Why You Need An Estate Plan
This is a simple question, and the answer is a stark reality. Your future, like it or not, includes illness and, ultimately, death. You need an Estate Plan to address both contingencies. If you’re [...]
Your Estate Plan Is Probably Out Of Date
Oh, come on. Redoing an estate plan sounds about as exciting as purchasing tires! Well, it just so happens that tires are a perfect analogy. It is not fun to buy tires; it is [...]
There’s Hard Work And Then There’s B.S.
Check out his headline from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau from Wednesday: CFPB Finds Credit Card Companies Charged $12 Billion in Late Fee Penalties in 2020 Largest credit card issuers expected to hike fees [...]
The Rear View Mirror And My New Year’s Resolution
As I backed down my driveway today, I glanced down to look at my back up camera and then for some reason, I glanced up at the rearview mirror. I thought isn’t it funny [...]
Debt Collection And Social Media
Debt collection has arrived to the 21st century. It was bad enough when you were behind on your bills and debt collectors were calling you day and night; now, they have technology on their side. [...]
Don’t Keep It In Perspective
Perspective - an interesting word. As I watched the news this week, the stories of human tragedy moved me to tears. Children killing children in school in Oxford, two women and a police officer [...]
Insist Upon Character and Eliminate Procrastination
I always reflect during the holidays. While I often assess – the holidays are a time where I look at where we stand as a nation and do a self-assessment as to personal and [...]
Stress, Financial Crisis, Garbage Cans, and Let the Sunshine In
The father of a friend of mine passed away. His father was a wonderful guy, but organization was not his thing. My friend was stressed over his death and went into panic mode - [...]
Snowflakes and Credit Card Debt
I’m anticipating our first blast of snow for the season. Can you guess the relationship between snowflakes and credit card debt? Think about the first few flakes that fall. They are inconsequential. Soft fluffy [...]
Should I Guaranty My Child’s Or Grandchild’s Student Loan?
I hear the question all the time -- is it okay to co-sign or guaranty a student loan for my child or grandchild? It's a common issue, just read this quote from the Wall [...]
Sorry To Tell You…But Your Estate Plan Is Probably Out Of Date!
Oh, come on. Redoing my estate plan sounds about as exciting as purchasing tires! Well, it just happens that tires are a perfect analogy. No one wants to buy tires; it is a necessity [...]
Don’t Make It Harder Than It Already Is
You have to make this call: “Hello Cable Company, I’m calling for on my father’s account. He’s 85 years old and I just received his bill and see you have charged him $29.00 for [...]
Why You Need An Estate Plan
This is a simple question, and the answer is a stark reality. Your future – like it or not – includes illness and, ultimately, death. You need an estate plan to address both contingencies. [...]
Should I Take The Deal?
Clients often ask me this question and I always ask myself the same question. Sometimes it is in the employment context. Should I accept the offer or ask for more money? In this case, [...]
The Debt Ceiling Has Two Lessons
Here we go again. The U.S. will default on its debt obligations if Congress does not act by Thursday. TV coverage makes it sound like we are about to go into the abyss – [...]
Taking Care Of YOUR Business
Over the years, we've heard of numerous famous people who died without having an estate plan. Aretha Franklin of most recent – as well as Prince. Let’s add a few more – Abraham Lincoln, [...]
Can I Afford To Settle My Credit Card Debt?
Pause for a second and ask, “What does that mean – Can I afford to settle my credit card debt?” Of course, you know it’s a mistake to carry credit card debt and pay [...]
You Won’t See Wisdom Watching the News…
Simply stated – Congress is divided and so is America. Division breeds ignorance, and in my view and we are all witnessing more than our share of it – on every side of the [...]
Retired / Near Retirement And In Debt?
If I file bankruptcy, will they take away my life savings? In other words, do I get to keep my retirement money? Retirement plans such as your 401k and IRA’s are protected in bankruptcy [...]
Let’s Look On The Bright Side
For starters, if you’ve been anywhere other than Texas this week – that’s a good thing. To me, the thought of freezing cold and no water or heat for 4 days is beyond misery. [...]
It’s Time For A Better Financial Song
The Holiday season has begun . . . but it feels completely different. The Pandemic has put fear regarding our health and economic future center stage at the time we want to be sharing [...]
Is Your House In Order?
Do you have an estate plan? You know… a Will, a Trust, Patient Advocate and Durable Power of Attorney? The biggest question is, “Is your house in order?” By that, I mean two things [...]
It’s Time To Do That Which Is Usually Inconvenient
Yes – these are difficult times. The Pandemic continues, and the prospects of a surge lingers – as well as the question we are all asking – “When will we see a return to our [...]
What If They Take Away My Available Credit?
There are a number of questions I get asked about Credit Cards – but the two most common are, “What if they take away my Available Credit?” and “What about my Credit Score?” Let’s [...]
Bank Are Slashing Available Credit!
It has begun - and it is ramping out in full force. The banks are rapidly closing credit card accounts where the consumer has a zero balance; and on the cards where a balance [...]