The closing weeks of 2019 gave us plenty to celebrate and plan for as investors. In contrast to 2018, where it was nearly impossible to find growth in stocks, bonds, or any asset for that matter, 2019 provided plenty of opportunity for returns. There was volatility in the mix, however, as trade talks, domestic politics, […]
“All you can take with you is that which you’ve given away” – Peter Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life” The journey from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day is a sprint this year. A dash from expressing gratitude over turkey in November, to giving generously in December, to new beginnings in January. I don’t know […]
How are you doing, really? Do you know someone who has floundered when they walked away from work? Think of that person you know whose identity was tied up in the ‘uniform’ that they wore for so many years; A suit and tie or the company colors. They identified closely with their role on a […]
Do you have a date set for when you will retire? Maybe it’s the day you turn 65, or maybe when you are eligible for your full Social Security benefit. Whether it is imminent or still a few years off, you have probably thought hard about how to prepare your family and your finances for […]
We all have hobbies that are self-taught. Maybe for you it is cooking, or gardening, or carpentry. They are the skills we picked up by following our passions, maybe with some mentorship, but rarely with formal education. For me, guitar and golf are my self-taught hobbies; learned the hard way since my teenage years. Most […]
Making Personal Finance Decisions When Things Are Good My house starts to go silent for a few hours this week. For the first time, all four of my kids will be in school. The oldest in eighth grade, the youngest in pre-school. It has been ‘all hands on deck’ for thirteen years, always having a […]
This week’s blog was written on a flight back from El Paso, TX, a place where I lived for four years of my Army career. We pray for strength for that loving community in this most tragic time. We are also forever grateful for the sacrifices of the soldiers and families of Ft. Bliss who […]
We’re All Doing It Wrong A study was released that found that 96% of Americans choose the wrong time to start their Social Security benefits. With the option to begin guaranteed payments as early as 62, more retirees are electing this premature option than should, according to the study. If someone elects to wait until […]
It is wedding season and couples are in the mindset of new possibilities and building on what they already know about each other’s hopes and dreams. As they progress toward common goals, every couple has a unique way of working together; A language and a rhythm unique to them. Through dating we develop an insider’s […]
In March, the actor Luke Perry passed away at the young age of 52 from a stroke. Shortly after his death, I read an article in Forbes describing how Perry was prompted to draft a will just a few years ago after a cancer scare. With a full slate of recent celebrity deaths that highlight […]