Many Americans have taken steps in recent years to protect their personal information, but savvy cybercrooks have overcome some of those defenses. If you have not taken measures to protect yourself, it may be a good idea to consider your options.
Blog Posts
When the Fed Talks Inflation, Bond Investors Listen
In August of 2020, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced a change in how the Fed views inflation. In the past, the Fed said it would consider adjusting short-term rates when inflation approached 2 percent. But in light of 2020’s many challenges, the Fed’s new policy may allow inflation to run above 2 percent for a period of time before any shift in monetary policy is considered.
Do Your Emotions Control Your Money?
By Marc C. Shaffer
One question real estate agents often pose to sellers is, “How emotionally attached are you to this house?” The reason they ask is because when emotions are at play during negotiations, they can cast a shadow over a good deal and hurt the seller in the end.
Perhaps your children grew up in the home and you’re saying goodbye to the memories, not just the structure.
Perhaps you inherited a home from a grandparent, so you value it more than other properties.
Although it may not be easy, a house is an asset that could have the ability to set you up for your next move or investment, so taking away the emotion (as much as you can) could mean being ready to accept a different offer than one you might accept with emotions in the way.
How Will Political Changes Affect the Economy?
With all of the storm and stress of the year 2020, you’d be forgiven if you momentarily forgot that we’re due for another national election in November.
Many states will be selecting governors, representatives, and senators, while the country itself will be voting in the presidential election.
However, now that the major party presidential tickets have been solidified, we will likely be hearing more and more political discussion in the coming months.
How are you feeling these days?
Why I Volunteer: Wabash Cannonball Steering Committee
By Marc C. Shaffer
In 2013, I received an invite from a friend to attend my first Wabash CannonBall. Little did I know what a fun event I was in store for, and how it would become something I looked forward to every year!
Financial Planning Through Infertility: Where to Start?
By Marc C. Shaffer
I’ve heard figures ranging from the $20ks to $100k. I’ve had friends who likened their experience to the cost of buying a used car, and others who are closer to the cost of buying a house. These are the figures that it’s costing people with infertility to try and have a baby and everyone’s circumstance is unique, so you may find yourself anywhere along this financial spectrum.
Creating a Safe Living Environment for Loved Ones with Dementia
By John Fales
When dementia impacts someone you love, their safety becomes a high priority. Making sure the home they live in doesn’t add to their confusion or cause additional harm is an important consideration.
What Type of Charitable Giving is Right for Me?
Did you know that Americans donated an estimated $449.64 billion to charities and other nonprofits in 2019? According to the findings from Giving USA, this was one of the greatest years ever recorded in terms of charitable donations (since its first report was published over 60 years ago).
Identity Theft: An Unemployment Fraud Story
By Jessica Searcy Kmetty
In the nick of time?
One week after adding a cybercrimes addendum onto our homeowner’s policy, we were notified by my husband’s employer that someone tried to file for unemployment benefits using his name and Social Security number.
The Danger of the “Someday” Promise
By Marc C. Shaffer
“Procrastination is something best put off until tomorrow.” -Gerald Vaughan
It is a fact in my life that as the years go on, I get busier, things get more complicated, and time shrinks. I have to be very strict with my time, going as far as adding ‘call this friend’ and ‘schedule a trip’ and ‘buy new running shoes’ reminders on my calendar.
I don’t want to get so busy that I miss these things, but I also know the important things take time so I make it a point to schedule time so they happen.
I envy people who schedule these things for Someday. Where is that on the calendar? Why don’t I have a Someday??
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