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Top Things to Ask a Financial Advisor
Financial Planning Industry: Selecting an Advisor “Life is Change, Growth is Optional” I heard that book title the other day, and even though I haven’t read the book, I found myself considering the title in relation to my profession. As in the case of life itself,...
Buying a Home
A look at what you need to think about when buying a home. When people talk about the American Dream and what it means to them, buying a house is often near the top of the list. However, the care and responsibilities of owning a home can sometimes be overlooked:...
Value vs. Growth Investing
Among stock-market investors there’s long been a debate between those who favor value and those who favor growth. Looking at their recent track records doesn’t do much to settle the debate. Over the past decade, as a whole, value stocks have not performed as well as...
Mutual Funds vs. ETFs
Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too. The growth of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has been explosive. In 2006, there were less than 1,000; by 2024, there over nearly 10,000 investing in a wide range of...
Perception vs. Reality
Learn how to coordinate your retirement accounts like an orchestra to help maximize your retirement strategy. Key Takeaways Understanding the retirement savings hierarchy can help maximize your limited dollars. Many financial professionals suggest prioritizing your...
It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times
Learn about key investment principles that will help you navigate the unpredictability of the financial markets. Key Takeaways Diversification can help manage investment risk, but it doesn't eliminate it. The "don't put all your eggs in one basket" approach may help...
Making Sense of HSAs and FSAs
How HSAs and FSAs might help your household. With family health insurance premiums rising 297 percent since 2000, averaging over $25,000 annually, some employees feel the squeeze. Deductibles, too, have jumped nearly 50 percent over the last decade, further increasing...
Who Is Your Trusted Contact?
This investment account question is vital and answered as early as possible. Investment firms have a client service feature that may be a benefit to certain investors. They will ask you whether you would like to provide the name and information of a trusted contact.1...
Changing Unhealthy Behaviors
Five phases to changing unhealthy behaviors. Most Americans know the fundamentals of good health: exercise, proper diet, sufficient sleep, regular check-ups, and no smoking or excessive alcohol. Yet, despite this knowledge, changing existing behaviors can be...
