by Randy Chalmers on September 9, 2022.
South Carolina taxpayers can deduct 100% of their contributions on their state tax returns (one of only four states that offer 100% of contributions to be claimed). There are two types of 529 plans: prepaid tuition plans and education savings plans. Prepaid Tuition Plans allow the account holder to purchase credits for future use at...
by Michelle McEachin on September 9, 2022.
Are you sinking your funds? We talk about budgets a lot around here. We believe that having a budget for your monthly expenses is terrific! But, don’t forget you have some expenses that are not monthly and some that are definitely not regular. Some bills will only come to your mailbox once a year. Bills...
by Dave Conley on September 1, 2022.
$10,000 is still $10,000 = Capital Preservation $10,000 still buys what it did = Purchasing Power Preservation The distinction is vital to your long-term wealth! Not a month goes by that we do not have a call where someone inquires about investing and includes the phrase, “but I don’t want to lose my money“. The...
by Randy Chalmers on September 1, 2022.
Recently my 5-year-old son asked my wife and me why he had to turn off the lights when he was not using them. We explained that it costs money to operate the lights, and he was astonished, “we even have to pay for that!!??” We realized then that we have a lot to teach him...
by Michelle McEachin on August 30, 2022.
We all work hard. Some of us work four 10-hour days. Some work five 8-hour days. Some choose to work 12-hour days all the time. But whatever you do… you put in labor and expect a fair return for your effort. You use that return to plan, budget, and live life to the fullest. Back...
by Dave Conley on August 26, 2022.
Who do you think you’ll be in a year? 5 years? 20 years? One of the big problems with setting goals, especially financial ones, is that we’re struggle with imagining our future selves. Remember what you imagined you’d be as an adult when you were a kid. I’m guessing there are some gaps between that dream and your current reality. When we talk about financial goals, we’re often talking about long timeframes.
by Randy Chalmers on August 26, 2022.
By now, you have most likely heard about the announced three-part plan to help working and middle-class federal student loan borrowers. Are you confused by the myriad of information you’ve seen? Then let’s go over some details. The Facts on the three-part plan: The loan repayment pause has been extended until 31 December 2022, this...
by Dave Conley on August 12, 2022.
What would Financial Peace look like in your Life? Financial peace is having the resources (time, health, money) to do the things you enjoy, with the people you love.
by Dave Conley on August 5, 2022.
We only have so much time, energy, and attention. So how do we decide where to place our focus? To figure out the answer to that question, think about what you are focusing on (fretting over). Now ask yourself two questions: 1. Does it matter? 2. Can I control it?
by Dave Conley on July 29, 2022.
The current episode of Fed tightening that we are living through is fundamentally different from all the others. Why? The excess money creation that fueled the surge in inflation over the past year was a one-off event that was tied directly to the trillions of dollars of fiscal "stimulus" that our politicians pumped into the economy in the wake of the COVID lockdowns. Two years ago, the renowned economist Scott Grannis said "The shutdown of the US economy will prove to be the most expensive self-inflicted injury in the history of mankind."