The Funny Thing About Diversifying
Diversification is a time-tested way for investors to manage the inherent risks of investing by owning lots of different kinds of assets. Diversification, by its nature, always gives us something to celebrate and also apologize for. And while the process of diversification can take many forms, it often looks like this example: owning 60% of a portfolio in stocks and …
Three Ways You Can Flip the Script on Your Taxes
Does it feel like the tax code is beating you up at times? Instead of accepting that feeling of getting pushed around, here’s how you can pay what you must but no more. Is it really possible to turn a bully into a buddy — or maybe a temporary ally, at least? It happens all the time in the movies …
Is True Financial Independence Even Possible?
‘Financial Independence’ is a wonderful goal, a beautiful aspiration, a worthy pursuit. But it’s impossible. If true financial independence is the point at which we have enough money to be free from needing to serve or be served by other people, then we’ve missed the point entirely. If we look at a pile of wealth – money, property, possessions – …
Heading Toward the Financial Finish Line
The Boston Marathon is an event where otherwise normal people travel great distances, at great expense, to punish themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally for 26.2 uninterrupted miles, sometimes in the rain. The very nature of a marathon race really does beg the question, “Why?” In fact, I asked a marathon runner this question years ago, “Why would you choose to …
“So, are we doing better or worse than your other clients?”
This question came up recently, and it comes up often. Don’t you secretly want to know if you’ve saved more than your friends or if your income is higher? It’s easy to tell if your house is bigger or if your car is more expensive. But when it comes to retirement planning, we’d all like to know how well we’re …
Can You See the Storm Coming?
Imagine for a moment that you’re tasked with instructing others how to select a wardrobe. Given the regularity of the seasons, you could do pretty well suggesting a mix of warm clothes for winter and cool clothes for summer. However, naming the exact day when a 70-degree day interrupts the 40-degree days of early spring would prove to be much …
Upcoming Events
Year End Tax Webinar Thursday, November 2nd 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm This webinar will be live. If you can’t attend, a link will be shared after to view at your convenience. Fall Festival / Hawaiian Luau Thurs, Oct 19, 2023 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm Arts & Heritage Center 8788 Metcalf Avenue Overland Park KS 66212 Click here or …
Back to the Basics: When Should We Claim Social Security Benefits?
When approaching retirement, one of the big questions you may be considering is when to file for Social Security benefits. Because most people can claim and receive benefits as early as age 62, but each year that you wait earns a bump in pay for the rest of your life, the decision can be confusing and anxiety-inducing. And while it’s …
Welcome to the Family
Pratik Mehta and family are welcoming Mehta number 5. Their bundle of joy is scheduled to arrive December 2023. Katie Murray and family are welcoming “their final puzzle piece.” Their 4th bundle of joy is scheduled to arrive early January 2024.
Briefcase Study: The Cash and Happiness Relationship
The Cash and Happiness Relationship With the dramatic change in interest rates this year, a lot of people are rethinking how much cash is appropriate in a financial plan. And while the answer depends on goals, resources available for short or long-term needs, and personal preference, this reminds us of the big question people continue to ponder: “Does money buy …
