The End of Social Security, NOT!
I laugh every time I hear someone say "Social a Security is not going to be there when I retire...that it is bankrupt... nothing but a Ponzi scheme that is doomed". Well, it is a Ponzi scheme, but with two…
I see the Light of Retirement
I see the Light of Retirement You are scheduled to retire on July 1st 2015, and the excitement is building, but before you get too excited make sure you have your bases fully covered. Before retiring consider 4 key issues,…
Surviving the Chopping Block
Regardless of the positive trend of the U.S. economy, the threat of being a victim of company downsizing keeps many Americans awake at night pacing, wondering; Am I next? Can my family survive the loss of income? How can I…
Roth IRA’s
Stated simply, if you have cash in banks or assets in taxable brokerage or mutual fund accounts, but you do not have a Roth IRA, you are missing a tremendous opportunity. This article can end on the power of that…
Medical Bill Woes
According to a CNN report, 49.9 million Americans were without medical insurance in 2010. To seal the gap between those insured and uninsured the government signed the Affordable Care Act that requires every American to be covered by medical insurance…
The Foundation of all Financial Planning
When first entering the practice as a personal financial advisor I thought I understood financial decision making. It was easy: 1 plus 1 equals 2; add another 1 and we get 3. Financial Planning was logical and straightforward economics. If…
Your Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights assures and protects therights of every American citizen. But did you know that you have a second Bill of Rights, one that protects you as a taxpayer? What’s more, the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights contains ten…
Using Debt Properly
One of the most common financial questions we receive at The Financial Consulate is, “When is it best to borrow money versus using existing savings?” Oftentimes those in the business of providing financial advice will recommend borrowing money whenever you…
The Elements of Estate Planning Most Missed
Many equate estate planning with creating a will. So, when you finally get around to writing your will-- a task most of us prefer avoiding rather than addressing, you feel satisfied that you took care of everything. Unfortunately, though, you…
A Crash Course in Tax Carry Overs
Filing a tax return is like skydiving for the first time; it’s nerve-wracking, exhilarating and dangerous. After the parachute deploys—Whew, the ripcord worked— you’re free to enjoy the view. Similarly, after filing taxes some may lose sight of what’s to…