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.
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.
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.
Did you know that Americans donated an estimated $449.64 billion to charities and other nonprofits in 2019? According to the findings from Giving USA, this was one of the greatest years ever recorded in terms of charitable donations (since its first report was published over 60 years ago).
By Jessica Searcy Kmetty
In the nick of time?
One week after adding a cybercrimes addendum onto our homeowner’s policy, we were notified by my husband’s employer that someone tried to file for unemployment benefits using his name and Social Security number.
By Marc C. Shaffer
“Procrastination is something best put off until tomorrow.” -Gerald Vaughan
It is a fact in my life that as the years go on, I get busier, things get more complicated, and time shrinks. I have to be very strict with my time, going as far as adding ‘call this friend’ and ‘schedule a trip’ and ‘buy new running shoes’ reminders on my calendar.
I don’t want to get so busy that I miss these things, but I also know the important things take time so I make it a point to schedule time so they happen.
I envy people who schedule these things for Someday. Where is that on the calendar? Why don’t I have a Someday??
For most, creating an estate strategy is important to make sure your loved ones are taken care of after you’re gone. But it may be just as important to have an estate strategy for your business. Whether you’re a sole proprietor who will be passing on your business to your heirs or your business partners will take over for you, having an agreement in place might ensure that your business legacy continues to live on.
The $2 trillion “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security” (“CARES”) Act was recently signed into law. The CARES Act is designed to help those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, while also providing key provisions that may benefit retirees.
To put this monumental legislation in perspective, Congress earmarked $800 billion for the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 during the financial crisis.
The CARES Act has far-reaching implications for many. Here are some important provisions to keep in mind:
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