There are certain activities, songs, food/drink, and traditions that help me get into the Christmas spirit. A lot of it is kind of frivolous, like watching the movie Scrooged with Bill Murray or the original How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss. My wife loves...
I’m pretty sure “normal” people don’t sit around contemplating such things as “financial math” very much, but I believe it’s important! Understanding the differences between thinking about savings in terms of dollars vs a percentage of salary can have a significant...
You may have encountered this before: we think we’re prepared for an event and then realize that we are not fully ready to deal with all of it. I’m finding this personally true in the passing of my mother-in-law. I hope to pass along some helpful experience and...
If you’re a candidate for political office, especially a presidential candidate, you don’t want to discuss the national debt and deficit. Part of the reason I believe that almost none of the politicians in Congress or the White House want to discuss the levels of the...
As we approach September, all eyes are on the Federal Reserve's anticipated interest rate cut. This pivotal moment presents both opportunities and challenges for investors. As your behavioral financial advisor, I'd like to share three key moves to consider before this...
I am so grateful to live in a free nation. I am so grateful for the freedom and right to pursue happiness, as established in the Declaration of Independence. Thanks be to many unselfish individuals that sacrificed much, even their own lives, so we can enjoy these...
As summer comes upon us, many people take time off work to travel and spend time with family and loved ones. The summer provides many opportunities for us to make memories – memories that can last a lifetime and provide years of joy. But life is complex. We often...
First, let’s define “bad financial advice” as advice that promotes the interest of the person selling the financial advice and/or products, rather than YOUR best interest. Sometimes it’s not clear what the motives behind financial advice really are. So how do you...
I recently spoke on our monthly webinar about how there really is no “magic” number that can be calculated to ensure a comfortable retirement. Rather than chase a fictious amount, I suggested that investors should focus on accumulating funds in assets like 401(k)s...
Nick Saban, recently retired football coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide said, “If you want to be good, you don’t really have a lot of choices.” He was referring to the choice to either be disciplined or not when it comes to a specific process that leads to success. ...
Self-control is an important characteristic that can help us in all aspects of our lives from biting our tongue, to passing on the sweet treat, to accomplishing our New Year’s resolutions. But self-control isn’t easy! In fact, it can be downright painful, especially...
In 2021, economic policymakers told us that inflation was transitory. In 2022, they changed their tune and said that inflation is persistent. They both could be correct, depending on the time frame being used. When it comes to long-term investing, many of the...
