Per Stirpes Per Capita : What Happens When Your Beneficiaries Pass Before You Do? A lot of people think that if they take care to name beneficiaries in their trust, will, and accounts, then they’ve covered their bases when it comes to estate planning. They think they’ve made all the decisions they need to […]
The New Fiduciary Rule: A Good Thing. Mostly.
If you’re an investor, you’re probably aware that there are big changes taking place in the financial industry. Chances are, you’ve heard of something called the new DOL fiduciary rule being phased in over the next few years. You might even know that it changes the way financial firms and advisors manage money in retirement […]
Divorce Planning Mistakes: Seven Ways to Make Your Divorce Harder Than It Already Is
If you’re going through a divorce, money is probably the last thing you want to think about. Unfortunately, it should be at the top of your mind. Financial mistakes made during the divorce settlement process can haunt you for years. Sometimes they can even haunt you for the rest of your life. It’s worth slowing […]
IRA Contributions When Alimony is Your Only Income
Are you recently or long divorced and receiving alimony? Is alimony your only income source? Are you worried that you won’t be able to contribute to an IRA and save for retirement because you don’t have any “qualifying income”? If you’ve looked into the rules for IRAs at all you’ve probably run into that line […]
FDIC Insurance – How to Maximize Free Insurance and Keep Your Money Safe
If you’ve opened up just about any kind of bank or investment account, you’ve probably run into the words “FDIC Insured”. They’re posted in lobbies of local banks and at the desks of financial advisors. Most likely they make you feel a sense of security. After all, it’s good to know that the place you’re […]
Should I Own Rental Real Estate? What Do I Need to Know?
One of the questions I’m often asked is if a client should buy rental real estate as an investment. As with most investments, the answer is “it depends”. There’s no question that buying and holding real estate can be a great way to accumulate and build wealth over time. Many fortunes have been built using this very […]
How Long Does it Take to Process a QDRO? What is a QDRO? Who Needs a QDRO?
How Long Does it Take to Process a QDRO? What is a QDRO? Who Needs a QDRO? When people divorce, separating finances can get complicated. And if you’re getting divorced and your spouse has a company retirement plan, you will no doubt hear the term “quad dro” or QDRO. What exactly is a QDRO? […]
If All You Have Is A Hammer, Everything Looks Like A Nail
Sunday Radio When I drive around on Sunday, I put on the radio and almost every AM station has some financial “show” on it. Some are real shows, but most are paid advertisements masquerading as advice. It’s the so-called “safe money” pitch. And before we go further, let’s start with what qualifications are needed to […]
Investing In Gold – Is Gold A Good Investment? What Aren’t They Telling You?
Actors can be convincing! That’s why gold sellers use veteran actors to look like trusted advisors who pitch gold as a great way to protect your future from inflation, financial collapse, and as a good investment. The pitch sounds compelling. After all, with a cheap money policy and low-interest rates, and a government who seems […]
What Goes In My Living Trust?
One of the questions I’m often asked by people who own trust is, “what belongs in my trust?” or “what assets should be registered in a trust?” What is a living trust? It is a written legal document that partially substitutes for a will. With a living trust, your assets are put into the trust, for […]