The Glass is More than Half Full
Over the weekend while having dinner with a couple from my church I was reminded of a truth that too often I forget. While conversing over dinner I learned that one of our guests had recently been working at a local casino as a dealer. As we ate I pelted [...]
Stay Out of the Payday-Loan Trap
You might have noticed in recent years that the prevalence of payday loan storefronts has started to wane. According to the most recent information from the Missouri Division of Finance, since 2015 approximately one-third of active payday loan businesses in the state have closed. Even better, over the past decade [...]
Developing a Good Strategy For Your RMD
In last week’s column, I discussed strategies to avoid potential capital gains taxes. I’m going to continue with the same theme, but in a slightly different way. This week l will talk about required minimum distributions (RMDs), particularly how taking them can create unwanted income tax liabilities, while not taking [...]
Tax Time is Coming, Be Prepared.
Some people love the Olympics and count the number of years until they will get to once again cheer on team USA. As a self-professed political junkie I sit in anticipation for a different type of sport that occurs every four years. I of course am speaking of the Presidential [...]
On Medicare Plans, Do Your Homework
Last Wednesday I discussed the Medicare Advantage programs and today we finish with the Part B Supplemental (or Medigap) coverage. By the way, Open Enrollment began yesterday and you have until December 7 to apply for a change of plan. If you have not, I suggest you set up your [...]
Know Your Medicare Options
I love October in the Midwest. In my opinion, it has the best weather of the entire year. The air is drier and the evenings are great for sweaters or sweatshirts. After some hard frosts, our allergies may be less intense. We experienced Americans, 65 and older, also have another [...]
Pay of Your Mortgage? Lots of Variables
Should I pay-off my mortgage is a common question we receive. There isn’t a one-size fits all answer, as each case has unique variables to think about. You can find people who will recommend both for and against paying off the remainder of your mortgage. It’s not always a case [...]
Over Time The Tide Does Shift
One of the most interesting aspects of investing comes from the continuously changing tides between types of investments over time. For years now, the largest growth companies like FAANG (FaceBook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and Google) have been dragging along the rest of the companies among the largest 500 in the [...]
Lower Taxes Can Attract Job Seekers, Including NFL Players.
After our big win this past Sunday, Chiefs mania has clearly taken over the city. One last minute addition who I think could end up playing a huge role in us bringing home the Vince Lombardi trophy this year is LeSean McCoy. After being released from the Buffalo Bills last [...]
Why Make a Financial Plan?
Yesterday it appeared that Hurricane Dorian was weakening somewhat and its probable path this week would spare our Atlantic coast from the worst possible destruction. As it slides slowly northward, the damage may come from storm surges and torrential rain. I have watched some coverage of the preparations. Even Floridians [...]