Bad Investments (That Look Like Moneymakers)
CategoriesInvestor Behavior, Investor Education by

Bad Investments (That Look Like Moneymakers)

When people first start to look closely at their finances, there’s a certain point at which they often ask themselves, “How can I use the money I have to make even more?” And while this is a great question—one that you should never stop asking!—it can unfortunately blind people to the very real risks involved.

As a result, what started off looking like a sure thing turns out to be a bad investment.

Bad investments can take many different forms, but there are a few that are more common than others. Learn what they are so you can avoid making a financial mistake that derails your retirement plan. Read More

How Does a Tax Deferred Annuity Work?
CategoriesAnnuities by

How Does a Tax-Deferred Annuity Work?

As you’re researching retirement, you’ll likely hear that tax-deferred annuities are an excellent way to secure your savings.

But what exactly is a tax-deferred annuity and how does it work?

A tax-deferred annuity can be a reliable way of growing and protecting your savings while securing a fixed sum for your retirement years. Read on to learn more about the details and how you can take advantage of this savvy retirement tool, then contact us to learn how we can help. Read More

How Do Stocks Work?
CategoriesThe Stock Market by

How Do Stocks Work?

All the finance gurus talk about the stock market.

But how do stocks work, exactly?

 

Understanding and investing in the stock market can be very confusing and intimidating for beginners. In addition, the concept of buying and selling stocks may be difficult for some people who don’t understand what it takes to make money in the stock market.

Not to worry.

We’re here with the insight you need to understand stocks, the market, and a little help on how to get started with stocks and what to expect when you’re investing. Read on to discover more, then contact us to learn how you can make the most of your finances with the Financial Quarterback. Read More

CategoriesLife Insurance, Retirement Income, Risk by

Life Insurance Is an Investment!

What’s the best way to invest in your future?

Life insurance is an investment…in more ways than one.

 

For all its benefits, only 54% of Americans have some form of life insurance, which means there’s a pretty good chance that you’re one of the millions of adults without this vital form of coverage.

Perhaps you think you can’t afford it. Or you’re overwhelmed by all the options in the marketplace. Maybe you simply don’t like thinking about your own mortality.

However, I think more people should review life insurance as part of their overall retirement and family planning. Read More

How to Stay Retired
CategoriesRetirement, Retirement Income by

How to Stay Retired

Retirement should last the rest of your life.

Here are some tips on how to stay retired.

 

If you were to ask soon-to-be-retired Americans what they plan to do during their retirement, you’d probably get a huge range of answers: see the grandkids, travel, start a new hobby.

But if you were to ask those same people how long they would like retirement to last, you would likely get the same answer over and over again: “The rest of my life, of course!”

These are the Golden Years, and you want to spend them doing the things you enjoy at your own pace. After all, no one wants to retire and travel the world for 10 years…only to have to go back to work at the ripe old age of 75.

In short, you don’t just want to be retired, you want to stay retired! Read More

CategoriesInvestor Education, Life Insurance, Retirement, Retirement Income, Roth IRA, Traditional IRA by

8 Tax Free Investments You Should Know About

“Nothing is certain except death and taxes.” Benjamin Franklin was certainly right about a lot of things over his lifetime. And it absolutely feels like taxes are unavoidable, but are they really? Well, no! There are certain investment types that are completely tax-free.

While you probably shouldn’t be too concerned with dropping the amount of taxes you pay each year down to zero, understanding how your investments can impact your taxes and using that to your advantage is a great way to maximize your money. Read More

CategoriesFinancial Planning, Income Tax Planning, Real Estate Investing, Retirement by

Should I Pay Off My Mortgage?

All the financial experts say debt is bad.

Should I pay off my mortgage as early as I can?

Sooner or later, every homeowner begins to dream about the day when they own their home free and clear. No more mortgage payments…extra money each month to invest…what’s not to love?

Even financial experts like Dave Ramsey are known for singing the praises of ridding yourself of any and all debt—including your mortgage.

Whether this is a realistic goal or not, it leaves many homeowners wondering, “Should I pay off my mortgage early?”

Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple yes or no answer, but I can (hopefully) put your mind at ease about getting out of debt. Read More

CategoriesFinancial Planning, Investor Behavior, Investor Education by

Everyone Has Their Own Investment Playbook

Unless you’re living under a rock, you know that Tom Brady has made it to the Super Bowl a few times. Ten, to be exact.

You may also know that he didn’t win all of those. In fact, he lost three of them. Even the GOAT of football had a strategy that didn’t work every single time. So what does that mean for your investment strategy? Read More

CategoriesFinancial Planning, Income Tax Planning by

How Charitable Contributions Affect Your Finances

When you donate money to charity, it not only can make a big difference in someone’s life, it can also reduce your tax liability by lowering your taxable income. Contributions are tax deductible only if made to a qualified organization.

Are you wondering how charitable contributions can affect your finances? Keep reading to find out how giving to charity can benefit your funds. Read More