April Captain’s Log How Much Should Someone Keep In A Money Market Or CD? We’ve all heard the analogy “cash is king!” If you’re still working and earning a living while being more than 24 months from retirement, a three- to six-month emergency fund is sufficient. There could be exceptions to this rule if you…
Read MoreFor many people, January ’tis the season for paying off holiday bills. In a world that constantly bombards us with advertisements and temptations to spend, the idea of a “No Spend Month” may seem challenging or even daunting. However, this financial challenge is not about depriving yourself of necessities; it’s about making conscious choices to…
Read MoreOpen Enrollment is an annual period that carries substantial weight in the realm of personal finance and healthcare. During this time, individuals can make critical decisions that impact their financial health for the entire year. Discover tips below on what factors to consider, how to make the most of the open enrollment opportunity and how…
Read MoreTraditionally, September’s fall weather brings with it a fall in the stock market. The reasoning behind this notion is often attributed to various factors, including investors returning from summer vacations and reevaluating their portfolios, as well as corporations releasing earnings reports that might not meet expectations. In addition, some infamous historical market crashes, such as…
Read MoreOne of the most rewarding parts of my work as a financial advisor is watching people go from uncertainty about their future to confidence in their future. In the transformation, they go from reluctant goal chooser to relentless goal chaser. The confidence that comes from having a plan in place often leads to new, bigger…
Read MoreParenthood is hard! But that truth makes grandparenting a joy for so many. I’ve heard many grandparents in my office talk about the joys of being a grandparent, while citing the reality that you get to have all of the fun without the same amount of responsibility! But for more than 3 million grandparents in…
Read MoreIf you’re a small business owner and you don’t have an employee retirement plan, the clock is ticking… Effective November 1, 2023, Illinois will require employers with 5-15 employees to have retirement plans as part of the Illinois Secure Choice Savings Program Act. If you missed the deadline for companies with 16-24 and 25+ employees,…
Read MoreNew Year’s resolutions look different for everyone, but they all have the same goal: to make sure this year’s version of you is improved in some way over last year’s. That change can come in the form of weight loss, a new job, or financial goals. Like a New Year’s resolution, your comprehensive financial plan…
Read MoreI’ve committed my career to helping people plan for retirement. During the planning phase, I help individuals imagine their ideal retirement scenario and then create a comprehensive financial plan that makes that imagined scenario a retirement. But the thing about life is that it rarely—if ever—goes as planned. Over the past two years, I have…
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