By Marc C. Shaffer
Consider this concept: A group of 100 people in a given location come together and donate $100. During their social, they decide which organization should receive the donation and they leave knowing that $10,000 will be donated to that cause.
This is the idea behind charitable giving groups across the nation, and I am a member of our local group, The Giving Group KC.
By Marc C. Shaffer
If covering the cost of a college education for a child or loved one is a priority for you, there are ways you can do it that are tax advantaged and that allow you to save over time to meet the goal rather than trying to come up with money when the recipient is 18 and going to college. A 529 Plan could be a solution that fits your needs. Not only does a 529 Plan account grow tax free, but as a Kansas or Missouri resident, you get a state income tax deduction to save you money today.
Now that several major news groups have projected Joe Biden the winner of the presidential election—and Congress appears divided with Democrats in control of the House and Republicans the Senate—it’s a good time to review what type of legislative support would be needed to pass certain proposals.
No matter where you are in your life, saving for retirement or other goals is likely one of your most important financial considerations. But, even if you have professional guidance and a clear strategy for your desired future, you could still be missing some straightforward ways to maximize your savings.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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!
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.
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