Awareness

When a financial advisor won’t talk to you, I will.

Financial advisors typically won’t work with those who may not have a lot of assets. In contrast, a financial coach can work with anymore. If a client needs a financial advisor, I will do my best to refer them on. … Read More … Read More

Why you could benefit from a spending reset

It’s easy to spend based on emotions or with a lack of intention, so a spending reset can help you reconnect with what’s important to you. I’ve done some fun experiments with money over the years. I’m thinking most specifically … Read More … Read More

If you were automatically enrolled in an IRA, would you opt-out?

A look at the state-run auto-IRA plans and whether they are a net benefit for employees who don’t have (or utilize) other retirement options. Not everyone has access to a workplace-retirement account like a 401(k). A few years ago, I … Read More … Read More

Year in review 2020: Top 10 posts

A look back at the best posts of 2020 on this site, including both my favorites and the ones readers viewed most. It has been a year of changes, to say the least. I went full-time as a money coach, … Read More … Read More

Glide paths, or why even simple money decisions aren’t always so simple

Target date funds use differing ways to adjust investments over time, showing that even simple money decisions have unexpected complexity. I’m not here to suggest specific investments for your money. Not only is it a legal thing, but to me … Read More … Read More

Why you want to build a financial team

A fortuitous experience with an insurance agent reminds me that we shouldn’t do all the financial work ourselves, that we need a financial team. I signed up for health insurance on the Marketplace. Healthcare.gov. Obamacare. Whatever you want to call … Read More … Read More

7 things I’m grateful for toward the end of 2020

A brief pause at Thanksgiving to talk about some things I can be grateful for in the closing weeks of 2020. 2020 hasn’t been great. Between the pandemic and the U.S.’s abominable response (not just the government, but also the … Read More … Read More

Why a new fee on mortgage refinancing shouldn’t affect you

Refinancing a mortgage is getting pricier due to the Adverse Market Refinance Fee, but refinancing doesn’t offer the benefits you think. There’s a new fee in town. The Federal Housing Finance Agency has instituted a 0.5% fee on refinancing of … Read More … Read More

Are you a “temporarily embarrassed millionaire”?

I dissect the famous quote about how Americans don’t support social welfare policies because they see themselves as “temporarily embarrassed millionaires”, and how that mindset can be dangerous. I’ve been reading a fascinating book by the British radio show host … Read More … Read More

Don’t fear the warranty

You are probably never going to take advantage what the manufacturers offer, so don’t be afraid to void your warranties. My turntable has become a treasured item in my home, and especially during the pandemic, playing records has definitely been … Read More … Read More