There is a wide variety of financial professionals out there. Although there is some crossover between the responsibilities that fall under each title, one key difference is that the same standards do not all govern them. The various titles and standards can be confusing, especially for people who have never worked with a professional. This can make finding help even more daunting for beginners who may already be hesitant about letting someone else handle their money. If you’re in that boat, look for a fiduciary financial advisor. You can confidently trust these professionals, and here’s why…
Clara Moses
Standards of Care in the Finance Industry: Fiduciary vs. Best Interest
How to Bring Up Conversations About Estate Planning
Estate planning is a crucial topic for families, yet it’s often avoided due to its sensitive nature. Discussing finances, wealth transfer, and inheritance can be uncomfortable, but it’s essential for ensuring that a family’s financial future is secure. Families can feel more prepared and confident by approaching the conversation thoughtfully and with the right mindset. This guide offers actionable steps to make estate planning discussions smoother and more productive.
Unfortunately, investing 101 is not a mandatory class for most people. If you’re not particularly interested in finance, you can cruise through high school, college, and even the beginning of your adult life with little understanding of the subject. One day, it hits you that you need to start building the future you’ve always wanted for your retirement to look like it does in your dreams.
Does managing your finances ever feel like navigating a maze blindfolded? With temptations at every turn and endless options vying for our attention, it's easy to lose sight of our long-term financial well-being and make snap decisions. But fear not! By adopting a few simple habits, you can become a smart spender, enjoying the present moment while paving the way to a healthy financial future. Here are seven to get you started!
Does the ritual of gathering documents and navigating the complex maze of tax laws stress you out every year? You’re not alone. If you want to avoid tax season anxiety, careful planning is the best way to do so. This blog outlines multiple tips and strategies to help you streamline your process, confidently tackle tax season, and achieve peace of mind.
Do you remember those resolutions you made just a couple of months ago? It’s okay if you answered “no.” An estimated 80% of people fail to keep their New Year’s resolutions by February. If you’re one of the rare few who have been keeping up with yours until now, that’s very impressive. The majority break theirs within just a matter of days.
Year-end giving, or “Giving Season,” refers to the last two months of the year when the amount of incoming charitable donations dramatically increases. Overall, 31% of yearly charitable giving happens in December. Here are some other related facts you may not be aware of yet:
Do you have a hard time discussing finances? You’re not alone. This topic has historically been somewhat taboo and even though Gen Z has already significantly shifted societal conversations to be more open, for some reason many people of all generations still struggle to speak up about money.
There are all kinds of “rules for retirement” out there, but who’s setting them and why should you feel like you must follow them? A common piece of advice given to people on the verge of retirement is to downsize your home. While it’s true that this move can reduce your cost of living in several ways, that’s not the only factor to take into consideration. Here are some of the pros and cons of downsizing for retirement that you can use to inform your decision.
One pitfall of most investment accounts is that you must pay taxes any time you sell investments for a gain, or you receive dividend payments. Individual retirement accounts, or IRAs for short, are great options for those looking to defer taxes. They are primarily designed to help people without 401(k)s save for retirement, but they can also help you save on taxes.
Is It Mandatory to Sign Up for Medicare at Age 65?
When it comes to Medicare, one thing that many people agree on is that the enrollment process isn’t completely straightforward. Correct, helpful information is out there, but it’s often buried under jargon, lengthy articles, and conflicting sources. If you feel like your 65th birthday is approaching with gaining speed and you’re still confused about what exactly that entails, read this blog for answers to some of the most frequently asked Medicare questions.
Saving money is a daunting task for many people. Whether it seems like you need all your funds just to cover regular expenses or you struggle with resisting the urge to spend your extra cash, you’re not alone. According to Forbes, the U.S. personal savings rate has been falling for most of 2021 and 2022. However, considering the increases in inflation and interest rates, right now is the perfect time to focus on padding your savings for unexpected expenses. The good news is saving really does not need to be painful. If you’re going into 2023 looking for more ways to save, keep reading for 10 practical tips.