Beware! The Savings Blob One of the most important areas of financial planning is cash management (spending plans, budgeting) and within that, the concept of cash reserves. Most folks can probably agree that having “cash reserves” is a good thing. But after that, the attempt to quantify an appropriate number, or to think about different…
In the financial planning process, we always touch on the potential for long-term care needs, and the financial impact of increased health care costs over an extended period of time. We usually incorporate long-term spending goals for insurance premiums or for “self-insurance” (paying out of pocket for care) for some assumed number of years. And,…
One of the most common financial planning goals is retirement. “When can I retire?”, “How much can I spend in retirement?”, etc. It is easy to forget that the entire concept of “retirement” is a modern invention, created by industrialization. Before the 20th century, the average person simply did what they did until the end…
Social Security benefits are often confusing. You might say that “understanding Social Security” is an oxymoron! We recently received a client question regarding the complicated topic of a spouse’s Social Security claiming strategy before Full Retirement Age (FRA). The question was could his spouse start taking her own benefit early at age 62 and then switch…
I’ve been wearing a Fitbit for almost two years now. Each day, when I’ve met my step goal, it gently buzzes to let me know – a “high five” of sorts. It syncs with my devices of choice and emails are sent automatically to let me know about various points of information, such as weekly…
In the ongoing process of supporting our client relationships, we often talk about “setting expectations.” We frame this in various ways, such as type and frequency of communications, timelines for responding to inquiries, paperwork, meeting schedules, etc. However, the most enjoyable and productive client relationships – and the happiest clients – seem to embody four…
In honor of November as National Hospice Month, APC is promoting the importance of thinking and talking about health care decisions well in advance of a serious illness or accident that may lead to someone being cared for by hospice. Hospice offers relief from the pain and symptoms experienced by people living with advanced, serious…
When I meet with a client to discuss their financial plan – whether we’re developing a “new” plan or having an annual review – an important part of the conversation centers around the investment plan and risk tolerance. How are their financial resources going to be invested to meet their wants, needs, and wishes for…