For Mark Roberts' Use: Not to provoke anxiety, but have you started your holiday shopping yet? And have you set a spending limit? According to a recent Bankrate poll, 56 percent of respondents plan to avoid going into debt this holiday season. And about half (52 percent) plan to keep their budget in line with [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: If there’s one thing most parents want to pass on to their children, it’s financial wisdom. You’ve been young yourself, you’ve made some financial mistakes, and you’re hoping your kids can learn from them. That can often be the case, since financial mistakes aren’t subject to quite the same generational value [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Your 2019 income tax return isn’t due until April of next year… So why would you want to think about it now? Actually, there are plenty of good reasons to consider your tax situation toward the end of the year. By anticipating your income tax debt, you can take steps to [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: You might think that you know exactly what you’d do with a windfall, such as an inheritance. But you might be surprised at how the emotional impact derails you, especially if the money comes on top of another event (such as a death). To make the most of your sudden wealth, [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Yes, we’re a few months away from tax season, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t think about it ahead of time. In fact, a little preparation now can help to prevent unpleasant surprises next spring. One quick step can help you understand your current tax situation right now, so that you [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: The do-it-yourself mentality is popular, and for good reason. Often we can save a bit of money, and learn a fun new skill by taking on complicated projects ourselves. But the DIY perspective might not be a good idea to utilize with regard to long-term financial planning. Some things in life [...]
What would you do if someone called to offer you a free healthcare product that sounded as if it might help you? In the event that you experience regular discomfort or pain, you might jump at the opportunity to try something that might bring relief - especially if this person promises to handle all Medicare [...]
Many of our clients now have adult children, and are naturally relieved that their days in the “parenting trenches” are now a distant memory. But that doesn’t mean you stop imparting wisdom to your kids. In fact, now is the time to pass along your wise financial planning advice. With that idea in mind, make [...]
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 [...]