Blog Posts

Book Review: Good Grief by Granger Westberg

Book Review: Good Grief by Granger Westberg

by | Feb 1, 2018 |

By Jessica A. Kmetty

As much as we try to plan for life, we know it’s not always going to be rosy. Back in 2009, I was going through heavy personal “junk.” As I was discussing some issues with my pastor’s wife, I mentioned that I was worried some of the things I had dreamed of for my future were slipping through my fingers. As strange as it sounded, I said I felt like I was mourning the loss of my dreams and she looked at me, patted me on the shoulder, and said those feelings were not strange and I absolutely was mourning a loss.

What Does the New Tax Plan Mean for Investing?

What Does the New Tax Plan Mean for Investing?

by | Jan 17, 2018 |

While much of the political fire and fury from Congress’ tax plan debate has settled, some of the economic smoke still lingers as financial analysts and private investors plot their way through the new $1.4 trillion law’s long-range ramifications.

President Donald Trump signed the historic tax bill into law December 22 following a firestorm of partisan exchanges in the last few weeks that painted near apocalyptic visions if the bill either passed or failed. Republican pundits hail the sweeping tax bill as Trump’s first major legislative victory in office.

Define and Reach Your 2018 Financial Resolutions

Define and Reach Your 2018 Financial Resolutions

by | Jan 17, 2018 |

The New Year is upon us, bringing a fresh opportunity to consider your goals. For 2018, we are taking a different approach to resolutions. Instead of giving you a laundry list of tasks to accomplish, we want to encourage you to make this the year you really own your financial life.

Imagine fast forwarding your life to December 31, 2018, and looking back on the year. What do you think you will have accomplished? How did your financial life change? What roadblocks did you remove? Answering these questions can help you identify your true goals for 2018.

2018 South Africa Adventure

2018 South Africa Adventure

by | Jan 4, 2018 |

By Marc C. Shaffer If you've read my "I Plan So That I Can ___" article, you won't be surprised that I've committed to annual international trips to new locations. My friends Jared and Stacy Anderson run Adventures to Serve, which plan these amazing trips and I have...

End the Year on a Financial High Note

End the Year on a Financial High Note

by | Dec 20, 2017 |

The holiday season is around the corner, and with the busy days ahead, 2018 will be here before you know it. Amidst all the action, we understand how easy it is to wait until the New Year to consider financial changes. But taking a few steps now could help you reduce your tax liabilities—and start January on a stronger financial foot.

Consider completing the following tasks before 2017 is over:

Bitcoin & Friends: A Look into Cryptocurrency

Bitcoin & Friends: A Look into Cryptocurrency

by | Nov 28, 2017 |

We once read an article about what to say when your parents ask you about Bitcoin and it makes sense that even though we’ve been hearing about Bitcoin for years, the concept may not be understood by everybody. The article explains, “Well, it’s like money in that it has value and you can use it to buy goods and services. It’s also like a stock because the value fluctuates based on supply and demand. Unlike stock, there are no dividends, just whatever the bitcoin is worth on a given day.”

A common question that follows the explanation usually seeks to uncover where you find Bitcoins. Bitcoins are virtual and can be accessed from your computer, which acts as a “wallet.” A global system is used to update everyone’s holdings and a sophisticated computer system is used to help track the money. The money is not backed by any government and isn’t regulated like other currency.

6 Financial Skeletons to Clean Out of Your Closet

6 Financial Skeletons to Clean Out of Your Closet

by | Oct 31, 2017 |

By Marc C. Shaffer

Chances are you’ve seen some cute little skeletons dressed up for Halloween that didn’t give you too much of a fright. But, there may be some others that should be cause for a great scare! Even one pesky financial skeleton lurking in your closet could impact your financial security, so we’re taking a look at 6 financial skeletons that it’s time to clean out immediately.

Stressed Out?

Stressed Out?

by | Oct 25, 2017 |

Money is the number one stressor in Americans’ lives.

There’s no doubt Americans are living in a supercharged, super stressful world right now. Even if the stresses of the world are not necessarily weighing you down, you might have a friend or loved one who is struggling. This information and these tips for coping might benefit them.

Building an Intentional Legacy

Building an Intentional Legacy

by | Oct 25, 2017 |

Many people would like to leave a mark on the world, whether large or small, in the form of their legacy. Whatever your passions in life–from philanthropy to family–your legacy should reflect these passions. At its core, a legacy is built on your personal values and how you choose to share those values to make an impact on the world. Your legacy also comprises your experiences as a person. Sharing your memories, stories, and perspectives with family members can connect them to your values and familial history.

Furthermore, a legacy isn’t just what’s left behind when you’re gone; it can be a part of creating a purposeful and satisfying life for yourself, and your family, in the present. Comprehensive legacy planning allows you to not only transfer wealth but to intentionally pass down values, memories, and traditions. In this piece, we discuss the importance of consciously creating a legacy based on your values and show you some steps to help you get started.

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