Should You Pay Off Debt or Invest?
Deciding between paying down debt and investing can feel like choosing between two good-but-confusing options. Here’s my simple breakdown to help you decide, based on your situation. The 6% Rule of Thumb If your debt has an interest rate of 6% or higher, focus on paying it off before investing extra money (with the exception […]
Market Volatility in Retirement: Are You Prepared?
Concerned about market ups and downs now that you’re living off your savings? There are ways to approach this in order to ease the burden of your portfolio. The key? Don’t sell your investments when the market’s in the gutter. Here’s a quick guide to keeping your retirement cash flowing, even when stocks are tanking. […]
Don’t Let This Ruin Your Retirement
You’ve worked hard your whole life, saved diligently, and now retirement is finally here (or on the horizon). But there’s a sneaky trap that I’ve seen catch even the savviest financial minds—and it has nothing to do with market crashes or inflation. Money Obsession – The Real Retirement Killer You know what Susie Tompkins Buell […]
How Much Will I Pay in Taxes in Retirement? A Quick Guide to Retirement Taxes
When you retire, one of the first perks you notice is the relief from payroll taxes, commonly known as FICA taxes. These taxes, which help fund Social Security and Medicare, are deducted from your salary or wages during your working years. As of 2025, the 6.2% Social Security tax applies to earnings up to $168,600, […]
4 HSA Hacks To Supercharge Your Wealth
Use these HSA hacks to build up your wealth You’re probably familiar with the magic of compounding interest when it comes to long-term investing. But have you heard about the triple tax advantages of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)? This savings vehicle can help you turbocharge your retirement nest egg in some ways you didn’t know. […]
How to Start Over Financially During Midlife
You’re in your 40s or 50s and need to start over financially. Now what? Maybe you got a divorce. Or the business you’ve invested everything in failed. Maybe you drowned in debt and had to file for bankruptcy. Working hard for years and then facing unexpected setbacks you didn’t see coming is daunting. And yes, […]
The Top Areas to Focus On 5 Years Before You Retire
As you get closer to approaching retirement, the last five years before you retire take on incredible importance. During these precious years, you potentially have the highest earning potential of your career and should be taking full advantage of this. At the same time, your fixed expenses may be lower than in previous years if […]
8 Essential Money Lessons
As a Financial Planner and Financial Advisor, I’ve worked with over a thousand clients and investors over the years. Over countless conversations and meetings, I’ve seen the excitement, anxiety, and fear that comes with navigating their finances during this pivotal life stage. I’ve also worked with highly successful clients, each with their own story. Here are eight […]
Why Gen Zers Reject Dave Ramsey’s Advice
Dave Ramsey has been a popular financial guru for decades. His advice on living debt-free and cutting expenses has resonated with millions of American boomers. But there’s a shift in how the younger generation thinks about money and Ramsey’s no-nonsense advice. Young people have been pushing back against Ramsey’s financial advice, and with conviction. Anti-Ramsey […]
How the Roth 401(k) and the Roth IRA Compare
The Roth 401(k) and the Roth IRA are two common and popular retirement vehicles. But a lot people get confused about these plans – so which one is right for you? Roth IRAs A Roth IRA is an individual retirement account that lets you set aside after-tax income up to a specified amount each […]