Family
Job Loss as Personal Growth
by Kristina LeonardiIf you are one of those people who has lost your job, or feel like a pink slip is on the horizon, I want you to know that I believe this can be one of the best things that will ever happen to you.Job loss can give you the opportunity to make a...
The 8 Characteristics of a Successful Financial Plan
by Stacy Francis, CFP®, CDFA Having a financial plan in place means more than just having a good asset allocation or some insurance to protect the people you care for. No matter what your age is or income level, you should always have a plan in place. it is...
Why You Need a Roth IRA
by Stacy Francis, CFP®, CDFAI met with a new client last week; a woman in her early thirties eager to get started on her nest egg. A discussion of her financial goals and priorities revealed that she hoped the not-so-distant future would bring her not only a home of...
Your Financial Fitness Checkup
by Stacy Francis, CFP®, CDFALeaving the organic produce store yesterday, a flier on the revolving glass door caught my eye. It was entitled “HEALTH CHECKUP: Do You Have the Supplement Basics Covered?” and listed five types of supplements - multivitamins, enzymes,...
The New Triangle Drama: Remarriage, Kids, and Inheritance
by Stacy Francis, CFP®, CDFAIt is rare that anyone cries in my office, but it did happen last week. A client reported between sobs that her dad had passed on a while back. Not only was she paralyzed with grief; she had also just learned that she wouldn’t get a dime...
Don’ts for Skiing on a Budget
Ski season is almost, so here are some tips to get the most of your skinny skiing budget.Don’t Check Your Baggage, Compare FeesCalculate the cost of baggage fees for flying with your own equipment versus the cost of renting on-siteDon’t go Alone, The More the BetterGo...
A Late Bill Won’t Kill Credit
Even the most responsible borrowers slip up sometimes. Maybe a utility bill went unpaid after you moved and the missed payment went into collections. Or perhaps there are unpaid library fines or parking tickets in collections that are hanging on to your credit history...
Which credit card is the best to earn mileage points?
There are so many credit cards to choose from to earn mileage points – a lot depends on your anticipated travel patterns and your preferred payment options.When reviewing your options, don’t forget to look at the small print and get a handle on the interest rate...
Ditch These Three Major Money Wasters and Save Hundreds
by Stacy Francis, CFP®, CDFAThis weekend, my family and I spent some time browsing plasma TVs at Best Buy. Strolling past walls of pulsating light and sharp-as-a-knife imagery, I was amazed at how much prices have dropped lately. In line, I was even more amazed at the...
Bounce Back Boot Camp
by Stacy Francis, CFP®, CDFARecently, I received an email from one of my “Bounce Back Boot Camp” members who has difficulty planning a budget with a fluctuating income. I’ve found that uncertain incomes are a common occurrence and can make your wallet stretch...
Your Cell Phone Bill: Is Prepaid a Better Option?
by Stacy Francis, CFP®, CDFAAt a recent family get-together, the conversation turned to cell phones. More specifically, my sister-in-law had received a statement that morning. Stunned that she had used less than a third of the minutes she paid for, she wanted to know...
The New Triangle Drama: Remarriage, Kids, and Inheritance
by Stacy Francis, CFP®, CDFAIt is rare that anyone cries in my office, but it did happen last week. A client reported between sobs that her dad had passed on a while back. Not only was she paralyzed with grief; she had also just learned that she wouldn’t get a dime...
