It is always interesting meeting with couples to discuss their financial situation. Often, it feels as if the conversation they are having in front of me is the first one they have had together about money in a long time. This is unfortunate because money conversations are not just mathematical [...]
I know it probably goes without saying, but most of the stuff we buy today costs way too much. It wasn’t that long ago that inflation was nearly non-existent. For the decade prior to Covid, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by an average of just 1.8% a year. Since [...]
My family has started to complain about the amount of pork and chicken we’re eating. As the primary grocery shopper and cook in our home, I’ve made the decision to buy much less beef lately. Prices seem to climb higher every week, and it’s becoming harder to justify. These rising [...]
Many years ago, I had a conversation with a coworker that has stuck with me ever since. They had just purchased a brand-new truck that cost nearly twice their annual salary, all while still living with their grandparents. I questioned the wisdom of that choice, and their response was something [...]
Well, it’s that time again. School is back in session and parents are reminded that college tuition bills are looming. When families start thinking about saving for a child or grandchild’s education, two options often come up: the Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA) and the 529 Plan. At first glance [...]
When many people think about working with an investment advisor, they picture something similar to a mechanic. You bring in your portfolio when it “needs a tune-up,” they make a few adjustments, and you drive away until the next issue pops up. In reality, your financial advisor should be more [...]
Last week while meeting with a couple who were looking to get serious about their finances, one of them asked me for advice on how to cut spending from their budget without feeling it. I had to think about that for a little while because the reality is reducing expenses [...]
It has been a long tradition in the Examiner for Ronald Finke to write a column of Thanksgiving every year. It’s something I personally always look forward to, and perhaps many of you do as well. That’s why I was very excited to be granted the privilege of writing this [...]
Last week, I wrote about the importance of having insurance because you never know when you might be the victim of a tragic event. Little did I know less that seven days later I would experience a real-life example of this. Sunday afternoon while my wife and I were on [...]
Although I hate to admit it, I am officially middle aged. As tough as it is to no longer be young, it does come with certain benefits too. I consider myself blessed to be at an age where I not only have young children in my life, but also parents [...]
