Blog Posts

If you’ve been listening to the financial media of late you have no doubt heard some of the so-called experts prognosticating on the prospect of the next big bear market. Unquestionably, the stock market is at another crossroads, and its 7 percent increase year-to-date belies the concerns that most people have over the global economy.

Anyone with a family to protect understands the critical role life insurance plays in their financial plan However,  in determining the actual amount of coverage to provide essential protection needs, many people tend to adhere to simplistic rules-of-thumb, such as a “multiple of income,” which may leave them wondering if they own too much or too little coverage.

Most people are quick to purchase the maximum collision and comprehensive coverage available to protect their new car.  However, the costs associated with fixing or replacing even the most exotic car pale in comparison to the amount of money people will shell out to pay liability claims.

When John recently lost his wife Betty to cancer, their children were surprised to find out that neither John nor Betty had life insurance. As a result, the children ended up paying the cost of the funeral, and John, currently on a fixed income, is left contemplating whether he can afford to stay in the home they had lived in for over 25 years.

An untimely death can have a major financial impact on those left behind, particularly if there is a mortgage to pay, credit card debt, or an outstanding auto loan. Even final expenses can be a burden.

Earning an income comes with taxes, and your investment incomes are no different. As your portfolio grows into retirement, it’s important to consider the difference between retirement pre-tax income and retirement after-tax income. A savvy advisor will consider your future tax liabilities to be an integral part of your overall retirement strategy. After all, it’s the cash that matters!

Choosing the right financial advisor can be tough. How do you know if it’s the right person (or company) to manage your life savings? It’s an important job and it pays to shop around for the best option for you and your family. Check out our advice below to see whether you should stick with your pro or find a new advisor to manage your investments.

Fees

In 2018, student loan debt in the U.S. reached $1.5 trillion. With a continued increase in college tuition, it's likely that even more young adults will be turning to loans in order to finance their education.

With the average student loan debt coming in at around $38,000, it's important to have a plan in place to pay off those loans once you enter the workforce. If you've left school with student loan debt, here are some of the things you can do to help pay off those loans easier and faster:

A lot of people are under the impression that tax planning is only for high-wealth individuals. However, like financial planning, just about everyone can benefit from some level of tax planning, whether that means becoming better acquainted with the various tax savings options available, or making proactive decisions based on your current financial situation. One of the best investments you can make is to visit with a financial or tax advisor to determine just where you may be able to save.

Are you ready to start investing? Investing in the stock market can be particularly rewarding, but not without risk. If you’re particularly risk averse, you may want to consider another method of investing, or start the investment process slowly. This can also be true for older potential investors who do not have the time or inclination to wait out a downswing on a stock.

With credit card interest rates ranging between 11 to 22%, it’s no wonder people are looking for alternative ways to handle and pay off their credit card debt. This is where a personal loan might come into play. Using a personal loan to pay off your credit card debt can help you manage your overall debt once and for all… if you know how to navigate the pitfalls.