Financial Tips

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Know Thyself As You Learn and Grow

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Our world is changing and so must we. Your first step, and mine, is to forgive yourself for past missteps – financial and otherwise.

These are stressful times. From a powerful election season to natural disasters, no one and nowhere is immune. This is also a personally challenging time for me.

At the beginning of the month, I got the message to slow down. A broken foot will do that.

In order to grow as human beings, we need to understand our reactions and tendencies. And accept our shortcomings while attempting to improve them. Much like I know I can be short with friends, family and others when I am stressed out – I know I make financial errors when I am busy, overwhelmed and lacking rest.

When I am so preoccupied that I may react without a kind or human touch, I apologize to those I have offended. Because I have learned what tendencies I have, I do it less today than twenty years ago. And correct quicker. When it comes to the fleeting mismanagement of money, I am disrespecting the person I most love and value – myself. And this happens when I am stressed, overcommitted or grieving.

When my finances go haywire, even for a fleeting month or two, I equally need to forgive myself and ask for help. Whatever the reason, I need to pause to give myself attention before I give my finances attention. Acknowledge and accept what happened.

I want to share my process to see if it helps you:

First, I take the time to process the underlying hurt and pain, then I can attempt to get track.

Next, I clear the air by understanding what I could do differently.

Then, I correct the situation with some attention, planning, and paperwork.

Have you made past financial mistakes? Or perhaps made decisions you wish you had not? Welcome to the club. You got this. I got this. Financial missteps is not an uncommon situation. You can fix it by looking internally, then understanding what happened and then move ahead.

All it takes is one step, one day at a time to improve any situation. Most importantly, put parameters in place to prevent it from happening again. I no longer go willy nilly and have piles of piles of bills paper or digitally adding up. I have stop gaps whether credit card limits or cash restrictions – one reason I love cash.

For me, clearly the message is slow down. When I take the time to stay present, I am much more organized and detailed oriented. My financial plans chug along smoothly. When I am busy and overwhelmed, I am thinking of the future and leave a trail of disarray. That may result in unpaid bills, overspending or unnecessary debt, despite my knowing better. I am human. We all are.

I know myself. I know finances. And I know some extra time invested will get me pack on track, as it will with you. Just clear the self-judgement and forgive yourself so you will be ready for the next step.

Keep on learning and growing. When it comes to finances, knowing yourself is first in the line of money management.

Live as if you were to die tomorrow.
Learn as if you were to live forever.

- Mahatma Gandhi




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This CFP Wishes for My Loved Ones

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Dear Loved Ones,

There are many questions you have asked me over the years. Despite the fact I cannot give specific advice without knowing one’s full situation, many of your questions required one simple step. 

I never know if you did them or not. I care and am concerned that you are in good hands financially. I prefer you avoid a financial situation that could be fixed with a bit of pre-planning, rather than scrambling after the fact.  

I seldom hear the follow up. I care. And because we are friends first, I am not the professional you work with, I do not ask. 

Today I am wondering if:

Your Retirement Beneficiaries are Correct: 

Longtime partners told me, “Oh yeah, we never changed those from family members. But our families know who to give it to.” By law, the money goes to immediate legal family. If they chose to then pass it on to a partner, there are potential taxes that may diminish those funds. I hope you have designated your partner by now.  

Life Insurance Beneficiaries Updated:

A young recently married couple told me, “We were so busy with our wedding planning and honeymoon, we never updated our life insurance and company benefits. This will go to our spouse automatically now that we are married, right?” No, no, no. You need to make the changes on your policies and with your company. Easy enough to do today. Get on it.

You Have an Estate Plan to Match Your Current Life:

Our lives constantly change: we move, we have children, our assets grow, we have grandchildren, we marry. Too people many make major shifts and leave their former will in place. They often forget or do not understand that you need a recent Power of Attorney for your finances and Health Care Proxy. I do hope after you made the move out of state, you followed up with a new estate plan in your state of residence. 

You Have Assigned A Guardian for Your Children:

This is designated in your estate plan. Otherwise, their guardian many be your next of kin or appointed by the court. A legal guardian is responsible for the health and financial care of a child until “legal majority” in the state of residence. Be Kind to your children. Create a will with your wishes and a lawyer to carry them out.

You have Left a Paper Trail. Or Digital Trail:

Being in good financial shape with an estate plan and well organized records is great. If no one can find them when you fall ill or pass on, then they are of little use to the people who need them most. I hope by now you have told someone how to find your paper trail, making it easier on your loved ones at a dire time. 

Leave behind a legacy of love.

This CFP Wishes for My Loved Ones

My Valentine:

1. Have a Well Done Estate Plan, Have Peace of Mind

2. Have Cash to Offset Stress of Life Events

3. Review Your Investments Every year.  

Life changes. Have that balance of stocks, bonds, growth and value investments. Create an estate plan. Keep a cash account. Then you can weather any movements in life or the stock market

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What are Annuities?

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Question: “I just got an inheritance and a financial person suggested I purchase an annuity with $90,000. We were going to expand our home. I do want to be smart and do something wise for the long term with the money. What is an annuity? Is it a good investment?”

Christine’s Answer:

Good for you for wanting to learn about money.  

First, the annuity answer. An annuity is an insurance contract. There are many types and forms from fixed annuities to variable annuities which have an investment component. They are backed up the insurance company that sells them. If this financial person only suggested an annuity, then they may only sell annuities. Annuity is a product with a large commission for the sellers typically. If an investment person does not offer you more options, they may not be working in your best interests. 

Expanding your home sounds like an option, but do you have a financial plan? Use that inheritance wisely by consulting an objective financial professional first. You can meet with them on an hourly basis and they can evaluate if you have a safety account, how to manage any debt you may have and plan for your future. They can also further explain annuities and other options to best serve you. To contact one that does not sell products reach out to the Garrett Planning Network.

Once you are more educated you can decide your next steps.  

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Economic Concerns for Your Attention

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Why am I concerned about the economy?  This country has a debt problem from government to individuals.  If we do not slow down and pay attention to how and where we spend money, the whole system could fall apart. 

As I always talk about financial self-care, I wanted to reiterate why it matters today. Financial change is happening everywhere, not just with the banks.  You can only control your part of the world but first learn what is happening and why that is more important than ever.

Here is what I am paying attention to with trepidation:

1.  Car loans are rampant with over 30% of people financing a car

People cannot afford transportation costs.  Given some may be buying more car than they can afford, but this is ridiculous to have so much debt out there for a depreciating asset. In addition, a greater number of people are defaulting on their car loans.

2. Credit card balances are high 

On average people have over $5,000 in credit card debt, worse, defaults are on the rise.

3. Savings are depleted

Remember all we were saving during lockdown?  Those accounts are dwindling.

4. Commercial office buildings mortgages delinquencies rise

With work from home movement and other changes, the rate is around 5% this year.

5. Traditional measures  

Employment looks strong, and inflation is stable by many reports; These positive measures are critical to a budding economy.  I believe they cannot stand alone without other financial factors which matter to each of us individually.

6. Rising interest rates  

The interest rate changes are affecting businesses and consumers on the loan side.  Sure, savers gain but see my list, # 3 above. 

7. Debt ceiling compromise was a temporary fix  

This issue will come to the forefront after the next election, or sooner.  Right now, the astronomical amount is easy to understand by calculating per US citizen is close to $7,100 each. 

8. War in Ukraine  

A country I am humbled to admit I couldn’t have found on the world map a decade ago is now in splinters and affecting global stability and peace.

Something is going to give.  Perhaps in the long run all will be well.  In the meantime, being prepared to ride out the fiscal downside is crucial.

I am not chicken little saying “The Sky is Falling” rather …

Instead, I’m encouraging living by the Girl Scout model of “Be Prepared.”

You have heard it before from me many times. This attitude is a product of my Girl Scout years and career. Stay financially sound with these five ways to be prepared for the unforeseen whether flooding, fires or economic downturns:

Five Steps to Maintain Your Prosperity Preparation:

1.     Create a safety savings.

2.     Live on less than you make.

3.     Check and cross check your insurance coverage.

4.     Be Prepared for downsides financially and with an estate plan.

5.     Enjoy the upside by living in the simple pleasures and appreciating what you have today.

 

Whatever you do, do not take money out of your long-term goal, like retirement, to fund your life now.  That will backfire in the long run, leaving you with less to live on in your older years.

Balance is key.

When you have the downside contingencies taken care of, you will be prepared for the worst.  Then, you truly will be comfortable appreciating and savoring the best.

Looking to read more about what the economy is doing? Here are some resources:

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3 Things to Consider before a Prenup

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Love is in the Air: 3 Things to Consider before a Prenup

“Do you know of a good lawyer to do a prenuptial-agreement?” the email from a young, engaged friend of mine seemed simple enough. However, the question lead me to discern that there are several essential discussions needed before they contact a lawyer for a prenup.  

Pre-nup agreements are all the talk in certain circles. You need to ascertain if it is for you – not because you both read it somewhere. (Or God forbid saw the advice from someone on Social Media who was not a financial or legal professional.) 

Discuss these questions together:

  1. Do you need one? Why?

  2. Have we communicated honestly about all our financial information?

  3. Is a prenup recommended by a legal or financial professional who has both of our interests in mind?

Motto for the bride and groom:

We are a work in progress with a lifetime contract.
- Phyllis Koss

 

Step 1 – Understand Why You Want a Pre-nup

The typical reason is a disparaging state of life either financially or personally between a couple. One person has deep wealth, ownership in a family business or children, and the other doesn’t. Or one person was married before and feels uncomfortable without one as a result of that settlement. Consider your special circumstances as a couple to understand if you have a valid reason for a legal document.

Then, understand the laws of your state of residence. Most recognize that each person’s assets are their own coming into the marriage and even in the case of a divorce will be able to keep those assets. 

In addition, review the federal laws of marriage. The Government Accountability Office did a study in which they concluded over 1,100 rights were part of the marriage legal relationship. 

 

Step 2 – Sharing All Financial Information With Each Other

Before you commit to a lifetime of marriage, take these steps:

  • Discuss how we are going to handle money, investments and planning for the future- and most of all financial on-going communication. (More on that later.) Put the plan in writing.

  • Change beneficiaries on retirement plans, life insurance and unearth any joint property with someone else so you are both aware of the others financial situation. This also allows for true confessions on debts, savings and other financial commitments.

  • Check credit reports and share with each other. These are the story of your potential spouse before you met. Start your search for the three main reporting agencies and free reports at: www.Annualcreditreport.com

 

With the expectations clearly laid out for your financial lives together, you will start to understand your pending spouses financial ideas and past. Plus, you will both understand each others financial life.

 

Step 3 – Consult an Objective Professional

A lawyer or CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ who is hired by both of you is the best resource before your marriage and to guide you through your years of life together. Having both types of expert as a resource will serve to ease your transitions in the coming years.

A CFP® who both have hired will discuss your concerns around a prenup agreement. They will want you to share the financial plans and goals you have together for an understanding of your situation. Having an objective opinion will allow you to decide how to proceed.

Even before you are married, meet with a lawyer to lay out what your estate plan will say post-marriage. The documents for your will, power of attorney, health care directive and trust if needed can be drafted. Then, you will have had many conversations to get to this point and feel confident about your next steps in marriage and life. (You cannot actually sign it with the lawyer until you are married. I am such a financial nerd, we had ours signed before we went on our honeymoon.)

Also, you may want to consult a pre-nup specialist who serves more as a mediator/consultant to counsel you both. They can draw up the pre-nup if necessary. Laurie Israel is one such specialist, whose book The Generous Prenup discusses what she calls “the prenup myth” – that they are necessary and make marriages better. www.laurieisrael.com

Once you understand your situation and more about prenups, decide what to do next. If you proceed, you will not need one lawyer but two lawyers for a pre-nuptial agreement. Each of you must have your own lawyer to make this a legal document. Essentially, you are two sides of the contract and you will both need to seek representation, which is different from the estate plan you will need to create together for your married life.

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Making the Grade on Your Financial Life

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Congratulations you are on your way to graduating!

Senior Spring- Finishing up Final Exams. Writing your final paper. Planning graduation and the parties… An exciting time filled with fun and promise.

You may be pondering what is next? First, I have the perfect, albeit practical graduation gift for you. My gift to you is some pointers for getting you off on the right foot financially. Like your study habits that got you through college – better to start with good money habits with your first paycheck.

Fun Fact: Did you know that John Rockefeller started giving to charity with his first paycheck?

You can set up a system to last a lifetime. Apply your willingness to learn and try new experiences with the information below.

Listen, I know that in college you bought Ramen noodles by the case load and traveled in packs to places that offered discounts. You are excited about the option of fine dining and doing some traveling. However, do not lose sight of those thrifty skills you acquired in college. More than one recent graduate has been led astray thinking they were making the big bucks and forgetting about the financial basics before making that financial splurge. Start with a monthly overview of what you need to spend and where, rather than just collect a paycheck and spending without thinking.

First, think of your financial life in three parts: present, past, and future. All are important components of your new life. Each has several pieces that need to be addressed to adequately address your financial life.

Think Present

Safety Account

While in college, money came in and went out. All that you really needed was a checking account. You may have had a savings account attached to your checking account where you stored money you did not need immediately. Now, you also want a safety savings account for building a cash reserve. This account will grow slowly as you make contributions regularly either through direct deposit of your paycheck or a deposit in person or on-line. Think of this account as the money you fall back on when the unexpected happens and you need cash to maintain your life: a car accident or loss of job.

Not having enough cash to go out with the gang on Friday night is not cause for touching a safety account.

  • Have a local checking and attached savings account.

  • Open and fund a second savings account without ATM access for emergencies.

Renter’s Insurance

You get home after a long day at work; your laptop is not where you put it. For that matter, your new digital camera is gone. You call the police. Will you ever get your electronics back? Questionable. Who will pay for your new ones? You, unless you have renter’s insurance.

Renter’s insurance pays for your possessions if they are stolen or destroyed by fire. The policy costs just over a hundred dollars a year. You have a flash drive and a portable hard drive; they are one type of insurance, why would you not have renter’s insurance?

If you rent an apartment:

  • Purchase renter’s insurance – available through your local insurance agent who sells car insurance. Or ask your landlord the insurance professional they recommend.

  • After you pay a deductible of $250, the insurance company will reimburse you for anything stolen or damaged due to theft or fire above that amount.

  • The policy is available for pennies a day. Get it!

Health Insurance

You finish college and it is time to explore health insurance. Many young adults have coverage until they turn 26, others do not. If you are not covered by their health insurance. What do you do?

  • Learn the lingo about on the health insurance front: deductibles, pre-exsisting conditions, and premiums.

  • Consider a job with health benefits.

  • Check out your state’s health plan. Many states have coverage for the under or unemployed at discounted rates.

  • Consider Catastrophe Medical Insurance for in-between coverage:

    • Designed to cover a major accident or illness.

    • Temporary –usually up to three years of coverage available

    • Policies are inexpensive- often as low as $60 a month.

    • Deductibles are high- $25,000.

    • Minimum health insurance you need while in transition.

Think Past

Student Loans

Unless you are walking off the stage and accepting a huge signing bonus that covers your student loans, then you need to start looking at what you will be paying, what you owe, and how to make it happen. If you have no student loans, you can read on to the next section.

Your federal student loan payments may not require monthly payments until six months after graduation. If you are employed, do not wait six months to start looking at that bill. Start right away by writing a check for that amount. For the first six months, put the check in your safety account. This will help build up the safety account. Most importantly, you will not rise to a level of spending and lifestyle only to have to change it six months down the road.

Make the list of important student loan information and keep your debt information organized.


Other Loans

Line up all your paperwork on your loans. If some are in your parents’ name and you are required to pay, get that information too. Write a list of each loan, the full amount you owe, the interest rate, monthly payment and the term or time you will be paying. Having this on one page or one spreadsheet will help guide you to an understanding of your financial responsibilities. (See above)

If you are traveling, planning on graduate school or still unclear on your plans, talk to the loan company, or find out the details on the web to determine if you can defer payments, how to do it, and how long it can last. Federal loans tend to allow you to defer. Private loans often do not, so you may need to find a temporary job right away to pay the monthly loan.

Credit Cards

Be careful - there is only one entity that is getting a deal on these cards. That is the credit card company. Used wisely, these are a nice tool to have. However, no one needs more than two credit cards. And consider in our society of immediate gratification, credit cards are overused and often lead to abuse.

Get credit savvy:

  • Know what interest rate you are paying on your credit cards. You can find this in your statement.

  • Protect yourself by writing a check immediately after using the card. Taking the money out of your checkbook creates no surprises when the bill comes.

  • If you are already swimming in credit card debt, stop using your card. Use the steps from the student loan section above to lay out what you owe and when.

  • Create a plan to pay off the credit card debt you now have.

Credit Score

On a college campus, you often cannot get away with anything. There are always people around. Professors know each other and you have more dorm mates than close friends. You know news travels fast. Your credit score works the same way, someone is always watching.

Good financial actions get reported to credit reporting agencies:

  • Timely payments of student loans, credit card debt and car loans

  • Your credit history for all loans paid in the past are recorded.

Financial actions get reported and negatively affect your credit score:

  • Not paying the overdraft fees on your checking account

  • Late payments to your credit card, student loans or car loans

Financial mismanagement can work against you and gets documented on your credit report. Keep your credit score solid by being attentive to your financial life. A credit score will affect your ability to buy a house, get capital to start a business and even some offers of employment. Often, landlords use credit reports when considering you as a tenant.

You need never pay for your credit information. Your credit score is based on your credit reports. So, you need only look at your credit reports – I recommend annually. They are free for you to see and confirm they are correct. Learn more at: www.annualcreditreport.com.

Think Future:

Job Choice

Deciding on a job is a critical time. Do not forget to ask what employee benefits are provided as part of the job. The better benefit package a company offers may not make their salary look competitive. When comparing opportunities, review all aspects of what the company is offering you.

Then when you start, sign up for the benefits and take advantage of them. The benefits an employer may offer you include:

  • Health Insurance

  • Disability Insurance

  • Life Insurance

  • Retirement Investment Options

Disability Insurance

This pays you if you are off the job due to injury or illness. Some companies provide it as part of their benefit package. Some require you to pay a minimum each month to get coverage. This insurance pays you a part of your monthly salary if you are out of work due to disability.

Although this type of insurance does not seem to fit a healthy twenty-year-old, the majority of disability claims are from 25–36-year-olds. Think last time you were mountain biking, skiing through the trees, or diving. If those close calls had happened, then being out of work would cost you in more ways than one. Younger people tend to be more active, so need disability insurance too.

Life Insurance

This insurance pays an amount to someone you designate upon your death. Think about who you would benefit most from this added cash. Your best friend may come to mind. However, review your student loans. Federal student loan requirements typically stop at your death. If your parents co-signed any of them, they will be responsible for paying for the loans even after you die. Choose your beneficiary wisely.

Retirement Plan

Start funding your retirement right away. Even though you are young, this one good habit can pay off for a lifetime.

  • Saves income taxes.

  • Builds investments for your future.

  • Provides hands-on learning about investments.

  • Some companies provide a match in dollars if you contribute.

Roommates

One young client of mine could not afford a studio in Boston and still pay student loans and have discretionary money. I discussed the possibilities of roommates so she could keep her financial commitments. Sharing expenses stretches your paycheck and makes financial sense. Instead, she took a second job on weekends so she could live alone. Remember:

  • You always have financial options.

  • Take the one that works for you.

On Graduation Day, enjoy knowing you are prepared to take on your financial world. The cash that makes its way into your graduation cards can be used in multiple ways to jump start your financial life. You can start your safety account, fund your apartment’s security deposit, or pay off some debt, along with having some extra fun.

You are moving into a new world filled with fun, challenges, and opportunities. This does not carry a grade. There will be no final exams or papers. The outcome does affect your life. The financial decisions you make as you enter the post college world can make your road easier in the years ahead or trip you up a bit. Keep these financial tips handy to get started and keep your financial stash growing.

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Financial TLC

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Financial TLC

February is the month we associate with love, caring and cuddling, because of Valentine’s Day. Yet, Love is always in fashion. Love of yourself, your partner, your family and your friends reign throughout the year. 

This month I want you to give yourself some Tender Loving Care. Whether you are coupled, single or searching, taking care of yourself is critical. I want to encourage Financial TLC. In the midst of the life, we often forget to take care of the details. True TLC is the key to a solid financial life.

What is financial TLC?

Transparency

Be honest about money: with yourself, with each other, and with loved ones. Write down and review where your financial life stands: income, debt, investments, bills. Looking at the list in black and white often gives you a reality check that no other system can. This is critical to share with yourself first and foremost. You need to know where you stand and what your commitments are.

Your partner needs to know as relationships are tied together. In marriage, you are bound legally. Even if you are not married you may have shared commitments like rent, pets, and family. Knowing about the other commitments your partner has makes assessing your situation a lot clearer.

Link the Details Together

Know what the accounts are and where to find them for each other. And be sure the bills are in both names.

If you are single, you may feel you are only responsible to yourself so there is nothing else for you to do. Your details will matter to your loved one if you were critically ill or die suddenly. They would have to pull the pieces together. So have a file with the details that they would have to know to handle your financial life. Tuck away the details. You do not have to share everything but let someone who loves you know where they are.

Conversation - Caring Conversation.  

There is embarrassment, there is past money flaws, there are emotions involved around money. We all have them. The secret is not to let them rule your life. The best way to do this is to share them in a way that works for you. This may be journaling, therapy or a good heart to heart with a friend. If you are part of a couple, talking to your partner is not optional, it is a necessity. Financial intimacy is as critical as any other part of your relationship. 

The bottom line is love relationships are impacted by money. TLC is investing some time in your money relationship. TLC and honesty with yourself and others will demonstrate love on many levels.

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The Benefits of Simplifying

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Simplify, Simplify, Simplify but Not too Much

Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,
Tis the gift to come down where I ought to be;
And when we find ourselves in the place just right.
— Shaker Folk song by Joseph Brackett

Money is good for so many aspects of our lives. Yet, the management of our financial lives can distract us from happiness. When we are overwhelmed with statements, options and misinformation, we may make impulse decisions or ignore our money all together. Both can land us in more turmoil.

Focus, time, attention and energy are required to manage money whether you have very little or are gifted with large accounts. You need an overall strategy to prevent your constantly thinking of your financial concerns and the market.

Your cash and investments accounts tell a story; the story of you how you treat your money. Create a cash management plan that matches your expenses to income and demonstrates your self-care. No matter how much or how little money you have coming in, taking steps to gain clarity around your money is critical. Money is only as valuable as what we spend it on. We chose what to spend it on, but we first need to know what we have.

As with anything you organize, the initial set-up demands time and a plan to establish. After the system is in place, there is less time and energy involved to maintain it.

First, start with a cash management plan. 

This is a tool to understand where your money is being spent. This will also help you determine how many money accounts to actually have. There are three accounts everyone needs: a savings, checking and separate safety savings account. Beyond that, the more moving pieces in your life, the more bank accounts you will need.

A homeowner may want an account to save for real estate taxes, capital improvements and maintenance. A couple with young children may want a separate childcare account so they always have the cash to make a daycare payment. Keeping your funds separate this way prevents confusion and ensures the money is there when you need it. Plus, though at first glance more accounts sound complicated, there is less need for calculations as each financial need has a place.

Consolidate Some of Your Investments

As far as investments, diversity is a great approach to investing. However, if you have several investment advisors or retirement accounts from previous employers, you could be working against yourself. Variety does not lead to diversity. Rather, the complexity may lead to a lack of your comprehension of what you are investing in, what your options are and how many accounts you do have.

Create a better grasp on your investments by gathering up your investment statements and decide if you need to merge all your 40lks, 403bs and/or IRAs. Then, take the steps to make that happen. This month. Such an administrative step is easy to put off, so give yourself a deadline and envision the fewer emails and paper you will collect with fewer accounts. Most of all, with less to manage, you will be sure to have time to understand and choose your investments wisely in 2023.

If you have different investment advisors, understand what they do for you and how they work. Find out what they charge, specialize in and how they can help you even more. Do some research and perhaps merge these accounts as well. First, learn more about your Investment Advisor.

Finally, Take Time to Relax

After making progress, you will have more time. Spend time on your passion. Enjoy your family. Go for a walk in the woods. Or treat yourself to some music. Here is an instrumental version of Tis a Gift to Be Simple. (The words are provided if you choose to sing along.)

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The Weave of Life

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Candle

Attitudes and experiences around money impact mental, physical and spiritual life. Money is a part of living, yet money is not often integrated into our lives, and not talked about in a holistic way, if at all.

Financial stress accounts for missed work and other ailments. For example, we all know folks that throw out their backs when worried about money. Or people who are so preoccupied by money it becomes the focus of their career and life to the detriment of their whole being. Or the other extreme, individuals so dependent and present in the spiritual world that they do not take care of themselves in their human capacity. All in some way forget that money is a tool that must be used properly in the process of finding a fulfilling balanced life.

There are those who flow through life happy and fulfilled but money is neither the issue nor the problem. Like Annette, a woman who runs her own gardening business and makes a modest living. She is always grounded and happy. When asked the secret of her content, she says, "I love where I live and do the work in this world that comes easiest and brings me joy."

This holiday season weave some solid changes into your life by starting a new system for your holistic health. If you want a better financial life:

First, is making the decision to improve your finances.

Second, have gratitude for where you are at and what you learned so far.

Three, enact a plan to improve one way of handling your finances.

Initially, the above will take time. Consider it investing your time for a better long-term financial picture. When your finances are sick they need extra time devoted to them. Once they get healthier, they need less time devoted to them. A consistent plan makes finances healthier.

Think of it as your health. If you are sick, it takes days in bed to recover. Once you are better there is still a slow upward curve as you struggle to full-fledged wellness (or back to normal.) This struggle and the timeline are in direct relation to how sick you are. There may even be a relapse.

The wellness part applies as well. If you do not take regular care of your health with the basics: sleeping, eating healthy food and exercising. Then, of course, you are not going to stay healthy. For the most part you maintain the semblance of order in your health life with the proper food, vitamins, stress relief and exercise. In order to maintain your financial health, you must pay your bills, have an income, review your expenses and maintain your checkbook with a regular routine.

The law of physics applies in finances: For every action there is a reaction.

Your past actions made your financial life what it is today. If you do not like it, you can change it with action.

Take one of the steps below today to move toward a healthier life:

  • Check your credit report.

  • List all your debt with the monthly payments and interest rates.

  • List all your assets from cash, to home, to investments

  • Start a daily gratitude list

Once you get in the habit of reviewing your finances, you will find a system for you. Then, like a client said of her handwritten monthly list of the assets and debts and debts, “It is so satisfying and simple.”

Personal finance does not have to be complex. See the list above and my blog for ideas. Try a new approach and gain some health in the process.

With gratitude for your reading each month. I am off to pay a bill. What about you?

Before you invest, Do Your Homework

Where Does Your Financial Advice Come From?

Financial advice can be found anywhere on the internet. Social media has financial gurus and others not known for financial expertise speaking on the best investment for you. Talking heads show up on television news programs suggesting many stocks and investment recommendations. But are these good for you?

The headlines of the past couple of weeks has had me stand up and take notice. Though I usually cringe when I see the likes of actor Matt Damon promoting crypto or former football star Joe Namath pitching for Medicare Advantage.

Celebrity promotion may be changing. First Matt Damon was bashed for his television promotion of a crypto company. Fortune Favours the Brave | Crypto.com. Then crypto prices dropped and he seemed to apologize by creating his own ad about “Almosts” – though only seen on Steven Colbert, not the Superbowl advertising audience. He knew he made a mistake.

The number at the end of the “Broadway Joe’s” ad seemingly for Medicare? That rings at an insurance company and not at a Medicare office. Anyone wanting to get coverage or chose a new plan wants to be sure to check with an objective source before making a decision because once chosen you are stuck with the plan for a year. Awareness that Medicare Advantage is an insurance option open to all but actual benefits depend on the plan you chose. Joe Namath missed the goal post on that one.

Last week I felt justice was done by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) which monitors all investments and professional financial advisors. Kim Kardashian was fined $ 1.3 million dollars for not revealing on Instagram she was paid for her post on cryptocurrency. Kim Kardashian to Pay $1.3M to SEC for Crypto Touting | ThinkAdvisor

Marketing is dangerous. Celebrities are touting all sorts of products. The combination can be detrimental to your finances.

Be careful where you get your financial advice. I am always reading about who on television may not have been honest with the audience. CNBC Personality Charged With Securities Fraud (fa-mag.com)

Check the advisors experience, education and objectivity, not their celebrity status. Just because a financial company is on television or on social media or well known, does not necessarily mean the investment is good for you. Their presence simply means they have a large amount of marketing dollars.

Certainly there are bad apples in the investment industry but after thirty years in the industry that is the exception rather than the rule. This does not mean you cannot protect yourself and should even if someone has come highly recommended. Former Wells Fargo Advisor Faces Two Years In Prison For Identity Theft (fa-mag.com)

When you are ready to seek out financial guidance, be willing to do the footwork and even pay for good advice. Two organizations come to mind: NAPFA and Garrett Planning Network.

There are other reputable organizations as well:

Ask the advisor if they are a fiduciary, meaning they have your best interests in mind. MoneyPeace Blog Post: Fiduciary

And be sure to check their past history with the SEC and any state organizations.

IAPD - Investment Adviser Public Disclosure

If someone is selling Fritos, there is a small cost and risk if you make a purchase. However, your hard earned retirement dollars need sound investment knowledge and decision making. Be sure to vet your investment advice before you make a big mistake.

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Elders of Excellence

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Those gone before me have taught me so much. I am grateful and am always trying to give back in anyway that I can.

This spring I was busy supporting UPenn Memory Center. We did a financial handout together and I was asked to speak at an event they sponsored.

With the rise in dementia, the brain fog of COVID, concussions and issues around mental health, I believe this information is relevant to all, not just our elders.

Please take the time to watch the recording of the event. The video is an hour long but if your time is limited, I come on around 24 minutes: https://youtu.be/2H3ImHjsDxQ

If you would like the handout to accompany this piece, you may download it here.

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Be Prepared in Life and Finances

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Observe what’s blowing in the wind lately? A range of economic factors and change. The winds of the future are becoming the winds of now. The past year conditions are shifting in the economy along with a raging war in Europe.

Here is the thing, even economists who make a living studying this stuff cannot predict a depression or recession. Yet, everyone is talking about the possibility of one soon, if it is not here already. No one knows for sure. Professionals can only confirm its existence after they have the statistics from the past months and review a trend. That is why no one used the term recession in 2007 or early 2008 – The numbers weren’t in yet. Yet, many people felt the turn in their homes, loss of homes or jobs by then.

Inflation increased shockingly fast and has now leveled off. Who can help being complacent? Yet, even when picking up staples at the grocery store it is hard not to notice the small increase in prices. Blue Cross/BlueShield and other insurers been approved for significant price increases. Is there more to come?

There are so many economic issues to consider including the trends and cycles witnessed in the past.

As global uncertainty surround us, this does not stand alone as a symbol of potential economic change. Combined with the other factors fluctuating, we should at least pause to rethink and revisit our lifestyle.

Whatever the coming school year brings, business as usual is not expected. Expect the unexpected. Be ready with cash to take care of yourself. A strong mental fortitude to weather whatever is going on in the outside world is essential. A little forewarning is critical.

My point is not to instill fear, but rather action and positive steps to take care of yourself. I guarantee that I do not know what will happen in the next year. Yet, I know from experience that most people get complacent and expect the same over and over again. Then, act surprised when things change. That happened in 2000 right when the tech bubble bust. Then again, in 2008 with the housing crisis. The only thing we know is that life changes. We do not know when. Read the winds and pay attention.

So now is the time to reconfigure your finances. A saying I have heard over the years but do not know where it originated, describes how to think about this potential change:

“Hope for the Best & Tie up your horse.”

Your “horse” is your personal world. We always have control over that piece of life.

So I leave you with a suggestion to make a different choice this month to reign in your horses.

Go do one thing differently this month: Pay off some debt, save some extra money, learn a new skill. These things are what you can do to take care of yourself and your family no matter what is blowing in the wind.

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Financial Freedom: Watch Your Language

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“Let Freedom Ring.”

We all associate our country’s freedom with that phrase. The ringing of bells symbolizes freedom in this country. So does some of the most famous songs – our national anthem and “America the Beautiful.” Sound touches something deep inside us.

What we hear impacts us greatly, not just as Americans but also as human beings. Words get into our psyche and become a part of us. With enough repetition, we can begin to believe anything we hear.

This applies to money. We are what we habitually hear. To truly know your money self, pay attention to what you hear on the job, at home, while out with friends. There is often a tendency to focus on the negative. We share our complaints to build camaraderie. We are suffering from language problems. Change your language if you want to change your money attitudes, which is the beginning of improving money’s place in our lives.

The phrase “I cannot afford...” should be the first to go from your lingo. With this phrase in use, there is no way to allow freedom to ring. It encourages folks to use lack of money as an excuse to not act. Saying “I cannot afford” takes the responsibility away from the speaker and therefore takes their power of choice away.

You can afford to live how you want within reason. What you are doing, what all of us are doing is making choices based on our resources and experience. Begin saying, “I choose not to” or “That is not a financial priority.” This demonstrates your involvement in the decision and that you are making choices. On the other hand, ’I cannot afford” shifts responsibility. The speaker becomes a victim, using the phrase as a rationale - it is beyond my control, implying you have nothing to do with it.

Making the effort to use language that demonstrates ownership and responsibility around money is what is important. Positive language changes our attitude around money when heard often enough.

What you are doing, what everyone does, is making choices based on our resources and experience. Simply shifting to saying, “ I choose not to” or “That is not a financial priority” demonstrates your involvement in the decision. You are making the choices. You are not a victim to your financial circumstances. You can afford to live how you want within reason.

If you decide to get a more expensive house with a larger mortgage and maintenance expenses, then you may not have as much discretionary income to spend on vacations, clothes, or a big screen television. It does not mean that you cannot afford the big screen television, it simply means that you have spent your money elsewhere.

All of us make decisions of this type everyday- specific to our lifestyle choices. These decisions are based on priorities and values and experience. Our decisions reflect what is important to us.

In this time of celebrating our political freedoms, create your own financial freedom month. Make the emphasis this month to focus on the positive. Pay attention to what sounds are all around you. See what you can learn from watching yourself and shifting the sounds of your language. Here are the steps along the path to freedom:

1. Pay Attention to the Words You Use:

Ask yourself: How are you regularly talking about money? What words do you use?

Are you consistently telling your children that we cannot afford this or that?

Are you regularly complaining to your friends that you do not get paid enough, reinforcing a negative financial attitude?

Next time you hear yourself, catch yourself, pause before continuing. Think about what you really want to say. Then, overtime you may stop yourself before you get started. The goal is to stop totally with the negative financial comments.

2. Focus on the Positive:

When you are trying to make a change, it is important to replace the habit with something positive. Your goal is to start talking more positively about money. Being positive may mean displaying gratitude for your weekly paycheck, looking at the checkbook as partially full rather than dwindling, or choosing your words carefully around money. Pick one way to focus on as your change in language is being enacted. You may even want to elicit the help of a friend or family member for mutual support. Make it game where you are calling each other on ways to improve and encouraging the new positive language.

3. Reward Yourself:

Everyday you do not succumb to negative talk, give yourself a small treat; a walk, phone call to a friend or a soothing cup of tea may just be the ticket. Though the treat may involve money, it does not have to cost anything. Being kind to yourself is what it is all about. Positive actions results in positive language. Treat yourself well. Reminder: It takes thirty days to create a new habit, so keep it up.

This month “Let Freedom Ring”with money. Listen to your words. And create the sounds that open you up to more abundance in your life. Let Financial Freedom Ring!

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Feeling the Cash Flow Pinch at the Pump?

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The price of gas is unforgettable. Here on the East Coast it is $4.99 and on the West Coast even higher. Inflation is ripping through every grocery aisle. Not to mention almost everything else we need has increased in cost and hit our wallets with a crash. What is one to do?

Though it is not officially mid-year, at the end of the month it will be. This is the time to revisit your spending goals and plans for the year with the rising costs of basics in mind. For example, if you are saving for the holidays monthly, you may want to save a few dollars less each month to cover the increasing costs you did not anticipate in January. If you are planning a vacation, save some money by staying fewer nights at the resort or combining time closer to home with some road trips.

While you are looking over your spending plan for the year, remember that the incidentals add up. Those expenses that come annually or even periodically that seem hard to predict but are ever present in everyone’s life. Consider setting some money aside for the inevitable now so that you won’t be surprised by:

• Annual Furnace Cleaning

• New/Used Sporting Equipment purchases

• Medical Bills and deductibles

• Repairs to lawn mowers, appliances and vehicles.

Festive events seem to come all at once, straining the best of financial plans. Start looking at the year ahead so that friends and family special occasions will not be a surprise. These days even $50 a month on a special dinner or gift can through a wrench in your spending. Don’t let a lack of cash flow dampen the fun in your life.

Previous to 2020, inflation had not been over 3% since 2007. Easy for us to get complacent and forget that the decade of the Seventies had the longest period of sustained inflation. US Inflation Rate by Year: 1929-2023 (thebalance.com)

If nothing else, this six month change in 2022 has taught us to always leave a bit of wiggle room in a spending plan for future years. Inflation does happen. Lest us not forget to start to plan for it as a fact of our financial life.

ABC's of Personal Finance

Here is how I spent my time on many Mondays pre-pandemic.  The long-time television show "Across the Fence" had me one for Money Monday. 

Spend fifteen minutes watching or listening.... Gain Knowledge and Save Money. Search here and find some valuable information to keep you financially sound.

http://www.uvm.edu/extension/atfence/?m=201808

Spring Cleaning for Finances: Two Important Tips

Gardeners are thinking of clearing the soil, fertilizing, planting and preparing the soil this time of year. They know that for growth and new nourishment the land must be cleared and prepared for the upcoming season. This is the time to purge, process, and clean up your financial world to make more space for the new.  We must be open to the abundance of the new season and make room for it. This applies to financial paperwork as well. 

My Nanie taught me the most about spring cleaning and gardening that is very helpful still today:

  1. Don’t Do Too Much

  2. Enjoy a Treat At the End

Here is what I remember: The ritual of dusting and vacuuming the house leaving no rug unturned as we freshen up the house after the winter. As a young girl, I loved joining my grandmother in the task of spring cleaning her home. She would add rearranging the living room furniture and changing the curtains to the usual cleaning. When we finished, the house smelled fresh, and the floors and furniture sparkled.  We would take a moment to examine and appreciate our work when we were done. I found the process satisfying as well as an opportunity to spend time with my grandmother. She always sensed when I was tiring and rewarded the cleaning with cup of tea and a treat.

Spring clean your financial life! Here are two places to start so you do not get overwhelmed:

First, find out how much you are paying for subscriptions on-line: Videos, music and podcasts add up. Once you know how much, you can decide if you use all those services. Which ones to keep? Change? or Unsubscribe? Take some action.

Second, set up a place to keep all your financial information. Whether you put it in a digital file or a paper file, be sure you have investments, banking and insurance information all in one place for easy access.

Then, be sure to give yourself a non-financial treat: A walk with a friend, bake something special or just sleep in tomorrow!

Happy Spring!

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Beyond Mourning: Your To Do List

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Beyond the funeral, memorial service and figuring out the immediate tasks of handling the death of a love one, lies the void of a life without their caring presence.  In between these pieces is a wealth of activities and paperwork to manage the final affairs of someone close.  Many of these tasks can wait a few days or even a few weeks but knowing what they are will help take the stress away.  There will be less of a chance you will have something fall through the cracks if you have a list to refer to and know what you may be looking for in the personal effects of your loved one.

Here’s a list to work from when you need it:

 

  • Death Certificates – The funeral home will often handle getting the initial document from the town. Be sure and request several original copies. I suggest ten so that you never have to wait for one when a financial or legal institution requests a death certificate.

 

 

  • Write a list of Assets and Debts, including the estimated values - This list is good for the accountant, courts and lawyer for settling the deceased estate. Also, this is a reminder for you if you have included everything.

 

  • Find their Will – If the will is not available, notify their lawyer who devised it in case they have insight into the trust or division of assets.

 

  • Notify Social Security – Often the funeral home will do this. Social Security is most important for those who were collecting monthly income because:

      • Cancel future payments to deceased

      • Receive the $250 burial amount

 

  • Notify Bank – The deceased checking accounts should not be used after death. So the two immediate issues are:

      • Close out accounts per will

      • Cancel any autopays

 

  • Clarify the Car Ownership - Find the title to the car or other vehicles. No one should be driving them without proper insurance and ownership.

 

  • Cancel Health Insurance – Seems obvious but someone has to take the step to do it. The estate may be entitled to a refund.

 

  • Find Life Insurance Policies – If the deceased had insurance, someone needs to follow up and make sure the details are handled.

      • Notify company and update addresses and information

      • They will need a death certificate (as well as most contacts involving disbursements of money)

 

  • Contact Retirement Accounts - They will want a death certificate.

        • 401(k) and IRA’s will distribute according to the beneficiary instructions

 

        • Defined Benefit Pension Plans may or may not provide benefits to survivors

 

  • Manage Real Estate - All taxes and bills must be paid on the property in a timely manner.

        • Find deeds if available so they can be changed to survivors per will

 

  • Contact Investment Institution – Other investments will be distributed per the will or by state law if there is no will. The company will need to be contacted.

 

  • Notify Credit Cards – All credit card transactions need to stop. For final estate numbers, a balance will be needed.

 

  • Pay Bills - The estate is responsible for the bills and debts of the deceased (except for student loans). Notify the companies such as utilities, phone and others of the death and clarify that they will be paid by the executor. If there is not enough money to pay all the bills, the final accounting and court decides what happens. It is not the personal responsibility of the executor.

 

  • Talk to the Accountant – Current year taxes will have to be filed. In addition, depending on the size of the estate, there may be estate tax forms to file.

                                   

  • Keep A Paper Trail - Anything related to burial expenses, travel expenses for executor, and all paperwork and expenses related to settling the estate are important for a final accounting.

 

Much of this financial detail work is the same no matter how much or how little someone has.  All of it is time consuming.  But this needs to be done.   Being prepared is the best way to make this transition go smoothly.

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Springtime Baby? Plan for Their Health, Wealth and Future Now.

Birthing Classes.  Pre-Natal Check ups.  Sonograms.  Baby books and morning sickness are all well known.  Expecting mothers attend to the medical needs of the new child and herself by regularly receiving medical check ups. Prospective parents plan for the physical needs of the child by setting up space for the new crib and some clothes and even books and toys. Others join in the fun with baby showers and gifts for both the new mother and the baby.  But what about the money side?

 Less anticipated and planned for are the financial decisions that a couple needs to make. Several financial planning check-ups are needed as much as the routine medical tests during the months of pregnancy. Why?  Because if the financial needs of the parents and the child are not met before the baby arrives, the full of lack of sleep and fast moving priorities may sideline needed financial planning basics. 

Add these four things to you list before the birth:

Health Insurance for the Child: Know Where and How You Will Get Insurance.

Will: Be sure your Estate Planning Documents are In Order.

Cash Flow: Understand the Implications of the added expenses: from diapers to daycare.

Life Insurance: Be Sure you have enough for a family. Do not be surprised as a pregnant woman if you have to wait until after the birth to finalize it.

Having a child is a beautiful and momentous experience. Plan ahead to lower the stress financially before the baby arrives. You will be taking care of yourselves and your child.  And thinking ahead will mean one less thing to worry about and more time and energy to enjoy your child.

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