Estate planning is a topic that is commonly ignored. After all, who likes to plan for what happens after they die? Maybe you may have no estate plan in place and don’t know where to start. With this checklist, you will have a better idea of what questions to ask when...
Ever considered writing your own Will? While you can draft a Will on your own, there are plenty of reasons why you may not want to go that route. Most people do it to save money, but they may overlook or forget to take care of some important details – details that...
When was the last time you reviewed your Will or estate strategy? August is National "Make a Will" Month, an excellent annual reminder to update or create your Will. A Will can outline your wishes and help guide the settlement of your estate. Has there been a birth,...
By Marc C. Shaffer In the wake of Mint.com's discontinuation, many users have found a new home for their financial tracking needs with Monarch Money. This powerful tool offers a range of features that make it a worthy successor to Mint and an invaluable asset for...
By Marc C. Shaffer As a financial advisor, I'm always on the lookout for tools that can help our clients protect their assets. Recently, I've been using Carefull, a service that helps guard money, credit, and identity from threats, thieves, and everyday money...
By Marc C. Shaffer We tend to think of a financial caregiver coming into the picture when someone like a parent or grandparent starts to decline, mentally, physically or both. However, that might not be the only time you should be considering either planning to bring...
If you’ve ever had to navigate the final affairs of a loved one, you probably have a great understanding of the value of estate planning . Regardless of age, income, or asset level, estate planning can greatly benefit those you leave behind, especially the ones tasked...
By Marc Shaffer There are countless articles for people nearing or in retirement, and just as many for young people starting out on their financial journey. But some of the most critical years can be the middle-age ones. It’s a long stretch of years where things seem...
Many parents wonder how their own finances will change as their children become independent. Where should you draw the line with your children? What level of involvement and/or support should you maintain with your children? What are some planning points that you, as...
Many people like rental income because it seems passive and simple, until it isn’t so passive … or simple! Using this checklist, you may better understand the challenges and nuances that exist with owning a rental property. Whether it’s landlord responsibilities and managing risk, or investment and tax/estate concerns, there’s a lot to consider. This checklist covers some key issues you must consider when owning a rental property, such as: