Financial Planning Insights

Talking Money this Holiday Season

With the fall and winter holiday season rapidly approaching, many are prepping to host their traditional family gatherings in new and creative ways in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the settings may be different this year, and we may be gathering virtually, one thing is unlikely to change: when family and friends gather, uncomfortable topics will come up in conversation. One of those topics is likely money and personal finances. In July of 2019, TD Ameritrade conducted a study that asked participants about their comfort levels discussing certain issues, primarily focusing on money/personal finances.
Financial chart and data with calculator and pen on wooden desk

8 Credit Building Tips for the Modern American

Here are some helpful tips to help you build and repair your financial reputation for a long-lasting impact.

September 2022 Market Commentary

For 2022, it may feel like the theme has been “nowhere to hide.” As this is written, the year-to-date performance of stocks is -22.17% and typically stable bonds are -13.54% through 9/22/2022. So, what is going on? While no one knows for sure what drives the stock and bond market in the very short-term, I think it is safe to say there are a few issues that are weighing on investors’ minds:

The Myth About Holding Individual Bonds

“My bond pays me 6%.  It’s crazy that people own bonds yielding only 2%.” “My broker built a bond ladder of individual bonds.  As long as I hold until maturity, it can’t lose value.” You may have heard statements like this before.  If true, it certainly appears that holding individual bonds is superior to holding bonds via a mutual fund or ETF. But is it?

BREAKING: President Biden’s Student Loan Relief Plan

As you have probably heard, President Biden last week announced his long-awaited student loan relief plan, with the headline being $10,000 in student debt cancellation for certain borrowers.

June 22nd Market Commentary

It's no secret that the markets are experiencing a challenging year with many wondering if we're nearing a recession. So we asked seasoned members of our Investment Committee, Pat Collins, CFP®, EA, and Greg Hobson, CFP®, AIF®, to speak to those challenges and lend some valuable perspectives based on what they've experienced during their respected careers.

DeFAANGed: A Nightmare on Wall Street

Goliath. Achilles. The bear from The Revenant. Powerful, imposing, and victorious as these legendary figures became, their mighty falls remain infamous…

What is a CFP®? (and Why It’s Important to Work with one)

When searching for a financial advisor, you will likely see a lot of “alphabet soup” following prospective advisors’ names. While all these designations, licenses, and certifications have different education and experience requirements (and some may carry more weight than others), one certification rises above the rest as the standard for financial planning-focused advisors: the CFP®.

Residential Rental Real Estate: Buyer Beware

Many major asset classes have experienced substantial growth over the last several years, resulting in very expensive valuations. This has led some investors to think beyond traditional investments like stocks and bonds and consider investing in single-family residential real estate for its steady cash flow and price appreciation potential. can this be a good use of capital for investors looking to earn higher potential returns?