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Many people are accumulating cash out of concern for stock market losses.  We see many people that are frustrated though as safe alternatives for their cash often are not earning enough to keep up with inflation.  Today we talk about safe and liquid options that are earning more than brick and mortar banks are paying. Key takeaways: Online High Yield Savings accounts How to find one that is right for you I-Bonds - how they work and what they are paying

Ever make "big" New Year's resolutions that were onerous, difficult, and didn't last long?  We all have.  So instead, try some of these simple resolutions that are small steps to big change. Key Takeaways: Wake up every morning with a simple positive statement Recognize happy moments when you are in them Is this current issue long term?  If not, let it go Don't procrastinate, get things done as they come up

We have all tried New Year's Resolutions that didn't last long.  Instead of resolutions, try adding simple new habits.  We hope you can take one, two, or just a few of these simple habits and make them a part of your New Year.  Our hope for you is that this coming year is better than this past year. Key takeaways: Get healthy, good breakfast, drink more water, sleep 7-8 hours a night Be proud of yourself, reflects on your good qualities and your strengths Plan! Your next day's goals & outfit, monthly goals, and daily to do's Think in solutions, not problems

We have all tried New Year's Resolutions that didn't last long.  Instead of resolutions, try adding simple new habits.  We hope you can take one, two, or just a few of these simple habits and make them a part of your New Year.  Our hope for you is that this coming year is better than this past year. Key takeaways: Count your blessings, and let those you love know what you think of them Journals, bucket lists, and to do lists Help others, be kind, stop judging others

What an exciting time becoming a new Grandparent.  This is new territory that needs to be navigated with wisdom and grace.  Times have changed, and the baby has parents who may have different ideas than you do. Listen this week for our tips for new Grandparents. Key takeaways: Keep your advice to yourself Listen to the parents Help when you can, and that includes the parents Follow the parent's rules

Most people have found themselves dealing with too much debt as some time in their lives.  Others live in perpetual debt.  It isn't a good feeling when those debt payments seem endless.  This three-part series will give you some ideas on how to get out of debt, and stay out of debt. Today we talk about creative ways to cut down on expenses.   Key takeaways: Make a budget Extra income with side gig, sell stuff on Facebook Marketplace, stop investing Have one credit card and pay it off every month Give more

Most people have found themselves dealing with too much debt as some time in their lives.  Others live in perpetual debt.  It isn't a good feeling when those debt payments seem endless.  This three-part series will give you some ideas on how to get out of debt, and stay out of debt. Today we talk about creative ways to cut down on expenses.   Key takeaways: Online coupons and consignment shopping are great ways to buy what you need at a discount FOOD is the hardest budget item to control Do you need expensive hobbies or memberships? Get creative with free entertainment

Most people have found themselves dealing with too much debt as some time in their lives.  Others live in perpetual debt.  It isn't a good feeling when those debt payments seem endless.  This three-part series will give you some ideas on how to get out of debt, and stay out of debt. Key takeaways: Start an emergency fund so that emergencies don't catch you by surprise List out your debts and pay off the smallest one first while paying the minimums on other debt Once you pay off the smallest debt, take that payment and apply it to the next debt Determine how much you can pay towards debt per month and stick with it

Being a pet owner has many joys and trials.  Is owning a pet right for you?  On today's podcast we talk about some of the joys and benefits of having pets.  We also discuss the responsibilities and expenses. Key takeaways: Pets can help you live longer Pets can be great companions Know the costs before you get a pet: time and money Covid lockdowns created a rush to get pets

There has been a trend among younger workers called "Quietly Quitting" where they do the least amount of work required for their job.  But a new trend is emerging called "Quietly Returning" where older workers that were retired are "unretiring".  This gives both employers and older workers big advantages.  Older workers want part time, flexibility, routine, and socializing.  Employers can fill open positions with people that have years of varied experience. Key takeaways: More than 60% of those who unretire say they are looking for something to do  More than 50% are happy with their decision While it can be intimidating, these workers are trailblazers Retirement no longer an exit, but a mile market

I'm sure you have heard a lot about the provision in the Inflation Increase Act to give $80 million dollars to the IRS.  There has been much concern about increases in IRS audits and that the IRS has been stockpiling bullets.  While lawmakers are trying to calm the concerns of Americans, there are several reasons why the IRS is understaffed and service is suffering.  The real question is what will happen when the IRS beefs up it's staffing.   Key takeaways: Since the 2013 IRS scandal, there have been several IRS budget cuts The Inflation Increase Act will require more taxes to be collected to pay for all the new spending Significant numbers of IRS agents are over 55 and will be retiring New hires are not expected to be trained until 2026

It can be hard to see something that is missing.  We often see people missing these 6 things from their retirement plans.  The good news, is once you see it you can correct it. Not having a complete retirement plan Not considering Long Term Care Not having an estate plan

It can be hard to see something that is missing.  We often see people missing these 6 things from their retirement plans.  The good news, is once you see it you can correct it. Key takeaways: Not having enough emergency savings & low earnings on these funds Having too much company stock Assets not allocated well

Today we explain the difference between inflation and recession and how these each potentially impact you financially.  Does your financial plan include ways to overcome inflation and recession? Key takeaways: We are in the highest inflationary period in over 40 years By historical definition, we are in a recession We haven't seen both together since the 1970's What are good investments right now

With the current inflation, we are looking for ways to make more money, or save money.  On today's podcast we explore ways to earn more, save more, and spend less.  Remember the old adage "a penny saved is a penny earned".   Key takeaways: High Yield Savings Accounts Cash back credit cards Turn a hobby into cash Online coupons & cash back programs  

If you have a mutual fund that isn't performing well, how do you know if you should hold 'em or fold 'em? Look at your overall asset allocation strategy first and see if the fund is still in line with your goals or not.  Then look at how much the fund is costing you. Key takeaways: How soon do you need the money? Look at your risk tolerance instead of chasing past performance Make sure you are rebalancing your asset allocations Do you know how much the fund is costing you in load fees and administrative fees?

North American workers can be workaholics, with 26% saying they have never taken two weeks' vacation at one time.  But it is taking a toll on many people's health and lives.  So why could vacations save your life?  Listen in to this week's podcast to find out. Key takeaways: Increase mindfulness by reducing familiarity Improve heart health and reduce blood pressure, blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol Boost brainpower and creativity when your mind is relaxed Improve sleep as you break your at home sleeping habits

How you navigate a turbulent stock market depends on your age.  Stay calm.  Then listen to our navigation ideas based on whether you are 25, 45 or 65 years old. Key takeaways: If you're 25 - this is a great opportunity to buy stocks at cheaper prices and hold onto them. You have time on your side If you're 45 - keep to your long term strategy and move from bonds to defensive stocks If you're 65 - move from growth stocks to value stock and try to use other sources for income if you need it

We enjoy our weekly podcast which cover not only financial and retirement issues, but important issues in life.  Our goal is to encourage you and give you new ways of thinking with tools for your success.  Listen in to why we love what we do. Key takeaways: We truly love to help people One of the favorite parts of our jobs is people, and watching fear leave when they review their Retirement Blueprint Even hear what we don't like about our business 

The S&P 500 is nearing bear market territory, and NASDAQ has already dropped more than 20%.  Add inflation, unemployment, and rising interest rates and people are scared right now.  So just like bear season in the wild, keep on your path and bring bear deterrents. Key takeaways: Inflation is painful right now, as is the Feds increasing of interest rates Supply chain issues are increased due to China's zero covid policies Does the stock market slump signal deeper issues in the economy?