How to Plan for Retirement’s Go-Go, Slow-Go and No-Go Years
When retirement planning, it’s best to expect to do the big (and more expensive) stuff early on, when you’re healthier, then slow things down as you get older. What comes to mind when you hear the term “retirement planning”? Most people think of investments, Social Security, health insurance, tax strategies and other money-related issues. These pieces are all a big …
My Home Is an Asset. Or Is It?
Often in discussions of retirement planning, the home comes up as a planning item. After all, a home can represent one of the single largest items of value a person owns. But since we live in our homes, must maintain them, and constantly reinvest in them, the question for us non-Silicon Valley homeowners sometimes arises, “Is my home really an …
If Your Nest Egg Had Perfect Timing
I often suggest that good financial planning means we die with money left over. Conversely, that must mean that bad financial planning means we run out of money before we die. Of course, omitted from this binary look at the topic is the possibility that you’ll spend your last dollar as your last breath exists your body. Wouldn’t that be …
Thank you for volunteering with us!
We had 39 enthusiastic folks show up for the Harvesters event on Friday, March 1st. Our group’s efforts will have a tremendous impact on our community. We couldn’t be more pleased. We packed: 10 pallets 424 cases 2,120 bags at a whopping 8,223 pounds of food! BackSnack: About the Program The BackSnack program provides a weekly backpack filled with nutritious, …
2024 Spring Newsletter: Kansas City
Do you remember being young and…broke? Whether it was when you were 12 and mowed a neighbor’s lawn for a few bucks or being in college living on a fast food income or the generosity of your parents, you found so much joy in life, in spite of having almost no money. Look at you now! Could that kid or …
Team Corner
Welcome Harrison Katie and Brandon welcomed their 4th child, Harrison Cole Murray, on January 26th. Hadley, Hayes and Harlow are so in love with him!
Briefcase Study: Has Spring Finally Sprung?! Spring Cleaning, Anyone?
Spring has to be your favorite season; or at least in your top three or four. Everything is new again, fresh, bright, ripe with hope of new adventures. I’m a sucker for spring. If you share even a fraction of my spring enthusiasm, you may also feel that deep-down desire to get things cleaned up and sorted after a long …
Back to the Basics: Social Security’s Health and Taxation
After decades of doing your job, saving money, and just plain navigating life, retirement approaches and shocks you with its complexity. The number of things to consider when planning a retirement is daunting, and Social Security is no exception. While the options have been reduced slightly, there’s still a lot to consider when claiming the benefit that you’ve funded and …
Election Year Thoughts Worth Thinking About
During a recent meeting, and then at another meeting, and another…the question came up: “With an election coming up, what should we be doing about our investments?” Here we are, in the midst of a presidential election season, and we’re all searching for answers. People are asking themselves, “Why on earth would someone in their right mind vote for that …
Don’t Let Healthcare Derail Your Retirement
Live on less than you earn, pay less interest on debts than you receive on your assets, mind your taxes, and you’ll be fine. It sounds so simple, and it is. Similarly, eat fewer calories than you burn, exercise regularly, avoid running red lights in your car, and you’ll be fine. It sounds so simple, and yet it’s not. Why? …