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What to do About Stock Market Decline

The recent stock market decline is normal, long overdue and not a reason to worry long-term. In fact, I see it as a major Christmas sale. Those that are brave enough to buy at these sale prices will be especially glad they did a decade from…
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Stocks Getting Hammered! Did Diversified Portfolio Work for You?

Did you know that many stocks are currently in a BEAR market? This means they are down more than 20% from their high point. If your portfolio is littered with these previous high flyers (Apple, Google, Netflix, Facebook or Amazon) you…
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How Seniors Can Make Tax-Free Charitable Deductions (QCD's)

If you or your parents are at least 70 1/2 years old and make charitable gifts than this article could save you a lot of income taxes. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made a special gifting strategy especially attractive for seniors making charitable…
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3 Retirement Obstacles

Getting older just kind of happens.  The next thing you know you've hit 50 and can't believe you are that old. Many of my clients are fiftyish and have their focus squarely on getting their childthrough the college years and/or retirement.…
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Why a Zero Credit Card Balance Can Be Misleading

Yes, you read that correctly, zero credit card balances can be very misleading. I'm not saying that carrying a credit card balance is a good thing. What I am saying is the convenience of whipping out plastic to pay for things is a MAJOR impediment…
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Why You'll Never Spend All of Your Money in Retirement

Creating a private pension could be just what you need to maximize retirement income. Everywhere we look we are told to save now for our retirement years. Nothing wrong with that advice, but you should know that you're unlikely to enjoy a…
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8 Signs Your Family Will Fight Over Your Estate

Death is agonizing enough without the added pain of heir warfare. A solid estate plan is essential. Here are some warning signs that there might be strife in your family after you're gone. Estate administration is equal parts…
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The 3 Things You Must Do To Leave Your House To Your Kids

Do you want to leave your home to your kids? Make sure everything is spelled out and legally binding, or you’ll leave your kids headaches instead of property. It’s a nightmare scenario for a lot of people.  What if the most…
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How to Afford to Retire at 55

How can you afford to retire in your mid-50's? If you are not in love with the drudgery of your job, then read on. It's not easy, but surprisingly "getting out" could be more affordable than you think. There are few key elements to make…
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Long Term Care - How to Plan & Pay For it?

. Have you ever wondered if you will be financially wiped out if you have a debilitating stroke or get dementia (Alzheimer's) in your old age? Maybe you know of someone that went through this kind of illness.  The personal and financial devastation…
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Why Roth Conversion of Your IRA Makes Sense Now

  Roth Conversion is terrific idea this year for Retirees and Pre-Retirees: at most income tax brackets….. Paying tax now rather than later may make very good financial cents for you. Yes, this is contrary to normal income tax planning,…
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How Your Next Home Purchase Can Make or Break You

Everyone knows that a home is a major purchase, but most people don’t take the big picture view when they take the plunge. Did EGO get in the way (subconsciously) when you made a home purchase? We know that we are judged by our house and that…
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How to Spend Your Retirement Nest Egg and Leave it to Heirs

Have Your Cake and Eat it Too With your financial legacy it's possible, but it takes planning. Life insurance is truly the asset of love. I say that because of the dual purposes it serves. Temporary or term insurance is true insurance, you…