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What’s on our mind? You can read about it in our blog. Whether it’s ideas from the industry or emerging trends, you can read about it here. And once in a while, we may throw in a movie review or some other surprise. So keep checking in. We’re glad to have you reading along.

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Many of you already have estate documents, probably executed many years ago. You need an estate attorney to look over your documents every 10 years or so. Here are a dozen points to review. Do you have a will and powers of attorney for...

Monday, May 22, 2023

While anyone can become a scam victim, fraudsters usually turn to one demographic above all others: older adults. Here's a look at some of the more common scams that target older adults, along with some ideas to help stand up against...

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

January 30 to February 3, 2023, is Identity Theft Awareness Week. Anytime is a good time to tighten up your identity security, but if you haven’t been as careful as you intended, consider this your annual reminder. Here are a few...

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Few life events are more stressful than a job loss. If you or someone you know is in this situation due to COVID-19, you’ll likely have several questions about job hunting, unemployment insurance, and health care. You may also...

Sunday, January 1, 2023

If it hasn't happened to you yet, you probably know someone that has had their identity stolen. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. Illinois has been hit with a rash of Unemployment scams. Identity...

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Thursday, October 13, 2022

Long-term care refers to a broad range of medical and personal services designed to assist people who've lost their ability to function independently. If you're thinking of buying long-term care insurance (LTCI), you'll want to make...

Thursday, October 13, 2022

1. What is long-term care? Long-term care refers to the ongoing services and support needed by people who have chronic health conditions or disabilities. There are three levels of long-term care: Skilled care: Generally...

Monday, September 26, 2022

Medicare’s annual open enrollment period begins October 15 and ends December 7. During this time, current Medicare beneficiaries have the option to adjust their coverage for the coming year. Any changes to your plan will go into...

Monday, September 26, 2022

Are you saving for the future? People often come to me asking for financial guidance. Some want to know how to invest or diversify the money they’ve saved, but others admit to me they’re just not sure how to save. 

Monday, September 26, 2022

The White House recently forgave up to $10,000 to student loan borrowers as part of a larger debt forgiveness program. There are still quite a few questions to be answered, but here are some key points to know.

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Taking a closer look at whether it might be appropriate for your situation Since it first became available in 2006, many employers have added the Roth 401(k) to their benefit packages as a retirement savings option. A Roth option is...

Monday, May 16, 2022

Easy steps on how to purchase US Treasury I Savings Bond. I Bonds give investors a rate of return plus inflation protection.

Monday, September 13, 2021

Identity theft affects millions of Americans each year. Learn the risks and how you can protect your sensitive data from cybercriminals. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, the annual number of records exposed rose 126% in...

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

However much you make or save now doesn’t promise you a bright financial future. Life is unpredictable. Follow these 10 tips to prevent you and your family from money troubles. See a lawyer and make a will. If you have a will,...

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

A blank calendar filled with nothing but free time can be every bit as stressful as a packed work week. That’s the surprising fact that many new retirees confront after a few days of hitting the snooze button and puttering around...

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

“How am I doing?” That’s a big question that most people have when it comes to their money. One way we tend to look for answers is by comparing what we have to what our neighbors, friends, and family, have. Even...

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Many people realize that the best way to stay in shape is to develop an appropriate fitness regimen and then stick with it. If you start a fitness program and drop out, you never give yourself a chance to become physically fit. In the...

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Need help managing your financial life? An investment professional is a tremendous resource to tap for financial planning information throughout your lifetime. For instance, your financial advisor can help you with: Short-term savings:...

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Most married couples take a “divide and conquer” approach to household tasks and chores. One spouse might handle weekly shopping, the other might handle garbage and recycling. One spouse might handle laundry and cleaning,...

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

A hamster in a wheel. Have you ever watched a hamster running in a wheel? All that running, all that effort, day after day after day … But the poor little critter never really gets anywhere, does he? Many of us feel the same way...

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Many couples blame their marriage problems on disagreements and an inability to see eye to eye. Marriage counseling is a great option for couples who need to learn how to better communicate, but it might not solve the problem that...

Thursday, May 27, 2021

When switching jobs, there are a number of considerations for what to do with the money in your previous retirement plan. Congratulations on your new job! As you navigate through a new onboarding process, you stop suddenly when you get...

Friday, May 7, 2021

On Mother’s day we tend to reflect on what our mom means to us and all the things she did for us as we grew up. Making family meals, helping with homework, answering relationship questions are all important ways we may remember...

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Have you ever wondered how much life insurance is “enough”? One general rule of thumb says that you should buy an amount equal to five to seven times your annual income. Sure, it may be a reasonable guideline, but this...

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Are you eligible for the recently approved Economic Impact Payment of $1,400? If you are single and make under $75,000, you are eligible. Eligibility for couples is income under $150,000. Couples will be getting $2,800 while a family...

Friday, March 19, 2021

Tips to avoid one of the biggest retirement fears that many of us have Investment volatility, rising healthcare costs, and increased taxes are all unknowns we face during retirement. Retirement is a major milestone that brings many...

Monday, March 15, 2021

Even before your children can count, they already know something about money: it's what you have to give the ice cream man to get a cone, or put in the slot to ride the rocket ship at the grocery store. So, as soon as your children...

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Retirement is a major milestone that brings many life changes. One thing that doesn't change for most people: the fear of running out of money. According to the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, the most frequently reported...

Thursday, February 11, 2021

Are you starting to think about travel again? That seems to be what a lot of people want to do as things get a bit safer. You likely have your sights set on something specific, but I wanted to share a couple of resources for some...

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

I have the pleasure of working with many single women. Many of them are single due to divorce. Within this group, there is a condition that I tend to see that I have termed the “single mom syndrome”. The problem I see in...

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

This is one of the top 10 most Googled questions related to personal finance. What is retiring early? For some people it may be age 62 instead of age 66. For others it may fall in line with what some people in the Financial...

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

There is a new movement out there called FIRE. This stands for Financial Independence Retire Early. Some millennials are working towards saving for Financial Independence by the age of 40. My guess is that most people searching this...

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

People will often tell me, I need 1 million dollars to retire or I need 5 million dollars to retire. I ask them how they know this and they will tell me they don’t know, it just seems like the amount they need. It may have been...

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

This month many families are evaluating colleges for their high School seniors. A major part of the decision will be what type of financial aid they receive from each school. My daughter is also a senior so we are in the same place. I...

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

I am not a college planner. However, planning for paying for college is a big part of what we do for our clients. Strategizing on the right college and knowing how income and assets are applied in the Federal formulas is something we...

Monday, November 16, 2020

Recent years have seen more adult children moving back to their parents' homes than ever before after completing college. The high cost of living, combined with a slow-moving economy, may have something to do with the increase of these...

Monday, November 16, 2020

In previous generations, husband’s traditionally handled the family finances. While this arrangement may have worked well during the husband’s lifetime, the consequences of the wife’s lack of involvement in the...

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

This commentary was created for use by Aspire Planning Group, LLC (Aspire) for informational purposes only with permission from [LPL/Return on Life]. The views expressed are based on current market conditions and are subject to change...

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Why Does Our Practice Have a Focus on Serving Women? Women have unique financial challenges. Women have a longer life expectancy. Their money needs to last them for a longer period of time. Women have often been out of the workforce...

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

We are thankful when our clients update us regarding potential fraud they have experienced. We have been alerted to a new scam that is becoming more prevalent – read on for more details. An unprecedented number of Americans lost...

Friday, October 9, 2020

Examining whether you have a healthy relationship with money is important The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped our lives in unprecedented ways, forcing us to live closer together with some people, rely on video conferencing to connect...

Friday, October 9, 2020

It’s fairly common for discussions of retirement planning to focus solely on the financial aspects of securing a comfortable retirement. However, few individuals take the time to consider the nonfinancial concerns. Indeed, when...

Friday, September 11, 2020

We tend to overestimate what we can accomplish in the short-term and underestimate what we can accomplish in the long-term. The frustration that results is one big reason why so many New Year’s resolutions die before Spring. But...

Friday, September 11, 2020

When it comes to estate planning, women have unique concerns. The fact is that women live an average of 5.0 years longer than men.* That's important because it means that there's a greater chance that you'll need your assets to last...

Friday, September 11, 2020

Just this week, I have seen two Go Fund Me requests for an unexpected Death. As a mom, woman, and a citizen, I am sad when I see Go Fund Me requests. I am usually compassionate about the subject, and often feel compelled to give. What...

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Thursday, August 20, 2020

I am sharing this picture from one of my favorite places. This is our lake house in Wisconsin. My husband and I bought this house 22 years ago when we were just starting our family. I had grown up with Grandparents that had a lake...

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

There’s a movement toward redefining money: instead of accumulating money for what it can buy, more of us want to use money to live the best life possible with what we have––a concept known as Return on Life™...

Thursday, July 16, 2020

For those of you with young adults heading off to college, have you considered what you would do if your child became ill and you needed to make decisions for them in the hospital? Once your child is over 18, you do not have the same...

Friday, June 19, 2020

Are you eligible for a stimulus check from the Treasury Department?As of Friday, April 24, the Internal Revenue Service said it had issued 88 million payments to individuals across the country. It plans to send out more than 150...

Friday, June 19, 2020

Do you feel “at home” in your home? Your home is often the biggest financial purchase you’ll ever make. But is it also giving you the emotional payoffs you hope for? Your home is an important part of your financial...

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

According to a recent study by TD Ameritrade, 25% of baby boomers are supporting their family members financially (1). Support to adult children averages out to $10,000 per year. That’s $10,000 that boomers aren’t saving,...

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

When we do financial planning for our clients, we use 2 key assumptions. An inflation rate and a rate of return on their investments. The difference between the 2 is called the Real Rate of Return. For example, if the market return is...

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

During client reviews, we often discuss how are we doing in relationship to the market. In addition, when our clients look at their monthly reports, they are looking to see how their accounts have changed compared to the market. The...

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

As a small business owner, the onset of the Pandemic was terrifying. Not only is our income reliant on our businesses but our employees’ incomes are also reliant on the business. As the pandemic news and shutdowns came fast and...

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

My final post for Moms this May is for Moms to take care of themselves. Mom - Have you considered doing a Crisis Check- up. Three (SSDT) Single, Simple, Doable Things® for each mother to do.

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Every Mother’s day, we are always faced with the challenge of what to give our moms for a gift. Here are my suggestions of things you can do as a gift to boost her financial independence.

Monday, April 27, 2020

Because almost every college has gone to online education and no dorm living for the Spring 2020 term, parents may be getting a refund from your student’s school. While most schools are not giving tuition reimbursements, they are...

Monday, April 27, 2020

After a major transition like a divorce or death, we work with clients to update many of their Estate planning documents. The primary documents most people think about are Wills and/or Trusts. Those are very important as well as...

Thursday, April 9, 2020

After years of saving, I will be making our first college tuition payment this year as our son heads off to college. What a strange feeling, not only that he will be gone but that something you have been working towards for so long is...

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

With adverse events often comes great opportunities! The recent market decline as well as interest rate changes and other economic events will present great planning opportunities for us. Here are just a couple of things to consider...

Thursday, February 27, 2020

One of the main things I hear from friends and clients these days is about moving away from Illinois because of all of the taxes. Income taxes, property taxes (ouch!), sales taxes. They certainly seem to take a big bite out of our...

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Did you know that the average age of financial advisors is over 50 and over 1/3 are expected to retire in the next 10 years (Cerulli & Associates)? With 50 being the average age, that means many in our industry are significantly older....

Thursday, February 20, 2020

I have to admit, I like saving money. I guess that is a good thing as a financial professional. But sometimes my thriftiness has been considered being cheap. But being an optimist, I like to frame my actions as methods of being more...

Monday, February 3, 2020

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” Viktor Frankl We may not always be able to control the circumstances of a given situation we find ourselves in. But we always have...

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Recently, I have been wondering how anyone would get my emergency contact information if something bad were to happen to me. When I bike, I sometimes take my license. When I run, I know I should have an ID on me but I often don’t...

Monday, January 6, 2020

Many people have a complicated relationship with money. Hang-ups carried over from childhood experiences get mixed together with positive and negative experiences from adulthood. Few people ever take the time to reflect on what money...

Monday, January 6, 2020

With the decline of traditional pensions, most of us are now responsible for squirrelling away money for our own retirement. In today's do-it-yourself retirement savings world, we rely largely on 401(k) plans and IRAs. However, there...

Monday, January 6, 2020

The largest overhaul to retirement plans since 2006 is complicated The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019 – the SECURE Act – passed the House of Representatives earlier this year and was...

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Gift giving is a big deal this time of year. To find the “perfect” gift, Americans will spend about 15 hours shopping. Women will do about twice as much as men. And they’ll shell out about US$1 trillion on gifts....

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

If advertisements and commercials are beginning to feature scenes of happy families, clad in brightly colored sweaters, gathered by a fire, surrounded by an assortment of presents, then the countdown to the holidays has begun. Although...

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Legacy planning is often the last piece folks tackle in their financial planning, because it’s the least appealing to think about. Planning for a robust nest egg that will keep you safe, secure, and fulfilled when you stop...

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

I am all set. I’ll be fine. I’ve got plenty of insurance already. Have you thought the same about insurance or made these statements before? Maybe you do have an appropriate amount of coverage, but do you have plans to...

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

One of the reasons that divorce is such a challenging life transition is its public nature. A couple might keep their problems private as they try to work through them. But if a rift opens that can’t be mended, the couple will...

Friday, November 1, 2019

A Common Scenario. A busy 40- to 50-hour work week, kids that need shuttling to and from school and extracurriculars … and a gradually decreasing metabolism. Sound familiar? Young, working couples with no kids may have more time...

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

I have seen my share of client-drafted wills. While most people opt to have a lawyer draft their last will and testament, there is no requirement that an attorney do so. If you do opt to draft your own will, make sure to avoid the...

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

In a recent survey of 12,000 workers worldwide conducted by the Energy Project, only 50% of respondents found meaning in their jobs (1). Imagine spending 40 hours a week doing meaningless work. It’s soul-sucking, but it...

Monday, October 7, 2019

As part of Financial Literacy month, I thought I would give some insight on saving for Financial goals. These are recommendations that I often will use with my clients who are saving for their goals.

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Student loan debt presents a serious financial burden to countless members of Gen X and Gen Y. We may be some of the most educated generations in history, but we're still struggling to earn enough money to take care of rising living...

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Most people don’t prepare to invest and that’s a big mistake Waking up early in the morning before the sun is up and heading to the gym comes hard. Once your workout ends, though, you often begin the day with the payoff of...

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

The business landscape is continually changing—technological advances, corporate downsizing, restructuring, and telecommuting have reshaped the marketplace.­ Although these improvements and modifications have a great impact...

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Today, seniors are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population. While many baby boomers have outgrown childcare issues, many may already be (or will shortly be) facing the issues of long-term care for their parents. While the...

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Heading into your retirement years brings a slew of new topics to grapple with, and one of the most maddening may be Medicare. Figuring out when to enroll, what to enroll in and what coverage will be best for you can be daunting. To...

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Caught up in the emotional turmoil that usually accompanies divorce, it is easy to for estranged couples to overlook the serious financial issues that arise as they seek to divide up their assets and establish independent lives. But...

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Consider the tangible financial and economic benefits too, not just sunshine You have no doubt seen dozens of lists of places to retire in, but they seldom focus on financial factors, which are important when you live off your savings....

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

As cloud storage becomes more common, data security is an increasing concern. Companies and schools have been increasing their use of services like Google Drive for some time, and lots of individual users also store files on Dropbox,...

Saturday, August 10, 2019

In response to demands from baby boomers, aging-inplace improvements that help seniors stay safely in their homes are more stylish and functional than before. Think of a curved and tiled shower soap dish that also serves as a grab bar....

Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Dollar cost averaging is a simple investment technique. You invest the same amount of money in shares of a particular stock or mutual fund, for example, each month (or other interval), whether the shares are up or down in price....

Tuesday, August 6, 2019

It’s an unfortunate statistic that everyone knows – more than 50% of marriages will end in divorce. But it’s also a statistic that has lost its impact. So, let’s try another tact. Click here to get full article

Monday, August 5, 2019

Women face unique financial challenges as they age. When compared with men, women live longer, earn less, and spend fewer years in the workforce. Financial concerns are often more acute for older women who are divorced, widowed, or...

Thursday, August 1, 2019

How are you going to get the best, most fulfilling life possible with the money you have once you retire? Study after study has shown that retirees who spend their time and money on experiences are much happier than those who just buy...

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

A timeshare is usually too expensive, even if someone gives you one Vacations during the summer months might have you thinking about timeshares for resorts in places like Florida or Mexico. They seem like a fun idea for a winter...

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

When you think of the word “insurance,” what comes to your mind? Most people think of certain policies, such as auto, homeowners, health, or life insurance. Although these types of policies may cover your basic needs in...

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Financial advisers will tell you that the most telling -- and risky -- years of your retirement are the five before you leave the 9-to-5 world, and the five after you have forsaken a steady paycheck and learn to live on Social Security...

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Review this simple checklist for pointers that can help you manage your money. Just do it: A checklist to Manage your Money

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Most Americans know the fundamentals of good health: exercise, proper diet, sufficient sleep, regular check-ups, and no smoking or excessive alcohol. Yet, despite this knowledge, changing existing behaviors can be difficult. Look no...

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Financial planning is more than just a good idea. Research has consistently shown that people who have financial plans -- and who work with financial advisors -- save and invest far more and are nearly twice as likely to feel on track...

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

“Does this spark joy?” Millions of people are asking themselves this question about their homes and possessions thanks to Marie Kondo and her wildly popular decluttering philosophy. Once the kids are moved out, it’s...

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Managing the financial aspects of a divorce may be just as important as coping with the emotions. This checklist can help you transition from "ours" to "mine" and "yours." Day-to-day transactions and financial accounts Divide all bank...

Monday, July 15, 2019

Charitable giving can play an important role in many estate plans. Philanthropy cannot only give you great personal satisfaction, it can also give you a current income tax deduction, let you avoid capital gains tax, and reduce the...

Tuesday, July 9, 2019

While millennial women are breaking cultural norms and diving into entrepreneurship headfirst, baby boomers are often more reluctant to take the risks of their younger colleagues. In fact, on a whole, women invest 40 percent less[1]...

Tuesday, July 2, 2019

You were having a great time on your vacation--until your toddler woke up from her nap with a fever. If you were at home, you'd take her to the pediatrician right away and rely on your health insurance to pay for her care. But what do...

Friday, June 28, 2019

Tip: How Old Are You? Age can makes a difference in the cost of a long-term care policy. Generally, the older you are when you purchase a policy, the higher you can expect the premiums to be. Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human...

Thursday, June 20, 2019

A healthy lifestyle fosters human excellence. It is an integration of the mind, body, and spirit that enables us to continually uncover our potential and strive to achieve all of which we are capable. Healthfulness is a state of...

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Breath is life. Life is breath. The yoga sages of India have embraced this link for centuries, where conscious breathing has long been an integral part of daily life. More recently, Western researchers have also begun to acknowledge...

Thursday, June 6, 2019

What recent graduates (and their parents) need to think about Spring is here, summer weather has begun (in many places), and graduation time has arrived. Across the country, students are finishing their high school, college, and even...

Thursday, June 6, 2019

They face a heightened retirement savings challenge. How critical is it for women to build retirement savings? At least as critical as it is for men, perhaps more so because of two factors. Women have a longer life expectancy than men....

Friday, May 31, 2019

The latest research suggests that divorce rates in the U.S. have been falling in recent decades. Still, many people face the difficult crossroads that comes when their marriage ends.1 Getting a divorce is a painful, emotional process....

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Parents looking to take advantage of the many benefits of a 529 plan will want to know the full details on which educational expenses qualify for tax-free distribution status -- and which do not.1 In Publication 970, the IRS gives...

Thursday, May 9, 2019

The end of a marriage is also the beginning of a new financial life. Reconsidering your financial arrangements -- whether or not your income will be reduced -- should be a priority as you adjust to your new circumstances. Some of the...

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Why, day in and day out, do you do the things that you do? Because you have to? Because you want to? Because you’ve had the same routine for years and you’re used to it? If you feel like your life is something that just...

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

“This generation got no destination to hold...We are volunteers of America”“Volunteers” by Jefferson Airplane¹ Those of a certain age will recall these Jefferson Airplane lyrics as a call to action, though...

Thursday, April 18, 2019

Going through a divorce can be a difficult experience both emotionally and financially. If you are divorced, you are not alone: approximately 40 to 50 percent of marriages in the United States end in divorce.[1] While transitioning...

Friday, April 12, 2019

You might notice a trend in the Financial Advisor space that there is a movement to create a Niche of advising women. We are all told what a “big market” it is and that women will be controlling the majority of wealth....

Monday, April 1, 2019

This modern twist on the Ben Franklin maxim reflects the multiplicity of taxes to which earnings are subject in today’s world.¹ Finding ways to manage expenses is one of the cornerstones of a sound financial strategy. Here...

Friday, March 29, 2019

An important part of managing your personal finances is keeping your financial records organized. Whether it's a utility bill to show proof of residency or a Social Security card for wage reporting purposes, there may be times when you...

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Divorce does screwy things to a person's head. The once intelligent and together woman that you were turns into an emotional, brain-fogged, unorganized basket case. You try really, really hard to keep it together but you know this will...

Thursday, March 21, 2019

As we get firmly settled into this new Millennium, one trend has firmly settled in with us: Baby Boomers divorcing at double the rate from the late 20th Century. As our life expectancies continue to increase, our attitudes about...

Friday, March 15, 2019

Divorce can be “taxing” enough, but need not be made more difficult by the mismanagement of the division of assets in a retirement plan. As more Americans participate in 401(k) plans and other defined contribution...

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Your credit report contains information about your past and present credit transactions. It's used primarily by potential lenders to evaluate your creditworthiness. So if you're about to apply for credit, especially for something...

Friday, March 8, 2019

The business landscape is continually changing—technological advances, corporate downsizing, restructuring, and telecommuting have reshaped the marketplace.­ Although these improvements and modifications have a great impact...

Thursday, February 28, 2019

Even in a seller's market, selling a home can be a difficult task. As a result, you'll want to do your homework ahead of time to ensure that you will be able to sell your home quickly and at the best possible price. Timing is...

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

How much do you really know about your employer-sponsored retirement savings plan? If you're like many people, you have many ideas about how your plan works, which may or may not be entirely accurate. To gauge your knowledge, take...

Thursday, February 21, 2019

We hear over and over again how important it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. But being healthy for its own sake isn’t easy — especially when you’re facing down temptation or battling procrastination. For some, the...

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

If you give away money or property during your life, those transfers may be subject to federal gift and estate tax and perhaps state gift tax. The money and property you own when you die (i.e., your estate) may also be subject to...

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn—they’ve all fallen prey to hackers who exposed passwords and other personal information for hundreds of thousands of their users. If you haven’t yet had your password stolen, chances are,...

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

The cost of a membership to your local fitness center can be pricey, especially if you are looking for a modern facility with a wide selection of the most current equipment. But there are ways to improve your physical fitness without...

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Risk management is a key component in any successful business plan. In today's world — where data breaches are common occurrences — it's especially important for business owners to understand the digital risks they face....

Thursday, January 24, 2019

Sometimes in life, things don’t work out as planned. One of the most trying examples is when a couple decides they can’t make their marriage work and, subsequently, files for divorce. Divorce can take a significant...

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

The baby boomers have re-defined everything they’ve touched, from music to marriage to parenting and, more lately, to what “old” means—60 is the new 50! Longer, healthier living, however, can put greater stress...

Friday, January 18, 2019

You might view divorce as a series of distinct steps: filing the paperwork, negotiating with your ex, getting a settlement and reaching the end of your marriage. Yet still more work – sometimes lots of it – remains after...

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Everyone loves a winner. If an investment is successful, most people naturally want to stick with it. But is that the best approach? It may sound counter intuitive, but it may be possible to have too much of a good thing. Over time,...

Thursday, January 10, 2019

No matter how much money you make, completely mastering money early on in life can help you potentially achieve what everyone wants: a financially comfortable today and a financially secure tomorrow. Mastering money in our society can...

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Massive computer hacks and data breaches are now common occurrences — an unfortunate consequence of living in a digital world. Once identity thieves have your information, they can use it to gain access to your bank and credit...

Thursday, January 3, 2019

Divorce can be a lengthy process that may strain your finances and leave you feeling out of control. But with the right preparation, you can protect your interests, take charge of your future, and save yourself time and money. You...

Friday, December 28, 2018

Go out into your yard and dig a big hole. Every month, throw $50 into it, but don't take any money out until you're ready to buy a house, send your child to college, or retire. It sounds a little crazy, doesn't it? But that's what...

Thursday, December 27, 2018

There's no doubt about it — going through a divorce can be an emotionally trying time. Ironing out a divorce settlement, attending various court hearings, and dealing with competing attorneys can all weigh heavily on the parties...

Thursday, December 20, 2018

What makes for a great family vacation? Should it include learning as well as leisure? Thinking about that next family trip? If you are mulling over how to make your next one great, consider these questions and factors. Should...

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Men and women may not be on equal footing when it comes to investing for the future. On average, women work fewer years and earn less than men, but they also tend to live longer.1 Therefore, women must focus on the concerns that are...

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

The gap between setting goals and achieving them can be difficult to bridge. To enhance the chances of achieving personal goals, reminders and motivation are essential; making a New Year’s resolution is simply not enough. A...

Monday, December 10, 2018

Purchasing homeowner’s insurance is not only critical for protecting your home and personal property against any potential liability; if you have a mortgage, your lender will require it. What’s Covered A homeowner’s...

Friday, November 30, 2018

According to the National Association of Women Business Owners, there are 9.4 million women-owned businesses, employing nearly 8 million people and generating $1.5 trillion in sales in 2015.1 Many of these businesses started small,...

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Tip: Importance of Itemizing. Charitable contributions are deductible only if you itemize deductions on Form 1040, Schedule A. Those who take the standard deduction cannot deduct their contributions. Internal Revenue Service, 2017...

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

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Wednesday, September 19, 2018

A planning topic we are working on with clients with right now is Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and the best strategies for using them. In short, an HSA is an account you can use if you have a high deductible Health Insurance Plan. The...

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

With High School starting soon, many Seniors will be starting their college applications and targeting schools. My experience from meeting with my clients is that many parents are not giving their children clear guidance on what type...

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Click to see Full Article Source: https://blogs.wsj.com/moneybeat/2018/08/03/how-your-brokers-can-make-10-times-more-on-your-cash-than-you-do/

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

For those who have been with Aspire for over five years, you may have noticed a change in your portfolio from using primarily Mutual Funds to using more ETF investments in the portfolios. You may have wondered why that is but have not...

Monday, June 11, 2018

In our practice, we like to focus on cash flow when we do financial planning with our clients. My belief is that when you know where you spend your money, you are able to make choices that will give you more value in your life....

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Years ago, I had the privilege of teaching 2 classes created by Money Savvy Generation. One class was targeted towards grades 2-3 and the other was for teenagers. I taught these classes in a local school as well as through our park...

Monday, October 30, 2017

I am sure it is with mixed emotions that your divorce is final. While you need to start moving towards your new life, there are still some lingering things that you will need to complete. The following are some of the key actions you...

Monday, October 30, 2017

Divorce is not something you plan for, but when you are considering it, you do need to do some planning. Here are five things you should get ready if you are thinking about divorce. Gather your financial documents. Especially if you...

Monday, October 30, 2017

Divorce is typically very costly for a couple. College is one area however where the family may come out ahead if planned properly. Through both tax savings and a higher calculated financial need, divorce may help the family unit....

Thursday, October 5, 2017

If you work for a larger company, benefits are often a big perk but one I see not being maximized very well. Since now is the time that you will start making elections, the following are the top 7 things to consider when picking your...

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Last week, one of the big four credit reporting agencies, Equifax, announced it experienced a security breach resulting in criminals accessing personal information of approximately 143 million Americans between May and July of this...

Thursday, August 31, 2017

Our children are heading off to college. Besides being shocked at our tuition bill, we should be feeling such excitement. So how come we aren’t? Because transition is hard. Transition often creates a form of grief. We are missing...

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

I have the privilege of working with clients who have made smart financial choices and are at the point in their life where they can stop working. However, one of the biggest problems that I see for them is the transition from being a...

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Have a high school student? If so, you are likely starting to think about how you will fund the upcoming college costs. Taking on too much debt for your student or sacrificing your retirement funding is not a great strategy. No matter...

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

A mom is a child's first financial advisor. Tips given by moms can influence a child's spending and savings habits for life.

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Defining our wants from needs is a great starting point. A Need is something that you need for basic living such as Housing, transportation, food and Insurance. A want is something that makes our basic living better.

Monday, February 13, 2017

Tax season may just be getting started, but tax scammers have been hard at work. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has gotten thousands of complaints about one kind of scammer in particular — IRS imposters. Here’s...

Thursday, February 2, 2017

This week is Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week. Tax identity theft happens when someone files a phony tax return using your personal information — like your Social Security number — to get a tax refund from the IRS. It...

Monday, January 23, 2017

As I write this, we are almost three weeks into the new year. Gym attendance has slowed, a few more drinks are being consumed, and chocolate has creeped back into our diets. Sound like you?? As we all know, resolutions are terrible...

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

I have a bit of a weird obsession. Towards the end of the year, I love spending time with my Quicken account. Download, organize, categorize. I like to know where my money went for the year and I like to think about where it might go...

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

On my morning swim today, the ripple in the water made me reflect on the ripple effect of the actions we take. Taken by choice or forced upon us, we never really know the impact we have on others. We lost our son 7 years ago to cancer....

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Throughout history, fathers have been depicted as leaders, protectors, and providers. They are rarely portrayed as nurturers—that role has belonged to mothers. But, as we know, popular history doesn’t always reflect the...

Thursday, June 9, 2016

How Money Savvy is your recent College Graduate? Here’s some Financial Tips that you can pass on to a recent college graduate to put them on the path to financial success.

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Successful relationships require shared values and goals when it comes to managing your money. Here, I share seven money strategies for a successful marriage.