Kids and Money . . . It’s Up to You & Me

Young girl placing a coin into a Volkswagon van shaped piggy bank

Why is it so important for parents to teach their kids financial literacy? A 2022 study by Fidelity discovered that roughly 72% of the teens say they have “no knowledge about trading stocks and ETFs.” And almost half the 13- to 17-year-olds surveyed said that investing “feels out of reach” for them.

Is There a Magic Bullet for Retirement?

4% overlaying a lamp and a neon graph with a spike up

For almost three decades, the 4% rule has often been used as the rule of thumb for retirees in determining their withdrawal rate. But considering today’s market and economic conditions, can retirees really rely on this old standby to guarantee they won’t run out of money?

Financial Planning Breeds Financial Success!

A stack of financial documents, forms, and a lined notebook on a wood panel table

With no shortage of financial myths and mysteries to choose from, there is possibly none bigger than the concept that financial planning is only for the wealthy. The truth for most folks, however, is just the opposite – financial planning is actually a path to becoming wealthy.

Retirement Savings – Another Victim of Today’s Inflation

An older couple sitting on a bench enjoying the mountainous view over the water

Higher prices at the gas pump, the grocery store, the airport, and many other items affected by today’s high inflation are challenging us to stretch our dollars as far as they can go – and for some, their retirement savings are taking the hit.

How Can We Expect Our Economy to Behave?

A compass pointing southwest on top of a spreadsheet full of numbers

Some prominent analysts and economists believe that we’ll see inflation hanging around for the long term, with rising interest rates, and likely slower economic growth than we’d like to see. So this week, I’d like to dig a bit deeper into these areas so you can better understand what’s going on now – and what could happen tomorrow.

Cash Is King – Isn’t It?

A bunch of $100 bills spread out and stacked on each other

In times of market turmoil, some folks may decide that pulling funds from riskier, growth-oriented assets and putting it all into cash can safeguard their money. But in doing so, they just may be surrendering potential opportunities for meaningful growth.

Inflation – Could the Fed be Wrong Again?

Spreadsheet in the background with coins, up arrows, and dollar signs in the foreground

Recently, I’ve had a few folks ask me about inflation, given how high it is right now and how much airtime the media is giving it. Inflation – at least as we’re currently experiencing – is an issue that doesn’t seem to have one clear, specific root cause, despite what you may hear from media pundits.