Until recently, you may have found yourself feeling foolish when investing became the topic of conversation and you didn’t have significant positions in FAANG (Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Google) stocks. These major companies seemed to rule the market news day after day, making huge announcements and seeing their stocks make enormous gains. In periods of extended growth and low volatility, such as we have had over the past few years,… Read More
Inheritance in Pennsylvania
When you receive an inheritance in Pennsylvania, along with the good news you might also get some bad news. I have listed some of the good news as well as some of the bad news that accompanies certain assets Pennsylvania residents inherit. Traditional IRA, 401(k), 403(b) Good news: Since there are named beneficiaries, this asset does not pass through probate. You will not owe Pennsylvania state income tax* Bad news:… Read More
Being Prepared
The news reports this summer of the horrid fire storms in California and the damage that remains in the wake of Hurricanes Florence and Michael have left me wondering what I would do if I had only moments to vacate my home. Would I be prepared to walk out the door confident that I had the most important things with me? That little discussion with myself left me sure that… Read More
Faulty Mindsets
The way we think has a powerful way of affecting our behavior and ultimately who we become. I’m going to highlight five faulty mindsets that can lead to a compromised financial future. I will make more money in the future, and then I’ll save. When you expect to be in a better financial situation in the future, you are tempted to take the emphasis off what you need to do… Read More
The Habit of Saving
When Warren Buffet spoke to students at Georgetown’s McDonough School of business back in 2013, he said that good habits might be more important than being smart. He then went on to stress the importance of establishing the habit of saving. Buffet has also been quoted as saying: “Don’t save what is left after spending; spend what is left after saving.” The easiest way to save is to put your… Read More
Debt Considerations
To borrow or not to borrow, that is the question. Today’s blog will provide some thoughts regarding the use of debt. There are many different opinions on this subject. Circumstances and stages of life certainly play a role in these decisions. For example, a younger couple will most likely need a mortgage to buy a house, but those approaching retirement are usually better served by having their home paid for…. Read More
The Simple Cash Flow Plan
To me, the word budget is not a friendly one. It sounds restrictive and limiting. So when I discuss this topic with clients I prefer to use the term ‘cash flow planning’ instead. Isn’t that more elegant? For our fall blog series, we will be focusing on Household Cash Flow Planning, digging into the tools and strategies we recommend to our clients to create sustainable tracking of your financial goals…. Read More
A Road Map For Success
I’m a strong believer in goal setting. The first recollection I have of being introduced to the idea of goal setting was at the end of my freshman year of high school. My high school soccer coach challenged each member of the soccer team to write down personal goals for the upcoming fall season as well as goals for our high school soccer career. I don’t remember specifically what I… Read More
The Challenges of Aging Well
I’ve been blessed by the love and influence of my parents throughout my life. Several years ago we began having some very direct conversations about aging well and the potential risk of one, or both of them, needing care in the future. We spoke honestly and clearly regarding expectations. I’m glad to say that we recently moved my Dad & Mom into a lovely cottage at a local retirement and… Read More
Reflecting God’s Generous Heart
Recently, I listened to a short radio program from Chuck Bentley of Crown Financial Ministries. He was talking about the fact that the Bible describes God as generous and that creation reflects this generosity. The trees give off oxygen for us to breathe, the sun produces heat and light, clouds provide rain, and vegetation provides food. The list goes on. The way that God has created the world reflects his… Read More
