities right … [Read more...]
Keep an eye on your credit
The Credit Card legislation passed last month should ultimately help consumers. However, in the short term, many people are being squeezed. We have a combination of factors: banks attempting to shore up their financial statements by reducing the available credit on credit cards, home equity … [Read more...]
Roth 401(k) and 403(b)
One of my fellow Garrett Planning Network members, Jim Blankenship in New Berlin, Illinois, did a great summary article on Roth 401(k)s and 403(b)s yesterday. More and more companies are making the Roth 401(k) or 403(b) an option. Legislation was also recently signed allowing the Roth … [Read more...]
10 Tools to Build an Emergency Fund
So, you know you need an emergency fund. You've been trying to build one, but just can't seem to get there. The percentage of people living paycheck to paycheck ranges depending on who’s surveying from 47% (Careerbuilder 2008 survey) to 71% (American Payroll Association 2008 survey). This issue … [Read more...]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 24
- 25
- 26
- 27
- 28
- …
- 32
- Next Page »