The importance of budgeting is undeniable, but many don’t do it because it is time consuming and difficult. Learn how to build a basic budget in 15 minutes which meets both your financial needs and goals.
The debate about whether a budget is a necessity or a waste of time often centers on a fundamentally flawed definition of budgeting. The exercise of budgeting shouldn’t be designed to limit you, but to give you the freedom to spend money in the manner you wish to spend it.
There is a lot of talk in the financial media about the benefits of automating your finances. But what exactly does that mean? And how do you go about doing it? Here’s one simple method of automating your finances which ties your budget in with your pay.
The importance of budgeting is undeniable, but many don’t do it because it is time consuming and difficult. Learn how to build a basic budget in 15 minutes which meets both your financial needs and goals.
The stock market is compared to a roller coaster for a reason. If you're concerned the recent drop in value is a sign you should get out, these four charts will help you put things in perspective. If stocks are the appropriate investment for you, don't let a drop in the market scare you into pulling out.
The DOL Fiduciary rule is now in force, but there is a loophole for commissioned advisers which can allow them to maintain their current compensation model. Make sure you understand the Best Interest Contract Exemption and the implications it has on potential conflicts of interest which could influence the investment advice you recieve.
Between the wide range of meaningless job titles and the alphabet soup of certifications and designations, it's easy for an advisor to hide how they truly do business. One thing an adviser can't hide, however, is how they're licensed. Knowing the license will tell you what they can advise on, how they are compensated, and whether they are fiduciaries.
Calculating the right amount of insurance is as much art as it is science. There are a wide variety of methods developed to calculate life insurance needs, including ones that rely on rules of thumb and make it easy to come to a number. Simpler methods make calculating your life insurance needs so simple you can do it in a few seconds with a calculator. But are they accurate?
The President's proposed tax revision may be interesting water-cooler talk, but you shouldn't spend much time on it. As the proposed individual income tax reforms are far from being law, there is nothing you can do to adjust your tax strategy in preparation. Still, it is fun to dissect the good and bad of the President's plan.
Congress recently reversed rules which allowed states and cities to create Auto-IRA programs. Although I like the intent and am a big fan of encouraging retirement investment, the program wasn't ideal. A lack of ERISA protections, potential for poor management, and poor investment options all mean I won't mourn the death of the Auto-IRA.
Historically, there was a "three-legged stool" of retirement which provided Americans with a comfortable and safe retirement. The stool, however, has been eroded away, leaving many without sufficient income in retirement. Making small changes now can net a massive improvement in your lifestyle in retirement, and may provide you with the option to retire earlier or wealthier.
