Inflation & Your Money
“If the current annual inflation rate is 3 percent, why do my bills seem like they’re 10 percent higher than last year?”1 Many of us ask ourselves that question, and it illustrates the importance of understanding how inflation is reported and how it can affect investments. What Is Inflation? Inflation is defined as an upward […]
The Cost of Procrastination
Some of us share a common experience. You’re driving along when a police cruiser pulls up behind you with its lights flashing. You pull over, the officer gets out, and your heart drops. “Are you aware the registration on your car has expired?” You’ve experienced one of the costs of procrastination. Procrastination can cause missed […]
Personal Finance Tips for Military Families
One study found that military personnel have more credit problems and are more likely to make late house payments than their civilian counterparts.¹ While the financial situation of military personnel and their families mirrors the general population in many respects, heavy indebtedness and mismanagement of credit cards may be especially acute issues for service members. […]
Prevent a Rift: Money Tips for Newlyweds
One survey found that 35% of couples attribute stress in their relationship to financial issues. This could explain why some experts say financial problems are one of the top reasons marriages fail.1,2 Fortunately, when couples work together to address their finances, they may be able to mitigate many of the problems money may cause in […]
Do Your Kids Know The Value of a Silver Spoon?
You taught them how to read and how to ride a bike, but have you taught your children how to manage money? The average debt for student borrowers is $40,499. And nearly 11% of new graduates will default within the first twelve months of repayment.1,2 For current college kids, it may be too late to […]
To Catch a Thief
Many Americans have taken steps in recent years to protect their identity. According to a recent report, total dollars lost due to identity theft in 2021 was $24 billion and affected 15 million consumers. If you haven’t taken measures to protect yourself, it may be a good idea to consider your options.1 Identity theft is […]
Intellectual Property and Your Estate
Among the many considerations to ponder when forming your estate strategy, intellectual property (IP) is among the more important and misunderstood. The phrase itself may be somewhat confusing, as people may not know whether it applies to them or their assets. To clear things up, let’s start by defining what exactly is meant by intellectual […]
Estate Strategies of the Rich and Famous
How the Queen of Soul, the Lizard King, and Other Celebrities Determined Their Legacies Famous people are all too human. Tabloid newspapers and celebrity magazines and websites make bank chronicling their every moment, from going out for a coffee to attending glamorous premieres and glitzy concerts. And, yes, whenever they make a mistake, those same […]
A Living Trust Primer
A living trust is a popular consideration in many estate strategy conversations, but its appropriateness will depend upon your individual needs and objectives. What is a Living Trust? A living trust is created while you are alive and funded with the assets you choose to transfer into it. The trustee (typically, you) has full power […]