Blog Posts

The FIRE Retirement Method

The FIRE Retirement Method

If the idea of retiring in your early 50s, 40s, 30s, or even late 20s appeals to you, you may be interested in joining the FIRE retirement movement. Designed for those who have the discipline and cash flow to save diligently, FIRE can be an effective path toward living a work-optional lifestyle. In this article, we will discuss what FIRE is and whether or not it may be right for you.

Spring Cleaning Your Finances

Spring Cleaning Your Finances

By Marc Shaffer Spring is here – the time of awakening and starting fresh – hence the reason we also start to think about spring cleaning. Now typically, this could mean tidying a garage that was stuffed with all the yard items from last summer or scrubbing areas of...

Spring Cleaning Your Finances

Spring Cleaning Your Finances

By Marc Shaffer

Spring is here – the time of awakening and starting fresh – hence the reason we also start to think about spring cleaning. Now typically, this could mean tidying a garage that was stuffed with all the yard items from last summer or scrubbing areas of our house we often ignore. But now would also be a great time to think about spring cleaning your finances.

Are you ready to rethink some budget items, get your affairs in order and start fresh for the rest of the year and beyond with a spruced up financial focus?

Countdown to College – Steps to Consider Each Year of High School

Countdown to College – Steps to Consider Each Year of High School

As a parent, you of course want to give your child the best opportunity for success, and for many, attending the “right” university or college is that opportunity. Additionally, the earlier you consider how you expect to pay for college costs, the better.

Today, the average college graduate owes $28,950 in debt, while the average salary for a recent graduate is $55,360.

Preparing for college means setting goals, staying focused, and tackling a few key milestones along the way—starting in the first year of high school.

Interesting Financial Questions New Physicians Ask Their Financial Advisor

Interesting Financial Questions New Physicians Ask Their Financial Advisor

By John Fales

The financial demands on your life as a doctor will be unique in every stage of your career. From your education to residency, first years to a seasoned career, and career closure to retirement, a financial plan can guide you through a fulfilling career in medicine and help build your legacy.

Here are some questions we often hear from residents and new physicians:

The Stress of Financial Infidelity on a Relationship

The Stress of Financial Infidelity on a Relationship

By Dena Fischer

Financial Infidelity is a term popping up more in conversation these days. As someone who experienced financial infidelity at one time in my life, the term may be new to me, but I’m now realizing it’s not so uncommon and I wasn’t alone.

What exactly is financial infidelity?

The common definitions are hiding money, lying about income or debt, or trying to hide out of control spending from your partner. With or without malicious intentions, you are deceiving your partner about financial practices and money habits. All of these can destroy trust in a relationship and once lost, just like physical infidelity, it is very difficult to rebuild that trust.

4 Steps to Protecting a Child with Disabilities

4 Steps to Protecting a Child with Disabilities

Raising a child is expensive and can cost about a quarter of a million dollars, excluding college. For a child with special needs, that cost can more than double. If you’re the parent of a child with special needs, it’s vital to ensure your child will continue to be provided for after you’re gone. It can be difficult to contemplate, but with patience, love, and perseverance, a long-term strategy may be attainable.

Even though the financial costs may be a major factor in your caring and planning for a child with special needs, finances can seem like a small part or afterthought when it comes to also dealing with the emotional needs, physical needs, caregiver needs, and more that go along with making sure you, your family and your dependent are cared for in the best manner.

Let’s take a look at 4 important steps to protecting a child with disabilities:

Flowchart: Do I Need to Start Making Estimated Federal Income Tax Payments?

Flowchart: Do I Need to Start Making Estimated Federal Income Tax Payments?

Income tax planning can be critical to your financial success. Navigating our complicated federal pay-as-you go income tax system can be difficult. Adding further complexity, you must understand and adapt to changes in tax laws and in your personal circumstances. In each tax year, it is important to ensure that you are properly paying your federal income tax liability in order to avoid penalties. Frequently, individuals may need to make estimated payments to avoid penalties for late payments and/or underpayments.