Tricks: (Don’t start doing these things – or stop if you already have). Borrowing more than necessary Confusing volatility with risk Mixing politics with your investment choices Assuming your 401k alone will provide you the lifestyle you desire when you repurpose your...
In our prior post, we covered the historical, real life returns of large companies compared to bonds after accounting for inflation. We determined that you must have a plan before selecting investments. Not doing so causes you to lean on outputs that are out of your...
Before crafting a financial plan, before creating an investment policy statement, before you invest, it’s important to recognize and be familiar with three numbers. These three numbers by themselves will help you make sense of what risk is, what it is not, and what...
Open enrollments will begin for many companies in the coming weeks. In an effort to be prepared before your window opens, consider reviewing the following outline. This may allow you to organize your “insurance” choices in advance before your employer’s enrollment...
One of the ideas we have tested in the past is can you have productive conversations around your financials and planning outside of a formal office setting? Having worked as a financial professional for close to two and half decades, I have held thousands of meetings...
Like many families, we have what seems like a million Legos in our house. They accumulated slowly overtime, typically around birthdays and holidays. All of our boys have enjoyed playing with them, my youngest still loves them. Financial planning is a lot like a...
Several weeks ago I shared the values of Flowerstone Financial and what we stand for as a firm when serving the planning needs of families and professionals. A complete list of our values and what drives our firm may be found here. Today I want to touch on one of...
Entirely focused on YOU Flowerstone Financial was founded to challenge the status quo of the advice industry. When the group goes right, we go left. When they get bogged down in hitting quarterly numbers, we’re laser-focused on providing a quality planning experience....
“Planning margins” continues a theme from my last post, “Planning is Not a Straight Line”. I want to elaborate on what planning margins are and the value they hold in helping you meet your financial and life goals. Specifically, how do they impact your ability to...
It’s a rarity to have a goal achieved 100% according to the plan. Things don’t always go as planned, and changes along the way are often required. Our journey often begins with a known direction, seeking something important. As time passes, you may be forced to zig...
I wrote about teenagers & money, part one, here. This is a follow up on how to approach a conversation on money and spending with your teenager. Clearly, this is a different summer for many families. Teenagers who have jobs are fortunate and may turn to their...
So how much cash is enough for you and your financial plan? I’m referring to your short-term reserves, emergency fund, and perhaps a future fun account. We covered why you need cash, how to segment it based on purpose, and its impact on your financial plan here. ...