Financial planning blog

Timely and free financial planning advice

Diversifying your tax policy may be more timely than ever before, now that we have so many changes happening in Washington DC. So says Dave Stevens, CFP, CPA, PFS, with A&I Wealth Management. In last week’s tax chat event, Dave discussed many ways to save a few dollars in taxes. We entered a respectful and...

February 27, 2019

Love and Money: How to Manage Finances Equally

Money is a leading cause of divorce and marriage counseling. How can couples avoid letting money ruin their love? The answer – communication. When you say, “I do,” you unite more than just your families – your finances are now intertwined as well. While there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to managing finances,...

February 20, 2019

1,000 Years Later, the Castles We Still Build

Over the past 1,000 years, the world hasn’t changed. So began the story from our new-to-us Certified Financial Planner® practitioner, Dave Stevens. Dave has been a friend to one or more of us for more than a decade and he joins our team with open arms, and over 30 years of investment experience. I hope...

February 12, 2019

Let’s Start the Conversation

If you have not already done this with your financial advisor, then go ahead and ask him or her about providing you online access to your financial plan. This short video shows you some of the benefits. Like we’ve discussed in recent Periscopes, first your goals, then your plan and finally your investments. This is...

February 5, 2019

10 Steps to Achieve Financial Freedom in 2019

Financial freedom is knowing you can make major life decisions and are financially prepared to tackle speed bumps in your life plan without derailing the journey to achieve your financial savings goals. At a time when people across the globe are setting resolutions for the new year, I encourage you to put achieving financial freedom...

January 30, 2019

A Policy for a Lifetime of Investment Success

Let’s tell a story. First, we agree on some basics. The best way to set a lifetime investment plan is to discuss our goals, create a plan, and then assemble a portfolio of investments. We agree we should do these things in that order, because it is the order of priority. Let’s say you want...

Mature couple enjoying retirement lifestyle

January 24, 2019

How to Live Off Our Investments

Our overall philosophy of investment advice is goal-focused and planning-driven, as sharply distinguished from an approach that is market-focused and current-events-driven. Every successful investor we have ever known was acting continuously on a plan. Failed investors, in our experience, get that way by reacting to current events in the economy and the markets. We neither...

November 28, 2018

End-of-year 2018 Gifting

Our office is feeling thankful, and we hope you are too! Now is a good time to think about charities. Here are a few ideas. First, consider gifting out of your retirement account (IRA).* For example, instead of receiving a required minimum distribution and writing a check, ask your financial advisor how to donate to...

November 21, 2018

Thankfulness and Financial Planning

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I used to say it was because the family comes together without the stress of “gift giving” and with a whole lot of food. I am not the world’s best cook, but I’m a very good eater—and dish washer! Thankfulness is gaining popularity, or at least it seems...