When it comes to taxes, pretty much all of us are interested in one thing: How do I pay as little as possible? This is a great question, and it’s really what this Understanding the Tax Game series is all about. It’s helpful to look at taxes as a game with rules. If you understand the game well enough and play by the rules, you have a better chance of “winning” the game.
5 Financial Tips for Starting 2019 On The Right Foot
A happy 2019 to you all.
I hope last year was a great one for you, and that you’re looking forward to this new year, with the chance for new beginnings. I love starting fresh with the opportunity to set new goals and priorities.
To that end, I’d like to share 5 financial tips worth considering as you think about how you might want to tune-up your financial life this year. These are just suggestions, but in the many financial conversations I’ve had with others, these five points hit on resolving some of the biggest financial concerns I hear when I talk with others.
I hope you enjoy my latest (and first!) post of 2019.
3 Things Not to Do During a Stock Market Decline
If you’ve seen any financial news lately, you’re aware of some of the ups and downs the stock market has experienced. Stock market volatility is not uncommon, but that doesn’t make it any less scary to stomach.
However, periods of uncertainty present some of the biggest opportunities for investors to sabotage their financial plans. Here are three things you should avoid doing during a stock market decline.
An Inside Look at My Budget Last Month
I’ve written a lot about budgeting, so any regular of my blog has heard a little about why I feel it’s important and how to do it (without pulling your hair out). And while I certainly enjoy budgeting more than the average person, I think it can be a really easy, non-threatening experience for most families.
I thought it might be helpful to share a sneak peek into my own budget from last month. I love doing this sort of thing. It helps me see my budget from a different point of view, and you might find it helpful as you put your own budget together.
Leaving a Legacy
My father passed away two years ago. He worked his whole career at a job he enjoyed. As a family of 11 (Mom, Dad, 5 boys and 4 girls) we never had a lot of extras, but our needs were met. Fortunately, my dad had a generous pension and government health benefits throughout retirement, which not only provided for my parent’s living expenses, but the extensive medical care my dad required.
But there’s really no “nest egg” for his children to inherit. The pension will stop after my mother is gone, as will the health benefits. There isn’t a lot left as far as other assets are concerned.
And that doesn’t matter at all.