When it comes to finances, some people can be intimidated by sophisticated financial topics and the array of options available. For those who might feel this way, be reminded “simplification is the ultimate sophistication”.
Category: Financial Planning
Paying for College in the Era of COVID-19
This semester, millions of students, teachers, and college administrators are having to deal with a radically changed landscape. At many institutions, classes have been cancelled or moved online. Sports programs have been suspended and dormitories, libraries, and labs shuttered. In fact, traditional campus life has been turned upside down thanks to COVID-19, and it’s unclear how long it will last.
Thinking of Converting Your Traditional IRA to a Roth? Now May Be the Time
Anyone who is thinking of converting their traditional IRA to a Roth IRA may want to consider doing it this year. Why? Because today’s unique conditions create an opportunity to minimize the tax bite from converting. In fact, many have already taken advantage of this opportunity, with one provider reporting a 67% increase during the first four months of 2020 compared to a year earlier.
But before you begin to decide whether or not to convert, make sure you are familiar with what’s involved with a Roth conversion.
Perfect Vision: How to be ready for a year like 2020
What a year it has been. I no longer believe that “2020” is perfect vision, because I don’t think any of us saw this year coming…no matter how good your vision is! It’s definitely been a year packed full of challenges, frustration and uncertainty – on so many levels. 2020 has brought with it an element of change for all of us. It has forced us to modify the way we work, the way we learn, and the way we play.
Your Estate Plan: Time for a Checkup
COVID 19 has brought tragedy to many families and businesses and impacted personal finances. It has also rendered many an estate plan inaccurate and unrepresentative of current circumstances. If you, your family or your beneficiaries have been affected by the virus, you may need to review and make changes to your plan. Consider the following questions in your review.
Think Twice Before Tapping into Your Retirement Savings
New legislation – the CARES Act –permits qualified individuals to take early distributions from their retirement assets, such as their 401(k) or individual retirement account (IRA) — penalty free. The rules – which sunset after 2020 – are designed to help the many cash-strapped Americans who have suffered financially as a result of the coronavirus epidemic. But tapping into your retirement savings has its costs, and there may be better ways to shore up your short-term cash flow.
Smart Financial Strategies for Unexpected Events
A once-in-a-lifetime event such as the coronavirus pandemic forces us to reassess many things we may have taken for granted. Most of us take our personal good health for granted. Many of us assume we will always get by financially, that we will always be able to earn money in some way, and that, in a worst-case-scenario, the government will be there to step in and help.
Thinking of Timing the Market? Think Again.
Volatility is back. The sustained rally that produced 30%+ gains in the S&P 500 in 2019 and continued into 2020 came to an abrupt halt in late February, when fears of the new coronavirus epidemic and its effects on the economy swept Wall Street and beyond. Markets across the globe plummeted, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped over 1,000 points in one day. More drops followed, and volatility has ensued as investors try to grapple with the spreading epidemic and its potential impact on trade, travel, and the global economy.
What’s Your Plan?
We are living in interesting, uncertain times. The world and the media maintain that we need to be full of fear and doubt; worried about our future. And, I understand these are real emotions.
Mortgage Rates Are Down. Should You Refinance?
For today’s homebuyer, mortgages are cheaper than ever. The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 3.29% in early March, the lowest level recorded in almost 50 years. And 15-year mortgage rates came in even lower, averaging a mere 2.79%.
Spring Cleaning is Right Around the Corner!
As warmer weather arrives and households tackle spring cleaning to-dos, it is the perfect time to bring a simplified approach to your finances and “clean house.” Here are considerations for how to “spring clean” your finances:
You Are Not Alone
Do the laundry, make dinner, pay the bills, pack the kids lunches, clean the house, walk the dog, feed the cat, 5:00 soccer practice…….
And….. this is the ‘to-do’ list rattling around in your head, even before your alarm goes off at 6:00 AM!
Then your day begins…….
Planning for the Holidays
The holidays can be a magical time of year, filled with the warmth of family and friends and the joy of giving—or receiving—the perfect gift. But if you’re not careful, the holidays can also be a financial drain—leaving bills that linger long after spring has returned.