Don’t Believe Everything You Hear About Money Paul Fain, CFP® When it comes to money, some people believe ridiculous things. Where do we get these money beliefs? Usually from family or society. Here are some examples: “Money can’t buy happiness.” To a degree, sure it can. While money can’t buy a feeling, having money can…
Do Your Homework Before Hiring a Financial Professional Paul Fain, CFP® So you need financial advice. Where will you get it? Often a specific event or a long-term need will trigger the search for professional guidance. Furthermore, you may not have the expertise, the time or the desire to research, plan or manage certain aspects…
Look for Happiness, Opportunities in the Midst of Adversity Paul Fain, CFP® “Happy New Year!” many people exult, but maybe you aren’t feeling it. There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding us as we head into the new year: inflation, war, investment volatility, a possible recession looming, waves of viruses. Many families are confronting life-threatening…
Here are some smart financial planning moves for your spring ‘cleaning’ Paul Fain, CFP® A few weeks ago, we cleaned out and reorganized our bedroom closet and our garage. The annual spring ritual leaves us feeling better and a few dollars richer as we gave away some clothes, shoes and coats and sold some…
You are building your legacy right now Paul Fain, CFP® What does the term “legacy” mean to you? A few weeks ago, I had the honor of being a mentor at the Financial Planning Association’s Residency program. Working alongside five colleagues and training 28 resident students (newer financial planners), we pondered some of the “deep…
Here’s how to develop a gold-medal financial plan in 2021 | Paul Fain, CFP® This summer, I have taken up competitive swimming (for folks over age 50). As a rookie, I never realized how many components are involved in a gold-medal performance. For example, Olympic swimmers have excellent stroke technique, strength, endurance; as well as,…
A Broken Record | Randee Schoenike As our children enter adulthood, we hope they remember all the conversations we had about personal finances. Many financial gurus have written about the principles of financial wellness in their how-to books. The five big ones we always return to with our children are: Always spend less than…
Top Ten Summer Vacation Tips | Kathy Patty, FPQP® Spring is here, and summer is just around the corner. Here are my favorite tips to help you plan a budget-friendly vacation. Know how much can you afford and set a budget. Put a little back each month into a savings account automatically. Research, research,…
New Baby in the Family? Here’s Some Financial Advice | Paul Fain, CFP® In the midst of much trial and tribulation around our country, can I share a personal story on the lighter side of life? I’m a first-time grandpa. This experience is good beyond my imagination – all the joy with none of the…
Here’s a Merry Approach to Mortality | Paul Fain The holidays (normally) conjure warm images of large family gathering with dinners, gift exchanges, and merriment. The holidays are different this year. As the COVID pandemic is filling ICUs across the country, our mortality has entered the national conversation. With that in mind, here’s a seemingly macabre…