Game Plan for Starting a Small Business
When I first became a financial planner, my specialty was small business owners. I also headed my local Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business committee. Over the years, I received a lot of excellent business advice. Below are the top five most impactful business tips I’ve heard: Get your personal financial house in order If you…
Read MoreWhat financial conversations should my partner and I have before moving in together or getting married?
My experience talking about finances with my wife Back in the early 90s when I was first seriously dating, the only thing I could think to ask my future wife was, “Do you love me?” At no time during the wooing process did we discuss money or finances at all. We had no money, jobs,…
Read MoreTime-Sensitive Steps to Receive Your Stimulus Payment Quickly
The IRS announced that this Wednesday, May 13th, 9am PT (noon ET) is the deadline for many people to enter their direct deposit info into their Get My Payment portal. If you qualify for a stimulus payment and haven’t received it yet, provide your direct deposit information to get your funds faster. Who needs to…
Read MoreWhat is the Rule of 72?
Are you considering investing money? If so, you should know about the Rule of 72. It helps you determine how long it will take for your money to grow a certain amount. The Rule of 72 allows you to figure out how long it will take for an investment to double at a given annual…
Read MoreWill I receive a stimulus check?
How does the stimulus check work? The coronavirus stimulus check is an advance on a 2020 tax credit. This means if you do not get a check in 2020, you may be able to claim the tax credit next year. The IRS calls this check an “economic impact payment.” The amount you get will be…
Read MoreWhat’s the difference between money market, savings, and checking accounts?
Although these types of accounts are similar, they have important differences. What is a checking account? A checking account is designed for day-to-day use. There are many options when it comes to checking accounts. The most popular options are free and allow you to make as many withdrawals as you want. Sometimes the bank or…
Read MoreWhat is a Sinking Fund?
A sinking fund is a way for corporations to put aside money at specific intervals in order to pay a bond or a debt that will be due at a later date. You can use this same strategy to achieve your goals or pay for expenses that aren’t due on a monthly basis. By planning…
Read MoreTeaching Your Kids to Save Money
Think about the lessons you learned about money. How do the messages you heard in your early years impact the way you view and manage money today? Research shows that lifelong money habits are formed early. In fact, psychologists believe that by age 7 (I know, right?), kids have already developed long-lasting attitudes about money.…
Read MoreKeep It in the Family: How to Pass on Money and Assets to Family Members
Creating a plan for how you will pass on money or other assets (anything you own) is called estate planning. Many people think that if they don’t have a lot of money or assets (like homes, cars, and jewelry), they don’t have an “estate.” But the fact is we all have an estate. How you…
Read MoreWhat is an Opportunity Cost?
Opportunity cost is an economics concept with huge implications in every aspect of our lives. To put it simply, when you say “yes” to one thing, you are saying “no” to another. Opportunity Cost in the Real World Let’s try an example. Say your goal is to build healthier habits by exercising every day. When…
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