If you’re like many Americans, you might be worried about how to prepare for your own or your loved ones’ long-term healthcare needs. In previous generations, elderly parents and grandparents could count on moving in with relatives when they became unable to live alone. However, today’s family dynamics have changed and many Americans are reluctant to burden their families with caregiving duties.
Financial Lessons from the Mall: Teaching Your Teens About Credit
By Jessica Kmetty
I was in Kohl’s the other day with two of my sons with the intent to only purchase a few articles of clothing for my daughter, but they happened to be having some great sales so we ended up purchasing quite a few clothing items for each of my children.
Financial Lessons from Shark Tank and Uber: Teaching Your Teens (and Maybe Yourself) About Business
By Michael J. Searcy
All the time, I hear people say, “I just don’t understand all that business stuff” and “I’m no good at business, how am I qualified to teach my children about it?” I tell them the answer could be as simple as watching some television, reading and just plain observing your surroundings. If you become more aware of business around you, you should start noticing trends and asking more questions. This is helpful for teenagers, young adults, and yourself to start THINKING about business. I am not talking about accounting statements, banking or business structure here, just a practical understanding of how things work.
By Michael J. Searcy
Yes, you have seen some variation of this image before. Yes, some long time clients tease us about drawing it too often. And yes, it is pretty simplistic. However, it gets the point across, is easy to understand, and it impacts everybody, including those with substantial six-figure incomes.
By Michael J. Searcy
Screwed again!
Well, that title was supposed to illicit an emotion and cause you to want to read what I have written. It also has to do with two screws I recently had to deal with at Home Depot – and the advice I received.
We found the following article from financial author Bob Veres to be important content and wanted to share it with you. Although the words and thoughts are his, we feel the message helps illustrate what clients should expect from their advisor, and should know they have options if they aren’t receiving the level of service they expect.
What is the value that people get when they work with an objective, client-focused financial planner?
Home loans frequently make up significant amounts of household debt, and reducing as much debt as possible before entering retirement can seem like a good idea. A 2013 survey found that 40% of Americans age 55 and older believe that paying off their mortgage was the smartest financial move they ever made. There’s also a certain peace of mind that can come from having one less bill to pay in your later years.
Do you have an old 401(k) sitting around from a previous job? If so, you have a few options to consider. You could cash out your account, but if you don’t put the cash back into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or other qualified account within 60 days, you’ll owe income taxes (and possibly penalties) on your withdrawal. If your current employer permits rollovers into its retirement plan, you may also be able to move your savings over to a new 401(k) and consolidate your investments.
By Marc Shaffer
An immediate division of assets is not the only financial consideration that should occur when divorcing. You should also consider the impact of a divorce on your Social Security benefits and the rights of each spouse to those future benefits. Consider some of these questions we typically hear from divorced spouses:
By Michael J. Searcy
Let’s consider two forms of debt: consumption debt and investment debt.
Consumption debt comes from buying things you want or need when you don’t have enough cash to pay up front. This could include a car, a vacation, furniture or any number of items. These items are usually paid for on credit cards and can depreciate in value over time or immediately after purchase. For my long-time readers and clients, you know I am not a fan of consumption debt. I believe you should save up in advance for a purchase and pay cash, but I understand that, without a plan, this is easier said than done.
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