Investment professionals like to talk about volatility in the investment markets. They talk about it like it’s a uniform feature that affects all investors equally. But it’s not. Volatility is personal. You have more control over your personal investment volatility than you might expect. There … [Read more...]
Why No One Needs a Budget
No one needs or should use a budget. I realize this may seem like a bold statement. Before you begin forming arguments to disagree with me, please understand that I am a huge fan of spending plans. But I hate budgets. Budgets are difficult to maintain because people don’t like feeling restricted … [Read more...]
June 2015 Personal Finance Newsletter
The June newsletter is now available. In addition to the regular investment update, it includes highlights and take-aways from a book I just read and highly recommend -- Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending by Professors Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton. The newsletter also has updates on … [Read more...]
November/December Personal Finance Newsletter
The November/December Personal Finance Newsletter is now available. It includes information on the 2013 retirement plan limits and an update on investment market performance. There are also two articles relevant to the fiscal cliff negotiations -- a review of the considerations in harvesting long … [Read more...]
How to Give to Charity Wisely and Well
Giving to charity has never been easier. You can donate the old-fashioned way--by mail--but you can also donate online, by text, or through social networking sites. According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, over 1.4 million nonprofit organizations are registered with the IRS. With … [Read more...]
July/August Personal Finance Newsletter
The July/August personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes a review of the investment markets through second quarter, consideration of potential outcomes with the federal estate tax for 2013, and an announcement about the personal financial planning workshop schedule for this fall in … [Read more...]
What’s Your Money Story?
Following is a very special guest post from Dr. Tim Kincaid. Tim generously shares part of his journey with money and offers a process to further develop each of our money stories. Financial planning is about so much more than the money, and Tim highlights some key insights on how we can each more … [Read more...]
February 2012 Personal Finance Newsletter
The February 2012 personal finance newsletter is now available. In the newsletter, we have financial planning inspiration from Keller High School seniors to refocus on paying yourself first. For investing, it includes an investment market update and information on the new cost basis rules. For … [Read more...]
September Personal Finance Newsletter
The September personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes an update on market conditions and advice on the best response to the continued stock market volatility. In addition, we have perspective on the European debt crisis and information on spousal IRAs and healthcare flexible … [Read more...]
Remodels and Renovations that Pay Off Financially
Special Guest Post by North Texas Home Designer Lisa Baer Move or remodel? Given the current condition of the housing market in North Texas and elsewhere in the country, many homeowners are finding remodeling a better option than moving. A strong housing market may be some months away, and many … [Read more...]
Yours, Mine, and Ours: Achieving Financial Goals as Individuals and a Couple
Making sound financial decisions is challenging enough when it’s just you – one person deciding on what’s best for his or her short-term and long-term goals. But add in a spouse, and the choices multiply! You now have two more sets of goals – your spouse’s and your combined goals as a couple. … [Read more...]
May Personal Finance Newsletter
The May 2011 Personal Finance Newsletter is now available. It includes articles on long-term care planning, mid-year tax considerations, and deciphering health savings vehicles. A link to a great article on the relationship between how we spend our money and happiness is also included, as well as … [Read more...]
Should you pay off the mortgage?
One of the best financially freeing moments in life is the day you compare your savings and mortgage principal balances and realize that you could pay off your mortgage if you wanted to. If you’re at that point, congratulations! If you’re not there yet, keep saving; it can come sooner than you … [Read more...]
Pink Slip Lemonade
As the economy begins its recovery but the job losses keep coming, many are finding the need to be creative with their careers and their financial situation. Last week, I had the pleasure of spending some time chatting with fellow Garrett Planning Network member Sherrill St. Germain, CFP®. … [Read more...]
How to Choose a Financial Planner
You may be considering seeking some professional financial advice. Or, if you already have a financial advisor, you may be wondering if they're doing a good job for you. You're likely juggling 2 sets of questions as you consider this decision: The first set is personal: Do I like the … [Read more...]
Couples, Investing, and Risk
It's pretty common for spouses to be at different points on the risk tolerance spectrum. If you're one of these couples, you know that these differences can have varying effects on the relationship and your investing behavior. Sometimes, the more conservative spouse just completely delegates … [Read more...]
Forgiveness and Money
I invited Kristin Robertson, president of Brio Leadership, to do a guest post on the Keener Financial Planning blog this morning about forgiveness. As we seek to manage our money in smarter ways, many times our experiences with money in our past play a key role in the decisions we're making … [Read more...]
Forgiveness: 5 Reasons It’s Good for You
By Guest Blogger Kristin Robertson, President, Brio Leadership Remember how a nice warm bowl of chicken soup helps you feel better when you have the flu? Well forgiveness and have the same effect when what ails you is a grievance from the past. Did you know that you really forgive others to … [Read more...]
Values and Living Well
Most of my posts are pure financial planning. Looking at the dollars and cents of how to use your financial resources most efficiently. However, I find from time to time it's helpful to take a step back and look at the bigger picture of how money inter-relates with so many other aspects of our … [Read more...]