Monday, January 30, 2012
Heading into your forties? Here are some things to take into account over the next decade.
In our previous two pieces, we explored specific actions individuals in their twenties and thirties can implement to build a solid financial foundation. Now that you are in your forties, however, the stakes are much higher. Retirement no longer feels so distant, and every back-to-school shopping trip with your children is a reminder that college tuition is one year closer. This decade is crucial for long-term financial planning, though many families exit their forties no better off financially than they entered it, due to the fact that this decade is busy and expensive! Regardless of how financially savvy you were in your younger years, adhering to this advice will prepare you for success. Tie up Loose Ends from Previous Decades Life does …
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Some advice on what it means to be an investor in difficult times.
I would like to take a step back from the state of affairs to reconsider what it means to be an investor. To begin, consider yourself fortunate if you have surplus savings not needed for bills, as there are many in this world and this country that do not. Various storage places for savings are available, ranging from your mattress to the stock market. It is a commonly held fact that to achieve a higher rate of return, more risk is required. The return part of the axiom is easy to comprehend: it is much better to have an eight percent return than a two percent return, because at the end of the year, $1,000 will be worth $1,080 instead of $1,020. The risk component is a fuzzier concept. The degree of variation in returns and the chances of …
Monday, November 14, 2011
Build for your retirement with these tips.
Upon entering your thirties, it is likely that you have fully embraced the responsibilities of supporting yourself and quite possibly a larger family, which could include a few smaller versions of you and your spouse, as well as various other creatures. This decade is typically one for an individual or family to place more emphasis on planning for the future. The carefree days of college are a distant memory, and the door to retirement is a few steps closer. To ensure that door will be wide open, the following paragraphs summarize the key aspects of your life to prioritize as a thirtysomething. Buy a house With the weak economy persisting, the government has taken extraordinary steps to keep interest rates at historically low levels. …
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
As you head into the workforce, here are some things to keep in mind about that new paycheck.
For most people, your twenties represent a decade of unprecedented change and increased responsibility. Graduating from college, beginning a career and ending dependence upon parents for financial support are all major milestones. The list may even grow to purchasing a first home, getting married and starting a family. With no formal training on how to successfully navigate the financial implications of these events, many young adults flounder during this crucial phase of their lives. Start a Career Path Most college graduates remain uncertain about exactly what type of career they will ultimately pursue. This does not mean that it is OK to float around wherever the employment current may push you, however. The earlier in your career that…
Hallie Hawkins
8:33 pm on Thursday, July 21, 2011
So true! There is little financial training about what an "adult" will face in the real world regarding the financial and legal responsibilities. This is so important for creating a life vision for the graduate and for being able to live the life they want. This article is the "tip of the iceberg" with great information. Our book, Get It Together: The Real-World Money Guide for Graduates! Hallie … more ›