Financial Planning
Defining Your Money Values
Understanding your money values helps to ensure that your financial decisions align with what matters most to you and your family. These values serve as a foundation for making consistent, purpose-driven choices, while reducing financial stress and potential arguments. For instance, prioritizing education might mean setting aside funds for college rather than opting for an…
Read More5 Financial Misconceptions About Retirement
Planning for retirement is often seen as a straightforward task, but misconceptions can undermine even the best intentions. These myths, if left unchecked, can result in financial shortfalls or a less enjoyable retirement. Let’s explore five common misconceptions and how to avoid them. 1. “I’ll Spend Less in Retirement” Many people believe their expenses will…
Read MoreWhen Adult Children Move Back Home
The rising trend of adult children moving back in with their parents—often called “boomerang children”—is reshaping family life and financial dynamics. Driven by high housing costs, inflation, and mounting student debt, this arrangement can provide a much-needed safety net for the child, but it can also create challenges for the household. The following tips can…
Read MoreDon’t Let Comfort Cost You: Status Quo Bias
Many of us are naturally inclined to resist change, especially when it comes to our finances. This tendency is known as status quo bias, where we prefer things to stay the same, even if changing our approach might lead to better outcomes. Whether it’s holding onto underperforming investments, sticking with outdated financial strategies, or avoiding…
Read MoreWhat’s Your Financial “Why” for the New Year?
With wealth comes an expansive list of financial opportunities: paying down debt, upgrading homes, maximizing retirement savings, or supporting future generations. The real question isn’t what’s possible, but what’s most important. This is where clarity and intentionality come into play. Financial planning, done properly, helps you make choices in alignment with your values. Establishing the…
Read MoreThe Real Answer to Your Financial Questions: It Depends
When it comes to personal finance, one of the most common—and frustrating—answers you’ll hear is, “It depends.” Whether you’re asking about the best way to invest, how much you should save for retirement, or how to minimize your tax burden, the response is often the same. And while “It depends” might seem like a cop-out,…
Read MoreWho Was Your First Financial Advisor?
When we think of financial advisors, we often think of people in suits with charts and financial plans. But our first “financial advisor” is usually someone closer to home—a parent or friend who influenced our money mindsets. While they didn’t provide professional financial advice, they may have shaped your feelings towards saving, spending, and other…
Read MoreShould I Pay Off My Mortgage?
Being unsure whether to pay off your mortgage or not is a good problem to have. It means you have significant savings and have afforded yourself some choices. While the idea of being debt-free is appealing to many, there are also compelling reasons to keep your mortgage. Let’s explore both sides of the debate to…
Read MoreHaving the “Money Talk” with Aging Parents
Discussing finances with aging parents is never easy. As a result, many families simply delay these conversations or avoid them altogether. This can lead to unexpected financial surprises, misunderstandings, and even conflicts down the road. By talking openly about money, you ensure both their future and yours are secure, prevent potential disputes, and help in…
Read MoreSocial Media’s Impact on Your Money Mindset
There are a variety of viewpoints on how social media influences our society – both good and bad. After all, some people are spending hours a day on these platforms and we need to be aware of their impact. From our vantage point, we’re paying close attention to how these networks influence our clients’ spending,…
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