Step 1: Getting Started Assess progress against your baseline: Calculate your net worth: Make a list of all your assets and subtract your debts (or use a wealth-tracking app). This is the benchmark against which you can measure future progress. And don’t panic if your net worth declines during tough market periods—what’s important is the long-term trend. See [...]

Automated investment management services, known as robo advisors, have garnered more than their share of mass media public relations attention. They promise to reduce financial management fees by using computer algorithms to manage your investments, without human oversight, and to obtain similar results. The media portrayal of these services lead many investors to view robo [...]

Our financial planners will work with you to determine your goals and objectives and to establish appropriate plans for your unique situation following this proven planning process. Step 1: Gather Information and Determine Your Current Situation In this first step of the financial planning process, the financial planner will help you determine your current financial [...]

So, you’ve decided to begin or increase saving in your company’s 401k. However, the choices seem overwhelming. Large cap . . . mid cap . . . real estate trusts . . . money markets. You are just not sure where to begin. You are not alone! Many struggle to understand the choices available. Why [...]

Here are a few reminders to help you stay fiscally fit: Review your insurance policies. Double check coverage and beneficiaries. Check on the progress of your college, retirement and other savings plans, updating fundamental assumptions if needed. In August, take advantage of your back to school sales tax holiday. Plan for employer healthcare open enrollment. Begin to review YTD [...]

Although 90% of Americans now how health care coverage, many struggle with the high cost of medical treatment. On top of the premiums, deductibles of $3,000 or more are are common. Here are a few tips that may help reduce your cost of medical care. 1. Know Your Options Your insurance likely includes telemedicine, walk-in [...]

Markets go up and markets go down. That’s what they do. But then again, you know that. That is why you have invested rationally in quality investments, diversified your portfolio among stocks, bonds and cash — and across industry and geography. So, why the anxiety following recent declines? Most likely because you are paying more [...]

Don’t make these mistakes . . . 1. Not Completing the FAFSA Form I hear all kinds of reasons: “The FAFSA form is too hard.” “It takes too long to complete.” “I’ll never qualify anyway, so why does it matter?” It does matter. For one, contrary to popular belief, there is no income “cut-off” when it comes to [...]