When you think of financial planning, you probably focus on your regular expenses, monthly budgeting, and hopefully your retirement plan. But what about when unexpected events, even catastrophes, strike? Many of us don’t have a plan in place for emergencies, or we find that our plans were woefully inadequate. No one can prepare for every [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: While we all hope to manage our debt loads during our lifetimes, it’s normal to pass away still owing money to one or more creditors. It might only be last month’s bills, or it might be a more significant amount like a mortgage. Either way, most of us hope not to [...]
When we talk about saving for retirement, we’re often speaking to those who have access to an employer-sponsored 401(k) plan. But what if your company doesn’t offer this option? You wouldn’t be alone; about 38 million working Americans don’t have access to this type of retirement opportunity. But you still have options… First, talk to [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Are you ready for tax season? Unfortunately, criminals are certainly ready, and they’ve been planning their tax season scams for months now. As you prepare to file your return, be on guard against these five common types of tax fraud. Strange phone calls. If someone calls you, pretending to be from [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: In the past few years, you might have seen encouraging reports on the state of the economy. Unemployment is low, and in general we’ve seen positive trends in the stock market. Of course, many people’s feelings about the economy are still divided along party lines. But with regard to personal household [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: If you’re like many people, you might be feeling a bit of anxiety over filing your federal income taxes this year. This is especially true for those who have heard what seems like bad news regarding certain deductions. If you’re accustomed to claiming all of your state, local, and property taxes [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: As retirement planners, we always remind our clients to anticipate potential rising costs throughout retirement. That way, you can adjust your budget and withdrawal schedule accordingly. The cost of healthcare is one of those fluctuating expenses. While Medicare and supplemental insurance plans can help you keep your expenses more predictable, their [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: It’s that time of year again! Did you set any New Year’s resolutions? If so, you’re probably ready to dive in and tackle your new goals. But if you do, keep in mind that changing your lifestyle often means changes to your budget. To avoid adding additional strain to your financial [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: As financial advisors, we often hear of individuals who allowed their term life insurance contracts to expire. Twenty or so years after selecting the policy, replacing it with a permanent life insurance plan might require a premium increase that feels uncomfortable. But going without life insurance is an enormous risk of [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, and the leftovers in your refrigerator have finally disappeared, the holiday shopping season is in full swing. We know it’s easy to get carried away at this time of year, and suffer a bit of buyer’s remorse when credit card statements arrive in January. To [...]