We tend to think of parenthood as an 18-year experience; at the end, the kids leave the nest, we congratulate ourselves for a job well done, and we’re finished teaching and raising them. Right? Well… Not exactly. Just ask anyone whose college graduate has now moved back home, due to high rent or other life [...]
Estate planning forces us to consider some uncomfortable topics, but many people would never dream that they will continue to pay taxes after death! Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happens sometimes (or more correctly, it’s your heirs who will pay the taxes). But because you would prefer to leave your estate to your loved ones, and [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Financial scams sound like something that only happen to television characters, or the young and inexperienced. Most of us believe we couldn’t possibly become a victim of a con artist, because we’re generally well educated on financial issues. And besides, these things are super rare, right? Unfortunately, no, financial scams are not [...]
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 [...]