You’ve finally acquired your dream job, working for the best boss—yourself. The only problem is you don’t have your own finance department. However, doing your own books might be simpler than you think. You just need to keep a few things in mind. Maintain Savings...
Whether you’re in your teens or nearing retirement, it’s never the wrong time to start taking control of your financial future. Of course, the sooner you start, the better off you’ll be later in life. Just realize this: If you don’t take control now, your...
Jokey tweets and scathing columns may lead many to believe that Millennials are responsible for their own financial distress, but the truth is that this particular generation does deal with unique issues that previous generations did not. For instance, they may carry a similar amount...
Chances are, you’ve asked yourself “How am I ever going to figure this debt thing out,” or, “How can I maximize and maintain the good credit I already have?” According to the US Debt Clock the average US citizen carries personal debt of $56,322, which...
The financial advice you receive from the television gurus and social media stars may or may not work for you. It’s easy for them to shout down their directives when they already have millions of dollars in the bank. The problem is, everyone is in...
Financial planning is only about hard work and sacrifice, right? Wrong! At its core, financial planning is about finding balance. You don’t have to scrimp and save every spare penny to achieve your goals, but you do need to have some discipline. Whether you bring...
Every year, college expenses rise by about 6%. This can be alarming news to people who are just starting a family; the cost of a degree may be outrageous by the time their children reach college. Like retirement savings, there are different ways to save...
You’ve picked out the perfect Christmas present—an engagement ring. Her family is on board and sworn to secrecy. The plan is all set. It will be the best engagement ever. Then, you go to the jeweler and see the price tag on the ring. Suddenly,...
With advances in healthcare, people are living longer. However, that often means that men and women in their forties and fifties take on the responsibility of caring for their parents. You want to help, of course, even if it means finding an assisted living facility...
It’s amazing how much easier it is to manage your finances now than it was, say, 20 years ago. Even longer ago than that, before computer spreadsheets made life easier, fewer people were willing to scratch out a personal spending plan on paper with a...
You may think that you have everything under control with your finances. But do you? You might have the basics down, but what if you want to do more with your money? Thanks to so many new services available at the touch of your finger,...
If you have just gotten married or just graduated from college, your mindset may be on paying down your loans as your final financial goal. While becoming debt free is always admirable, there may be other expensive life changes just ahead. Planning a family may...
June is a big month for weddings, so we have nuptials on the brain! While future brides have plenty to think about when it comes to budgeting and finances, most of those thoughts are for the wedding itself. As important as it is to manage...
A variety of emotions can be associated with the so-called empty nest that accompanies the leaving of the last child from a family’s home. As a parent in this situation, you will probably feel some sadness. Along with that, you might feel some anxiety about...
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average person will change jobs 11 times during his or her lifetime. Whatever the reason: relocation, downsizing, promotion, family, etc., chances are pretty good you will need to make a career move yourself at least once. Preparing...
As the school year comes to a close, senior year students are looking more toward what’s ahead than what they have just finished. What’s ahead for many is continuing education or a life on their own. Questions that may be swirling through their minds could...
It’s hard to imagine financial planning as a fun activity, especially when people are throwing around words like “risk,” and “sacrifice,” and “no more Starbucks.” With Halloween just around the corner, you might believe your financial advisors are trying to spook you. While these are...
Toys are definitely the number-one holiday gift for kids, with experiences that give lasting memories a distant second. What if you could give your kids or grandkids the gift of a financially secure future, though? Wouldn’t that be a gift they’d thank you for decades...
The kids have made it back to school. Vacations are over. The fall jackets are out and bathing suits are packed away. But there’s no time to sit back and relax. Before you know it, you’ll be cleaning up turkey and setting up a Christmas...
Discussing life insurance can be a daunting task that many people put off, but having a plan in place can be critical to the well-being of our loved ones. The last thing we want to do is leave our family with unnecessary financial hardships after we...
Everyone has a different financial planning style. Some prefer to live lean while saving up for bigger things. Others have laser-focused determination to line the nest egg for retirement. Still others are happy to risk a little now while there’s still time to have some...
If you think saving for your kid’s college education is all that you need to plan for, you may want to think again. Your child could have the opportunity to study abroad during school, and you should make sure that you’re prepared for that possibility....
The idea of a financial windfall doesn’t sound too bad, does it? The problem is, if you don’t have a plan in place to deal with an inheritance, the sale of your company, or even a winning lottery ticket, you could end up with less...
According to a recent Gallup poll, about 40% of Americans opted not to take a vacation last year. Chances are that many people felt they couldn’t financially afford to get away with their family at some point in the year. That doesn’t need to be...
There are some people who save their money to save it. They are the ones who can never have an emergency account too big. When asked what they are saving for, the answer will inevitably sound like something along the lines of, “Just in case.”...
Summer vacation is coming! Does January seem too soon to start thinking about where you’ll be when school is out? It’s not. In fact, if you have a lot of saving to do, January might not be soon enough to start planning. Dreaming about where...
It’s like your whole world has changed and you need to start your adult life all over again. A divorce can make you feel lost in many ways. But it can also be an opportunity to get your life moving in the right direction. A...
Our very own MaRico Tippett recently lent his military and financial planning knowledge to an article written by Shelly Gigante of Mass Mutual Financial Group. Gigante dives into the topic of military life insurance, raising the question, is military life insurance enough? Tippett, a former Air...
Have you thought about what your financial dreams are? You have them, whether they are written down, or just in the back of your mind. You might have young children that you hope to send to college someday, a house with 20 years left on...
Think about it. Have you ever heard of a lackadaisical millionaire? If you were trying to describe the personality of any wealthy person you know, somewhere the word “determined” would probably come up. Rich people just usually aren’t the type of people who say, “Well,...
New additions to your family mean new joy and milestones, but also new obligations and responsibilities. Becoming a new mom changes the way you look at many things, including your finances. You don’t have to stress, though. We’ve pulled together some tips to help you...
The holidays are here, and then comes the new year. What does your year ahead look like? Are your finances in good shape, or do you even know? If you don’t have a plan in place for 2019, maybe it’s time to start thinking about...
Pam Hopman recently sat down with Boom Goddess Radio to discuss her book WEALTH AMPLIFIED! and the money personalities discovered within. Feel free to listen along as she shares personal stories and gives advice that just might help you square away your finances.
The stars are in your eyes. It’s really going to happen now. You’re getting married! Now you can start bringing your Pinterest board to life. But before you pull out the credit card for that designer dress, you better make sure you have enough in...
Every time you drive through that neighborhood on your way home from work, the apartment you walk into seems so small. You look closer at the houses you pass by, and they seem perfect. Even when you are visiting friends’ homes, you wonder how they...
Probably the last thing on a 20-something’s mind when starting a new job is saving for retirement. So many other financial goals seem more pressing—buying a house, starting a family, paying for education. And let’s face it. Retirement is at least 40 years down the...
One specific aspect of pursuing financial freedom is eliminating anxiety around financial records. There’s always that niggling doubt at the backs of our minds that someday we’ll need to present every last receipt for purchases we’ve made over the past ten years. That anxiety can...
You may have dreams of what you would like to do…someday. Someday when you have a better job. Someday when things are going right for you. Someday when you have enough money. But have you really analyzed those dreams? It may be time to turn...
We don’t know about you, but the winter doldrums have us dreaming of a warm, sunny vacation. With snow still threatening in some parts of the country even now, a summer vacation might seem pretty far away. But there’s no better time than now to...
To many, financial planning is a scary endeavor. And that’s okay! We’re all inclined to be afraid of things we don’t understand. Planning for your future is important, especially as you enter your forties, so you must learn to overcome this fear. To help, we...
From the moment your kids are born, you begin teaching them about life. The older they become, the more complex the lessons. As they stare down their last year of high school or first year of college, you’ve come to realize that you need to...
When you said your wedding vows, you probably didn’t think too much about the phrase, “’Til death do us part.” It isn’t the kind of thing that new brides and grooms discuss at much length. Most probably have an image of living into the days...
Meeting with a financial advisor can seem like a daunting activity. It doesn’t have to! Believe it or not, your financial advisor just wants what’s best for you. If you’re ready to make changes to your financial present and future, don’t let a little bit...
As a working adult in your forties, you might feel life is all set, and you’re right on track for a happy retirement. After all, you have been contributing to your 401k since the day you first started working. What else could there be left...
Because women have been historically underserved in the financial industry, it’s important that you seek out financial planning assistance early and often. Even if you think you’re adequately preparing for the future, remember that catastrophes could change everything. Even the smallest of life changes now...
Life is good. Everything is going so well in life right now. You just moved up in the company you work for, you’ve got a great new place close to where you work. Maybe you’re hoping to get married, or perhaps there’s a new baby...
Over four million women aged 65 and older in America today are living in poverty. That translates to a yearly income at or below $11,756. At less than $1000 per month, money is stretched thin as can be for these women. Groceries alone account for...
What is the first thing anyone tells you when you talk about starting a life on your own, getting a new job, or pretty much anything involving a change in your financial situation? “Make sure you have a spending plan.” These are more than just...
Are you sitting down? Is there someone nearby to help bring your blood pressure down after this terrifying, yet true information is shared with you? Tax returns will be sent out in less than three months! Shocking, I know. While that may seem like ages...
For a lot of us, spring is the time to clean and consolidate. The sight of a newly-cleaned-out garage or attic provides instant gratification—especially if you can donate some of your rarely used things to those in need. Many of us forget, unfortunately, that our...
Whether you’re in your teens or nearing retirement, it’s never the wrong time to start taking control of your financial future. Of course, the sooner you start, the better off you’ll be later in life. Just realize this: If you don’t take control now, your...
Jokey tweets and scathing columns may lead many to believe that Millennials are responsible for their own financial distress, but the truth is that this particular generation does deal with unique issues that previous generations did not. For instance, they may carry a similar amount...
Women work hard. We deserve a vacation. And if we choose to travel on our own or with a girlfriend, we should be able to do so without breaking the bank. It is possible. Watch as we break down the key factors in getting the...
It’s that time of year again! For some, tax season brings feelings of dread. For others—those who are expecting a tax refund—the season brings joy. It’s easy to get carried away with those extra dollars, but it’s important to remember: every dollar has a job....
Cash Flow, Financial Planners, Financial Planning, Income, Saving, Spending, Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds You have a job. You work hard, day in and day out, and for that, you rightfully expect to be paid. But if your money is lazy and isn’t working as hard...
It’s amazing how much easier it is to manage your finances now than it was, say, 20 years ago. Even longer ago than that, before computer spreadsheets made life easier, fewer people were willing to scratch out a personal spending plan on paper with a...
If you have just gotten married or just graduated from college, your mindset may be on paying down your loans as your final financial goal. While becoming debt free is always admirable, there may be other expensive life changes just ahead. Planning a family may...
It’s never too soon to start planning for the future, especially when it comes to building up your finances. For many individuals in their 20s, this is the time when they begin their first career and start settling into adulthood. It’s also a perfect time...
In every stage of life, there are different steps that can and should be taken to help maximize your retirement nest egg. Each year and life event bring about financial changes that should be monitored to ensure that when you hit retirement age, you will be...
A variety of emotions can be associated with the so-called empty nest that accompanies the leaving of the last child from a family’s home. As a parent in this situation, you will probably feel some sadness. Along with that, you might feel some anxiety about...
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average person will change jobs 11 times during his or her lifetime. Whatever the reason: relocation, downsizing, promotion, family, etc., chances are pretty good you will need to make a career move yourself at least once. Preparing...
As the school year comes to a close, senior year students are looking more toward what’s ahead than what they have just finished. What’s ahead for many is continuing education or a life on their own. Questions that may be swirling through their minds could...
There are two kinds of people: those who prepare ahead for the holidays, and those who wait until the last minute. Sometimes you can find a little in-between area, but not often. When you break it down, you will likely find that many in the...
It’s March, which is Women’s History Month! Let us take a little time to see how far the fairer sex has come and where they are going in the world of finance. Although, currently, only 6% of Fortune 500 companies have female CEOs, that’s a...
If you think saving for your kid’s college education is all that you need to plan for, you may want to think again. Your child could have the opportunity to study abroad during school, and you should make sure that you’re prepared for that possibility....
According to a recent Gallup poll, about 40% of Americans opted not to take a vacation last year. Chances are that many people felt they couldn’t financially afford to get away with their family at some point in the year. That doesn’t need to be...
There are some people who save their money to save it. They are the ones who can never have an emergency account too big. When asked what they are saving for, the answer will inevitably sound like something along the lines of, “Just in case.”...
It’s like your whole world has changed and you need to start your adult life all over again. A divorce can make you feel lost in many ways. But it can also be an opportunity to get your life moving in the right direction. A...
Our very own MaRico Tippett recently lent his military and financial planning knowledge to an article written by Shelly Gigante of Mass Mutual Financial Group. Gigante dives into the topic of military life insurance, raising the question, is military life insurance enough? Tippett, a former Air...
Planning for a wedding can be an exhilarating time, but it can also lead to some serious stress once couples start to review the financial aspects of the big day. Weddings are not a cheap affair; in fact, the national average for a wedding is...
Every time you drive through that neighborhood on your way home from work, the apartment you walk into seems so small. You look closer at the houses you pass by, and they seem perfect. Even when you are visiting friends’ homes, you wonder how they...
Probably the last thing on a 20-something’s mind when starting a new job is saving for retirement. So many other financial goals seem more pressing—buying a house, starting a family, paying for education. And let’s face it. Retirement is at least 40 years down the...
One specific aspect of pursuing financial freedom is eliminating anxiety around financial records. There’s always that niggling doubt at the backs of our minds that someday we’ll need to present every last receipt for purchases we’ve made over the past ten years. That anxiety can...
You may have dreams of what you would like to do…someday. Someday when you have a better job. Someday when things are going right for you. Someday when you have enough money. But have you really analyzed those dreams? It may be time to turn...
From the moment your kids are born, you begin teaching them about life. The older they become, the more complex the lessons. As they stare down their last year of high school or first year of college, you’ve come to realize that you need to...
Money can’t buy you happiness…but it’s tough to be happy without it. Like everything worthwhile in life, money is best when it’s earned. You enjoy using a combination of hard work and oftentimes risky strategies to earn the most that you can. You’re swift, fearless,...
Just hearing the word “change” makes your pulse set a little quicker. Change can be a scary thing, especially to someone as loyal to what works as you are. You’re sensible, methodical, and you play it safe with your money. Does this sound like you?...
When generalizing personalities of people’s financial behavior, you may come across the ideas of ChessMaster and Whirlybird, as created for the Wealth Amplified! Program. We describe a financial ChessMaster as someone who often does not trust others in the management of their money, feeling more...
By now, you know that everyone is a combination of various money personalities. We’ve studied the ChessMaster, the Wealth Amplified! Tortoise, the Whirlybird, and the Wealth Amplified! Champ. The remaining personality is often the most fun of the bunch—the Funster—but there’s a good chance that...
If you have been following along, you recently just read about life as a financial ChessMaster. You may have read that and laughed at their organization and cautiousness as you realized that did not describe you at all. You like to take risks, and you...
When you said your wedding vows, you probably didn’t think too much about the phrase, “’Til death do us part.” It isn’t the kind of thing that new brides and grooms discuss at much length. Most probably have an image of living into the days...
As a working adult in your forties, you might feel life is all set, and you’re right on track for a happy retirement. After all, you have been contributing to your 401k since the day you first started working. What else could there be left...
What is the first thing anyone tells you when you talk about starting a life on your own, getting a new job, or pretty much anything involving a change in your financial situation? “Make sure you have a spending plan.” These are more than just...
We are women, hear us roar… We have some tips to help you save more! For your retirement that is. Did you know that more than two-thirds of women in the United States have either no savings for retirement and that even if they did...
With advances in healthcare, people are living longer. However, that often means that men and women in their forties and fifties take on the responsibility of caring for their parents. You want to help, of course, even if it means finding an assisted living facility...
With Social Security accounting for an average of 60 percent of retirement income, and an aging population with less people contributing to the pool, the management of Social Security benefits is in desperate need of a makeover. So what about a national lottery to fund...
As medicine improves and life expectancy increases, the concept of retirement has changed. No longer are senior adults content with resting once they reach retirement age. No, these people who have worked so hard all their lives now want to take the time to enjoy...
Probably the last thing on a 20-something’s mind when starting a new job is saving for retirement. So many other financial goals seem more pressing—buying a house, starting a family, paying for education. And let’s face it. Retirement is at least 40 years down the...
For Americans planning on retiring in the next few years, changes to claiming options made through The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, which goes into effect May 1, 2016, may make retirement no longer feasible. With false pretenses to save the government money, the changes put...
As a working adult in your forties, you might feel life is all set, and you’re right on track for a happy retirement. After all, you have been contributing to your 401k since the day you first started working. What else could there be left...
Over four million women aged 65 and older in America today are living in poverty. That translates to a yearly income at or below $11,756. At less than $1000 per month, money is stretched thin as can be for these women. Groceries alone account for...
You’ve finally acquired your dream job, working for the best boss—yourself. The only problem is you don’t have your own finance department. However, doing your own books might be simpler than you think. You just need to keep a few things in mind. Maintain Savings...
Whether you’re in your teens or nearing retirement, it’s never the wrong time to start taking control of your financial future. Of course, the sooner you start, the better off you’ll be later in life. Just realize this: If you don’t take control now, your...
Jokey tweets and scathing columns may lead many to believe that Millennials are responsible for their own financial distress, but the truth is that this particular generation does deal with unique issues that previous generations did not. For instance, they may carry a similar amount...
Chances are, you’ve asked yourself “How am I ever going to figure this debt thing out,” or, “How can I maximize and maintain the good credit I already have?” According to the US Debt Clock the average US citizen carries personal debt of $56,322, which...
The financial advice you receive from the television gurus and social media stars may or may not work for you. It’s easy for them to shout down their directives when they already have millions of dollars in the bank. The problem is, everyone is in...
Financial planning is only about hard work and sacrifice, right? Wrong! At its core, financial planning is about finding balance. You don’t have to scrimp and save every spare penny to achieve your goals, but you do need to have some discipline. Whether you bring...
Every year, college expenses rise by about 6%. This can be alarming news to people who are just starting a family; the cost of a degree may be outrageous by the time their children reach college. Like retirement savings, there are different ways to save...
You’ve picked out the perfect Christmas present—an engagement ring. Her family is on board and sworn to secrecy. The plan is all set. It will be the best engagement ever. Then, you go to the jeweler and see the price tag on the ring. Suddenly,...
With advances in healthcare, people are living longer. However, that often means that men and women in their forties and fifties take on the responsibility of caring for their parents. You want to help, of course, even if it means finding an assisted living facility...
It’s amazing how much easier it is to manage your finances now than it was, say, 20 years ago. Even longer ago than that, before computer spreadsheets made life easier, fewer people were willing to scratch out a personal spending plan on paper with a...
You may think that you have everything under control with your finances. But do you? You might have the basics down, but what if you want to do more with your money? Thanks to so many new services available at the touch of your finger,...
If you have just gotten married or just graduated from college, your mindset may be on paying down your loans as your final financial goal. While becoming debt free is always admirable, there may be other expensive life changes just ahead. Planning a family may...
June is a big month for weddings, so we have nuptials on the brain! While future brides have plenty to think about when it comes to budgeting and finances, most of those thoughts are for the wedding itself. As important as it is to manage...
A variety of emotions can be associated with the so-called empty nest that accompanies the leaving of the last child from a family’s home. As a parent in this situation, you will probably feel some sadness. Along with that, you might feel some anxiety about...
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average person will change jobs 11 times during his or her lifetime. Whatever the reason: relocation, downsizing, promotion, family, etc., chances are pretty good you will need to make a career move yourself at least once. Preparing...
As the school year comes to a close, senior year students are looking more toward what’s ahead than what they have just finished. What’s ahead for many is continuing education or a life on their own. Questions that may be swirling through their minds could...
It’s hard to imagine financial planning as a fun activity, especially when people are throwing around words like “risk,” and “sacrifice,” and “no more Starbucks.” With Halloween just around the corner, you might believe your financial advisors are trying to spook you. While these are...
Toys are definitely the number-one holiday gift for kids, with experiences that give lasting memories a distant second. What if you could give your kids or grandkids the gift of a financially secure future, though? Wouldn’t that be a gift they’d thank you for decades...
The kids have made it back to school. Vacations are over. The fall jackets are out and bathing suits are packed away. But there’s no time to sit back and relax. Before you know it, you’ll be cleaning up turkey and setting up a Christmas...
Discussing life insurance can be a daunting task that many people put off, but having a plan in place can be critical to the well-being of our loved ones. The last thing we want to do is leave our family with unnecessary financial hardships after we...
Everyone has a different financial planning style. Some prefer to live lean while saving up for bigger things. Others have laser-focused determination to line the nest egg for retirement. Still others are happy to risk a little now while there’s still time to have some...
If you think saving for your kid’s college education is all that you need to plan for, you may want to think again. Your child could have the opportunity to study abroad during school, and you should make sure that you’re prepared for that possibility....
The idea of a financial windfall doesn’t sound too bad, does it? The problem is, if you don’t have a plan in place to deal with an inheritance, the sale of your company, or even a winning lottery ticket, you could end up with less...
According to a recent Gallup poll, about 40% of Americans opted not to take a vacation last year. Chances are that many people felt they couldn’t financially afford to get away with their family at some point in the year. That doesn’t need to be...
There are some people who save their money to save it. They are the ones who can never have an emergency account too big. When asked what they are saving for, the answer will inevitably sound like something along the lines of, “Just in case.”...
Summer vacation is coming! Does January seem too soon to start thinking about where you’ll be when school is out? It’s not. In fact, if you have a lot of saving to do, January might not be soon enough to start planning. Dreaming about where...
It’s like your whole world has changed and you need to start your adult life all over again. A divorce can make you feel lost in many ways. But it can also be an opportunity to get your life moving in the right direction. A...
Our very own MaRico Tippett recently lent his military and financial planning knowledge to an article written by Shelly Gigante of Mass Mutual Financial Group. Gigante dives into the topic of military life insurance, raising the question, is military life insurance enough? Tippett, a former Air...
Have you thought about what your financial dreams are? You have them, whether they are written down, or just in the back of your mind. You might have young children that you hope to send to college someday, a house with 20 years left on...
Think about it. Have you ever heard of a lackadaisical millionaire? If you were trying to describe the personality of any wealthy person you know, somewhere the word “determined” would probably come up. Rich people just usually aren’t the type of people who say, “Well,...
New additions to your family mean new joy and milestones, but also new obligations and responsibilities. Becoming a new mom changes the way you look at many things, including your finances. You don’t have to stress, though. We’ve pulled together some tips to help you...
The holidays are here, and then comes the new year. What does your year ahead look like? Are your finances in good shape, or do you even know? If you don’t have a plan in place for 2019, maybe it’s time to start thinking about...
Pam Hopman recently sat down with Boom Goddess Radio to discuss her book WEALTH AMPLIFIED! and the money personalities discovered within. Feel free to listen along as she shares personal stories and gives advice that just might help you square away your finances.
The stars are in your eyes. It’s really going to happen now. You’re getting married! Now you can start bringing your Pinterest board to life. But before you pull out the credit card for that designer dress, you better make sure you have enough in...
Every time you drive through that neighborhood on your way home from work, the apartment you walk into seems so small. You look closer at the houses you pass by, and they seem perfect. Even when you are visiting friends’ homes, you wonder how they...
Probably the last thing on a 20-something’s mind when starting a new job is saving for retirement. So many other financial goals seem more pressing—buying a house, starting a family, paying for education. And let’s face it. Retirement is at least 40 years down the...
One specific aspect of pursuing financial freedom is eliminating anxiety around financial records. There’s always that niggling doubt at the backs of our minds that someday we’ll need to present every last receipt for purchases we’ve made over the past ten years. That anxiety can...
You may have dreams of what you would like to do…someday. Someday when you have a better job. Someday when things are going right for you. Someday when you have enough money. But have you really analyzed those dreams? It may be time to turn...
We don’t know about you, but the winter doldrums have us dreaming of a warm, sunny vacation. With snow still threatening in some parts of the country even now, a summer vacation might seem pretty far away. But there’s no better time than now to...
To many, financial planning is a scary endeavor. And that’s okay! We’re all inclined to be afraid of things we don’t understand. Planning for your future is important, especially as you enter your forties, so you must learn to overcome this fear. To help, we...
From the moment your kids are born, you begin teaching them about life. The older they become, the more complex the lessons. As they stare down their last year of high school or first year of college, you’ve come to realize that you need to...
When you said your wedding vows, you probably didn’t think too much about the phrase, “’Til death do us part.” It isn’t the kind of thing that new brides and grooms discuss at much length. Most probably have an image of living into the days...
Meeting with a financial advisor can seem like a daunting activity. It doesn’t have to! Believe it or not, your financial advisor just wants what’s best for you. If you’re ready to make changes to your financial present and future, don’t let a little bit...
As a working adult in your forties, you might feel life is all set, and you’re right on track for a happy retirement. After all, you have been contributing to your 401k since the day you first started working. What else could there be left...
Because women have been historically underserved in the financial industry, it’s important that you seek out financial planning assistance early and often. Even if you think you’re adequately preparing for the future, remember that catastrophes could change everything. Even the smallest of life changes now...
Life is good. Everything is going so well in life right now. You just moved up in the company you work for, you’ve got a great new place close to where you work. Maybe you’re hoping to get married, or perhaps there’s a new baby...
Over four million women aged 65 and older in America today are living in poverty. That translates to a yearly income at or below $11,756. At less than $1000 per month, money is stretched thin as can be for these women. Groceries alone account for...
What is the first thing anyone tells you when you talk about starting a life on your own, getting a new job, or pretty much anything involving a change in your financial situation? “Make sure you have a spending plan.” These are more than just...
Are you sitting down? Is there someone nearby to help bring your blood pressure down after this terrifying, yet true information is shared with you? Tax returns will be sent out in less than three months! Shocking, I know. While that may seem like ages...
For a lot of us, spring is the time to clean and consolidate. The sight of a newly-cleaned-out garage or attic provides instant gratification—especially if you can donate some of your rarely used things to those in need. Many of us forget, unfortunately, that our...
Whether you’re in your teens or nearing retirement, it’s never the wrong time to start taking control of your financial future. Of course, the sooner you start, the better off you’ll be later in life. Just realize this: If you don’t take control now, your...
Jokey tweets and scathing columns may lead many to believe that Millennials are responsible for their own financial distress, but the truth is that this particular generation does deal with unique issues that previous generations did not. For instance, they may carry a similar amount...
Women work hard. We deserve a vacation. And if we choose to travel on our own or with a girlfriend, we should be able to do so without breaking the bank. It is possible. Watch as we break down the key factors in getting the...
It’s that time of year again! For some, tax season brings feelings of dread. For others—those who are expecting a tax refund—the season brings joy. It’s easy to get carried away with those extra dollars, but it’s important to remember: every dollar has a job....
Cash Flow, Financial Planners, Financial Planning, Income, Saving, Spending, Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds You have a job. You work hard, day in and day out, and for that, you rightfully expect to be paid. But if your money is lazy and isn’t working as hard...
It’s amazing how much easier it is to manage your finances now than it was, say, 20 years ago. Even longer ago than that, before computer spreadsheets made life easier, fewer people were willing to scratch out a personal spending plan on paper with a...
If you have just gotten married or just graduated from college, your mindset may be on paying down your loans as your final financial goal. While becoming debt free is always admirable, there may be other expensive life changes just ahead. Planning a family may...
It’s never too soon to start planning for the future, especially when it comes to building up your finances. For many individuals in their 20s, this is the time when they begin their first career and start settling into adulthood. It’s also a perfect time...
In every stage of life, there are different steps that can and should be taken to help maximize your retirement nest egg. Each year and life event bring about financial changes that should be monitored to ensure that when you hit retirement age, you will be...
A variety of emotions can be associated with the so-called empty nest that accompanies the leaving of the last child from a family’s home. As a parent in this situation, you will probably feel some sadness. Along with that, you might feel some anxiety about...
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average person will change jobs 11 times during his or her lifetime. Whatever the reason: relocation, downsizing, promotion, family, etc., chances are pretty good you will need to make a career move yourself at least once. Preparing...
As the school year comes to a close, senior year students are looking more toward what’s ahead than what they have just finished. What’s ahead for many is continuing education or a life on their own. Questions that may be swirling through their minds could...
There are two kinds of people: those who prepare ahead for the holidays, and those who wait until the last minute. Sometimes you can find a little in-between area, but not often. When you break it down, you will likely find that many in the...
It’s March, which is Women’s History Month! Let us take a little time to see how far the fairer sex has come and where they are going in the world of finance. Although, currently, only 6% of Fortune 500 companies have female CEOs, that’s a...
If you think saving for your kid’s college education is all that you need to plan for, you may want to think again. Your child could have the opportunity to study abroad during school, and you should make sure that you’re prepared for that possibility....
According to a recent Gallup poll, about 40% of Americans opted not to take a vacation last year. Chances are that many people felt they couldn’t financially afford to get away with their family at some point in the year. That doesn’t need to be...
There are some people who save their money to save it. They are the ones who can never have an emergency account too big. When asked what they are saving for, the answer will inevitably sound like something along the lines of, “Just in case.”...
It’s like your whole world has changed and you need to start your adult life all over again. A divorce can make you feel lost in many ways. But it can also be an opportunity to get your life moving in the right direction. A...
Our very own MaRico Tippett recently lent his military and financial planning knowledge to an article written by Shelly Gigante of Mass Mutual Financial Group. Gigante dives into the topic of military life insurance, raising the question, is military life insurance enough? Tippett, a former Air...
Planning for a wedding can be an exhilarating time, but it can also lead to some serious stress once couples start to review the financial aspects of the big day. Weddings are not a cheap affair; in fact, the national average for a wedding is...
Every time you drive through that neighborhood on your way home from work, the apartment you walk into seems so small. You look closer at the houses you pass by, and they seem perfect. Even when you are visiting friends’ homes, you wonder how they...
Probably the last thing on a 20-something’s mind when starting a new job is saving for retirement. So many other financial goals seem more pressing—buying a house, starting a family, paying for education. And let’s face it. Retirement is at least 40 years down the...
One specific aspect of pursuing financial freedom is eliminating anxiety around financial records. There’s always that niggling doubt at the backs of our minds that someday we’ll need to present every last receipt for purchases we’ve made over the past ten years. That anxiety can...
You may have dreams of what you would like to do…someday. Someday when you have a better job. Someday when things are going right for you. Someday when you have enough money. But have you really analyzed those dreams? It may be time to turn...
From the moment your kids are born, you begin teaching them about life. The older they become, the more complex the lessons. As they stare down their last year of high school or first year of college, you’ve come to realize that you need to...
Money can’t buy you happiness…but it’s tough to be happy without it. Like everything worthwhile in life, money is best when it’s earned. You enjoy using a combination of hard work and oftentimes risky strategies to earn the most that you can. You’re swift, fearless,...
Just hearing the word “change” makes your pulse set a little quicker. Change can be a scary thing, especially to someone as loyal to what works as you are. You’re sensible, methodical, and you play it safe with your money. Does this sound like you?...
When generalizing personalities of people’s financial behavior, you may come across the ideas of ChessMaster and Whirlybird, as created for the Wealth Amplified! Program. We describe a financial ChessMaster as someone who often does not trust others in the management of their money, feeling more...
By now, you know that everyone is a combination of various money personalities. We’ve studied the ChessMaster, the Wealth Amplified! Tortoise, the Whirlybird, and the Wealth Amplified! Champ. The remaining personality is often the most fun of the bunch—the Funster—but there’s a good chance that...
If you have been following along, you recently just read about life as a financial ChessMaster. You may have read that and laughed at their organization and cautiousness as you realized that did not describe you at all. You like to take risks, and you...
When you said your wedding vows, you probably didn’t think too much about the phrase, “’Til death do us part.” It isn’t the kind of thing that new brides and grooms discuss at much length. Most probably have an image of living into the days...
As a working adult in your forties, you might feel life is all set, and you’re right on track for a happy retirement. After all, you have been contributing to your 401k since the day you first started working. What else could there be left...
What is the first thing anyone tells you when you talk about starting a life on your own, getting a new job, or pretty much anything involving a change in your financial situation? “Make sure you have a spending plan.” These are more than just...
We are women, hear us roar… We have some tips to help you save more! For your retirement that is. Did you know that more than two-thirds of women in the United States have either no savings for retirement and that even if they did...
With advances in healthcare, people are living longer. However, that often means that men and women in their forties and fifties take on the responsibility of caring for their parents. You want to help, of course, even if it means finding an assisted living facility...
With Social Security accounting for an average of 60 percent of retirement income, and an aging population with less people contributing to the pool, the management of Social Security benefits is in desperate need of a makeover. So what about a national lottery to fund...
As medicine improves and life expectancy increases, the concept of retirement has changed. No longer are senior adults content with resting once they reach retirement age. No, these people who have worked so hard all their lives now want to take the time to enjoy...
Probably the last thing on a 20-something’s mind when starting a new job is saving for retirement. So many other financial goals seem more pressing—buying a house, starting a family, paying for education. And let’s face it. Retirement is at least 40 years down the...
For Americans planning on retiring in the next few years, changes to claiming options made through The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, which goes into effect May 1, 2016, may make retirement no longer feasible. With false pretenses to save the government money, the changes put...
As a working adult in your forties, you might feel life is all set, and you’re right on track for a happy retirement. After all, you have been contributing to your 401k since the day you first started working. What else could there be left...
Over four million women aged 65 and older in America today are living in poverty. That translates to a yearly income at or below $11,756. At less than $1000 per month, money is stretched thin as can be for these women. Groceries alone account for...
