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...
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:
By Marc C. Shaffer
I’ll admit, I can get caught up in over-working and over-scheduling, so I have to prioritize the things that are important to me or else they might get overlooked. One of my top priorities is discovering the world through international travel, and if you were to look at my financial plan, you would see that priority front and center.
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.
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.
Ways to Reduce Your Liabilities in 2017
Debt in America is a real issue facing most people today. To date, 70% of Americans carry a debt burden. That means the vast majority of individuals are trying to navigate a tricky balancing act of financial wellness. To help you get ahead in your financial life in 2017, and to set you on a path toward the prosperity you desire, take the time to look closely at your own liabilities.
From analyzing your budget to addressing your credit card interest rates, you have a variety of approaches to help minimize your debt. Here are some key ways you can declutter your debt this spring and move closer to financial freedom:
Revisit Your Fiscal Priorities Each Year
Building a healthy financial life is an important concern that everyone should address with diligence and care. Rather than being a one-time event, evaluating your finances—and ensuring you don’t lose sight of your goals—requires timely, purposeful attention.
Imagine, for example, if you went to the doctor, created a thorough and personalized health strategy, carefully stuck to the plan, and then didn’t have another appointment for 5 years. You might have felt as though you didn’t need to go to for a checkup because your plan helped you make healthy life choices. However, the reality is that a lot can change in a very short period of time, such as medical advancements and new ailments. Though you believed you were on the right path, you might have missed critical guidance and professional insight.
Whether you’re interested in buying a condo in your favorite vacation spot or are interested in rental income, it’s critical that you consider how the purchase fits into your lifestyle and financial picture. Owning a second home can seem glamorous and potentially offer you another source of income, but it can also be a time and money pit. Whatever your reasons for considering another property, here are some factors to consider before taking the plunge.
We found the article, “Tax and Wealth Planning Implications of a Trump Presidency,” from WealthManagement.com to be a thoughtful and informative read. If you are curious about potential tax implications that may result from this new administration, we encourage you to consider the points made in this article which highlights both the proposed Trump Administration Tax Plan and House GOP Tax Plan. We will continue to stay on top of potential tax changes and plan to provide you with updates if and when appropriate.
By Jessica Kmetty
Are female investors all that different from their male counterparts? When it comes to setting goals and making decisions, the differences might not be obvious. A recent study showed the top three financial goals for both women and men were a comfortable retirement, maintaining their current lifestyle and covering healthcare costs. It also showed a high majority of both women and men feel confident in their ability to make successful investment decisions. So why is there so much emphasis placed on the habits of female investors? Let’s explore some reasons: