Values Aren’t Hobbies

“If you don’t stick to your values when they are being tested, they’re not values: they’re hobbies.” Jon Stewart Investors have a clear choice on who manages their money. They can choose this: “Merrill Lynch may reverse a ban on commissions in retirement accounts the firm manages, marking a potentially significant retreat for a leading…

Cheap Trust Can Be Very Expensive

I had the privilege of attending a parent/student meeting at South Side High School in Rockville Centre the other night.  For a change, I was neither an attending parent nor a presenter; I was a very interested observer for a number of reasons. As a mother to teenagers, I was happy to see a school…

Things Are Pretty Good Despite What You See

Trade wars, celebrity suicides, terrorism and a Social Security crisis; the headlines overflow with negativity. Is the world really this crappy? Most people judge happiness by their economic situation. It’s hard to concentrate on other matters if you are struggling to pay your bills. While media stories depress the most optimistic among us, the reality is telling another story….

It’s Monday Again…..When Is My Retirement?

Win life’s Triple Crown. Fund your retirement, put your kids through college and most importantly be happy. It’s hard to do the last one if you fail at the first two. Saving more gives you the best chance for success. Divorce can literally kill you and your retirement. MarketWatch What percentage of money can you…

Compounding Knowledge-Our Monthly College Links

College is way too expensive to approach without a plan. Too many people chose this strategy with disastrous results. Don’t be one of these people. Read our monthly links to gain knowledge and save money. Don’t forget someone has to pay for your retirement. 40% of seniors have no clue how much college costs. CNBC…

Don’t Be Anti-Social about Your Security

Social Security is a hidden gem.  Too bad most people don’t possess the proper tools to unlock its value. According to InvestmentNews, 47% of Americans failed this basic five-question quiz. 51% believe their benefits wouldn’t be reduced if claimed at 65. 46% think a spouse can’t receive benefits if they have no work history. 80% believe they…

It’s Tuesday Again…..When Is My Retirement?

Check how cool financial planning magazine made my retirement pyramid. Financial Planning Retiring abroad may be cheaper but can be very inconvenient. MarketWatch Here is how you can really max out your retirement savings. Morningstar Aging boomers are reshaping senior housing. Curbed An alternative to a reverse mortgage for those house rich but cash poor. Slate Here…

Reddit Has No Monopoly on Horrific Financial Advice

Public school teachers have a better chance at winning the lottery than finding a real financial advisor. This Reddit post sums up what teachers face daily from insurance salespeople  Many who saw this were shocked and outraged; we’re not. Nationwide, expensive insurance products are the solution for every financial need in public schools. In his…

A Checklist to Get You Started

I had the pleasure of speaking  with Dina Cataldo of Soul Roadmap podcast to discuss “How to Reach Your Money Goals.”  She has put together an informative and inspiring show aimed at giving people tools and strategies to live their best lives, and she covers a myriad of topics. It was a lively discussion and it inspired me…

Don’t Listen To Market Hecklers

Investors pay too much attention to things that mean too little. College athletes could teach them something about blocking out distractions. Before a 1997 Penn State vs. Minnesota football game, a Nittany Lion’s fan mercilessly heckled Minnesota’s kicker, Adam Bailey. Happy Gilmore was a popular movie during this period. The heckler spewed lines from one of…