Before retirement, most people would like to pay off any remaining debts, so they can feel good going into that next phase of life all tidied-up. That makes a lot of sense, both financially and psychologically. In a recent meeting, we not only discussed this but put a plan together that was well received by the family, so we thought …
Years ago, I was asked a very specific question by a curious friend: “What’s one piece of advice you’d offer retirees who are concerned about planning their retirement?” It’s a fair question but admittedly difficult to answer without going into a long speech that may be more than he was bargaining for. I shared a number of thoughts, but here’s …
As we begin to fall back into our fall routines, the summer weather fills our rearview mirrors. The shorts get put away and we feel that cozy comfort that comes from putting on our favorite sweater, fleece, or sweatpants. Colors begin to turn, priorities shift, and we try to not look too far ahead to winter, but just enjoy the …
I’ve recently been a close witness to the noble plight of a good friend choosing to rid his life of consumer debt. While many of the families we serve have managed to escape the bondage of expensive debt, many have not. Since we’re all endlessly susceptible to falling prey to master marketers of stuff and experiences bought on credit, this …
We might as well hold these meetings in a dentist’s chair, without the anesthesia. It’s just the worst. At least when you visit the dentist, you leave with that squeaky-clean feeling and a few samples of floss (that you may or may not use). When we have a sit-down discussion about paying for long term care – nursing care – …
Approaching retirement age is an exciting time for most. The opportunity to spend more time doing the things you enjoy, and may have put off, leads many aspiring retirees to dream about the future like they haven’t in years. While this new phase of life can be deeply satisfying, it can also result in new and unique fears. Retiring at …
In a recent meeting, I was asked, “What happens, financially, when one of us dies?” It’s a topic we don’t discuss all that often, given that all of us will face the same fate. In this article, I’ll address this question from two perspectives, 1. What actions are generally required after the death of a spouse, and 2. What might …
During my lifetime, I’ve nurtured a desire to travel, and as a result have been fortunate to visit all 50 States – with amazing sites and experiences too numerous to mention within our beautiful country! I’m grateful that retirement has continued to afford me the opportunity to further this passion on a global scale. As a widower, my traveling companions …
As we announced a few weeks ago, we are in the process of making some service and experience updates to our investment management platform. These are being done to enhance your overall investment journey while preserving the elements that have been fundamental to our relationship with you. Because the changes require you to complete some forms, we wanted to provide …
The dog days of summer are upon us. And though it’s hot and sticky outside, and we’d like to simply be lazy and sleep all day like our family dog, summer is a busy time for my family and me. My daughter, Coraline, will be a sophomore in high school this next year and made the varsity cheer team. Cheer …
