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Estate Planning 101

by Dave Conley on August 11, 2023.

Estate planning is just a fancy legal-ish word for what you want to happen to your money and stuff when you die or become disabled.

Common Credit Card Misconceptions

by Randy Chalmers on August 11, 2023.

We’ve blogged about responsible credit card usage, calculations used to determine minimum payments, and other points on credit cards. This week we’ll discuss some common “tips” you may receive from friends and family about credit cards. Myth #1 Paying the minimum balance is ok Sure, paying the minimum due is acceptable and it’s actually welcomed...

Think Twice Before Dipping into Your 401(k) for Emergencies

by Randy Chalmers on August 4, 2023.

Life will throw curveballs at you when least expected. As you’re faced with emergencies, your 401(k) might seem like a quick fix or even your only option. It is necessary to consider the downsides before you act. I’ll explain why tapping into your retirement savings early might not be the wisest move and suggests other...

Are You Setting Debt Targets?

by Randy Chalmers on July 14, 2023.

Do you know what percentage of income your mortgage payment is? Your car loan? Do you set debt targets? Debt targets are not a new concept, however, in my opinion, they are not discussed nearly enough with individuals of all stages of life. When you bought your first house did you aim for your mortgage...

Funding Your Fun

by Randy Chalmers on July 7, 2023.

You’re saving just the right amount in order for your family to afford the necessities plus a little extra in retirement. We all dream of retirement sitting on our porch with our favorite beverage as the sun is going down, but what about the day leading up to that peaceful evening? Have you included your...

July 4th, 2023, is America unique in history?

by Dave Conley on July 3, 2023.

What is American Exceptionalism? There is no other country in the world that represents the blend of classical philosophy, Christianity, and even Enlightenment ideas in the way America did in the founding of the republic from 1776 to 1789. It was an exceptional (meaning uncommon) mixture of liberty, limited government, natural rights, and religious liberty...

Economic Outlook for 2nd half of 2023

by Dave Conley on June 16, 2023.

Below is a recent (June 1, 2023) Economic Outlook diagnosis from the folks at Capital Group. A few highlights and a link to the entire article (10 minute read). Link to short report, Economic outlook: Mild recession, strong recovery.

How to Maximize your Social Security benefit (pt 3)

by Dave Conley on June 16, 2023.

If you have wondered: When should I start my Social Security ? Age 62... 67 or wait until 70 . What is the difference in benefits at the different ages ? I have heard that it is best to start as early as possible in case you don't live very long. If I start early how much can I earn before being penalized by Social Security ? Can I collect based on my spouse (or ex-spouse) earnings history?

When You Win the Lottery

by Randy Chalmers on June 2, 2023.

I know I’m not alone in this, and occasionally you and your family are sitting around talking (and dreaming) about what you would do if you won the lottery. As the purchases get discussed, the topic arises of how you would take the money, in a lump sum, or as an annual payment over the...